For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“ABANDONED VEHICLE.”
(1) A vehicle located on public property illegally with or without current license plates.
(2) A vehicle left on public property continuously without being moved for three days.
(3) A vehicle that has remained on private property without the consent of the owner or person in control of that property for more than 48 hours.
(4) A vehicle from which there has been removed the engine, transmission, or differential or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property.
(5) A vehicle that has been removed by an authorized towing service upon request of an officer enforcing a statute or ordinance other than this chapter if the vehicle once impounded is not claimed or redeemed by the owner or his or her agent within 15 days of its removal.
(6) A vehicle that is three or more model years old; and/or mechanically inoperable; and/or unlicensed; and is left on private property continuously in a location visible from public property for more than 20 days.
“AUTHORIZED TOWING SERVICE.” A business that engages in moving or removing disabled vehicles, and, once removed, to store or impound vehicles.
“AUTOMOBILE SCRAPYARD.” A business organized for the purpose of scrap metal processing, automobile wrecking, or operating a junkyard.
“BUREAU.” The Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
“ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.” A code enforcement officer of the city.
“INOPERABLE VEHICLE.” Any vehicle typically powered by an engine that is partially dismantled, mechanically inoperable, or unsafe to drive. An “INOPERABLE VEHICLE” may include, but is not limited to, vehicles with missing wheels and/or flat tires, or significant collision damage that would render the vehicle unsafe to drive.
“OFFICER.” A member of the Police Department.
“OWNER.” The last known record titleholder of a vehicle according to the records of the Bureau under IC 9-22-1 et seq.
“PARTS.” All components of a vehicle that as assembled do not constitute a complete vehicle.
“PRIVATE PROPERTY.” All property other than public property.
“PUBLIC PROPERTY.” A public right-of-way, street, highway, alley, park, or other state, county, or municipal property.
“UNLICENSED VEHICLE.” Any vehicle that is not currently registered and does not have a license plate displaying the current registration sticker on the vehicle in a manner described in IC 9-18.1 et seq.
“VEHICLE.” An automobile, motorcycle, scooter, truck, trailer, semi-trailer, tractor, bus, school bus, recreational vehicle, or motor home.
(Ord. 1982-9, passed 7-6-82; Am. Ord. 2005-4, passed 6-6-05; Am. Ord. 2019-12, passed 6-2-19)