Title
Amending Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Towing,” to revise certain requirements regarding the issuance of a ticket on Private Lots, Private Property and Driveways.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 9-605 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
CHAPTER 9-600. SERVICE AND OTHER BUSINESSES
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§ 9-605. Towing.
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(11) Towing From Private Lots, Private Property and Driveways. Only towing companies licensed under subsection (3) of this Section shall be permitted to tow any illegally parked vehicle from any licensed or unlicensed parking lot, from private property, from any common driveway and from in front of any driveway where the vehicle is blocking access to that driveway, and provided that such towing companies must have the prior written permission of the owner or other person in lawful possession of the property, or of a designated agent of such person, prior to towing from or in front of such property. A towing company shall retain on file all written permissions required by this Section.
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(d) No vehicle shall be hooked, towed, or handled in any manner under this subsection unless the vehicle has been ticketed, by the police or other law enforcement authority, for a violation of subsection 12-913(1)(b)(.1) (relating to parking in front of a public or private driveway), or subsection 12-913(2) (relating to parking or leaving unattended a vehicle on private property without consent of owner), at the location from which the vehicle is to be towed, except as provided in subsection 9-605(11)(d)(.1), except that in a licensed parking lot, a vehicle may be moved to another location in the parking lot prior to ticketing. [Before] After issuing such a ticket, the Police Department shall determine whether or not the vehicle has been reported stolen. If the vehicle has been reported stolen, the police officer shall implement the rotational program maintained by the Police Department for towing of stolen vehicles, by notifying police radio to dispatch the next towing company authorized under that program to recover and safely store the vehicle where it may be claimed by its owner. Where applicable, the towing company must comply with all of the requirements of subsections 9-605(15) and (16).
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SECTION 2. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately.
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Explanation:
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted.
Italics indicate matter added.