On September 5, 2013, the Transportation, Water and Infrastructure Committee received a staff report regarding the status of a regulatory structure for taxicab permitting within the unincorporated area, pursuant to Government Code § 53075.5. At that time, the Committee directed staff to work with the County Administrator’s Office (CAO) to:
1. Obtain advice from County Counsel regarding the County’s potential risk and exposure for not having a taxicab permitting ordinance or resolution pursuant to the California Code.
2. Coordinate with the Office of the Sheriff to identify resources and develop a budget for codifying and administrating a taxicab permitting ordinance or resolution.
On June 5, 2014, the County Administrator’s Office returned to the Committee with a framework for the implementation of a taxicab ordinance in unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. The implementation frame work, including roles of County departments, is summarized below:
TREASURER-TAX COLLECTOR:
I. Issues general business license to taxi companies operating in the unincorporated area.
II. Notifies applicants of the need to acquire a taxicab permit in jurisdiction where business is located.
SHERIFF'S OFFICE:
I. Issues Permits to new taxicab operators and businesses located in the County unincorporated area.
a. Applicant provides valid business license to operate in the unincorporated area.
b. Sheriff facilitates referrals for the California Department of Justice Live Scan and drug testing for permit applicants with businesses established in the unincorporated area, at cost of the applicant.
c. Applicant provides proof of taxicab vehicle inspection conducted by private entity at time of application for a permit, at cost of the applicant.
d. Sheriff to establish a fee for reviewing new applications and annual renewals as part of the Taxicab ordinance.
II. Existing taxicab operators and businesses permitted in other jurisdictions within Contra Costa County doing business in an unincorporated area.
a. Ordinance to allow a permit from any other jurisdiction within Contra Costa County to operate a taxicab to be accepted with no further action required by Sheriff’s Office.
b. Business owner are still responsible for acquiring a business license to operate in the unincorporated area from Treasurer Tax Collector.
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