A look at how cities are regulating new mobile-based businesses
CAR SERVICES:
— New York City: Allows car services to operate so long as they follow the city licensing process for operating as a for-hire "black car" livery service.
— California: Requires licensing from state public utilities commission as well as criminal background checks, driver training programs, and at least $1 million in insurance coverage.
— Chicago: Assesses licensing fees and requires companies to submit to background checks, vehicle inspections, drivers' tests and random drug screens as well as have $1 million in commercial auto liability coverage.
— Seattle: Recently rescinded a law limiting the number of ridesharing vehicles that could be on city streets. Now requires drivers to be licensed with city and meet certain insurance requirements.
SHORT TERM LODGING:
— New York City: State law and city code currently bans short-term apartment rentals, but enforcement is spotty and tens of thousands of rooms and apartments are advertised on Airbnb alone.
— San Francisco: Assesses city's 14 percent hotel tax and is weighing further regulations
— Portland: Allows single-family homeowners — but not apartment and condo owners — to offer short-term rentals once a safety inspection is done and neighbors are notified.
— Austin: Established a licensing system that calls for an annual fee and limits the number of units in a building — or homes in a residential neighborhood — that can be rented out