A. “Suspension” of a license means that the licensee’s privilege to operate his/her business (in the case of a towing license) is barred for a specific period of time. A suspended license may be reinstated upon the lapse of a specified period of time or by correcting the deficiencies. The conditions of reinstatement will be determined by the city clerk.

B. “Revocation” of a license means that the license has been cancelled. A licensee whose license has been revoked cannot have his license reinstated but must comply with all conditions of revocation including reapplying for a new license and paying all license fees.

C. When the city clerk suspends or revokes a towing business license, the city clerk shall first provide the licensee with a notice of proposed suspension/revocation which shall provide notification to the licensee that a hearing will be held on the revocation/suspension at a time or date determined by the city clerk. The notice of proposed suspension/revocation will be sent to the licensee at the address found on the licensee’s application. It is the licensee’s duty to keep the address information on the application current at all times. The city clerk will preside over the hearing. In the event the licensee fails to attend the hearing, the license will automatically be revoked/suspended. Any revocation/suspension will not be effective until the city clerk makes a determination following the hearing.

D. Notwithstanding subsection C of this section, a license suspension/revocation shall become effective immediately without the benefit of any presuspension/revocation hearing when the city clerk determines that the licensee has failed to maintain in full force and effect the insurance required in this chapter or has allowed the registration certificate from the Department of Licensing to lapse, or if such certificate is suspended or revoked, or has operated or permitted the operation of a tow truck by an unlicensed driver or by a driver whose license has been suspended or revoked.

E. Within ten days following revocation or suspension of any license issued pursuant to this chapter, or within ten days following the denial of any license regulated by this chapter, an appeal may be filed with the city clerk. Upon the receipt of such notice, the licensee shall be afforded a hearing before the mayor after reasonable notice has been given. Said appeal shall be in writing and addressed to the city clerk. Notice of the time and date of the appeal hearing shall be given by delivering a copy of the notice to the holder of the license or by mailing a copy thereof to the holder at his last address as shown by the city clerk’s license records, which notice shall be mailed or delivered at least five days before the date fixed for the hearing. The mayor shall, within thirty days after the conclusion of the hearing, issue a decision as to the revocation, suspension or denial. The decision of the mayor shall be final and conclusive as of the date set forth in the decision, unless within fifteen days from the effective date of the mayor’s order an aggrieved person or persons obtain a writ of certiorari from the superior court of Washington for Snohomish County for purpose of review of the action taken.

It is unlawful for any person whose license has been revoked or suspended to keep the license issued to him/her in his/her possession or under his control, and the same shall immediately be surrendered to the city clerk. When revoked, the license shall be cancelled, and when suspended, the city clerk shall retain the same during the period of suspension. (Ord. 1830-91 § 7, 1991.)