§ 5.40.010 — Definitions

5.40.010 - Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively described to them by this section: Animal-drawn vehicle shall mean any non-motorized conveyance powered by animals, whether pulled, drawn or pushed, and used for the transportation of persons over streets or ways in the City and shall include, but is not limited to wagons, buggies, stagecoaches or other horse-drawn carriages. Attendant means the person, other than the van driver, providing nonmedical assistance to the persons in a non-emergency transport vehicle. Chief of Police means Chief of Police or his or her designee. Chief Financial Officer means Chief Financial Officer or his or her designee. Driver means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle defined in this section, either as an agent, employee or otherwise. Franchisee or Permit holder means any natural person, firm, corporation, partnership or other organization, association, or group of persons however organized. For hire means for any compensation, including, but not limited to, payment, tip, contribution, donation or barter. Gurney van means and includes any litter van and refers to a motor-propelled vehicle which is equipped with a portable single-person sized bed, cot, stretcher or gurney on wheels that can carry a person in a supine position in the state of non-emergency medical transportation. Such persons do not require any medical monitoring and are able to get on and off the gurney by themselves with minimal assistance from the driver or attendant. Meter means a device that computes and registers the fare based upon the distance traveled, the time the taxicab is engaged, or any other lawful basis for charges which are specified in the franchise. Non-emergency transport vehicle shall mean every motor vehicle specially constructed, modified, equipped, or arranged for the purpose of transporting persons not requiring emergency service or medical monitoring which contains specialized safety equipment over and above that normally available in persons cars, taxicabs and other forms of public conveyance and shall include gurney vans, litter vans and wheelchair vans. This definition shall exclude the following: (1) Vehicles operated as convalescent transport vehicles at the request of local authorities during any "state of war emergency" or "local emergency," as said terms are defined in the Government Code of the State of California; (2) Convalescent transport vehicles transporting persons from a location outside the City limits, regardless of destination; (3) Vehicles operated as convalescent transport vehicles by a hospital, health maintenance organization, insurance company, health care plan or similar group exclusively for its own persons and member clients; and (4) Vehicles operated by the county, state or federal government. Operate means to drive or to be in actual physical control of a vehicle defined in this section, either as an agent, employee, or otherwise for a monetary fare. Pedicab means a vehicle with three or more wheels propelled by human power capable of transporting persons and used for transporting persons for hire. Taxicab includes any motor-propelled vehicle used for the transport of persons for hire upon any public street in the City, which is not over a regular or defined route, and when charge for such transportation is measured by the distance traveled, or by the time required for such transportation, or both, and when a meter is used for such measurement as provided in this chapter. Vehicle for hire includes motor-propelled vehicles that are not operated over a regular or defined route and pedicabs. This chapter governs vehicles, including non-emergency transport vehicles, which transport persons for hire upon public streets and roadways within publicly owned lands in the City. "Vehicle for hire" does not include animal-drawn vehicles, taxicabs, vehicles licensed by the Public Utilities Commission, ambulances, or courtesy vans used exclusively by the customers of a hospital or other business or governmental entity that operates such courtesy van. Wheelchair van means every motor-propelled vehicle which contains specialized safety equipment over and above that normally available in persons cars, taxicabs and other forms of public conveyance for the purpose of transporting persons in wheelchairs or who require assistance to and from a residence, vehicle or place of treatment because of a disabling physical or mental limitation. Such persons do not require the specialized services, equipment and personnel provided in an ambulance because they are in stable condition and does not need constant observation.

(Ord. 7757, § 94(Exh. B), 2026; Ord. 7014 § 1, 2008)