title
TEXT CHANGE - NON-MOTORIZED VEHICLES FOR HIRE - SECTION 28-37 (B)
Ordinance No. 150580
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending Section 28-37 of the Code of Ordinances to eliminate the four-passenger limit for non-motorized vehicles for hire; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an immediate effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.
explanation
Non-motorized vehicles (NMVs) for hire are vehicles propelled by human power for transporting passengers for compensation. The City's Code of Ordinances (Section 28-37(a)) currently limits NMVs for hire to no more than four (4) passengers. This ordinance will eliminate that maximum passenger limit. The remainder of the current regulations that apply to NMVs for hire will still apply.
This amendment will allow NMVs for hire with more than four passengers (e.g., a "pedibus", which is essentially a higher-occupancy pedicab where the passengers aid in the pedaling of the bike) to operate within the City of Gainesville, subject to all applicable regulations in the City's NMVs for hire ordinance. The small businesses interested in operating a "pedibus" want to provide tours, including brewery tours, guided history tours and visits to local eateries and pubs, to showcase the uniqueness of this city.
A future goal of the businesses is to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages during "pedibus" tours. However, that concept would require additional ordinance amendments and is currently being discussed in the Community Development Committee with various stakeholders.
CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM
This ordinance requires two hearings and shall become effective immediately upon adoption at second reading.