§ 9.56.250. Storage and sale processing fees.

A.

No lien sale processing fees shall be charged to the legal owner who redeems the vehicle prior to the 15th day of the impoundment period. Neither the City nor any person having possession of the vehicle shall collect from the legal owner as described in this Subsection A., or the legal owner's agent, any administrative charges imposed pursuant to Section 22850.5 of the California Vehicle Code, unless the legal owner voluntarily requested a poststorage hearing.

B.

A person operating or in charge of a storage facility where vehicles are stored pursuant to this section shall accept a valid bank credit card or cash for payment of towing, storage, and related fees by a legal or registered owner or the owner's agent claiming the vehicle. A credit card or debit card shall be in the name of the person presenting the card. For purposes of this section, "credit card" is as defined in Subdivision (a) of Section 1747.02 of the California Civil Code. Credit card does not include a credit card issued by a retail seller.

C.

A person operating or in charge of a storage facility described in Subsection B. above who violates Subsection B. shall be civilly liable to the owner of the vehicle or the person who tendered the fees for four times the amount of the towing, storage, and related fees not to exceed $500.00.

D.

A person operating or in charge of the storage facility described in Paragraph (2) shall have sufficient funds on the premises of the primary storage facility during normal business hours to accommodate, and make change for, a reasonable monetary transaction.

E.

Credit charges for towing and storage services shall comply with Section 1748.1 of the California Civil Code. Law enforcement agencies may include the costs of providing for payment by credit when making agreements with towing companies on rates.

F.

A failure by a storage facility to comply with any applicable conditions set forth in this subdivision shall not affect the right of the legal owner or the legal owner's agent to retrieve the vehicle if all conditions required of the legal owner or legal owner's agent under this subdivision are satisfied.

(Ord. No. 13195, § 2, 10-15-2013)