Prior notice need not be given to remove an abandoned or junked motor vehicle if the police chief or the planning and development director determine there is a special need for prompt action to eliminate traffic obstructions or to otherwise maintain and protect the public safety and welfare. Such findings shall, in all cases, be entered by the police chief or the planning and development director in the appropriate daily records. Circumstances justifying the removal of such vehicles without prior notice includes:
(1) Vehicles abandoned on the streets: For vehicles left on the public streets and highways, the city council hereby determines that immediate removal of such vehicles may be warranted when they are:
a. Obstructing traffic; or
b. Left upon a street or highway in violation of a law or ordinance prohibiting parking; or
c. Parked in a no stopping or standing zone; or
d. Parked in loading zones; or
e. Parked in bus zones.
(2) Other abandoned or junked motor vehicles: With respect to abandoned or junked motor vehicles left on city-owned property other than the streets or highways, and on private property, such vehicles may be removed without giving prior notice only in those circumstances where the police chief or the planning and development director make written findings that a special need exists for prompt action to protect and maintain the public health, safety and welfare. By way of illustration and not of limitation, such circumstances include vehicles blocking or obstructing ingress or egress to businesses and residences, vehicles parked in such a location or manner as to pose a traffic hazard, and vehicles that represent an imminent threat to life or property.
(Ord. No. 2373, § 1, 6-10-97)