(A) In order to tow a vehicle from private property, the police shall apply to the circuit court for a determination that a vehicle has been abandoned or is inoperative and request the circuit court to issue a warrant to remove the vehicle. The police may also request a warrant to remove a vehicle from public property in lieu of making the determination to tow themselves.
(B) The proceeding held pursuant to subsection (A) shall be an in rem proceeding against the vehicle.
(C) The application to the court shall be verified and shall state facts sufficient to allow the court to make a determination that there is probable cause to consider the vehicle abandoned or inoperative, and that the vehicle is parked in violation of this chapter.
(D) In the proceedings under this section, the sole question before the court shall be whether there is probable cause to believe the vehicle is abandoned or inoperable and whether the vehicle is parked in violation of this chapter.
(E) If the court enters an order finding that there is probable cause to believe the vehicle is abandoned or inoperable and that this chapter is being violated, a warrant to remove the vehicle shall issue and the police shall thereafter proceed in accordance with this chapter as regards towing. (Ord. 17-18, 10-2-2017)