GARDEN GROVE : Tow Company Rules Tentatively Approved

The City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance regulating towing companies after residents complained about improper or illegal removal of vehicles from private property.

About 100 vehicles are removed from apartments, condominiums and business complexes a month, costing residents about $10,000, according to a police study.

Vehicles are sometimes removed without approval from the property manager, the study said.

In addition, there have been complaints that some tow operators overcharge for services and use untrained drivers and faulty equipment, posing a danger to residents, said traffic investigator Tim Murray, who conducted the yearlong study.

The 32-page ordinance the council unanimously approved Tuesday provides strict guidelines for towing companies to follow, including a requirement to obtain a $250 permit before doing business in the city.

Murray said that about 40 tow truck companies are operating in the city, including some whose permits have been suspended by neighboring cities.

The Police Department, which will be responsible for implementing the ordinance, will issue permits to tow truck companies.

In addition, the police will inspect the tow company’s premises, the tow trucks and the equipment at least twice a year, or whenever necessary.

“It will be an added task for us, but the public good requires that we spend time on this duty,” said Police Chief Stanley L. Knee.

Ray Radford, manager of CRC Towing, one of four companies which the police use to impound vehicles, said that the ordinance will “provide protection” to residents because tow operators will now be required to provide itemized rates and charges for their services.