§ 9-284.8. Rules and regulations for towing service operations: Rates and charges; signs; change of rates; itemized statement

(a) The permit holder shall maintain on file with the Costa Mesa Police Department a current schedule of rates and charges for each offered service. No charge other than the rates and charges specified in such schedule shall be made except:

(1) The rates for towing and storage of illegally parked vehicles removed from private property shall not exceed the rates established by city council resolution.

(2) All tow operators on the Costa Mesa Police Department tow rotation list shall charge reasonable fees for the police rotation calls. All fees charged will be at or below the rates set by resolution of the city council. The fees charged by the tow operator for rotational towing will be those fees agreed upon with the Costa Mesa Police Department, following an RFP process. Rates or fees per tow shall include all clean-up per California Vehicle Code Section 27700.

(b) A tow operator shall post and maintain, conspicuously, in the office and/or any location where customers' financial transactions take place, a list of the rates and charges for all services offered.

(c) When a tow operator makes a change in rates and charges, but not in excess of the rates established by council resolution, it shall provide the Costa Mesa Police Department a copy of the new schedule of rates, at least ten (10) business days prior to the new rate schedule becoming effective. A duplicate copy of such notice shall be posted in the office of the tow operator permit holder next to the schedule of the existing rates and charges, at least ten (10) business days prior to the new rate schedule becoming effective.

(d) Each tow unit shall carry a printed copy of the current rate schedule, listing the charge rates for each service provided by the tow operator for the general public.

(e) When requested, the tow truck driver shall allow a citizen whose car is being towed, or a police officer or other designated employee of the city, to review the rate list.

(f) Rates for lien fees are to comply with California Vehicle Code Section 22851.12.

(g) Payment of tow fees shall be accepted as prescribed within California Vehicle Code 22651.1 by cash or a valid bank card or, at the option of the tow operator, by check or other acceptable form of payment.

(h) The tow operator shall keep a reasonable amount of cash on hand to make change for cash transactions during normal business hours.

(i)

(1)

A tow operator shall furnish an itemized statement to the person authorizing the towing operator, or his agent. The permit holder shall furnish an itemized statement of service performed including labor and special equipment used in towing the vehicle upon the request of: (1) The registered owner; or (2) The legal owner; or (3) The insurance carrier of either subsection (1) or (2); or (4) The duly authorized agent of any of the foregoing.

(2) The tow operator shall furnish a copy of the statement to any person authorized to receive the statement without demanding payment as a condition precedent.

(Ord. No. 08-7, § 2, 8-19-08 )