§ 5.47.080. Regulations applicable to horse-drawn carriages and drivers.

Every person conducting the business of horse-drawn carriages in the City and any person driving such a carriage for such a business shall comply with each and all of the following provisions and restrictions:

A.

There should be no operation along any street which has a speed limit over thirty (30) miles per hour unless such operation has prior written approval by the City's Traffic Engineer. Crossing of such streets must be only at a signalized intersection, and then only when it can be safely accomplished within the timing parameters which exist, or within an alternative timing pattern which can be implemented with no adverse effects on the general public's safety or mobility. The carriage must have sufficient steel in it to cause it to actuate traffic signal detector loops.

B.

There should be no operation along any street which is configured so as to force motor vehicles to cross a centerline or make any other unsafe maneuver in order to get around a slow-moving carriage.

C.

Horse and carriage standing areas (while awaiting a fare) must be in a location which does not impede free flow of motor vehicles and/or access to designated parking stalls as approved by the City as a part of the permit application process.

D.

When operating on a multilane highway, carriage shall keep to the right as far as possible except when preparing for a left turn.

E.

Carriage shall not operate in any other manner not specifically addressed herein which is judged by the City Traffic Engineer to be unduly hazardous or congestive in its effects. The City Traffic Engineer reserves the right to impose upon a carriage operator at any time any specific restrictions deemed necessary in the interest of public safety or welfare.

F.

Carriage shall observe specifically prescribed nonoperating hours in specific zones or on specific streets.

G.

Horse drop off location and storage/housing facilities, including parking for hauling vehicles and horse trailers, as well as all proposed routes and hours of operation, must be approved by the City as a part of the permit application process.

H.

Carriages/animals shall be fitted to be able to immediately remove any and all horse droppings from the streets or public rights-of-way or to prevent such droppings on the streets and public rights-of way.

I.

All horses used in the business shall be, at all times, treated in a humane manner.

J.

Regular service shall not be scheduled during hours of three-thirty o'clock (3:30) p.m. to six o'clock (6:00) p.m. on nonholiday weekdays.

K.

Special charter trips may travel for a maximum of two (2) blocks during the aforementioned restricted hours if necessary to reach a specific destination. The City Traffic Engineer reserves the right to alter or eliminate this exception if it proves to create severe congestion or safety problems.

L.

Carriages shall, to the extent possible, make right turn movements onto any street if at a point of entry which is controlled by a stop sign. Crossing movements and left turns should generally be made at signalized intersections.

M.

Warning taillights shall be mounted at the rear of the carriage and shall be operated in a flashing mode continuously while the carriage is in traffic and shall conform to all applicable requirements of the California Vehicle Code. All carriages shall be fitted with reflective decals on both shafts of the carriage at the shoulder of the horse.

N.

The seasonal daytime closure of any street shall apply to carriages as well as to motor vehicles.

O.

Vehicles must be safe and sanitary, and all carriages shall be fitted with a hydraulic breaking system.

(Ord. C-7091 § 1 (part), 1993)