(A) Open storage unlawful. It is hereby declared unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to store on, or place on, or permit to be stored on or placed on, or allow to remain on any platted or unplatted parcel of land, a dismantled, partially dismantled, abandoned or inoperable motor vehicle, or any parts thereof, which platted or unplatted parcel of land is located in the village, unless the dismantled or inoperable motor vehicle or parts thereof shall be kept in a wholly enclosed garage or other wholly enclosed structure.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED VEHICLES. Shall include, without limitation, any motor vehicle which has remained on private property for a period of 48 continuous hours or more, without the consent of the owner or occupant of the property, or for a period of 48 continuous hours after the consent of the owner or occupant of the property has been revoked.
DISMANTLED AND PARTIALLY DISMANTLED MOTOR VEHICLES. Motor vehicles from which some part or parts which ordinarily are a component of such motor vehicles have been removed or are missing.
INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLES. Motor vehicles which, by reason of dismantling, disrepair or other cause, are presently incapable of being propelled under their own power and shall include, without limitation, any vehicle which is not licensed for use upon the highways of the state for a period in excess of 30 days, and shall also include, whether licensed or not, any motor vehicle which is inoperative for any reason for a period in excess of 30 days. Provided, there is excepted from this definition unlicensed but fully operative vehicles which are kept as the stock and trade of a regularly licensed and established new or used automobile dealer. Provided further, the time limit such vehicles may remain upon the premises of a motor vehicle repair garage shall be a period of 90 days rather than 30 days.
MOTOR VEHICLES. Any wheeled vehicles which are self-propelled or intended to be self-propelled.
PARTS OF MOTOR VEHICLES. Any commonly known parts of motor vehicles stored in or upon premises.
PERSON. Shall include all natural persons, firms, co-partnerships, corporations and all associations of natural persons incorporated or unincorporated, whether acting by themselves or by a servant, agent, or employee. All persons who violate any provision of this section, whether as owner, occupant, lessee, agent, servant, or employee, shall except as herein otherwise provided be equally responsible as principals.
(C) Cause of blight. It is hereby determined that the storage or accumulation of dismantled, partially dismantled or inoperable motor vehicles within the village tends to result in blighted and deteriorated neighborhoods, the spread of vermin and disease, the increase in criminal activity and therefore is contrary to the public peace, safety and the general welfare of the community.
(D) Abatement. The Supervisor of the Department of Public Works may remove, or cause to be removed, any dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperable or abandoned vehicle, or parts thereof, from any platted or unplatted parcel of land within the village after having notified, in writing, the owner or occupant of such property of the intention to do so at least 48 hours prior to the physical removal. Such notice shall be served personally upon the owner or occupant of such property, or may be posted in a conspicuous place upon vacant or unoccupied property. Such dismantled, partially dismantled, and inoperable or abandoned vehicles or parts thereof shall be removed and disposed of in accordance with the law. Such removal by the designated enforcement official herein shall not excuse or relieve any person from the obligations imposed by this section to keep property free from the storage and accumulation of dismantled, partially dismantled, inoperable or abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, nor from the penalties set forth herein.
(Ord. 8, passed 9-14-81) Penalty, see § 10.99
Statutory reference:
Abandoned vehicle regulations, see M.C.L.A. §§ 257.252a et seq.