REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.36 (Taxicabs) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code; Adopt a Resolution Amending Related Taxicab Franchise Fees, Rates and Charges; and Find CEQA Exemption per Guideline 15061(b)(3)
Report
BACKGROUND
Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Section 5.36 (Taxicabs) regulates taxicab franchises in the interest of achieving a reasonable assurance of driver and passenger safety and risk reduction. On February 19, 2015, Council directed staff to conduct a study of car and ride share impacts on taxicab franchises and review of taxicab franchise regulations in the City of Sunnyvale (Study Issue Paper DPS 15 -0102, Attachment 1). Due to increased presence and popularity of car/ride share businesses, known as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), and concerns raised by local taxicab franchises, a need arose to review City regulation of taxicabs.
The firm Harvey M. Rose Associates, LLC (Consultant) was selected to conduct the study. As prioritized and ranked by Council, the primary objectives of the study were to: 1) compare the profiles of the Sunnyvale taxicab franchises with those of car/rideshare businesses, including the differences, benefits, challenges and risks; 2) assess the impact of car/rideshare businesses on Sunnyvale taxicab franchise businesses; 3) review and compare the City's current taxicab franchise requirements with those of neighboring cities; and 4) review and compare regulatory developments related to taxicabs that have taken place in other jurisdictions.
At the October 13, 2015 Council meeting, the Consultant and staff presented the findings of the study and made recommendations for policy and fee changes (RTC 15-0373). The City Council approved staff recommendations and directed staff to prepare and introduce an Ordinance amending the Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 5.36 (Taxicabs) and a Resolution amending related fees, rates and charges.
EXISTING POLICY
General P...
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