Petaluma, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

94 governs which private tow companies the Petaluma Police Department dispatches for towing and storage under its rotation program. 010 explains the legal basis: California Vehicle Code § 12110(b) lets a public entity charge a franchise fee for a towing franchise as long as the fee does not exceed the entity's actual, reasonable towing-program costs, and inclusion on the rotation list is itself a benefit to the operator because towed vehicle owners must pay that operator's fees. 020 authorizes the city manager to execute nonexclusive tow franchise agreements, on the form most recently adopted by city council resolution, consistent with Sections 46, 51 and 75 of the Petaluma City Charter.

030 sets the franchise fee, charged per vehicle towed under the program, in an amount fixed by council resolution and capped at the city's actual reasonable program costs. 040 lets the council set and amend both the franchise agreement form and the maximum rates a franchisee may charge for a tow. 050 requires the city to solicit new franchisees through public notice in the official city newspaper, sets eligibility and driver standards that must be 'generally consistent with the requirements and standards contained in the most recent California Highway Patrol Tow Service Agreement,' and caps the number of franchisees the police chief may recommend for award at any one time so that the rotation lists never carry more than three.