(A) Definition. For purposes of this section, TRAILER is defined as a non-self-propelled, wheeled vehicle or conveyance generally and customarily used to carry or haul materials, equipment, or other items by means of towing or being pulled by another motorized vehicle, and it also includes non-self-propelled recreational campers.
(B) Prohibited acts.
(1) No person shall load or unload a trailer in any parking area along a public street in the city unless it is attached for towing to a motor vehicle while loading or unloading.
(2) No person shall park or leave a trailer in any parking area of a public street in the city unless they are actively engaged in the process of loading or unloading the trailer.
(3) No person shall park or leave a trailer in any parking area on a public street in the city for more than two hours in any 24-hour period.
(4) In the event of exigent circumstances caused by weather, traffic, or other such unexpected conditions or circumstances, or with the prior written consent of the Mayor or a member of the law enforcement department providing police services to the city, the restrictions and limitations of divisions (B)(1) and (B)(2) of this section may be waived or extended for a reasonable time until the exigent circumstance or period of the written extension has ended.
(C) Impoundment, towing, storage and disposition on non-payment.
(1) In addition to issuing a citation for violations of this section, all police officers are empowered to authorize the impoundment of a trailer parked in violation of same.
(2) A trailer impounded pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section will be tagged and placed under control of the Police Department or will be towed. Should a vehicle be moved without the consent and approval of the Police Department after being tagged under this section, a warrant shall be issued immediately for the violator’s arrest.
(3) All fines, fees, and charges must be paid in full before a release of an impounded trailer can be issued for the trailer’s release.
(4) When a trailer has been involuntarily towed or transported pursuant to order of police, the police shall attempt to ascertain the identity and address of the owner of the trailer, and within ten business days of the removal shall by mail attempt to notify the owner at such address the police believe the owner may receive the notice. The notice shall include the requirements for securing the release of the motor vehicle.
(5) If a trailer is towed or transported pursuant to division (C)(4) and is placed in a garage or other storage facility in the city, the owner of the facility shall attempt to provide notice in addition to and consistent with the notice described in division (C)(4) by certified mail to the owner of the trailer. This notice shall also inform the owner of the trailer of the requirements for securing the release of the trailer including payment of all fines, fees and costs due to the city and the owner.
(6) Any person engaged in the business of storing or towing motor vehicles in either a private capacity or for the city who has substantially complied with the requirements of division (C)(5) above shall have a lien on the trailer for the reasonable charges for storing or towing the trailer as long as it remains in his or her possession. If after a period of 45 days, the reasonable charges for storing and towing a trailer have not been paid, the trailer may be sold to pay the charges after the owner has been notified by certified mail ten days prior to the time and place of the sale. If the proceeds of the sale of any vehicle pursuant to this section are insufficient to satisfy accrued charges for towing, transporting, and storage, the sale and collection of proceeds shall not constitute a waiver or release of responsibility for payment of unpaid towing, transporting, and storage charges by the owner or responsible casualty insurer of the vehicle.
(Ord. 5-1-20, passed 6-3-2020) Penalty, see § 72.99