No person or firm shall operate a towing business within the
Township of Ocean without having first obtained a license authorizing
the operation of such business under the provisions of this chapter.
Application for the issuance of licensing for the purpose of
this chapter shall be made by the person or firm engaged in the towing
or wrecking operation. This application shall be made on forms furnished
by the Township Clerk, with an application fee made payable to the
Township of Ocean in the amount of $500 and submitted biennially.
The application shall be submitted and returned with the fee to the
Township of Ocean no later than July 1 of the calendar year.
A. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) The full name and address of the applicant. If the application is
made for a partnership or corporation, it shall state the names and
addresses of all partners, officers and directors of the corporation
or partnership, along with the registered agent and registered office
address.
(2) The year, make, model and registration number of each towing vehicle,
flatbed or other vehicle to be used by the applicant in connection
with the towing business.
(3) The address where any such towing vehicle, flatbed or other vehicle
shall be garaged.
(4) The address and description of the storage facility to be used by
the applicant for the storage of towed vehicles.
(a)
Each applicant providing towing services shall show proof of
ownership or a lease agreement for a proper outside storage area that
is secured and can store a minimum of 15 towed motor vehicles. Each
storage area shall be approved for security and safety by the Ocean
Township Police Department.
(b)
Each applicant providing towing services shall have an enclosed
garage so as to provide inside storage for at least one towed vehicle.
(5) Name, address, and driver's license number of the applicant
and any employees of the applicant that are expected to be involved
in the operation of the applicant's vehicular equipment in accordance
with this section.
(6) A certification by the applicant and each of the applicant's
employees that are expected to participate in the applicant's
activities as approved by this section that each individual has not
been convicted of a crime or disorderly persons offense involving
moral turpitude within a period of five years preceding the date of
the application.
(7) Certification of approved emergency warning lights.
B. The application shall be filed with the Township of Ocean Clerk's
office and processed as followed:
(1) The Chief of Police or his designee shall investigate, and recommend
to the Township Committee, whether an application complies with the
requirements of this chapter.
(2) Upon clarification of either approval or denial of the application
by the Township Committee, the Township Clerk shall, within five days,
notify the applicant by registered or certified mail of the approval
or denial of his application and, in the event of approval, shall
issue the license.
(3) The license shall contain the name and address of the licensee, number
of the license, fee paid, date of issuance and expiration date along
with the signature of the Township Clerk and the seal of the Township.
(4) The license shall state whether or not the licensee is authorized
to provide emergency towing services for an impounded vehicle.
(5) Upon issuance, a sticker will be issued from the Ocean Township Police
Department, which shall be displayed on each authorized towing vehicle,
readily identifying the vehicle as a Township-authorized vehicle for
the purpose of towing/wrecking services.
C. The applicant shall be given a copy of this section and shall certify
that he or she has read and understood the section.
D. The license shall be issued for two years, to expire on December
31. No license will be prorated.
E. Renewal of the license is the sole responsibility of the licensee.
Each licensee shall provide a prompt response to each call for
towing services. In the case of any motor vehicle accident, licensees
shall be responsible for removing any debris at the site resulting
from the accident; except that a licensee shall not be required to
remove any substance that has been classified as hazardous or toxic
by any law. No licensee shall cruise with a towing vehicle for the
purpose of soliciting towing business within the Township of Ocean.