(A) Sale of abandoned and junk vehicles. An impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale 15 days after notice to the owner if the vehicle is determined to be:
(1) A junk vehicle except that it may have a valid, current registration plate and still be eligible for disposal or sale under this subdivision; or
(2) An abandoned vehicle.
(B) Sale of unauthorized vehicles. An impounded vehicle is eligible for disposal or sale 45 days after notice to the owner if the vehicle is determined to be an unauthorized vehicle.
(C) Notice of taking and sale.
(1) Contents; notice given within ten days. When an impounded vehicle is taken into custody, the city shall give notice of the taking within ten days. The notice shall:
(a) Set forth the date and place of the taking, the year, make, model and serial number of the impounded motor vehicle if such information can be reasonably obtained and the place where the vehicle is being held;
(b) Inform the owner and any lien holders of their right to reclaim the vehicle; and
(c) State that failure of the owner or lien holders to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle and contents within the appropriate time allowed under this section shall be deemed a waiver by them of all right, title and interest in the vehicle and consent to the transfer of title to and disposal or sale of the vehicle and contents.
(2) Notice by mail or publication. The notice shall be sent by mail to the registered owner, if any, of any impounded vehicle and to all readily identifiable lien holders of record. If it is impossible to determine with reasonable certainty that the identity and address of the registered owner and all lien holders, the notice shall be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the motor vehicle was towed from or abandoned. Published notices may be grouped together for convenience and economy.
(3) Unauthorized vehicles. If an unauthorized vehicle remains unclaimed after 30 days from the date that notice was sent, a second notice shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested to the registered owner, if any, of the unauthorized vehicle and to all readily identifiable lien holders of record.
(Ord. 500, passed 12-23-99)