(A) Impoundment of vehicles found in violation. Notwithstanding any other provision of the city ordinances or any amending ordinance, any police officer discovering a vehicle parked or left standing as to constitute a public nuisance pursuant to the provision of this section may cause the vehicle to be removed to an authorized storage place, Austin Police Impound Lot, where it shall be impounded and detained. Impounded vehicles shall be released either upon payment by the owner, operator, or authorized representative of same, of the fees charged for impoundment, storage, wrecker service, and/or upon order of the Chief of Police, or upon order of any court having jurisdiction over the vehicle.
(B) City immune from liability for towed vehicle. The city shall not be liable for any loss or damage which may occur to any vehicle which is removed pursuant to the provisions of this section. The wrecker service shall indemnify and hold harmless the city, its officers, agents, and employees, from any loss, claim, judgment, or damages arising from the removal of vehicles pursuant to this section. The wrecker service shall have sole responsibility for any articles or personal property which may be contained in any vehicle at the time of its removal; such articles of personal property shall not be held by the contract wrecker in lieu of the service charges. The officer directing the removal of a vehicle shall verify what personal property in plain view is contained therein prior to its removal and report such articles to the Police Department.
(Ord. 2001-07, passed 5-8-2001) Penalty, see § 70.99