Record #: SO2021-5286   
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
Intro date: 11/17/2021 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on License and Consumer Protection
Final action: 1/26/2022
Title: Amendment of Municipal Code Chapter 4-227 regarding licensing and regulation of tow trucks
Sponsors: Lightfoot, Lori E.
Topic: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENTS - Title 4 - Businesses, Occupations & Consumer Protection - Ch. 227 Towing
Attachments: 1. SO2021-5286.pdf, 2. SO2021-5286 (V1).pdf, 3. O2021-5286.pdf
SUBSTITUTE ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:

SECTION 1. Section 4-5-010 ofthe Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by adding the language underscored, and by deleting the language struck through, as follows:

(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
$250J)0
$250.00 per licensed Storage lot
(423) Towing (4-227) Per tow truck
Tow Storage Lot for Chapter 4-227 licensees with a "Commercial vehiolo relocator license" issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission pursuant to the Illinois Commercial Relocation of Trespassing Vehicles Law
$750.00 per licensed Storage lot

Tow Storage Lot for Chapter 4-227 licensees without a "Commercial vehicle relocator license" issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission pursuant to the Illinois Commercial Relocation of Trespassing Vehicles Law


(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)


SECTION 2. Chapter 4-227 of the Municipal Code of Chicago is hereby amended by adding the language underscored, and by deleting the language struck through, as follows:
4-227-010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
"Storage lot" means any real property, including real property outside the City limits, owned by or in the lawful possession or control of a licensee under this chapter that, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Zoning Code law, is used for the storage of vehicles towed from a location within the City.
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
4-227-020 License - Required.

(a) No person shall engage in the business of towing damaged or disabled vehicles from the public way without first having obtained a towing license under this chapter; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a licensee from towing vehicles from private property with the express written consent of the vehicle's owner or operator, in accordance with

applicable law. The towing license shall be in addition to any other license, registration, certificate, or permit required by law. If any applicant under this chapter does not possess an active Illinois Commercial Vehicle Relocator License, the Department shall inspect the storage lot and any premises or place of business that is to bo operated by the licensee.
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)

4-227-030 Application - Additional information required.
In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 4-4-050, an application for, and, if requested, renewal of any license to engage in the business of towing shall be accompanied by the following information:
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
(10) the name of the owner of each premises to be used as a storage lot, and, if such
premises is leased by the applicant, a copy ofthe lease, and the name, address, and telephone
number of the owner of the premises, including the name and address of the beneficiary if title
to the premises is held by a person as a trustee; and
(11) ifthe applicant does not possess an active Illinois Commercial Vehicle Relocator
License and operates a storage lot outside the City limits, such information as determined
necessary bv the Commissioner to ensure the safety of such storage lot; and
(4412) any other information that the Commissioner may reasonably require.
It is a condition of the license that all information in the application be kept current. Any change in required information shall be reported to the Department within 10 business days after such change has occurred.
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
4-227-060 Registration emblems.
(a) The Department shall issue to every licensee an annual a registration emblem for every tow truck that the licensee provides or engages for use in the City. Registration emblems shall be issued within ten days of initial licensing under this chapter.
(Omitted text is unaffected by this ordinance)
4-227-100 Licensed storage lots.

No licensee may tow a vehicle under this chapter to a location other than a licensed storage lot operated by the licensee or a location owned or operated by a person licensed pursuant to Chapter 4-228, unless the operator or owner of the vehicle to be towed affirmatively requests such vehicle be towed to another location.
SECTION 3. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect following due passage and approval.

02021-5286









Chicago City Council, January 26, 2022


To the President and Members ofthe City Council:
Your Committee on License and Consumer Protection, having under consideration a substitute ordinance introduced by Mayor Lightfoot and the Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (which was referred on November 17, 2021):

to amend Chapter 2 ofthe Municipal Code of Chicago regarding licensing and regulation of tow trucks,
begs leave to recommend that Your Honorable Body pass the substitute ordinance which is transmitted herewith.
This recommendation was concurred in by members ofthe License Committee on January 19, 2022.


Respectfully submitted,



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EMMA MITTS / CHAIRMAN, COMMITTEE ON LICENSE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
Approved






Corporation Counsel Mayor


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