For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED. When used in conjunction with the term vehicle:
(1) A vehicle located on public property illegally;
(2) A vehicle left on public property without being moved for 24 hours;
(3) A vehicle located on public property in such a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the movement of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public right-of-way;
(4) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of that property for more than 48 hours;
(5) A vehicle from which the engine, transmission or differential has been removed or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property;
(6) A vehicle that has been removed by a towing service or public agency upon the request of an officer enforcing a statute or an ordinance other than this chapter if the impounded vehicle is not claimed or redeemed by the owner or the owner’s agent within 20 days after the vehicle’s removal;
(7) A vehicle that is at least three model years old, is mechanically inoperable and is left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than 20 days. For the purposes of this definition, a vehicle covered by a tarpaulin or other plastic, vinyl, rubber, cloth or textile covering is considered to be VISIBLE; or
(8) A vehicle:
(a) That was repaired or stored at the request of the owner;
(b) That has not been claimed by the owner; and
(c) For which the reasonable value of the charges associated with the repair or storage remain unpaid more than 30 days after the date on which the repair work is completed or the vehicle is first stored.
BUREAU. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles of this state.
COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of the Bureau.
DISPOSAL AGENT. Any firm or individual engaged in the business of converting vehicles and parts of vehicles into processed scrap or scrap metal.
JUNKED. A vehicle that meets at least one of the following criteria:
(1) Is wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded, or unattended on jack stands or blocks or other means;
(2) Is in a condition with one or more flat tires for 14 days or more, or is missing one or more wheels for 14 days or more;
(3) Is used primarily for storage and remains unmoved for 14 days or more;
(4) Is a habitat for rats, mice, snakes or other vermin;
(5) Is substantially disfigured, damaged or disintegrated;
(6) Is ruined, destroyed or demolished;
(7) Is inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than 20 days on private property;
(8) Is parked on grass, dirt or other unpaved areas not ordinarily used for parking a vehicle in regular use; or
(9) Does not have a current, valid license plate affixed to the vehicle. This item cannot be the sole criteria for determining whether a vehicle is a junked vehicle.
OFFICER. Any regular member of the town’s Police Department, or any individual of the town designated by ordinance of the Town Council.
OWNER. A person, other than a lienholder, that holds the property in or the title to a vehicle, or is entitled to the use or possession of a vehicle through a lease or other agreement intended to operate as a security.
PARTS. All components of a vehicle that, as assembled, do not constitute a complete vehicle.
PERSON. All natural persons, firms, partnerships and corporations, excluding officers as defined herein.
PRIVATE PREMISES. All privately owned property which is not classified within the definition of public premises.
PUBLIC AGENCY. The local agency given the responsibility by statute and/or ordinance for the removal, storage and disposal of abandoned vehicles.
PUBLIC PREMISES. Any public right-of-way, street highway, alley, park or other state-, county- or municipally-owned property.
VEHICLE. Any motor vehicle, automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semi-trailer, truck tractor, bus, school bus, pickup truck camper, camper trailer, horse-drawn vehicle, utility trailer, boat and/or boat trailer, RV, snowmobile and/or snowmobile trailer, jet ski, motor home, house car or motorized bicycle, or any portion or part thereof.
WRECKED. A vehicle that has been physically damaged or destroyed, has substantial visible damage and may be mechanically inoperable.
(Prior Code, § 72.01) (Ord. 21-93, passed 11-22-1993; Ord. 3-2021, passed 5-24-2021)