(a) As used in this section 'junk motor vehicle” means any motor vehicle which is three years old or older and extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission; apparently inoperable. As used in this section “motor vehicle” shall have the same meaning as in Ohio R.C. 4501.01.
(b) No person shall, on any public or private property, store, place or allow to remain a junk motor vehicle, automobile parts, a motor vehicle in an inoperable condition, a motor vehicle unfit for use as motor vehicle, or any motor vehicle not having proper current year license plates displayed, whether such condition is temporary or permanent, unless such parts or vehicles are kept within a completely enclosed building or garage.
(c) The Chief of Police may send notice and/or citation(s), by personal service or certified mail with return receipt requested, to the person having the right to possession of the property upon which a junk motor vehicle, inoperable motor vehicle, unsafe motor vehicle, or automobile parts are left that, within ten days of the receipt of the notice, the junk, inoperable or unsafe motor vehicle or vehicle parts either shall be housed within a completely enclosed building or garage, or shall be removed from the property. After issuance of notice and/or citation, the Chief of Police, at his discretion may cause the junk motor vehicle to be towed at the expense of the person having the right to possession of the property.
(d) No person shall willfully fail to house in a completely enclosed building or garage, or to remove from the property, a junk, inoperable or unsafe motor vehicle or automobile parts after having received notice as provided in this section. The fact that a junk, unsafe or inoperable motor vehicle or automobile parts are so left is prima facie evidence of willful failure to comply with the notice, and any subsequent period of ten days that a junk, inoperable or unsafe motor vehicle or automobile parts continue to be so left constitutes a separate offense. After notice is received of a violation of this section, if the violation continues for an additional ten days, the Chief of Police may have the junk motor vehicle towed at the property owner’s expense.
(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense; on a second offense such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree; on each subsequent offense such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(f) This section shall not apply to motor vehicles sales lots or repair facilities as permitted under the Zoning Code.
(Ord. 99-017. Passed 8-17-99; Ord. 07-016. Passed 9-4-07; Ord. 16-018. Passed 6-21-16.)