Chapter 7.02

 

BUSINESS LICENSE LAW

 

(New Chapter substituted by

Ordinance No. 166676, effective

Dec. 31, 1993.)

 

 

Sections:

7.02.005  Short Title.

7.02.010  Fees for Revenue.

7.02.020  Conformity to State Income Tax Laws.

7.02.100  Definitions.

7.02.110  Income Defined.

7.02.200  Administration.

7.02.210  Administrative Authority.

7.02.220  Presumption of Doing Business.

7.02.230  Confidentiality.

7.02.240  Persons to Whom Information May be Furnished.

7.02.250  Licensee Representation.

7.02.255  Representation Restrictions.

7.02.260  Examination of Books, Records or Persons.

7.02.270  Records.

7.02.280  Deficiencies and Refunds.

7.02.290  Protests and Appeals.

7.02.295  Business License Appeals Board.

7.02.300  License Required.

7.02.310  Duplicate License.

7.02.320  License Transfer.

7.02.330  License Merger or Division.

7.02.350  License Term.

7.02.360  Temporary Licenses and Fees.

7.02.400  Exemptions.

7.02.500  Fee Rate.

7.02.510  License Application and Fee Due Dates.

7.02.520  Quarterly Estimates.

7.02.530  Schedule for Payment of Estimated Tax.

7.02.540  Fee - New Applications.

7.02.545  Fee - Renewal Applications.

7.02.550  Presumptive Fee.

7.02.600  Income Determinations.

7.02.610  Apportionment of Income.

7.02.620  Changes to Federal and/or State Tax Returns.

7.02.630  Income - Long Term Construction Method.

7.02.700  Penalties.

7.02.710  Interest.

7.02.715  Payments Applied.

7.02.720  Interest on Refunds.

7.02.730  Criminal Penalties for Violation of the Business License Law by City Official, Employee or Agent.

 

 

7.02.005  Short Title.

Chapter 7.02 of the Portland City Code shall be known as the Business License Law.

 

7.02.010  Fees for Revenue.

The term “license” as used in the Business License Law shall not be construed to mean a permit. The fees prescribed herein are for revenue purposes, and are not regulatory permit fees.

 

7.02.020  Conformity to State Income Tax Laws.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.) The Business License Law shall be construed in conformity with the laws and regulations of the State of Oregon imposing taxes on or measured by net income. Any reference in this Chapter to the laws of the State of Oregon means the laws of the State of Oregon imposing taxes on or measured by net income as they are amended on or before December 31, 1997. The Bureau shall have the authority by administrative rule(s) adopted in accordance with Section 7.02.210, to connect to and/or disconnect from any legislative enactment that deals with income or excise taxation or the definition of net income. Should a question arise under the Business License Law on which this Chapter is silent, the Bureau may look to the laws of the State of Oregon for guidance in resolving the question, provided that the determination under State law is not in conflict with any provision of this Chapter or the State law is otherwise inapplicable.

 

7.02.100  Definitions.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.) For the purpose of this Chapter, the terms used in this Chapter shall be defined as provided in this Chapter or in Administrative Rules adopted under Section 7.02.210, unless the context requires otherwise:

 

A.  “Business” means an enterprise, activity, profession or undertaking of any nature, whether related or unrelated, by a person in the pursuit of profit, gain, or the production of income, including services performed by an individual for remuneration, but does not include wages earned as an employee.

 

B.  “Doing Business” means to engage in any activity in pursuit of profit or gain, including but not limited to, any transaction involving the holding, sale, rental or lease of property, the manufacture or sale of goods or the sale or rendering of services other than as an employee. Doing business includes activities carried on by a person through officers, agents or employees as well as activities carried on by a person on his or her own behalf.

 

C.  “Employee” means any individual who performs services for another individual or organization having the right to control the employee as to the services to be performed and as to the manner of performance.

 

D.  “Person” includes, but is not limited to, a natural person, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, family limited partnerships, joint venture, association, cooperative, trust, estate, corporation, personal holding company , limited liability company, limited liability partnership or any other form of organization for doing business.

 

E.  “Licensee” means a person licensed to do business within the City under the Business License Law.

 

F.  “Individual” means a natural person.

 

G.  “Controlling Shareholder” means any person, either alone or together with that person’s spouse, parents, and children, who, directly or indirectly, owns more than 5 percent of any class of outstanding stock or securities of the licensee. The term “controlling shareholder” may mean the controlling shareholder individually or in the aggregate.

 

H.  “Ownership of Outstanding Stock or Securities” means the incidents of ownership which include the power to vote on the corporation’s business affairs or for the directors, officers, operators or other managers of the licensee.

 

I.  “Nonbusiness Income” means income not created in the course of the licensee’s business activities.

 

J.  “Net Operating Loss” means the negative taxable income that may result after the deductions allowed by the Business License Law in determining net income for the tax year.

 

K.  “Notice” means a written document mailed first class by the Bureau to the last known address of a licensee as provided to the Bureau in the latest application on file with the Bureau.

 

L.  “Received” means the postmark date affixed by the United States Postal Service if mailed or the date stamp if delivered by hand or sent by facsimile.

 

M.  “Tax Year” means the taxable year of a person for Federal and/or State income tax purposes.

 

N.  “License Year” means the term of a license issued under the Business License Law.

 

O.  “Bureau” means the Bureau of Licenses of the City of Portland, Oregon, along with its employees and agents.

 

P.  “Director” means the Director of the Bureau of Licenses.

 

7.02.110  Income Defined.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.) “Income” means the net income arising from any business, as reportable to the State of Oregon for personal income, corporation excise or income tax purposes, before any allocation or apportionment for operation out of state, or deduction for a net operating loss carry-forward or carry-back.

 

A.  Partnerships, S corporations, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, family limited partnerships, estates and trusts, shall be liable for the business license and not the individual partners, shareholders, members or beneficiaries. The income of these entities shall include all incomes received by the entity, including ordinary income, interest and dividend incomes, income from sales of business assets and other incomes attributable to the entity.

 

B.  If one or more persons are required or elect to report their income to the State of Oregon for corporation excise or income tax purposes or personal income tax purposes in a consolidated, combined or joint return, a single license shall be issued to the person filing such return. In such cases, “income” means the net income of the consolidated, combined or joint group of tax filers before any allocation or apportionment for operation out of the state, or deduction for a net operating loss carry-forward or carry-back.

 

C.  The absence of reporting income to the Internal Revenue Service or the State of Oregon shall not limit the ability of the Bureau to determine the correct income of the licensee through examination under Section 7.02.260.

 

7.02.200  Administration.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  The Business License Law shall be administered by the Bureau of Licenses. Authority granted to the Director may be delegated, in writing, to another employee within the Bureau.

 

B.  The Bureau may, upon request, interpret how the Business License Law applies, in general or for a certain set of circumstances.

 

C.  Nothing in this Chapter shall preclude the informal disposition of controversy by stipulation or agreed settlement, through correspondence or a conference with the Director.

 

7.02.210  Administrative Authority.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  The Director may implement procedures, forms, and written policies for administering the provisions of the Business License Law.

 

B.  The Director may adopt rules relating to matters within the scope of this Chapter to administer compliance with Business License Law.

 

C.  Before adopting a new rule, the Director shall hold a public hearing. Prior to the hearing, the Director shall publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation in the City. The notice shall be published not less than ten nor more than thirty days before the hearing. Such notice shall include the place, time and purpose of the public hearing, a brief description of the subjects covered by the proposed rule, and the location where copies of the full text of the proposed rule may be obtained.

 

D.  At the public hearing, the Director or designee, shall hear oral and written testimony concerning the proposed rule. The Director shall either adopt the proposed rule, modify, or reject it, taking into consideration the testimony received during the public hearing. If a substantial modification is made, additional public review shall be conducted, but no additional public notice shall be required if an announcement is made at the hearing of a future hearing for a date, time and place certain at which the modification will be discussed. Unless otherwise stated, all rules shall be effective upon adoption by the Director. All rules adopted by the Director shall be filed in the Bureau’s office. Copies of all current rules shall be made available to the public upon request.

 

E.  Notwithstanding subsections C and D of this Section, the Director may adopt an interim rule without prior public notice upon a finding that failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of the affected parties, stating the specific reasons for such prejudice. Any interim rule adopted pursuant to this paragraph shall be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days.

 

7.02.220  Presumption of Doing Business.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998). A person is presumed to be doing business in the City and subject to this Chapter if engaged in any of the following activities:

 

A.  Advertising or otherwise professing to be doing business within the City; or

 

B.  Delivering goods or providing services to customers within the City; or

 

C.  Owning, leasing, or renting personal or real property within the City which is used in a trade or business; or

 

D.  Engaging in any transaction involving the production of income from holding property or the gain from the sale of property, which is not otherwise exempted in this Chapter. Property may be personal, including intangible or real in nature; or

 

E.  Engaging in any activity in pursuit of gain which is not otherwise exempted in this Chapter.

 

7.02.230  Confidentiality.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 167154, effective Dec. 1, 1993.) Except as otherwise required by law, it shall be unlawful for the Bureau, or any elected official, employee or agent of the City, or for any person who has acquired information pursuant to Section 7.02.240 A and C to divulge, release or make known in any manner any financial information submitted or disclosed to the City under the terms of the Business License Law. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit:

 

A.  The disclosure of the names and addresses of any persons to whom business licenses have been issued; or

 

B.  The disclosure of general statistics in a form which would prevent the identification of financial information regarding an individual licensee.

 

7.02.240  Persons to Whom Information May be Furnished.

 

A.  The Bureau may disclose and give access to information described in Section 7.02.230 to an authorized representative of the Department of Revenue, State of Oregon, or any local government of the State of Oregon imposing taxes upon or measured by gross receipts or net income, for the following purposes:

 

1.  To inspect the license application of any licensee;

 

2.  To obtain an abstract or copy of the license application;

 

3.  To obtain information concerning any item contained in any application; or

 

4.  To obtain information of any financial audit of the license applications of any licensee.

 

Such disclosure and access shall be granted only if the laws, regulations or practices of such other jurisdiction maintain the confidentiality of such information at least to the extent provided by the Business License Law.

 

B.  Upon request of a licensee, or authorized representative, the Bureau shall provide copies of the licensee’s applications filed with the Bureau for any license year.

 

C.  The Bureau may also disclose and give access to information described in Section 7.02.230 to:

 

1.  The City Attorney, his or her assistants and employees, or other legal representatives of the City, to the extent the Bureau deems disclosure or access necessary for the performance of the duties of advising or representing the Bureau.

 

2.  Other employees, agents and officials of the City, to the extent the Bureau deems disclosure or access necessary for such employees, agents or officials to perform their duties under contracts or agreements between the Bureau and any other department, bureau, agency or subdivision of the City relating to the administration of the Business License Law.

 

D.  Officials, employees and agents of the Bureau or City, prior to the performance of duties involving access to financial information submitted to the Bureau under the terms of the Business License Law, shall be advised in writing of the provision of Section 7.02.730 relating to penalties for the violation of Sections 7.02.230, 7.02.240 and 7.02.255. Such employees, agents and officials shall execute a certificate in a form prescribed by the Bureau, stating that the person has reviewed these provisions of law and is aware of the penalties for the violation of Sections 7.02.230, 7.02.240 and 7.02.255.

 

E.  Prior to any disclosures permitted by this Section, all persons described in subsection A above, to whom disclosure or access to financial information is given, shall:

 

1.  Be advised in writing of the provisions of Section 7.02.730 relating to penalties for the violation of Section 7.02.230; and

 

2.  Execute a certificate, in a form prescribed by the Bureau, stating these provisions of law have been reviewed and they are aware of the penalties for the violation of Section 7.02.230.

 

7.02.250  Licensee Representation.

No person shall be recognized as representing any applicant or licensee in regard to any matter relating to the fee of such applicant or licensee without written authorization of the applicant or licensee or unless the Bureau determines from other available information the person has authority to represent the applicant or licensee.

 

7.02.255  Representation Restrictions.

 

A.  No employee or official of the City shall represent any licensee in any matter before the Bureau. This restriction against licensee representation shall continue for two years after termination of employment or official status.

 

B.  Members of the Appeals Board, as described in Section 7.02.295 of the Business License Law shall not represent a licensee before the Appeals Board. No member of the Appeals Board shall participate in any matter before the Board if the appellant is a client of the member or the member’s firm.

 

7.02.260  Examination of Books, Records or Persons.

 

A.  The Bureau may examine any books, papers, records or memoranda, including state and federal income or excise tax returns, to ascertain the correctness of any license application or to make an estimate of any license fee. The Bureau shall have the authority, after notice, to:

 

1.  Require the attendance of any person required to be licensed under the Business License Law, or officers, agents, or other persons with knowledge of the person’s business operations, at any reasonable time and place the Bureau may designate;

 

2.  Take testimony, with or without the power to administer oaths to any person required to be in attendance; and

 

3.  Require proof for the information sought, necessary to carry out the provisions of this Chapter.

 

B.  The Director shall designate the employees who shall have the power to administer oaths hereunder. Such employees shall be notaries public of the State of Oregon.

 

7.02.270  Records.

Every person required to be licensed under the Business License Law shall keep and preserve for not less than seven (7) years such documents and records, including state and federal income or excise tax returns, accurately supporting the information reported on the licensee’s application and calculation of fee for each license year.

 

7.02.280  Deficiencies and Refunds.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  Deficiencies may be assessed and refunds granted any time within the period provided under ORS 314.410, ORS 314.415, and ORS 317.950. The Bureau may by agreement with the licensee extend such time periods to the same extent as provided by statute.

 

B.  Notwithstanding subsection A, if no license application is filed, the Bureau may determine fees due under the Business License Law at any time based on the best information available to the Bureau. Fees determined under this subsection shall be assessed and subject to penalties and interest from the date the fees should have been paid as provided in Section 7.02.510 in accordance with Sections 7.02.700 and 7.02.710. The Bureau shall send notice of the determination and assessment to the person doing business in the City.

 

C.  Consistent with ORS 314.410 (3), in cases where no license application has been filed, there shall be no time limit for a notice of deficiency and/or the assessment of fees, penalty, and interest due.

 

7.02.290  Protests and Appeals.

 

A.  Any determination by the Bureau may be protested by the licensee. Written notice of the protest must be received by the Bureau within 30 days after the notice of determination was mailed or delivered to the licensee. The protest shall state the name and address of the licensee and an explanation of the grounds for the protest. The Bureau shall respond within 30 days after the protest is filed with the Bureau with either a revised determination or a final determination. The Bureau’s determination shall include the reasons for the determination and state the time and manner for appealing the determination. The time to file a protest or the time for the Bureau’s response may be extended by the Bureau for good cause. Requests for extensions of time must be received prior to the expiration of the original 30 day protest deadline. Written notice shall be given to the licensee if the Bureau’s deadline is extended.

 

B.  Any final determination by the Bureau may be appealed by the licensee to the Business License Appeals Board. Written notice of the appeal must be received by the Bureau within 30 days after the final determination was mailed or delivered to the appellant. The notice of appeal shall state the name and address of the appellant and include a copy of the final determination.

 

C.  Within 90 days after the final determination was mailed or delivered to the licensee, the appellant shall file with the Business License Appeals Board a written statement containing:

 

1.  The reasons the Bureau’s determination is incorrect, and

 

2.  What the correct determination should be.

Failure to file such a written statement within the time permitted shall be deemed a waiver of any objections, and the appeal shall be dismissed.

 

D.  Within 150 days after the final determination was mailed or delivered to the licensee, the Bureau shall file with the Business License Appeals Board a written response to the appellant’s statement. A copy of the Bureau’s response shall be promptly mailed to the address provided by the appellant.

 

E.  The appellant shall be given not less than 14 days prior written notice of the hearing date and location. The appellant and the Bureau shall have the opportunity to present relevant testimony and oral argument. The Business License Appeals Board may request such additional written comment and documents as it deems appropriate.

 

F.  Decisions of the Business License Appeals Board shall be in writing, state the basis for the decision and be signed by the Business License Appeals Board Chair.

 

G.  The decision of the Business License Appeals Board shall be final on the date it is issued and no further administrative appeal shall be provided.

 

H.  The filing of an appeal with the Business License Appeals Board shall temporarily suspend the obligation to pay any fee that is the subject of the appeal pending a final decision by the Business License Appeals Board.

 

7.02.295  Business License Appeals Board.

There is hereby created a Business License Appeals Board which shall consist of the following members:

 

A.  A representative of the City Auditor, appointed by the City Auditor for a two year term which expires every even year.

 

B.  A representative of the Commissioner In Charge of the Bureau, appointed by the Commissioner for a two year term which expires every odd year.

 

C.  Three members of the public appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the council. In making the initial appointments, one member shall be appointed for one year, one for two years and one for three years. After making the initial appointments, each member shall serve for a term of three years.

 

D.  Appointments to the Business License Appeals Board shall be made to provide for an appropriate level of expertise in accounting methods and tax regulation.

 

E.  No employee or agent of the Bureau may be appointed to or serve on the Business License Appeals Board.

 

7.02.300  License Required.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  No person shall do business within the City unless such person shall have first paid a license fee under this Chapter.

 

1.  The payment of a license fee required hereunder and the acceptance of such fee by the City shall not entitle a licensee to carry on any business not in compliance with all requirements of this Code and all other applicable laws.

 

B.  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the requirement to obtain a license hereby imposed is unconstitutional with respect to any person, such person shall pay a tax determined as provided in this Chapter with respect to license fees.

 

C.  Any licensee shall be deemed to be doing business within the City within any fiscal year he or she receives income from business activity conducted within the City, notwithstanding that such activity has ceased. Income from business activity that has ceased includes, but not be limited to, income from installment sales, collection of accounts receivable, covenants not to compete, and income from contractual agreements related to the trade or business activity.

 

7.02.310  Duplicate Licenses.

Upon application and payment of a fee of $10, a duplicate license shall be issued to replace any license previously issued which has been lost or destroyed.

 

7.02.320  License Transfer.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  The Bureau shall require transfer of a license if, in the judgement of the Bureau, the successor or transferee represents a continuity of business which does not change the substance of a business licensed under the Code. The Bureau shall establish guidelines through written policy to explain the requirements of a license transfer.

 

B.  In the event of a license transfer, the license fees for each partial or full year shall be computed upon the incomes earned by each entity involved in the transfer for all tax periods required to be reported under state and federal tax laws and regulations.

 

7.02.330  License Merger or Division.

When two or more licensees combine by merger or acquisition into one reporting entity, or one licensee divides or spins off into more than one reporting entity, the license fee for the license year after the combination or division shall be computed upon the incomes earned by all entities for all tax periods required to be reported under state and federal tax laws and regulations.

 

7.02.340  Contents of License.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

7.02.350  License Term.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  Each license year shall begin on the first day of the month in which such license was required to have been obtained. Each license year shall expire at the end of the applicable tax period on the basis of which the licensee computes net income under the applicable laws of the State of Oregon imposing taxes on or measured by net income, but shall not exceed one year.

 

B.  Notwithstanding the expiration of the license term, no person shall be deemed to be in violation of any provision of the Business License Law on account of such person not having renewed a license during the period of time permitted under Section 7.02.510 for the filing of a renewal application, provided that such renewal application shall have been filed before the end of such period.

 

7.02.360  Temporary Licenses and Fees.

 

A.  Notwithstanding other provisions of the Business License Law, persons doing business as provided in this Section shall apply for and obtain temporary business licenses and pay the fees as provided herein.

 

1.  Vendors not located in a permanent structure and operators of amusement rides not in the same location for more than 14 days shall pay a temporary license fee of $10 per day per vendor and $10 a day for each ride operated.

 

2.  Promoters of commercial entertainment doing business in the City and production companies filming in the City for no more than 3 days in any calendar year shall pay a temporary license fee of $25 per day. Any person doing business as a performing artist at a commercial entertainment event conducted by a licensed promoter shall be deemed to be in compliance with the Business License Law.

 

3.  Vendors conducting limited, seasonal sales (including, but not limited to, Christmas trees or fireworks), operating in temporary locations shall pay a temporary license fee of $10 per day for each location, not to exceed $100 per location.

 

B.  Income from activity for which a temporary license has been obtained shall be exempt from the business license requirements of Section 7.02.540 and 7.02.545.

 

7.02.400  Exemptions.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154, 171910 and 172019, effective January 1, 1999.) To the extent set forth below, the following persons or incomes are exempt from the requirements of the Business License Law:

 

A.  Persons whom the City is prohibited from taxing under the Constitution or laws of the United States, the Constitution or laws of the State of Oregon, or the Charter of the City.

 

B.  Income arising from transactions which the City is prohibited from taxing under the Constitution or the laws of the United States, the Constitution or laws of the State of Oregon, or the Charter of the City.

 

C.  Persons whose gross receipts from all business, both within and without the City, amounts to less than $25,000 in any tax year. The Bureau may demand a statement that the person’s gross receipts for the license year will be less than $25,000. If such person shall have been exempt hereunder during the prior tax year, an additional statement shall be filed indicating the gross receipts for such year were less than $25,000 or indicating the amount thereof.

 

D.  Corporations exempt from the Oregon Corporation Excise Tax under ORS 317.080, provided that any such corporation subject to the tax on unrelated business income under ORS 317.920 to 317.930 shall pay a license fee based solely on such income.

 

E.  Trusts exempt from Federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501, provided that any exempt trust subject to tax on unrelated business income and certain other activities under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (b), shall pay a license fee based solely on that income.

 

F.  Any individual whose only business transactions are exclusively limited to the following activities:

 

1.  Sales, exchanges or involuntary conversions of real property not held for sale in the ordinary course of a trade or business, unless the real property is used in the trade or business in connection with the production of income; or

 

2.  The sale of personal property acquired for household or other personal use by the seller; or

 

3.  Interest and dividend income earned from investments if the income is not created in the course of or related to the licensee’s business activities; or

 

a.  Gains and losses incurred from the sale of assets which are not a part of a trade or business; or

 

4.  The renting or leasing of residential real property, if the beneficial owner of such real property does not rent or lease more than nine dwelling units, at least one of which is within the City.

 

G.  Any person whose only business transactions are exclusively limited to the following activities:

 

1.  Raising, harvesting and selling of the person’s own crops, or the feeding, breeding, management and sale of the person’s own livestock, poultry, furbearing animals or honeybees, or sale of the produce thereof, or any other agricultural, horticultural or animal husbandry activity carried on by any person on said person’s own behalf and not for others, or dairying and the sale of dairy products to processors. This exemption shall not apply if, in addition to the farm activities described in this subsection, the person does any processing of the person’s own farm products which changes their character or form, or the person’s business includes the handling, preparation, storage, processing or marketing of farm products raised or produced by others; or the processing of milk or milk products whether produced by said person or by others for retail or wholesale distribution.

 

2.  Operating within a permanent structure a display space, booth or table for selling or displaying merchandise by an affiliated participant at any trade show, convention, festival, fair, circus, market, flea market, swap meet or similar event for less than 14 days in any tax year.

 

H.  Incomes subject to Chapters 7.12 or 7.14. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, income which is not otherwise subject to Chapters 7.12 or 7.14 is subject to the Business License Law.

 

1.  Incomes subject to franchise fees under residential solid waste, recycling and yard debris collection franchises issued by the City of Portland. Income which is not otherwise subject to such franchise fees is subject to the Business License Law.

 

7.02.500  Fee Rate.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1990.) The fee established by the Business License Law shall be 2.2 percent of adjusted net income.

 

7.02.510  License Application and Fee Due Dates.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 167154, effective Dec. 1, 1993.)

 

A.  All persons required to obtain a business license shall apply to the Bureau upon forms provided or approved by the Bureau. Applications shall be filed, together with the specified license fee:

 

1.  Before the applicant begins to do business in the City or,

 

2.  In the case of an application for renewal of a prior license, by the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of the term of such prior license.

 

B.  The Bureau may, for good cause, grant extensions for filing applications, except that no extension may be granted for more than six (6) months beyond the initial filing due date. This extension does not extend the time to pay the fee.

 

C.  The application shall contain a written declaration, verified by the applicant, to the effect that the statements made therein are true.

 

D.  The Bureau shall prepare blank applications and make them available at its office upon request. Failure to receive or secure a form shall not relieve any person from the obligation to pay a license fee and obtain a license under the Business License Law.

 

7.02.520  Quarterly Estimates.

For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1994, every licensee expecting to have a fee liability under Section 7.02.500 of $1,000 or greater shall make an estimate of the fee based upon the licensee’s current tax year and pay the amount of fee determined as provided in Section 7.02.530.

 

7.02.530  Schedule for Payment of Estimated Fee.

A licensee required under Section 7.02.520 to make payments of estimated license fees shall make the payments in installments as follows:

 

A.  One quarter or more of the estimated fee on or before the 15th day of the fourth (4th) month of the tax year; and

 

B.  One quarter or more of the estimated fee on or before the 15th day of the sixth (6th) month of the tax year; and

 

C.  One quarter or more of the estimated fee on or before the 15th day of the ninth (9th) month of the tax year; and

 

D.  The balance of the estimated fee shall be paid on or before the 15th day of the twelfth (12th) month of the tax year.

 

E.  Any payment of the estimated fee received by the Bureau for which the licensee has made no designation of the quarterly installment to which the payment is to be applied, shall first be applied to underpayments of estimated fees due for any prior quarter of the tax year. Any excess amount shall be applied to the installment that next becomes due after the payment was received.

 

7.02.540  Fee - New Applications.

 

A.  Each application for a license, other than a renewal application, shall be accompanied by a reasonable estimate of the income of the business to be licensed for the first license year and by an estimated fee at the rate established in Section 7.02.500 applied to such estimated income, provided that each such application shall be accompanied by a minimum fee of $100.

 

B.  Upon renewal of a license with respect to which an estimated fee has been paid, or within 30 days of the expiration of such license if it is not renewed, the licensee shall file an amended application showing the license fee computed on the basis of the actual income of the licensed business for the first license year.

 

1.  If the license fee so determined exceeds the estimated fee previously paid, the amended application shall be accompanied by such additional fee plus interest thereon as specified in Section 7.02.710.

 

2.  If the estimated fee exceeds the fee shown on the amended application, the overpayment may be credited against the license fee due from the licensee for the next license year, and any additional overpayment shall be refunded to the licensee. However, the minimum fee required by Section 7.02.540.A shall not be credited or refunded.

 

7.02.545  Fee - Renewal Application.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.) Except as provided in Section 7.02.540, each application for renewal of a license shall be accompanied by a fee at the rate established in Section 7.02.500 applied to the income of the licensed business for the tax year immediately prior to which the application is made, provided that each such application shall be accompanied by a minimum fee of $100. The $100 minimum payment may have previously been paid by quarterly payments, an extension payment, or credit available from a prior tax year.

 

7.02.550  Presumptive Fee.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  If a person fails to file an application, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the fee payable amounts to $500 for every license year for which a return has not been filed.

 

B.  Nothing in this Section shall prevent the Bureau from assessing, under Section 7.02.280.B, a fee due which is less than or greater than $500 per license year.

 

7.02.600  Income Determinations.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154, 171910 and 172019, effective March 27, 1998.)

 

A.  Owners Compensation Deductions. “Owners Compensation Deduction is defined as the additional deduction allowed in Sections B, C, and D Below. For tax years beginning prior to 1/1/99, the owner’s compensation deduction cannot exceed $50,000 per owner, as defined in Sections B, C, and D below. For tax years beginning after 1/1/99, the owners compensation deduction will be indexed by the Consumers Price Index - All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) US City Average as published by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, using the September to September index, not seasonally adjusted (unadjusted index). The initial index will be the September 1998 to September 1999 index. The Bureau will determine the exact deduction amount and publish the amount in a written policy and include on forms. Any increase or decrease under this paragraph which is not a multiple of $500 shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $500.

 

B.  Sole Proprietorships. In determining income, no deduction shall be allowed for any compensation for services rendered by, or interest paid to, owners. However, 75 percent of income determined without such deductions shall be allowed as an additional deduction, not to exceed $50,000 per owner.

 

C.  Partnerships. In determining income, no deductions shall be allowed for any compensation for services rendered by, or interest paid to, owners of partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, or family limited partnerships. Guaranteed payments to partners or members shall be deemed compensation paid to owners for services rendered. However:

 

1.  For general partners or members, 75 percent of income determined without such deductions shall be allowed as an additional deduction, not to exceed $50,000 per general partner or member.

 

2.  For limited partners or members of LLCs who are deemed limited partners by administrative rule or policy, 75 percent of income determined without such deductions shall be allowed as an additional deduction, not to exceed the lesser of actual compensation and interest paid or $50,000 per compensated limited partner.

 

D.  Corporations. In determining income, no deduction shall be allowed for any compensation for services rendered by, or interest paid to, controlling shareholders of any corporation, including but not limited to, C and S corporations and any other entity electing treatment as a corporation, either C or S. However, 75 percent of the corporation’s income, determined without deduction of compensation or interest, shall be allowed as a deduction in addition to any other allowable deductions, not to exceed the lesser of the actual compensation and interest paid or $50,000 for each controlling shareholder.

 

1.  For purposes of this subsection, to calculate the compensation for services rendered by or interest paid to controlling shareholders that must be added back to income, wages, salaries, fees or interest paid to all persons meeting the definition of a controlling shareholder must be included.

 

2.  For purposes of this subsection, in determining the number of controlling shareholders, a controlling shareholder and that person’s spouse, parents and children count as one owner, unless such spouse, parent or child individually control more than 5 percent ownership of outstanding stock or securities in their own name. In that case, each spouse, parent or child who owns more than 5 percent of stock shall be deemed to be an additional controlling shareholder.

 

3.  For purposes of this subsection, joint ownership of outstanding stock or securities shall not be considered separate ownership.

 

E.  Estates and Trusts. In determining income for estates and trusts, income shall be measured before distribution of profits to beneficiaries. No additional deduction shall be allowed.

 

F.  Nonbusiness Income. In determining income under this Section, an allocation shall be allowed for nonbusiness income as reported to the State of Oregon. However, income treated as nonbusiness income for State of Oregon tax purposes may not necessarily be defined as nonbusiness income under the Business License Law. Interest and dividend income, rental income or losses from real and personal business property, and gains or losses on sales of property or investments owned by a trade or business shall be treated as business income for purposes of the Business License Law. Income derived from non-unitary business functions reported at the State of Oregon level may be considered nonbusiness income. Non-unitary income will not be recognized at an intrastate level. The licensee shall have the burden of showing that income is nonbusiness income.

 

G.  Taxes Based on or Measured by Net Income. In determining income, no deduction shall be allowed for taxes based on or measured by net income. No deduction shall be allowed for the federal built-in gains tax.

 

H.  Ordinary Gain or Loss. In determining income, gain or loss from the sale, exchange or involuntary conversion of real property or tangible and intangible personal property not exempt under Section 7.02.400.F shall be included as ordinary gain or loss.

 

I.  Net Operating Loss. In determining income, a deduction shall be allowed equal to the aggregate of the net operating losses incurred in prior years, not to exceed 75 percent of the income determined for the current license year before this deduction, but after all other deductions from income allowed by this Section and apportioned for business activity both within and without the City of Portland.

 

1.  When the operations of the licensee from doing business both within and without the City result in a net operating loss, such loss shall be apportioned in the same manner as the net income under Section 7.02.610. However, in no case shall a net operating loss be carried forward from any license year during which the licensee conducted no business within the City or the licensee was otherwise exempt from license requirements.

 

2.  In computing the net operating loss for any license year, the net operating loss of a prior year shall not be allowed as a deduction.

 

3.  In computing the net operating loss for any license or tax year, no compensation allowance deduction shall be allowed to increase the net operating loss. “Compensation allowance deduction” is defined in Section 7.02.600 A.

 

4.  The net operating loss of the earliest license year available shall be exhausted before a net operating loss from a later year may be deducted.

 

5.  The net operating loss in any license year shall be allowed as a deduction in the 5 succeeding license years until used or expired. Any partial license year shall be treated the same as a full license year in determining the appropriate carry-forward period.

 

7.02.610  Apportionment of Income.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  “Business activity” means any of the elements of doing business. However, a person shall not be considered to have engaged in business activities solely by reason of sales of tangible personal property in any state or political subdivision, or solely the solicitation of orders for sales of tangible personal property in any state or political subdivision. Business activities conducted on behalf of a person by independent contractors are not considered business activities by the person in any state or political subdivision.

 

B.  Any licensee having income from business activity both within and without the City shall determine, in computing the license fee, the income apportioned to the City by multiplying the total net income from the applicant’s business by a fraction, the numerator of which is the total gross income of the licensee from business activity in the City during the tax year, and the denominator of which is the total gross income of the licensee from business activity everywhere during the tax year.

 

C.  In determining the apportionment of gross income within the City under subsection B:

 

1.  Sales of tangible personal property shall be deemed to take place in the City if the property is delivered or shipped to a purchaser within the City regardless of the f.o.b. point or other conditions of sale. Sales of tangible personal property shipped from the City to a purchaser located where the licensee is not taxable shall not be apportioned to the City.

 

2.  Sales other than sales of tangible personal property shall be deemed to take place in the City, if the income producing activity is performed in the City or the income producing activity is performed both in and outside the City and a greater portion of the income producing activity is performed in the City than outside the City based on costs of performance.

 

D.  Certain industries or incomes shall be subject to specific apportionment and/or allocation methodologies. Such methodologies shall be described in administrative rules adopted in accordance with Section 7.02.210. Industry specific or income specific apportionment methodologies required by Oregon Revised Statutes shall be used in cases where no rule has been adopted by the Bureau regarding the apportionment of such industry or income. In those specific cases where Oregon has directed allocation of income, such income shall be apportioned for purposes of this Chapter, unless allocation otherwise allowed in this Chapter.

 

E.  If the apportionment provisions of subsection B do not fairly represent the extent of the licensee’s business activity in the City and result in the violation of the licensee’s rights under the Constitution of this State or the United States, the licensee may petition the Bureau to permit the licensee to:

 

1.  Utilize the method of allocation and apportionment used by the licensee under the applicable laws of the State of Oregon imposing taxes upon or measured by net income; or

 

2.  Utilize any other method to effectuate an equitable apportionment of the licensee’s income.

 

7.02.620  Changes to Federal and/or State Tax Returns.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  If a licensee’s reported net income under applicable Oregon laws imposing a tax on or measured by income is changed by the federal Internal Revenue Service or the Oregon Department of Revenue, or amended by the licensee to correct an error in the original federal or state return, a report of such change shall be filed with the Bureau within 60 days after the date of the notice of the final determination of change or after an amended return is filed with the federal or state agencies. The report shall be accompanied by an amended license application with respect to such income and by any additional fee, penalty, and interest due.

 

B.  The Bureau may assess deficiencies and grant refunds resulting from changes to federal, state or business license returns within the time periods provided for in Section 7.02.280, treating the report of change in federal, state or business license returns as the filing of an amended license application.

 

C.  The Bureau may assess penalties and interest on the additional fee due as provided in Section 7.02.700.A and 7.02.710.A, or may refuse to grant a refund of business license fees as a result of the amended application if the amended application is not filed with the Bureau within the time limits set forth in subsection A.

 

7.02.630  Income - Long Term Construction Contract Methods.

 

A.  A licensee reporting income using a long term construction contract method shall file an additional application for the licensee’s income earned during the last license year, not later than the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of the prior license year during which either:

 

1.  The licensee ceases to do business in the City; or

 

2.  The licensee ceases to receive income from such long term construction contracts.

 

B.  Net income for such licensee shall include apportioned income arising from all contracts completed during such license year.

 

7.02.700  Penalties.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  A penalty shall be assessed if a person:

 

1.  Fails to file a license application or extension request at the time required under Section 7.02.510.A or 7.02.620.A; or

 

2.  Fails to pay the fee when due.

 

3.  The penalty under subsection A shall be calculated as:

 

a.  Five percent (0.05) of the total fee liability, but not less than $5, if the failure is for a period less than four (4) months;

 

b.  An additional penalty of 20 percent (0.20) of the total fee liability if the failure is for a period of four (4) months or more; and

 

c.  An additional penalty of 100 percent (1.00) of the total fee liability of all license years if the failure to file is for three (3) or more consecutive license years.

 

B.  A penalty shall be assessed if a person who has filed an extension request:

 

1.  Fails to file a license application by the extended due date; or

 

2.  Fails to pay the fee liability by the extended due date.

 

3.  The penalty under subsection B shall be calculated as:

 

a.  Five percent (0.05) of the total fee liability, but not less than $5, if the failure is for a period less than four (4) months; and

 

b.  An additional penalty of 20 percent (0.20) of the total fee liability if the failure is for a period of four (4) months or more.

 

C.  A penalty shall be assessed if a person:

 

1.  Fails to pay at least 90 percent (0.90) of the total fee liability, but not less than $100, by the original due date; or

 

2.  Fails to pay at least 100 percent (1.00) of the prior year’s total fee liability by the original due date.

 

3.  The penalty under subsection C shall be calculated as:

 

a.  Five percent (.05) of the fee underpayment, but not less than $5, if the failure is for a period less than four (4) months; and

 

b.  An additional penalty of 20 percent (0.20) of the fee underpayment if the failure is for a period of four (4) months or more.

 

D.  The Director may impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for each of the following violations of the Business License Law:

 

1.  Failure to file any license application within 90 days of the Bureau’s original written notice to file;

 

2.  Failure to pay any fee within 90 days of the Bureau’s original written notice for payment; or

 

3.  Failure to provide documents as required by Section 7.02.260 within 90 days of the Bureau’s original written notice to provide documents.

 

E.  The Director may impose a civil penalty under this subsection D only if the Bureau gave notice of the potential for assessment of civil penalties for failure to comply or respond in the original written notice.

 

F.  The Bureau may waive or reduce any penalty determined under subsections A through D for good cause, according to and consistent with written policies.

 

7.02.710  Interest.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 167154 and 171910, effective January 30, 1998.)

 

A.  Interest shall be collected on any unpaid license fee at the rate of .833 percent simple interest per month or fraction thereof (10 percent per annum), computed from the original due date of the fee to the 15th day of the month following the date of payment.

 

B.  Interest shall be collected on any unpaid or underpaid quarterly estimated payment required by Section 7.02.520 and 7.02.530 at the rate of .833 percent simple interest per month or fraction thereof (10 percent per annum), computed from the due date of each quarterly estimated payment to the original due date of the license application to which the estimated payments apply.

 

C.  Notwithstanding subsection B. there shall be no interest on underpayment of quarterly estimated payments if:

 

1.  The total fee liability of the prior license year was less than $1,000; or

 

2.  An amount equal to at least 90 percent (0.90) of the total fee liability, but not less than $100, for the current license year was paid in accordance with Section 7.02.530; or

 

3.  An amount equal to at least 100 percent (1.00) of the prior year’s total fee liability was paid in accordance with Section 7.02.530.

 

D.  For purposes of Subsection B, the amount of underpayment is determined by comparing the 90 percent of the current total fee liability amount to quarterly estimated payments made prior to the original due date of the license application.

 

E.  If a person fails to file a license application on the prescribed date, or any extension thereof granted under Section 7.02.510.B, the Bureau may determine the fee due based on the best information available to the Bureau. If the Bureau determines the fee due under this subsection, the Bureau shall assess appropriate penalties and interest and shall send notice to such person of the determination and assessment.

 

F.  For purposes of subsection A of this Section, the amount of fee due on the license application shall be reduced by the amount of any fee payment made on or before the date for payment of the fee in accordance with Section 7.02.510.A or 7.02.530.

 

G.  Interest at the rate specified in subsection A of this Section shall accrue from the original due date without regard to any extensions of the filing date.

 

H.  Any interest amounts properly assessed in accordance with this section may not be waived or reduced by the Bureau, unless specifically provided for by written policy.

 

7.02.715  Payments Applied.

License fees received shall first be applied to any penalty accrued, then to interest accrued, then to license fees due.

 

7.02.720  Interest on Refunds.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 171910, effective January 30, 1998.) When, under a provision of the Business License Law, licensees are entitled to a refund of a portion of the license fee paid to the Bureau, they shall receive simple interest on such amount at the rate specified in Section 7.02.710.A, subject to the following:

 

A.  Any overpayments shall be refunded with interest for each month or fraction thereof for a period beginning four (4) months after the due date or the date the license fee was paid, whichever is later, to the date of the refund; and

 

B.  Any overpayments of estimated fees shall be refunded with interest for each month or fraction thereof for the period beginning four (4) months after the date the final application was filed.

 

C.  Any overpayments of fees that are the result of an amended application being filed shall be refunded with interest for each month or fraction thereof for the period beginning four (4) months after the date the amended application was filed. This subsection shall apply to applications that are amended due to a change to the federal, state or business license returns.

 

7.02.730  Criminal Penalties for Violation of the Business License Law by City Official, Employee or Agent.

Violation of Sections 7.02.230 or 7.02.240, is punishable, upon conviction thereof, by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or by both fine and imprisonment. Any official or employee of the City shall, upon conviction, be dismissed from employment and shall be ineligible for holding any position of employment or office in the City for a period of 5 years thereafter. Any agent of the City shall, upon conviction, be ineligible for participation in any City contract for a period of 5 years thereafter.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.04

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

(Repealed by Ordinance

No. 166676, effective

June 24, 1993.)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.06

 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

& APPLICATIONS

 

(Repealed by Ordinance

No. 166676, effective

June 24, 1993.)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.08

 

LICENSE FEES

 

(Repealed by Ordinance

No. 166676, effective

June 24, 1993.)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.10

 

VIOLATIONS

 

(Repealed by Ordinance

No. 166676, effective

June 24, 1993.)

Chapter 7.12

 

PUBLIC SERVICE PERMITS,

FRANCHISES AND REGULATIONS

 

 

Sections:

7.12.010  Auditor to Keep Record of Franchises.

7.12.020  Holder of Franchise to Keep Accounts and Make Reports.

7.12.030  Bureau of Licenses or Designee Authorized to Inspect Books and Prescribe Forms.

7.12.040  Interest Payable on Deposits.

7.12.050  Contents of Franchise.

7.12.060  Privilege Tax Levies.

7.12.070  Privilege Tax Applicable to Other Cases.

7.12.080  Report of Gross Earnings.

7.12.090  Time of Payment of Tax.

7.12.100  No Waiver or Estoppel.

7.12.110  Credits Allowable.

7.12.120  Restricted to City Business.

7.12.200  Penalty Applicable.

7.12.210  Additional Annual Report.

7.12.220  Depreciation Accounts of Public Utilities.

 

 

7.12.010  Auditor to Keep Record of Franchises.

The Auditor shall keep a separate record of each grantee of a franchise from the City rendering a service to be paid for wholly or in part by users of such service, which record shall show in the case of each such grantee:

 

A.  The true and entire cost of construction, equipment, maintenance, and of the administration and operation thereof; the amount of stock issued, if any; the amount of cash paid in; the number and par value of shares; the amount and character of indebtedness, if any; the rate of taxes; dividends declared; the character and amount of all fixed charges; the allowance, if any, for interest, and for wear and tear or depreciation; all amounts and sources of income;

 

B.  The amount collected annually from the City Treasury and the character and extent of the service rendered therefor to the City;

 

C.  The amount collected annually from other users of the service and the character and extent of the service rendered therefor to them. Such books of record shall be open to public examination at any time during the business hours of the Auditor’s Office. Such information, in addition to any further data which may be required by the Auditor, under the City Charter, shall be furnished by the grantees or holders of such franchises to the Auditor upon his request, and at such grantees’ own cost and expense.

In case any grantee or holder of a franchise fails or refuses to furnish such information when required so to do, on behalf of the City, the City Attorney shall petition the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County to compel such grantee or holder to furnish the information required herein and to pay the costs of the proceedings in said Court.

 

7.12.020  Holder of Franchise to Keep Accounts and Make Reports.

Every person or corporation operating a public utility, whether under a franchise granted by the City or otherwise operating within the City and rendering service to be paid for wholly or in part by the users of such service, shall keep full and correct books and accounts and make stated quarterly reports in writing to the Council, verified by such person or officer of the corporation, which shall contain an accurate statement in summarized form as well as in detail of all receipts from all sources and all expenditures for all purposes, together with a full statement of all assets and debts including stock and bond issues, as well as such other information as to the cost and profits of the service, and the financial condition of such grantee as the Council may require, as provided for by Section 10-107, Quarterly Reports, of the Charter of the City, which Section of the Charter is incorporated in this Section by reference.

 

7.12.030  Bureau of Licenses or Designee Authorized to Inspect Books and Prescribe Forms.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 158792, effective July 17, 1986.) The Bureau of Licenses or designee is hereby authorized to inspect or examine, cause to be inspected or examined, at all reasonable hours, any and all books of account and vouchers of the grantee. Such books of account shall be kept and such reports made in accordance with forms and methods prescribed by the Bureau of Licenses, and so far as practicable shall be uniform for all grantees and holders of franchises, and shall conform to such reports as are required by State or federal public utilities commissions.

 

7.12.040  Interest Payable on Deposits.

Any person engaged in the business of furnishing or supplying gas or electricity for lighting, heating, or power purposes, or telephone service in the City, requiring of any patron the deposit of a sum of money as security for the prompt payment of bills when due, shall return to the patron within 1 year from the date the same is made the amount of the deposit together with interest thereon at the rate of 6 percent per year; provided, the patron is not indebted to the person at the date the deposit is returned. Such interest shall be payable at the time the deposit is returned; provided, however, that any person engaged in furnishing telephone service in the City may exact from each patron, or the patron may make, in lieu of such deposit, the payment of not more than 2 months rental in advance.

 

7.12.050  Contents of Franchise.

Each such franchise shall provide that the names of all the members of the co-partnership or association to which any such franchise may be granted, shall be kept constantly on file in the Office of the Auditor of the City and at all times shall be accessible to any person having any interest in such information. Each such franchise shall also contain a provision setting forth and requiring the minimum service to be rendered the public by the grantee of such franchise and each such franchise shall also include such terms, provisions, and conditions as the Council of the City may determine in addition to those required by the Charter and ordinances of the City.

 

7.12.060  Payment of Privilege Tax Required.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.)

 

A.  For the purposes of Section 7.12.060 through Section 7.12.120, “utility” shall mean any electric cooperative, people’s utility district, privately-owned public utility, or heating company.

 

B.  Any utility using or occupying a street, alley, or highway within the corporate limits of the City without a franchise shall pay a privilege tax for the use and occupancy of any street, alley or highway.

 

1.  The privilege tax imposed under this Subsection shall be in an amount of 5 percent of the utility’s gross revenues earned within the corporate limits of the City for each consecutive 3 month period. the privilege tax shall be computed as of the commencement of business or upon the expiration of any franchise under which the utility formerly operated. The privilege tax shall be due and payable so long as the utility operates with the City and uses or occupies the streets, alleys or highways.

 

C.  Any telecommunications utility using or occupying a street, alley or highway within the corporate limits of the City shall pay a privilege tax for the use and occupancy of any street, alley or highway.

 

1.  The privilege tax imposed under this Subsection shall be in any amount of 7 percent of the telecommunications utility’s gross revenues earned within the corporate limits of the City for each consecutive 3 month period. For the purposes of this paragraph, “gross revenues” shall mean all revenues derived from exchange access services, as defined in ORS 401.710, less uncollectibles from such revenues. The privilege tax shall be computed as of the commencement of business or upon the expiration of any franchise under which the telecommunications utility formerly operated. The privilege tax shall be due and payable so long as the telecommunications utility operates within the City and uses or occupies the streets, alleys or highways.

D.  In the event a franchise is granted to any utility subject to the privilege tax herein required and the franchise becomes effective, then the privilege tax shall cease to apply from the effective date of the franchise. The franchise holder shall pay the proportionate earned amount of the privilege tax for the current quarterly period. The privilege tax shall in all such cases become immediately due and payable, and if not paid, collectible as provided in Section 7.12.080.

 

7.12.070  Privilege Tax Applicable to Other Cases.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.) The terms of Section 7.12.060 through Section 7.12.120 shall immediately apply to any utility using or occupying a street, alley or highway within the corporate limits of the City upon the expiration of the utility’s franchise.

 

7.12.080  Report of Earnings.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.)

 

A.  Each utility and telecommunications utility subject to the privilege tax as provided in Section 7.12.060 shall file with the Office of Cable Communications and Franchise Management an audited statement of the revenues earned within the corporate limits of the City for each consecutive 3 month period.

 

1.  The first quarterly report shall be filed on or before the first payment date of privilege tax. Subsequent quarterly reports shall be filed on or before July 15, October 15, January 15, and April 15 of each year.

 

2.  If a franchise is granted to a utility which is otherwise subject to the provisions of Section 7.12.060 the utility shall file a report with the Office of Cable Communications Franchise Management within 10 days after the franchise becomes effective showing the gross revenues earned for the proportionate period of the quarter prior to the franchise being granted.

 

7.12.090  Time Payment of the Privilege Tax.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 3, 1991.)

 

A.  Payment under Section 7.12.060 shall be made quarterly on or before July 20, October 20, January 20, and April 20 of each year.

 

B.  If a utility or telecommunication utility fails to pay the privilege tax as required in Section 7.12.060 through Section 7.12.120, the City Attorney is authorized to institute an action in the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Multnomah County to recover the amount of the privilege tax due the City.

 

7.12.100  No Waiver or Estoppel.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.) Nothing in Section 7.12.060 through 7.12.120, or in any ordinance granting a franchise or right to any utility or telecommunications utility, nor anything done or performed or monies expended under ordinance, shall estop or prevent the City from requiring the utility or telecommunications utility to cease using or occupying the streets, alleys or highways within the corporate limits of the City upon the expiration or other termination of such franchise or right to use or occupy the streets, alleys or highways.

 

7.12.110  Credits Allowable.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.) Any amount which any utility or telecommunications utility may have paid to the City under the terms of any revocable permit or other authority for using the streets shall be credited against the amount or amounts which have accrued or shall have accrued under Section 7.12.060.

 

7.12.120  Restricted to City Business.

(Substituted by Ordinance No. 164761, effective Oct. 23, 1991.) The privilege tax levied by Section 7.12.060 shall not be applicable to earnings from interstate business or to earnings from business outside the corporate limits of the City.

 

7.12.130  Permits for Intracity Passenger Business.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.140  Application for Permit or Franchise.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.150  Conditions of Permit or Franchise.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.160  Regulations to be in Permit or Franchise.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.170  Fees.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.180  Statement of Finances to be Filed.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.190  No Effect on Certain Vehicles.

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 167242, effective Jan. 29, 1994.)

 

7.12.200  Penalty Applicable.

Any person subject to this Chapter or any officer or agent of any association or corporation subject to the provisions of this Chapter who, for a period of 30 days after the statement is required to be filed with the Auditor, fails, neglects, or refuses to file with the Auditor the quarterly statement of gross earning revenue of such person, association or corporation shall be subject to the penalties, including the criminal penalties, provided in Chapter 7.10 with respect to penalties for violation of the Business License Law.

 

7.12.210  Additional Annual Report.

Each person, firm or co-partnership operating a public utility in the City or, if such utility be an association or corporation, then the president and/or secretary and/or general manager or other officer or agent of such association or corporation having general control, management, or supervision of its business in the City, shall file with the Auditor a statement verified under oath containing the following information:

 

A.  Type of corporation, if any;

 

B.  List of officers and directors, and corporation control, including list of security holders and voting powers;

 

C.  A balance sheet, supported by schedules showing in detail physical equipment or property, and adjustments, advances and investments, special funds, securities acquired or disposed of, itemized assets, losses and expenses, capital stock, notes and accounts payable, taxes, interest, reserves, capital surplus, income of various types, salary schedules, and information on important changes of organization;

 

D.  As to plant or operating equipment, schedules showing its classification and changes therein, construction or acquisition, and progress report on property being constructed or acquired, depreciation and amortization and information to support the base therefor;

 

E.  Revenues received from operation, including sources;

 

F.  Operating expenses;

 

G.  Rate base; and

 

H.  Method by which it is determined.

This report shall cover the year ending the preceding December 31st and shall be filed on or before September 1, 1945, and June 1st thereafter, except as the Commissioner In Charge may extend the time for filing. This report shall be in addition to any and all other reports required by the Charter and ordinances of the City, including franchises and permits. It shall be sufficient hereunder if a copy of the report filed with the Commissioner of Public Utilities of Oregon, with the Interstate Commerce Commission, or with the Federal Communications Commission is filed with the Auditor.

 

7.12.220  Depreciation Accounts of Public Utilities.

Every grantee or holder of a franchise or permit from the City for public utility operation, or operating within the City a public utility, shall carry on its books a proper and adequate depreciation account in accordance with the requirements set forth by the State Public Utilities Commissioner, if the Commissioner has made a determination that such depreciation account can be reasonably required in the general operations of the public utility within the State. In the event that the State Commissioner has not ascertained and determined the proper and adequate rates of depreciation of the several classes of property of such public utility, or has not determined whether a depreciation account shall be required or not, such public utility shall request such a determination by the City Council. Such rates of depreciation shall be such as will provide the amounts required over and above the expenses of maintenance to keep such property in a state of efficiency corresponding to the progress of the industry. After such determination, such public utility shall conform its depreciation account to the rate so ascertained and determined by City Council. Any such determination shall be subject to review and change from time to time as the Council may find necessary or appropriate. All monies provided for depreciation shall be set aside out of the earnings and carried in a depreciation fund. The monies in this fund may be expended in replacements, new construction, extensions, or additions to the property of such public utility, or invested. If invested, the income from the investments and proceeds upon sale of such investments, shall also be carried in the depreciation fund. This fund and the proceeds thereof shall be used for no other purpose than as provided in this Section and for depreciation. No transfer shall be made from the depreciation fund or depreciation reserve account for any other purpose than set forth in this Section, without first and before such transfer, obtaining the approval of the City Council.

Chapter 7.14

 

PUBLIC UTILITIES

 

 

Sections:

7.14.010  License Required.

7.14.020  Definitions.

7.14.030  Application - Issuance.

7.14.040  Fees and Payment.

7.14.050  Deductions.

7.14.060  Report of Gross Revenues.

7.14.070  Appeal and Collection.

7.14.080  Additional Penalty.

7.14.090  Interest on License Fee.

 

 

7.14.010  License Required.

Any person, including the City, operating a public utility as herein defined within the corporate limits of the City, shall obtain a license for such business covering the period of the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31, or if application is made after January 1 of any year, then for the balance of the same calendar year.

 

7.14.020  Definitions.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 154857, 157530, 160949, and 163203 effective July 1, 1990.)

 

A.  Gross revenue. As used in this Chapter, “gross revenue” includes any revenue earned within the City, after adjustment for the net write-off of uncollectible accounts, from the sale of electrical energy, gas, steam or water, or sewage disposal and treatment service, and for use, rental, or lease of operating facilities of the public utility engaged in such business; from the furnishing or sale of communications or associated services by a telegraph business, or from a telecommunications or cable television business.

 

B.  Gross revenue of a telecommunications utility means revenues derived from exchange access services.

 

C.  Gross revenues do not include proceeds from the sale of bonds, mortgages, or other evidence of indebtedness, securities, or stocks, or sales at wholesale by one public utility to another of electrical energy when the utility purchasing such electrical energy is not the ultimate consumer.

 

D.  Public utility. As used in this Chapter, the term, “public utility” includes the business of supplying electrical energy, gas, heat or steam, water, cable television, communications, or other services through or associated with telecommunications utility, telephone or telegraph or coaxial cable, sewage disposal and treatment, and other operations for public service but does not include transportation service, railroad operations, or service otherwise licensed under this Title.

 

E.  Telecommunications utility. As used in this Chapter, “telecommunications utility” has the meaning provided in ORS 759.005(1) (1989).

 

F.  Exchange access services. As used in this Chapter, “exchange access services” means:

 

1.  Telephone exchange access lines or channels which provide local access from the premises of a subscriber in the City to the local telecommunications network to effect the transfer of information; and

 

2.  Unless a separate tariff rate is charged therefor, any facility or service provided in connection with the services described in paragraph 1 hereof.

 

7.14.030  Application - Issuance.

(Amended by Ordinance No. 154857, effective July 1, 1983.) Any person, including the Bureau of Water of the City and the sewage disposal bureaus of the City, operating a public utility coming within the provisions of this Chapter shall make application for a license hereunder on forms supplied by the Bureau of Licenses and file the application in the Bureau. The initial application hereunder shall be made on or before July 1, 1946, for the remainder of the calendar year 1946; application for license shall be made on or before December 31, 1946, for the following calendar year, and on or before December 31 for each subsequent calendar year, except in the case of a public utility coming within the provisions of this Chapter which commences operations within the City after July 1, 1946. A person operating such utility shall make application for license on or before the date of commencing such operations. The Bureau of Licenses shall thereupon issue the license applied for.

 

7.14.040  Fees and Payment.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 154857, 157321, 160856, 160949, 163203, 172263, 174508 and 175847, effective July 1, 2000.) The fee for such license shall be measured by a percentage of the gross revenues received by the public utility for each quarter year period of licensed operation. Such percentage for each type of public utility shall be as follows beginning July 1, 1990:

 

Electrical Utility  5.0 percent

Gas Utility  5.0 percent

Sewer Utility  7.50 percent

Steam Utility  5.0 percent

Water Utility  7.50 percent

Telecommunications Utility  7.0 percent

Telegraph Utility  5.0 percent

Cable Television Utility  5.0 percent

 

 The licensee shall compute the license fee by multiplying the percentage applicable to the type of operation in which such utility engages, by the gross revenues received during the quarter. The resultant fee shall be paid to the City Treasurer on the following basis: on or before May 15 the fee for the period extending from January 1 through March 31, inclusive, of the same calendar year; on or before August 15 the fee for the period extending from April 1 through June 30, inclusive, of the same calendar year; on or before November 15 the fee for the period extending from July 1 through September 30, inclusive, of the same calendar year; on or before February 15 the fee for the period extending from October 1 through December 31, inclusive, of the preceding calendar year. All such payments shall be subject to the deductions set forth in Section 7.14.050. A licensee commencing operations as provided in Section 7.14.030 shall make the initial payment on or before the payment date following the quarter year period within which operations are commenced. In the event a licensee terminates operations which come within the provisions of this Chapter, the final payment shall be made on or before the 45th day following the date of such termination.

 

7.14.050  Deductions.

 (Amended by Ordinance No. 157321, effective June 10, 1985.) The licensee may deduct from the license fee required in this Chapter the amount of any payments made or accrued to the City for the period upon which the license fee is computed, under any provision of franchise, permit, or ordinance in lieu of franchise, and the value of any services, including free telephone service rendered to the City under the terms of a franchise, permit or ordinance in lieu of franchise, but excluding the value of any right given to City to use poles, conduits, or ducts to other facilities in common with the licensee, nor may any licensee deduct any permit or inspection fee imposed under any Code or ordinance of the City, and a telephone utility licensee may not deduct the fees agreed to be paid the City for street telephone booths. This Section shall not be deemed to relieve any licensee from paying in accordance with the provisions of a franchise, permit, Charter provision or ordinance when the amount to be paid thereunder exceeds the amount of the license fee required under this Chapter.

 

7.14.060  Report of Gross Revenues.

 (Amended by Ordinance No. 158792, effective July 17, 1986.) Coincidentally with the payment of the license fee required herein, the licensee shall file with the City Bureau of Licenses a report of the gross revenues of the licensed public utility, setting forth the revenues according to their accounting subdivisions, and any deductions claimed for the period upon which the license fee is computed. Within 30 days from the date such report is filed, or such additional time as the Council may allow, the Bureau of Licenses shall investigate the report and determine the accuracy of the amount reported. The Council, the Commissioner of Finance or the Commissioner of Public Utilities may require such additional investigation to be made by themselves or their agent, either simultaneously or subsequently as they may deem appropriate. For the purpose of such investigation the licensee shall make available for investigation all records and books of the company for verification of the reports of the company and the fees paid by the company. However, neither the payment nor a failure to make such investigation shall be deemed to estop the City in any way, or prevent subsequent investigation by any officer or agent of the City, and collection of any amount due. If the fee paid is determined to be excessive, the licensee shall be entitled to a refund of the excess paid. If the fee paid is found to be insufficient, the Bureau of Licenses shall notify the licensee of the amount of the deficiency, and demand payment of the amount.

 

7.14.070  Appeal and Collection.

 (Amended by Ordinance No. 158792, effective July 17, 1986.) Within 10 days from the date of notice by the Bureau of Licenses that the fee paid is insufficient and payment demanded, the licensee may appeal to the Council from such demand, in writing and specifying the grounds of such appeal. If no such appeal be taken and the Council decides adversely to the licensee, or decides that any other amount is due, thereafter the Bureau of Licenses shall proceed to collect the amount determined to be due and unpaid.

7.14.080  Additional Penalty.

 In lieu of any other penalties prescribed in this Code, Charter Section, franchise or ordinance provision, if the licensee fails to make payment of the fee deficiency determined to be due and unpaid in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.14.070 within 10 days of such final determination (unless the grace period is extended by the Council) the Commissioner of Public Utilities may suspend the license issued to the licensee. If any person operates a public utility coming within the provisions of this Chapter without a license as required herein or during a period of suspension, such person shall be liable for a license fee, computed at 2 percent of the gross revenues plus the appropriate percentage of the revenues for the type of business in which such utility engages as set forth in Section 7.14.040, received during the period on which the fee for the operations is computed.

7.14.090  Interest on License Fee.

 (Added by Ordinance No. 157728; amended by 162425, effective Sept. 28, 1989.)

A.  Late Payments. If a public utility fails to pay to the City the utility license fee on or before the date on which the fee is due, interest shall be owed on the license fee from the due date to the date on which the City receives the license fee, compounded daily. The interest rate shall be equal to one percent over the existing prime interest rate as set by First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., for the

period during which the license fee is delinquent. Payment of interest shall be due at the same time that the utility pays the delinquent utility license fee to the City.

 

B.  Audit charges. If a public utility fails to properly report the true amount of gross revenue from all accounts within the City of Portland as determined by representatives of the City after review of the utility’s reports, interest will be owed on the under reported gross revenue calculated from the first day of the calendar quarter in which the error occurred to the date of billing by the City, compounded quarterly. The interest rate shall be equal to one percent over the existing prime interest rate as set by First Interstate Bank of Oregon, N.A., for the period during which the gross revenue was under reported. Payment of interest shall be due at the same time that the utility is required to make payment of any insufficiency of the license fee.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.16

 

CHARITABLE SOLICITATIONS

 

(Repealed by Ordinance

No. 157640, effective

July 25, 1985.)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.18

 

LIQUOR LICENSE

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

(Repealed by Ordinance No. 174900,

effective September 13, 2000.)

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.22

 

STREET AND SIDEWALK

USE PERMITS

 

(New Chapter added by Ordinance No.

176022, effective November 16, 2001.)

 

 

Sections:

7.22.010  Purpose.

7.22.020  Authorization.

7.22.030  Permit Required.

7.22.040  Revocation of Permit.

7.22.050  Permit Subject to Ordinances and Regulations.

7.22.060  Diversion of Traffic.

7.22.070  Interference Prohibited.

 

 

7.22.010  Purpose.

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate walks, marches, parades, athletic events or other processions in streets or on sidewalks held by sponsors that require use of City resources. This Chapter and the administrative regulations that implement it are necessary to maximize the safety of participants and others and to minimize inconvenience to the general public and disruption of public services while providing the public with the opportunity to exercise constitutionally protected rights of assembly and expression.

 

7.22.020  Authorization.

 

A.  The Street and Sidewalk Use Coordinator of the Bureau of Licenses is authorized to issue street and sidewalk use permits.

 

B.  Adoption of Administrative Regulations. The Director of the Bureau of Licenses is authorized to adopt or amend administrative regulations pertaining to use of sidewalks and streets. All administrative regulations shall be in writing.

 

1.  Prior to the adoption of any administrative regulations the Director of the Bureau of Licenses shall submit the proposed administrative regulations to the Street and Sidewalk Use Review Committee. After consultation with the Street and Sidewalk Use Review Committee, the Director of the Bureau of Licenses shall publish a notice regarding the proposed administrative regulations, and shall make them available for public review and written comments.

 

2.  No sooner than thirty days from the publication of the notice, the Director of the Bureau of Licenses may adopt the proposed administrative regulations. All administrative regulations adopted by the Bureau Director shall be filed in the office of the Bureau of Licenses. Copies of all current administrative regulations shall be made available to the public upon request.

 

3.  Notwithstanding subsections 1. and 2. of this section, the Director of the Bureau of Licenses may adopt interim administrative regulations without prior public notice upon the Director’s finding that failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of the affected parties, including the specific reasons for prejudice. Any administrative regulation adopted pursuant to this subsection shall be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days.

 

7.22.030  Permit Required.

A permit issued by the Street and Sidewalk Use Coordinator is required for use of streets or sidewalks for the purposes of, and as provided in, this Chapter and the Street and Sidewalk Use Administrative Regulations.

 

7.22.040  Revocation of a Permit.

A street or sidewalk use permit may be revoked or modified by the Street and Sidewalk Use Coordinator, or the police supervisor assigned to the street or sidewalk use permit, if the sponsor fails to comply with any of the requirements of this Chapter, of the Street and Sidewalk Use Administrative Regulations, or the conditions set forth in the application or permit. If a street and sidewalk use permit is subject to revocation pursuant to this section, on the day of the street and sidewalk use to which the permit pertains, the Street and Sidewalk Use Coordinator or the police supervisor assigned to the street and sidewalk use permit shall attempt to contact or notify the sponsor, the organizer or the day of use coordinator, if any, as provided on the permit application, and attempt to resolve any problems before revoking the permit. If resolution is not possible the permit may be revoked.

 

7.22.050  Permit Subject to Ordinances and Regulations.

The sponsor and participants shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in connection with their use of streets or sidewalks.

 

7.22.060  Diversion of Traffic.

Whenever any street or sidewalk use is in progress, the Bureau of Police shall have the authority to clear the streets or other public places and prohibit motor vehicles, buses, light rail, bicycles, and pedestrians from crossing, parking, stopping, and standing on the streets.

 

7.22.070  Interference Prohibited.

It is unlawful for any person to interfere with street or sidewalk use permitted under this Chapter. The following acts, among others, are prohibited by this section, when done with the intent to cause interference:

 

A.  Blocking, obstructing, or impeding the passage of participants, vehicles, or animals along the route.

 

B.  Walking, running, driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle or skateboard through, between, with, or among participants, vehicles, or animals.

 

C.  Dropping, throwing, rolling, or flying any object toward, among, or between participants, vehicles, or animals.

 

D.  Throwing, squirting, dumping, or dropping any liquid, solid or gaseous substance on, toward, among, or between participants, vehicles, or animals.

 

E.  Grabbing at, taking hold of, hitting, pulling, or pushing any participant, vehicle, or animal or anything in the possession of any participant.

 

F.  Vending or offering for sale any food or merchandise during the hours and on the route of a street and sidewalk use permit without first having obtained the written permission of the sponsor, in addition to any permits and/or licenses otherwise required for such activity.

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7.24

 

TOWING AND PAY

AND PARK FACILITIES

 

(New Chapter Added by Ordinance

No. 176585, effective July 5, 2002.)

 

 

Sections:

7.24.010  Towing of Vehicles from Private Property

7.24.020  Pay and Park Facilities

7.24.030  Locking Parked Cars

 

 

7.24.010  Towing of Vehicles from Private Property.

 

A.  Purpose: The purpose of this Section is to require that towing from private parking facilities be performed in a safe, fair and efficient manner. Because towing from private parking facilities affects city residents and visitors, regulation is necessary to ensure that the public safety is protected and the public convenience promoted.

 

B.  Definitions: For the purposes of this Section, certain terms, phrases, words, abbreviations and their derivations shall be construed as specified in this Section. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Terms, phrases, words, abbreviations and their derivatives used, but not specifically defined in this Section, either shall have the meanings defined in the State of Oregon Motor Vehicle Code, or if not therein defined, shall have the meanings commonly accepted in the community.

 

1.  “Director” means the director of the Bureau of Licenses.

 

2.  “Dispatching facilities” means the facilities used for maintaining radio contact with tow vehicles.

 

3.  “Oversized tow vehicle” means a tow truck equipped to perform towing of automobiles, motorcycles, or other vehicles, and which has a maximum gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 lbs.

 

4.  “Private parking facility owner” means the owner, lessee, or person in lawful possession of private parking facility, or any designated agent.

 

5.  “Private parking facility” means any property used for motor vehicle parking at which the property owner or manager restricts or reserves motor vehicle parking. Private parking facility does not include:

 

a.  Property owned or operated by any governmental agency or special district; or,

 

b.  Property used primarily for residences, including houses and apartment houses; or,

 

c.  Pay and park facilities duly registered under Portland City Code Section 7.24.020.

 

6.  “Storage facilities” means the area used by towing firms for storing towed vehicles.

 

7.  “Storing” means to hold a towed vehicle by a towing firm.

 

8.  “Tow vehicle” means a tow truck equipped to perform towing of automobiles, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles, and which has a minimum of one-ton manufacturer’s designation or three-quarter ton four-wheel drive and a maximum of 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight.

 

9.  “Towing” means to draw or pull along a vehicle by means of another vehicle equipped with booms, car carriers, winches or similar equipment without the prior consent of the vehicle owner.

 

10.  “Towing firm” means any entity whose business includes the towing of motor vehicles from private parking facilities or the subsequent storage of such vehicles.

 

11.  “Vehicle owner” means the owner or other person authorized to operate the vehicle.

 

C.  Authorization and enforcement. The Director is authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this Section. The Director shall have the power to investigate any and all complaints regarding alleged violations of this Section. The Director may delegate all authority granted under this Section to any Bureau of Licenses officer, employee or agent.

 

1.  Regulations. The Director shall have the power to adopt and to enforce regulations interpreting and applying this Section. All such regulations must be in writing. Prior to any regulation becoming effective, the Director shall give notice to all interested parties of the terms of the proposed regulation, and shall conduct a public hearing on the proposed regulation to consider public comment. Public notice shall be given when regulations have been finally adopted. It is a violation of this Section to violate regulations adopted by the Director.

 

2.  Public hearing. The Director shall conduct all public hearings held pursuant to this Section. The Director shall have the power to establish and limit the matters to be considered at the hearing, to prescribe procedures for the conduct of the hearings, to take evidence, and to preserve order. Notice of all hearings shall be given to the public and all registrants. The Director shall make written findings of fact and conclusions of law to support all decisions.

 

D.  Towing firm registration.

 

1.  Initial registration. No towing firm shall tow or store vehicles parked on private parking facilities unless the tow firm has registered with the Director and complied with all applicable provisions of this Section.

 

2.  Applications. The towing firm shall submit to the Director an application form containing:

 

a.  The name, address and telephone number of the towing firm, including any and all dispatching and storage facilities; and

 

b.  A list of all towing, storage and other charges applicable to the towing and subsequent storage of vehicles towed from private parking facilities, in a form approved by the Bureau Director; and

 

c.  Such other information as the Bureau Director may require.

 

3.  Reporting changes: Changes in information contained on the towing firm’s application or changes in rates or charges must be filed with the Bureau Director prior to implementation of such changes.

 

4.  Inspection. The Director shall cause the towing firm’s towing equipment, dispatching and storage facilities to be inspected within 10 calendar days of application. If it is determined that the towing equipment, dispatching and storage facilities comply with the requirements of this Section, the Director shall issue a registration for such towing firm. If it is determined that the towing equipment, dispatching or storage facilities do not comply with the requirements of this Section, the application shall be denied and returned to the applicant together with a statement of the requirements with which the towing equipment, dispatching or storage facilities fail to comply. If an application is denied, the applicant may resubmit the application any time after the deficiencies noted in the original denial have been corrected.

 

5.  Registration/expiration dates. Towing firm permits shall be valid for no more than 1 year, and all such permits shall expire on June 30 of each year.

 

6.  Registration renewal. Upon or before expiration of registration, the owner or manager of towing firm may submit to the Director a renewal form containing such information as the Director may require.

 

7.  Non-assignability. A registration issued or renewed pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall not be assignable.

E.  Towing equipment, dispatching and storage facilities. Towing firms registered under this Section shall maintain towing equipment, dispatching and storage facilities as follows:

 

1.  Towing equipment. All tow vehicles shall be equipped with all of the following:

 

a.  Permanently identified on each side of the vehicle with towing firm’s name, city, state, and vehicle identification number clearly marked.

 

b.  A four-way emergency flashing system and at least one flashing amber light (or other color permitted by state law) at least 5 inches in diameter, mounted high on the tow vehicle.

 

c.  A light mounted behind the cab of the tow vehicle which is capable of illuminating the area of the tow under dark or foggy conditions.

 

d.  Portable auxiliary brake lights, turn signal, and taillight for use on towed vehicles.

 

e.  A fire extinguisher with an Underwriter’s Laboratory rating of at least 5B:C.

 

f.  Flares or other similar emergency warning devices.

 

g.  Tires, adequate in size and rating for the size and weight of the tow vehicle, with not less than 3/32 inch of tread and mounted on rims secured with not less than 6 lug bolts or in accordance with factory specifications.

 

h.  A dolly or other device for towing vehicles where the use of such device is necessary to avoid damage to the motor vehicle.

 

i.  Two-way radio equipment capable of communicating with towing firm’s dispatcher.

 

2.  Dispatching facilities. A towing firm shall have dispatching facilities with radio equipment capable of communicating with the towing firm’s tow vehicle(s) at all times. Dispatching facilities shall be equipped with at least one telephone. A tow firm’s dispatching facility may be located in two or more different locations, or may be contracted to another firm, provided:

 

a.  Each location is equipped with required communication facilities or equipment;

 

b.  At least one such location has a dispatcher on duty at all times; and,

 

c.  The contracted or secondary dispatcher can reach the towing firm’s primary dispatcher or other towing firm official at all hours.

 

3.  Storage facilities. All towing firm storage facilities used for storing vehicles towed from private parking facilities shall be equipped as follows:

 

a.  The storage facility must be secure and protected and located within a secure fence at least 7 feet high. All gates, doors and other openings into the storage facility shall be equipped with locks and secured against unauthorized entry during the times the towing firm’s personnel are not present; and

 

b.  The towing firm’s name, telephone number, address and regular business hours shall be posted, in a location clearly visible from the public right-of-way, on a sign in letters not less than one inch high; and

 

c.  Towing and storage rates for private property impound towing shall be posted in a conspicuous place and manner, and shall be identical to the rates filed with the Bureau Director;

 

F.  Towing regulations. It shall be unlawful to tow a vehicle from a private parking facility:

 

1.  Unless the private parking facility meets the following signage requirements:

 

a.  Sign(s) must be posted stating that:

 

(1)  Parking is prohibited, reserved, or otherwise restricted; and

 

(2)  That towing of vehicle will be at vehicle owner’s expense; and

 

(3)  Contain the name and phone number of the towing firm.

 

b.  At least one sign required under this Section is readily visible from each entrance at all hours which towing is permitted.

 

c.  Posted sign(s) must be maintained so as to remain unobstructed by any tree, shrub, bush or other obstacle; or,

 

2.  Except upon the express written authorization issued to the towing firm by the private parking facility owner. Such authorization shall include the make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle, and the reason for the tow. The legibly printed name and signature of the private parking facility owner must be affixed prior to or at the time of towing; or,

 

3.  Occupied by a person or persons; or,

 

4.  Unless the vehicle shall be towed directly to the tow firm’s storage facility. The vehicle shall not be stored in any temporary holding or public area.

 

G.  Towing and storage rates. Towing firms shall not charge rates for towing or storing motor vehicles from private parking facilities which exceed those on file with the Bureau Director.

 

H.  Conditions. Towing firms registered under this Section shall:

 

1.  Perform all tows in a safe manner, taking care to not cause damage to the person or property of others while towing or storing a vehicle;

 

2.  Be considered in possession of any vehicle towed under this Section at the time the tow truck has begun towing the motor vehicle by engaging the tow truck’s clutch or putting the tow truck’s automatic transmission in gear;

 

3.  Offer to arrange transportation for vehicle owners from within the immediate vicinity of the place from which the vehicle was towed to the storage facility;

 

4.  Staff the storage facility with an attendant between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays; and, at all other hours, have personnel available to release a vehicle within 30 minutes after receiving a request for vehicle release;

 

5.  Issue upon request a clearly legible receipt, in addition to the standard tow bill, to any vehicle owner who asks for a listing of all considerations which comprise the total amount of the bill;

 

6.  Not require any vehicle owner or agent to make any statement or sign any document relieving the towing firm from responsibility for the condition of the vehicle or its contents prior to the owner’s or agent’s inspection of the vehicle or its contents;

 

7.  Keep on file in the office of the towing firm a record of all written warnings, requests for vehicle towing, and any other transactions relating to the impounding of vehicles from private parking facilities. Such records shall include consecutively numbered receipts for all transactions and shall be available for inspection by the Bureau Director during normal business hours;

 

8.  Practice courtesy and professionalism in dealing with anyone reclaiming a vehicle towed from a private parking facility; and,

 

9.  Accept the following methods of payment for towing and storage:

 

a.  By cash. Adequate cash must be available at all times at the storage facility in order to make proper change; or

 

b.  By check, if presented with a valid driver’s license of the person reclaiming the vehicle and an acceptable check guaranty card; or

 

c.  By any credit card generally accepted in the normal course of business.

 

I.  Violations. Failure to comply with any of the requirements of this Section may be punished by any of the following:

 

1.  Suspension or revocation. The Director may suspend or revoke a registration if investigation reveals any substantial violation of the requirements of this Section. A substantial violation is a violation having an impact on the public that informal compliance methods have failed to resolve. Suspension of registration may be for a period of up to 14 calendar days. The suspension shall be effective from the towing firm’s receipt of written notice of suspension. If the violation is not corrected within the 14 calendar day period, the Director may revoke the registration. The revocation shall be immediately effective upon the receipt of written notice by the towing firm.

 

2.  Civil penalty. If investigation reveals any substantial violation of the requirements imposed by this Section, the Director may impose a civil penalty of up to $500.00 for each such violation.

 

3.  Public nuisance. Any parking facility, towing equipment or tow firm storage facility maintained in violation of this Section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. The Director may request that the City Attorney bring an action or suit to abate such nuisance in any court with jurisdiction to hear such action or suit.

 

4.  Civil remedies. Nothing within this Section is intended to prevent any person from pursuing civil remedies.

 

J.  Appeals. Any towing firm whose application for initial registration or renewal of registration has been denied, or whose registration has been revoked or suspended, or who has been directed to pay a civil penalty by the Director, may appeal such action of the Director to the Code Hearings Officer of the City of Portland, as set out in Chapter 22.10 of this Code.

 

K.  Insurance required. Towing firms registering under this Section shall agree to hold the City of Portland, its officers, and employees free and harmless and shall agree to indemnify the City for any claims for damage to property or injury to person which may be occasioned by any work and/or services furnished or carried on under the terms of registration, and shall maintain such public liability and property damage insurance as will protect registrant from all claims for damage to property or person injury, including death, which may arise from operations pursuant to registration. Such insurance shall include a single limit liability policy with coverage of not less than $500,000. Registrant shall also maintain fire and theft insurance (garage keepers insurance) to protect stored vehicles in a minimum amount of $60,000 and maintain cargo insurance in the minimum amount of $15,000. In no case shall the policy deductible exceed $1,000 per event. The limits of the insurance shall be subject to statutory changes as to maximum limits of liability imposed on municipalities of the State of Oregon during the term of the registration. The insurance shall be without prejudice to coverage otherwise existing. The insurance shall name as additional insured the City and its officers, agents and employees. Notwithstanding the naming of additional insureds, the insurance shall protect each insured in the same manner as though a separate policy had been issued to each, but nothing shall operate to increase the insurer’s liability as set forth elsewhere in the policy beyond the amount or amounts which the insurer would have been liable if only one person or interest had been named as insured. The coverage must apply as to claims between insureds on the policy. The insurance shall provide that the insurance shall not terminate or be canceled without thirty days written notice first being given to the City Auditor. The adequacy of the insurance shall be subject to the approval of the City Attorney. Failure to maintain liability insurance shall be cause for immediate revocation of the registration by the Director.

7.24.020  Pay and Park Facilities.

 

A.  Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to encourage the payment of parking fees at pay and park lots while protecting fairness and convenience for the parking public.

 

B.  Definitions. Except where the context requires otherwise, the following words and phrases shall have the definitions given in this Section:

 

1.  “Director” means the Director of the Bureau of Licenses.

 

2.  “Operator” means the person having the right to charge and collect parking fees at pay and park facilities.

 

3.  “Parking customer” means the owner, operator, or other person in control of any vehicle parking at a registered pay and park facility.

 

4.  “Pay and park facility” means any facility open for parking or storage of motor vehicles by the general public, at which the fee for parking is payable by meter, coin box, or other similar device, or by use of a payment device at any time during hours of operation and payment of parking fees is enforced by issuance of surcharge notices or impoundment of vehicles. Pay and park facility does not include parking lots used exclusively for residents of an apartment building or their guests, employees of a business, customers of any commercial establishment, any facility operated by a municipal corporation, or any facility owned or operated by a port district.

 

5.  “Payment device” means any mechanical or electrical device capable of accepting or receiving parking fee payments by cash or credit card and issuing sequentially numbered receipts or tickets.

 

C.  Authorization.

 

1.  Enforcement. The Director is authorized to enforce all provisions of this Section.

 

a.  Investigation. The Director shall have the power to investigate any and all complaints regarding alleged violations of this Section.

 

b.  Inspection. The Director may inspect any records required by this Section to be maintained by any operator. Such records shall be made available for inspection during normal business hours after reasonable notice by the Director.

 

c.  Delegation. The Director may delegate the authority provided under this Section to any Bureau of Licenses officer or employee.

 

2.  Procedures and forms. The Director may adopt procedures and forms to implement the provisions of this Section.

 

3.  Adoption of rules. The Director may adopt rules pertaining to matters within the scope of this Section.

 

a.  Prior to the adoption of any rule by the Director pursuant to this Section, a public hearing shall be conducted. The Director shall give reasonable public notice of his or her proposal to adopt rules not less than ten nor more than thirty days before such public hearing. Such notice shall include the place, time, and purpose of the public hearing, a brief description of the proposed rules, and the location at which copies of the full text of the proposed rules may be obtained.

 

b.  During the public hearing, the Director shall hear statements or receive written comment concerning the proposed rules. The Director shall either adopt the proposed rule, modify, or reject it, taking into consideration the comments received during the public hearing. If a substantial modification is made, additional public review shall be conducted, but no additional public notice shall be required if an announcement is made at the hearing of a future hearing for a date, time and place certain at which the modification will be discussed. Unless otherwise stated, all rules shall be effective upon adoption by the Director. All rules adopted by the Director shall be filed in the Bureau’s office. Copies of all current rules shall be made available to the public upon request.

 

c.  Notwithstanding subparagraphs a. and b. of this paragraph, the Director may adopt an interim rule without prior public notice upon a finding that failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of the affected parties, including the specific reasons for such prejudice. Any rule adopted pursuant to this subparagraph shall be effective for a period of not longer than 180 days.

 

D.  Registration of pay and park facility.

1.  No person shall collect any fee or charge for parking at any pay and park facility unless such facility has first been registered with the Director and is in compliance with the provisions of this Section.

 

2.  The operator of any pay and park facility shall submit to the Director an application form containing the name, address and telephone number of the applicant, the address and description of the facility, and such other information relating to the purposes of this Section as the Director may require, and the nonrefundable fee prescribed by this Section.

 

3.  The nonrefundable registration fee shall be $100 for each pay and park facility.

 

4.  The Director shall inspect the pay and park facility for which an application has been made. If the Director determines that the facility complies with all of the requirements of this Section, the Director shall issue a registration to the operator for such facility. If it is determined that the facility does not comply with the requirements of this Section, the application shall be denied and returned to the applicant together with a statement of the requirements with which the facility fails to comply. If an application is denied, the applicant may resubmit the application without payment of additional fees at any time within 60 days if the deficiencies noted in the original denial have been corrected. Only one such reapplication without payment of fees may be made with respect to each facility. If upon such reapplication, the registration is again denied, the applicant must file a new application accompanied by the required fee.

 

5.  The registration shall be dated as of the first day of the month in which the registration is issued, and shall expire one year from that date.

 

6.  Upon expiration of facility registration, the registered operator of any pay and park facility may submit to the Director a renewal form containing the name, address and telephone number of the applicant, the address and description of the facility and such other information relating to the purposes of this Section as the Director may require. A renewal shall be issued if the Director finds that the facility complies with the requirements of this Section. The nonrefundable fee for renewal of a registration shall be $100 for each pay and park facility.

 

E.  Payment device. Payment devices shall be placed and maintained at pay and park facilities in locations convenient and accessible to all parking customers.

 

F.  Signage requirements. The operator of a pay and park facility shall post and maintain:

1.  At each entrance to the facility, a sign with the words “PAY TO PARK, ALL HOURS” or when the pay and park facility has posted operating hours other than 24 hours a sign with the words “PAY TO PARK POSTED HOURS” in letters not less than 7 inches high and 4 inches wide. The signs shall be reflectorized. The center of such signs shall be no lower than 42 inches from the ground. The signs shall be visible and unobstructed by any tree, shrub, bush or any other obstacle. The signs shall be no more than 10 feet from the entrance and shall be located within 2 feet of the property line of the facility; and,

 

2.  When a “PAY TO PARK POSTED HOURS” sign has been placed on the facility in accordance with Portland City Code 7.24.020 F.1. of this section, a sign or signs at each entrance of the parking facility indicating the exact hours that the parking facility will be operated as a pay and park facility, in letters not less than 3 inches high and 2 inches wide. The signs shall be reflectorized. The center of such signs shall be no lower than 42 inches from the ground. The signs shall be visible and unobstructed by any tree, shrub, bush or any other obstacle. The signs shall be no more than 10 feet from the entrance and shall be located within 2 feet of the property line of the facility; and,

 

3.  A sign or signs visible from every vehicle entrance of the facility with the words “PAY HERE” in letters not less than 10 inches high and 4 inches wide indicating the location of the payment device. The signs shall be reflectorized and, during hours of operation, shall be sufficiently illuminated before dawn and after dusk so that they are readily visible to a person of normal vision from every vehicle entrance; and

 

4.  At each location where payment may be made, a sign or signs stating:

 

a.  A complete list of all applicable charges for parking or storage and posted hours when a “PAY TO PARK POSTED HOURS” sign has been placed on the facility in accordance with Portland City Code 7.24.020 F.1. of this section;

 

b.  That proof of payment must be placed in the vehicle so that it is clearly displayed and visible through the windshield; and

 

c.  If vehicles are subject to being towed away or impounded, or are subject to parking fee surcharges, the sign shall so state and shall include the phone number to be called for the release of vehicles. It shall be unlawful to tow away or impound any vehicle for nonpayment of parking charges unless such sign or signs is posted and maintained.

d.  The signs under this Subsection shall be in letters not less than 2 inches high and 2 inches wide. The signs shall be reflectorized and, during hours of operation before dawn and after dusk, shall be sufficiently illuminated so that they are readily visible to a person of normal vision.

 

G.  Surcharge for nonpayment of parking fees. The parking customer shall pay the required parking fees upon parking the vehicle. The parking customer shall place the proof of payment in the vehicle so that it is clearly displayed and visible through the windshield.

 

1.  The registered operator of any pay and park facility may assess and collect a parking fee surcharge under this Section only if:

 

a.  The operator has registered the facility, and

 

b.  The facility is in compliance with the provisions of this Section, and

 

c.  The facility is equipped with a payment device.

 

2.  The registered operator of a pay and park facility may assess and collect a parking fee surcharge from any parking customer found to have parked without paying the required parking fees upon parking the vehicle and without placing the proof of payment in the vehicle so that it is clearly displayed and visible through the windshield.

 

H.  Notice of demand for payment of surcharge.

 

1.  Whenever the registered operator finds a vehicle parked at a registered pay and park facility without paying the required parking fees upon parking the vehicle and without placing the proof of payment in the vehicle so that it is clearly displayed and visible through the windshield, the registered operator may affix a notice of demand for payment of a parking fee surcharge to the vehicle.

 

2.  The notice of demand for payment of the parking fee surcharge shall be in a form approved by the Director. The notice shall be processed as follows:

 

a.  a copy shall be affixed to the vehicle,

 

b.  a record of the notice shall be retained by the registered operator, and

 

c.  a record of the notice shall be forwarded to the Director the following work day.

 

3.  A copy of the notice of demand for payment of the parking fee surcharge shall accompany the initial application and subsequent renewal applications. The surcharge notice and any subsequent demands for payment shall include the name, address and telephone number of the pay and park operator as described in the registration application, a description of the vehicle, the time and date the notice was issued, the location of the facility, the amount of the parking fee surcharge demanded, appropriate instructions of the manner and method of paying the same, and a statement that the vehicle owner may submit a written complaint to the Bureau of Licenses if attempts to resolve the complaint with the pay and park operator have been unsuccessful. The surcharge notice form shall not represent to be a document issued by any government agency or government official, or otherwise simulate legal or judicial process. The surcharge notice form shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney’s Office.

 

4.  Within 15 days of issuing the initial notice of demand for payment, the registered operator shall mail a second notice advising the registered owner(s) and any other persons who reasonably appear to have any interest in the vehicle stating the amount of the surcharge, the method of payment, and the schedule of surcharge increases. The notice shall also provide space to inform the registered operator that the person to whom the notice was sent is not the current registered owner of the vehicle, and a statement that the vehicle owner may submit a written complaint to the Bureau of Licenses if attempts to resolve any disputes regarding the parking fee surcharge with the registered operator have been unsuccessful. If one or more of the following occur, the registered operator will have an additional 15 days to mail the second notice:

 

a.  the vehicle has not been registered by the current owner;

 

b.  the vehicle is from out of state;

 

c.  the vehicle is rented; or

 

d.  the registered owner has moved leaving no forwarding address.

 

5.  The registered operator may add a one time administrative fee to the amount of the surcharge to recover costs actually incurred by the registered operator in obtaining the name and address of the registered vehicle owner. The notice to the registered owner, under Subsection 7.24.020 H(4)(a), shall indicate whether an administrative fee of up to $3.00 for vehicles registered in Washington or Oregon, or $6.00 for vehicles registered in other states has been added to the surcharge.

 

6.  The designated parking fee surcharge for vehicles parked on pay and park facilities without payment of the required parking fees shall not exceed the following amounts:

 

a.  Not more than $14 if paid within 30 days of the mailing date of the notice.

 

b.  Not more than $28 if paid after 30 days from the mailing date of the notice.

 

I.  Unlawful to impound vehicles. It is unlawful for any person to tow away any vehicle parked at any pay and park facility without the permission of the parking customer unless:

 

1.  The vehicle has been parked at the facility without the payment of the required parking fees for a period in excess of 24 hours after the period for which parking fees have been paid; or

 

2.  The vehicle is parked on the facility in such a manner as to clearly impede vehicular ingress or egress to and from designated parking stalls or the facility itself, or is parked in any area which is clearly and conspicuously designated by signs or other traffic control devices as areas in which parking is restricted or forbidden; or

 

3.  The vehicle is parked at any of the registered operator’s registered pay and park facilities, and;

 

a.  Within the previous 1-year period, the vehicle was parked at any of the registered operator’s registered pay and park facilities without payment of parking fees three times or more; and

 

b.  During that time registered operator affixed and mailed the notices of demand for payment provided for in Subsections 7.24.020 G and 7.24.020 H; and

 

c.  The three or more parking fee surcharges remain unpaid; and

 

d.  The registered operator has mailed a notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, and a reasonable amount of time has elapsed for service of the notice, advising the registered owner(s) and any other persons who reasonably appear to have any interest in the vehicle stating that the vehicle will be towed if the vehicle is again parked at a registered pay and park facility. The notice shall also state the total amount due for outstanding surcharges and unpaid parking fees, the issue date and parking lot location for each outstanding surcharge, the method of payment, the name, address and phone number of the pay and park registered operator, and that the vehicle owner may submit a written complaint to the Bureau of Licenses if attempts to resolve the complaint with the registered operator have been unsuccessful. The operator shall forward a copy of each notice to the Director on the same business day it is issued. The notice shall be in a form approved by the City Attorney’s Office.

 

J.  Complaint Handling Procedures.

 

1.  The operator, while dealing with the complaints of parking customers relating to notices of demand for payment of parking surcharges, will practice courtesy and professionalism, in accordance with the following procedures:

 

a.  The registered operator will be available, both by telephone and in person, to the public during normal business hours to accept and respond to customer complaints.

 

b.  The registered operator will respond in writing to written complaints within 10 days.

 

c.  The registered operator’s written response shall include the mailing address and phone number of the License Bureau and a statement that the parking customer may submit a written complaint to the License Bureau if attempts to resolve the complaint with the pay and park registered operator have been unsuccessful.

 

d.  All efforts to collect the surcharge and related amounts shall be suspended upon filing a complaint with the operator or the Director, pending final resolution.

 

e.  Surcharge fees will not increase from the time a complaint is received by the operator or the Director, pending final resolution.

 

f.  The registered operator shall cancel the surcharge if the parking customer provides evidence which indicates that the parking fee payment was made in accordance with Subsection 7.24.020 G.

 

g.  The registered operator shall notify appropriate credit agencies immediately upon canceling any surcharge.

 

2.  The Director shall, upon receipt of a complaint, conduct an investigation. If the investigation determines that a substantial violation of this Section occurred, the Director shall initiate formal compliance methods as provided in Section 7.24.020 M.

 

a.  The Director will not investigate complaints by parking customers regarding the issuance of a notice of demand for payment of surcharge filed any time after 90 days from receipt of the first mailed demand for payment of surcharge.

 

K.  Maintenance of records. The operator shall keep and maintain records of all parking fee surcharges, any transactions relating to collection of past due accounts, written warnings, requests for vehicle towing, and any other transactions or written complaints relating to parking fee surcharges or the impounding of vehicles for a period of at least one year.

 

L.  Insurance required.

 

1.  As a condition of registering a pay and park facility under this section, the operator shall hold the City of Portland, its officers, and employees free and harmless and indemnify the City for any claims for damage to property or injury to person which may be occasioned by any work and/or services furnished or carried on under the terms of registration.

 

2.  Registered operators shall provide and maintain public liability and property damage insurance covering any and all claims for damage to property or personal injury, including death, which may arise from pay and park operations under the registration. Such insurance shall provide coverage for not less than $200,000 for personal injury to any person, $500,000 aggregate, and $50,000 for each occurrence involving property damage, or in lieu of such coverage, a single limit insurance policy of not less than $500,000 covering any number of claims arising out of any single occurrence, plus cost of defense. The limits of the insurance shall be subject to statutory changes as to maximum limits of liability imposed on municipalities of the State of Oregon during the term of the registration. The insurance shall be without prejudice to coverage otherwise existing. The insurance shall name as additional insured the City and its officers, agents and employees. Notwithstanding the naming of additional insured, the insurance shall protect each insured in the same manner as though a separate policy had been issued to each, but nothing herein shall operate to increase the insurer’s liability as set forth elsewhere in the policy beyond the amount or amounts which the insurer would have been liable if only one person or interest had been named as insured. The coverage must apply as to claims between insured on the policy. The insurance shall provide that the insurance shall not terminate or be canceled without 30 days written notice first being given to the City Auditor. The adequacy of the insurance shall be subject to the approval of the City Attorney. Failure to maintain liability insurance shall be cause for immediate revocation of the registration by the City.

 

M.  Violations. Upon the failure of any person to comply with any of the requirements of this Section, the Director may exercise the following authority:

 

1.  Suspension or revocation. The Director may suspend a registration of any pay and park facility if investigation reveals any substantial violation of the requirements of this Section. A substantial violation is a violation that has an impact on the public that informal compliance methods have failed to resolve. Suspension of registration may be for a period of up to 14 calendar days. The suspension shall be effective from the registered operator’s receipt of written notice of suspension. If the violation is not corrected within the 14 calendar day period, then the Director may revoke the registration. The revocation shall be immediately effective upon the receipt of written notice by the registered operator.

 

2.  Civil Penalty. If investigation reveals any substantial violation of the requirements imposed by this Section, the Director may impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for each such violation.

 

3.  Public nuisance. Any pay and park facility maintained in violation of this Section is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. The Director may request that the City Attorney bring in action or suit to abate such nuisance in any court with jurisdiction to hear such action or suit.

 

N.  Appeals. Any registered operator aggrieved by a determination of the Director may appeal such determination to the Code Hearings Officer of the City of Portland, as set out in Chapter 22.10 of this Code.

 

7.24.030  Locking Parked Cars.

It is unlawful for the operator or an employee of a public parking lot to close and leave the lot without first removing the keys from any vehicle remaining upon the lot. It is unlawful for the operator or employee to close and leave the lot prior to the posted time of closing without locking any vehicle remaining on the lot. If no closing time is posted it shall be unlawful for the operator or an employee to close and leave the lot without locking any vehicle remaining on the lot. The operator of any lot where the operator or employee removes keys to any location other than the lot itself shall post and maintain a sign on the premises stating where and during what hours keys may be obtained when the lot is not attended. The sign shall be placed in a location meeting the requirements of signs giving notice of impoundment fees required by Section 7.24.010 F. of this Code.