(a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section the following definitions shall apply:
(1) “Motor vehicle” means any land vehicle on wheels, runners or tracks, either self propelled or drawn by power other than muscular power including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, buses, manufactured homes, motor homes, motorized campers, motorcycles, motor scooters, tractors, trailers, snowmobiles, dune buggies, recreational vehicles, engines, power shovels and other equipment used for road transportation, off road vehicles or construction.
(2) “Motor vehicle parts” means any portion, part or parts of an automobile or motor vehicle which are detached from such automobile or motor vehicle.
(3) "Unlicensed motor vehicle" means any type of motor vehicle used or useful for the conveyance of persons or property which does not bear a license plate or plates issued for the current licensing year by the State of Ohio, one of the other states, the United States government or a recognized foreign government. This term shall not include any motor vehicle in an operating condition which is not required to be licensed by the State of Ohio.
(4) "Motor vehicle in an inoperative condition" means any type of motor vehicle which is intended to be self propelled and is unable to move under its own power due to defective or missing parts, or any motor vehicle not intended to be self propelled which cannot be towed, drawn or used in the manner in which it was intended due to defective or missing parts whether such motor vehicle is licensed or unlicensed.
(5) "Motor vehicle unfit for further use" means any type of motor vehicle which is in a dangerous condition, has defective or missing parts, or is in a condition generally so as to be unfit for further use for its intended purpose whether such motor vehicle is licensed or unlicensed.
(6) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership or corporation.
(7) "Private property" means any real property not owned by the federal government, State, county, City School Board or any other public subdivisions.
(b) Prohibited Storage. No person shall keep, store, place, permit or allow upon any private property within the City, any motor vehicle parts, any unlicensed motor vehicle, any motor vehicle in an inoperative condition or any motor vehicle unfit for further use.
(c) Certain Motor Vehicles and Parts Excepted. The provisions of subsection (b) hereof shall not apply to any motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts stored within an enclosed building; on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner when necessary to the operation of such business enterprise; in a storage place or depository maintained in a lawful place and manner; or seasonal use vehicles such as snowmobiles, motor scooters, motorcycles, boat trailers and nonmotorized campers when such vehicles are fully licensed, if required and are being stored for seasonal use. The business enterprises provided in this subsection shall include auto junk yards, auto repair and auto body shops operating in a lawful place and manner, but shall not include automobile service stations or tire, battery and accessory sales stores.
(d) Investigation of Premises. The Building Inspector on routine inspection or upon receipt of a complaint may investigate the motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts suspected to be in violation of this section and may record the make, model, style and identification numbers thereof. Whenever the Building Inspector finds, or is notified that any motor vehicle, or motor vehicle parts have been stored or are permitted to remain on any private property within the City in violation of this section, the Building Inspector shall send by certified mail a notice to the owner of record of such motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts, if such owner can be ascertained by the exercise of reasonable diligence, and also to the owner of the private property, as shown on the latest available tax duplicates, on which the motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts is located, notifying such parties that the motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts either shall be covered by being housed in a garage or other suitable structure, or shall be removed from the property.
(e) Prohibition and Penalty. No person shall willfully leave a motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts outside of an enclosed building for more than ten days after receipt of a notice as provided in this section. The fact that a motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts is so left is prima facie evidence of willful failure to comply with such notice. Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor and each day upon which such a violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense.
(Ord. 88-49. Passed 9-26-88.)