(a) No person shall store or permit to be stored, for a period longer than 72 hours on any lot of land situated within the boundaries of any residential district, or any district where such use is not specifically permitted by the Zoning Code of the City, any unlicensed or disabled vehicle or vehicle parts unless the same is in a completely enclosed building or garage. The 72 hours shall begin on the date and time the person has been notified in writing, either in person or by posting a notice on the vehicle, by the Building Commissioner or his or her agent, that such vehicle is being stored in violation.
(b) The Building Commissioner, or his or her agent, shall serve notice, by certified mail with return receipt requested, personal delivery, or by posting such notice upon a conspicuous location at the property, to the person having right to the possession of the property on which an unlicensed or disabled vehicle or vehicle parts are stored, stating that within 72 hours of receipt of the notice, the vehicle or vehicle parts shall either by placed in an enclosed building or garage, or removed from the property.
(c) No person shall leave an unlicensed or disabled vehicle or farm machinery or vehicle parts as defined in subsection (a) hereof for a period longer than 72 hours after receipt of a notice as provided in subsection (b) hereof. The fact that the vehicle or vehicle parts are so left is prima facie evidence of wilful failure to comply with this notice, and each subsequent period of 24 hours of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense.
(d) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) “Disabled” means any vehicle that is apparently inoperable, or extensively damaged, such damage shall include but is not limited to, any of the following:
A. Missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission, operable battery, alternator, radiator, or differential; or
B. Is in such condition as to make it a violation to operate on public streets or highways within the State of Ohio.
(2) “Unlicensed” means any motor vehicle which does not properly display a currently valid vehicle license or registration from an appropriate state agency.
(3) “Vehicle” shall have the same definition as Ohio R.C. 4501(a) and shall include, but is not limited to, any motor vehicle, semi-tractor, trailer, semi- trailer, recreational vehicle, camping trailer, motor home, or farm machinery.
(4) “Vehicle parts” means any automotive parts or farm machinery parts that have been removed, or can be used in the repair or maintenance of a vehicle or a piece of farm machinery, including, but not limited to, engines, transmissions, axles, radiators, wheels, tires, doors, seats, hoods, fenders, bumpers, frames or bodies.
(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense within a one year period from the first offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense within a one year period from the first offense, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(Ord. 2005-4. Passed 8-8-05.)