(a) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
(1) "Storage" means the outdoor storage of an unlicensed or junk motor vehicle upon any private lot or parcel of property for a continuous period of five days or over during which time the vehicle is not in use.
(2) "Unlicensed vehicle" means a motor vehicle that does not display a valid registration.
(3) "Junk motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle meeting all of the following requirements:
A. Three years old or older;
B. Extensively damaged, such damage including, but not limited to any of the following:
1. Missing wheel;
2. Missing tire;
3. Missing motor;
4. Missing transmission; and
C. Apparently inoperable.
(4) "Private property" means any real property within the City which is privately owned.
(5) "Vehicle and motor vehicle" are used synonymously; however, their respective meaning is the same as in Ohio R.C. 4511.0l(A) and (B).
(b) Storing Unlicensed or Junk Motor Vehicles. No person shall store or permit to be stored for a period of more than five days an unlicensed or junk motor vehicle or any part or parts thereof, upon any private property other than that of a junk dealer, a licensed automobile dealer, commercial garage or repair shop, operated in a lawful manner unless it shall be in a completely enclosed building or garage. The Police Department is authorized to serve notice on property owners or persons in possession of such private property upon which an unlicensed or junk motor vehicle, or any part or parts thereof, is stored. Such period of five days shall commence to run the next day following the service of such notice. Any person who is the owner or in charge or possession of such private property on which such unlicensed or junk motor vehicle or part or parts thereof, are stored outside, and who fails to remove the same after notice as aforesaid shall, upon conviction therefore, be guilty of a minor misdemeanor. Each day's continuance of the violation shall constitute a separate offense.
If no person in charge or control of any such property can be found, notice may be published once in a newspaper for general circulation. Such vehicle shall be removed within five days after such publication.
(c) Impoundment of Unlicensed or Junk Vehicle. After the five days notice by written warning has expired and a summons issued or after the five day notice by newspaper publication has expired, the Chief of Police or any member of his Department designated by him, is authorized to remove or have removed any vehicle left on such private property within the City which is a violation of this section. Such vehicle shall be impounded and disposed of pursuant to the procedures contained in Ohio R.C. 4513.61 and 4513.62, for notice to the owner of the vehicle and/or lienholder, reclaiming of the vehicle by the owner or lienholder and disposition of the vehicle.
(Ord. 7-06. Passed 2-20-06.)
(Ord. 7-06. Passed 2-20-06.)