(A) Removal and pre-towing notice.
(1) Except as set forth in § 92.08 below, an abandoned, nuisance or junked vehicle which is to be removed shall be towed only after notice to the registered owner or person entitled to possession of the vehicle.
(2) In the case of a nuisance vehicle or a junked motor vehicle, if the names and mailing addresses of the registered owner or person entitled to the possession of the vehicle, or the owner, lessee, or occupant of the real property upon which the vehicle is located can be ascertained in the exercise of reasonable diligence, the notice shall be given by first class mail.
(3) Reasonable diligence shall include notification to the registered owner of the vehicle at his or her last known address according to the latest registration certificate or certificate of title on file with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles; notice to the owner of real property as recorded in the Dare County Registry; notice to the owner, lessee or occupant as contained in the records of the town.
(4) The person who mails the notice(s) shall retain a written record to show the name(s) and address(es) to which mailed, and the date mailed.
(5) If the names and addresses cannot be ascertained or if the vehicle to be removed is an abandoned motor vehicle, notice shall be given by affixing on the windshield or some other conspicuous place on the vehicle a notice indicating that the vehicle will be removed by the town on a specific date (no sooner than 7 days after the notice is affixed).
(6) The notice shall state that the vehicle will be removed by the town on the specified date, no sooner than 7 days after the notice is affixed or mailed, unless the vehicle is moved by the owner or legal possessor prior to that time.
(B) Appeals.
(1) The registered owner or person entitled to possessing a vehicle which has been determined to be an abandoned vehicle on private property, nuisance vehicle or junked motor vehicle who has received a notice pursuant to division (A) above that the vehicle will be removed may appeal the determination.
(2) In the case of notice for removal of a junked motor vehicle where the determination has been made that the aesthetic benefits of removing the vehicle outweigh the burdens on the private property owner, in accordance with § 92.06(A) through (C) above, the registered owner or person entitled to possession of the junked motor vehicle may appeal that determination.
(3) Any appeal shall be made within 10 days upon receipt of the notice for removal of the vehicle as provided in division (A) above.
(4) All appeals shall be made to the Town Council in writing.
(5) Appeals held pursuant to this section shall be conducted by the Town Council within 45 days after the receipt of a request for a hearing, and further proceedings to remove the vehicle shall be stayed until the appeal is heard and decided.
(Ord. 04-06, passed 4-7-2004)