§ 6.10.070. Requirements for towing, booting and storing towed motor vehicles, cargo and personal property.

(a)

In towing, booting or storing a towed motor vehicle, cargo and personal property, the operator shall:

(1)

Treat original and substituted accessories and equipment of the motor vehicle as part of the vehicle rather than personal property.

(2)

Protect from theft and personal damage a towed motor vehicle, cargo and personal property which comes into his possession as a result of a tow.

(3)

Provide access during normal business hours to motor vehicles which were towed by the owner or the agent of the owner. The operator of a tow car shall not deny the vehicle owner access to the vehicle unless required to do so by a law enforcement agency. No charges shall be levied for the first visit or to pick up a vehicle during regular business hours. Additional charges will apply after the first visit.

(4)

Establish procedures that allow the vehicle owner of a towed motor vehicle access to the vehicle or to obtain the release of the vehicle during those periods in which the operator is not normally open for such transactions.

(5)

Afford the vehicle owner the opportunity to inspect and inventory the vehicle before release to detect damage or theft of property while vehicle was in the custody of the tow company. If damage or theft is detected, the operator shall:

a.

Resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the claimant; or

b.

Identify the carrier of its insurance and explain the procedure for filing a claim.

(Ord. No. 4754, § 1, 6-10-97; Ord. No. 6097, § 2, 3-11-09)