Charlotte staff outline multi-part updates to taxi and passenger-vehicle rules, propose narrower disqualifiers and faster permits

Charlotte city attorneys on Oct. 27 outlined a package of proposed changes to the city’s Passenger Vehicles for Hire ordinance aimed at modernizing rules for taxis and other regulated for‑hire services while staying within state law.

Jessica Battle of the city attorney’s office told council the review grew out of stakeholder requests in August 2024 and a wider look at an ordinance that has not been comprehensively revised since 2017. Battle said the office recommends taking about nine of the roughly 19 stakeholder proposals forward and studying others as part of a deeper review.

Among the recommended changes: allow taxicab companies to operate app-based rides as a separate, distinct service (taxi meter fares would still apply for airport lines); add clearer definitions for operators and transportation‑network‑company (TNC) drivers; reduce a required drug screen from a 10‑panel panel to a 5‑panel; and change application rules so pending charges would not automatically block an application unless the pending charge is one that the law would disqualify if convicted.

"Under the current ordinance, an applicant with any pending matter—even a minor misdemeanor—could be disqualified before their case is resolved," Battle said, urging a narrower approach that focuses on disqualifiers tied to statutory eligibility.

The presentation also recommended administrative changes: setting a goal for the PVH board to approve or deny complete permit applications within seven business days, streamlining background‑check mailings to the State Bureau of Investigation, and updating vehicle‑age limits to 15 years for safety standards. Staff proposed aligning the PBH (PVH) appeals process so applicants exhaust city administrative remedies before accessing superior court review.

Battle cautioned council that state law limits what cities may do for TNCs. "The state law expressly prohibits a municipality from regulating transportation‑network companies," she said, and the recommended rules were drafted with statutory constraints in mind.

Councilmembers asked for examples from peer cities and more direct outreach to drivers who operate primarily as TNCs. Councilmember Ed Driggs suggested the changes be vetted with comparative research and asked staff to provide an overview of how other cities handle similar issues. Councilmember Ajmera urged convening targeted driver forums so the city can hear operational impacts directly from drivers who would be affected.

Next steps: staff said they will continue stakeholder engagement and may return proposed ordinance language for a future business meeting and additional committee review. No ordinance amendments were voted on Oct. 27.