§ 9.54.030. Nonconsensual tow rates and allowable fees.

A.

Nonconsensual tow rates: Each towing operator may charge a vehicle owner no more than the amount of the rates and fees listed in this section for a nonconsensual or private party impound (PPI) tow, and may not charge any rate or fees not described herein.

1.

Tow and transport to a storage yard. The rate for a nonconsensual or PPI tow and transport to a storage yard shall be no more than as provided in this paragraph. This charge shall not be incurred until the vehicle transport has commenced as described in section 9.54.050D. The fee for a nonconsensual or PPI tow and transport by a commercial tow vehicle shall not exceed the following:

a.

Light duty (GVWR up to 10,000 pounds): $235.00.

b.

Medium duty (GVWR 10,000 to 29,999 pounds): $335.00.

c.

Heavy duty (GVWR 30,000 pounds and over): $200.00 per hour.

2.

On scene release (curb release) fee. This fee shall not exceed $50.00 for an unloaded on scene release or curb release and $75.00 for a loaded on scene release or curb release. The fee shall be assessed only in accordance with subsection 9.54.050 D.2.

3.

After regular business hours vehicle release fee. The tow operator shall provide on call, after regular business hours release. The tow operator may charge no more than $50.00 for after-hours release.

4.

Vehicle access fee. Each tow operator shall allow at least one time access to the towed vehicle by the vehicle owner or authorized agent to remove items:

a.

During regular business hours, as defined in this chapter, without charge; or

b.

On call, after-hours access, for which the tow operator shall charge no more than $50.00; or

c.

On the scene of the tow away, without charge, if the vehicle owner, operator or agent does not obtain an on scene release.

Access is required to be provided once, additional access to the vehicle prior to a release is at the discretion of the tow operator or storage yard and shall not exceed $50.00 per access. The tow operator shall not charge both an on call, after hours vehicle access fee and an after-hours release fee, unless the access and release are at least four hours apart. This fee is a storage charge.

5.

Storage charges. Storage charges shall not commence until 24 hours after the vehicle arrives at the storage yard and the impound is reported to the police department. If the vehicle is claimed from impound within 24 hours, only the charge for tow and transport to the storage yard shall apply. Storage charges shall be no more than $30.00 per day.

6.

Fuel surcharge. A tow operator may add a fuel surcharge to the towing fee for transport to the storage yard.

a.

The fuel surcharge may be added only for:

i.

Transport exceeding 20 miles;

ii.

For a tow operator with its office or usual place of business in the Anchorage Bowl, regardless of the twenty mile limitation, all loaded miles:

(A)

South of the southern end of Potter's Marsh when using the Seward Highway;

(B)

North of the Arctic Valley Road highway exit ramp when using the Glenn Highway;

b.

Miles shall be calculated by the most direct route from the tow site to the storage yard regardless of whether the tow operator takes a different route;

c.

The allowable fuel surcharge is $3.00 per mile with a vehicle loaded;

d.

The fuel surcharge is a towing charge for purposes of the lien authorized by AS 28.10.502.

B.

If no increase occurs within five years of the most recent amendment to a fee, charge or rate listed in this section, the amount will automatically increase by a percentage equal to the average percentage change in the CPI-U for Anchorage, Alaska, in the preceding five calendar year period on an average annual basis, plus five percent. The CPI-U is the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics annual average for all items for all urban consumers published for Anchorage, Alaska. The automatic increase shall be effective on January 1 of the calendar year following the five year anniversary of the most recent amendment to the affected rate.

C.

Each tow operator shall post a list of the allowable rates and rate maximums authorized by this chapter at each business location, including a placard in the tow operator's vehicle. A notice with the list of the allowable rates shall be provided to the vehicle owner or agent upon initial contact.

D.

Each towing operator shall accept for payment for towing or storage services at the tow operator's or tow service office usual place of business, including in the tow vehicle, the following forms of payment:

1.

Cash,

2.

Debit cards, and

3.

Major credit cards.

E.

Rates for consensual tows are not regulated by the municipality.

(AO No. 83-49; AO No. 2005-84(S), § 1, 1-1-06; AO No. 2011-113(S), § 167, 11-22-11, eff. 12-22-11; AO No. 2014-137(S), § 1, 11-18-14)