As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
A. "Abandoned Vehicle". A vehicle is considered to be abandoned if it is left on a highway, public property, or private property, in such inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all further rights or interests in it may be reasonably concluded.
(1) In reaching such a reasonable conclusion the following will be considered:
(a) The amount of time the vehicle has been there without being moved
(b) The condition of the vehicle
(c) Statements from the owner and/or witnesses if available
(2) In reference to highways or public rights-of-way, abandonment is presumed to have occurred if a vehicle is parked, resting, or otherwise immobilized on any highway or public right-of-way and lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highway in this state. Such vehicles are presumed to be a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare and may be removed immediately upon discovery by a peace officer or other designated employee of the state, county, or city.
B. "City Administrator." The City Administrator of the City of Gridley.
C. "Dismantled Vehicle." Any vehicle that is partially or wholly disassembled.
D. "Highway.” A way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Highway includes street.
E. "Inoperative Vehicle." Any motor vehicle that cannot be moved under its own power.
F. "Owner of the Land." The owner of the land on which the vehicle, or parts thereof, is located, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.
G. "Owner of the vehicle." The last registered owner and legal owner of record.
H. "Private Property." Property that is owned by an individual, corporation, partnership or other entity, excluding public entities. Property of a specific, fixed and tangible nature, capable of being in possession and transmitted to another, such as houses, lands, vehicles, etc.
I. "Public Nuisance Vehicle." Any vehicle that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative, or parts thereof that is or are on public or private property, including highways; and that creates a condition tending: to reduce the value of private and or public property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, to create a harborage for rodents and insects, or to be injurious to the health, safety and general welfare.
J. "Public Property." This term means a designation of those things which are considered as being owned by "the public," the entire state or community, and not restricted to dominion of a private person or entity. It may also apply to any property owned by the state, nation, county, municipality, or other public entity. Public Property includes highways, roadways, roads and streets.
K. "Vehicle." A device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved or drawn upon a highway, except a device moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
L. "Vehicle Abatement Officer." The City Administrator or his or her designee.
M. "Wrecked Vehicle." Any vehicle that is damaged to such an extent that it cannot be operated upon the highway is termed a wrecked vehicle. A vehicle which has been wrecked in a traffic accident, and which has been removed from the roadway to a storage facility, but which has not been claimed by its owner will not be considered an abandoned vehicle for the purposes of this program.
(1) A vehicle which has been wrecked in a traffic accident, and which has been removed from the roadway to a storage facility, but which has not been claimed by its owner will not be considered an abandoned vehicle for the purposes of this program.
(Ord. 716-2002 § I(part)).