Council revises booting ordinance

Earlier this month, City Council voted to approve an ordinance on first reading to put in place regulations for companies that immobilize illegally parked cars by putting “boots” on their wheels. On first reading, Council approved setting the maximum fee that a business can charge to remove a boot at $50, a price that booting companies said would not be sustainable and could incentivize them to tow vehicles instead. On Thursday, Council approved a final ordinance on the final two readings, but decided to raise the maximum fee to $100. Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo and Council members Greg Casar and Pio Renteria favored keeping the maximum at $50, but the others on Council voted for the $100 fee, except Council Member Ellen Troxclair, who was absent. The overall ordinance passed 9-1, with only Casar opposed and Troxclair absent.