No person shall be permitted to engage in the transportation of persons for hire in the operation of taxicabs in the city unless and until a permit for such operation of taxicabs is first had and obtained from the chief of police.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-261; Ordinance adopting Code)
To obtain a taxi permit, each person shall make a written application to the chief of police on a form provided.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-261(1); Ordinance adopting Code)
The chief of police shall make or cause to be made such investigations of the character, experience, and qualifications of the applicant as may be deemed consistent and judicious, and shall determine whether or not the applicant is fit and proper to drive and operate a taxicab within the corporate limits of the city in a manner consistent with the welfare of the citizens of the city.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-261(2))
When the chief of police has made his/her decision concerning the permit issuance or permit being revoked, each applicant or permit holder shall have the right to appeal this decision to the city manager. An appeal must be made in writing within five (5) days after the decision is made. The city manager will consider the appeal and render his/her decision. The decisions of the city manager will be final.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-261(3); Ordinance adopting Code)
Before any permit shall be issued under the provisions of this article, the applicant shall pay an annual fee as set forth in the master fee schedule.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-262; Ordinance adopting Code; Ordinance 23-3746 adopted 5/23/2023)
Every person holding a permit provided for herein shall own each and every taxicab he/she operates, and the certificate of title shall be in the name of such person, and the certificate of title must be submitted to the chief of police for his/her approval before the taxicab will be allowed to operate under such permit.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-263; Ordinance adopting Code)
The grantee of a permit under this article shall promptly pay all lawful ad valorem taxes that may be lawfully imposed upon him. Failure to pay any of such charges or either of them shall be deemed a breach of the privilege granted herein, and the city, upon the happening of such event, may declare the rights of the grantee hereunder forfeited for such breach.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-264; Ordinance adopting Code)
A permit granted under the provisions of this article shall continue in force until revoked.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-266; Ordinance adopting Code)
No permit for the operation of taxicabs within the city shall be transferable.
(2000 Code, sec. 7-267; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Failure to abide by any of the provisions of this article or failure to pay any fees assessed will result in the permit being revoked.
(b) 
The chief of police shall have the right to revoke any permit granted under the provisions of this article for the violation by the permittee of any applicable provision of this code, state law or city ordinance, rule or regulation, or for any other good cause.
(2000 Code, secs. 7-265, 7-268; Ordinance adopting Code)