For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED. When used in conjunction with the term VEHICLE:
(1) Any vehicle or parts located on public property illegally or which does not lawfully display thereon a valid license plate allowing its operation upon the highways of the state;
(2) Any vehicle which is parked or located on public property continuously without being moved for a period of 24 hours, except next to the primary residence of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the owner or occupant of such residence;
(3) Any vehicle or parts located on public property in a manner as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a public right-of-way;
(4) A vehicle or parts which has remained on private property without the consent of the owner for more than 48 hours;
(5) A vehicle, or parts, which is partially dismantled, mechanically inoperable, or does not display thereon a valid license plate permitting its operation on the highways of the state, and left on private property outside a permanent structure or fencing in a manner as renders it visible from public property for a period of 20 days (a vehicle or parts covered with a tarpaulin, or plastic, vinyl, rubber or textile covering is considered visible); and/or
(6) A vehicle or parts from which the engine, transmission or differential has been removed, or that is otherwise partially dismantled or inoperable and left on public property.
BUREAU. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the state.
DISPOSAL AGENT. Any firm or individual engaged in the business of converting vehicles and parts of vehicles into scrap metal or dismantling vehicles for the benefit of their reusable component parts.
OFFICER. Any duly sworn law enforcement officer with jurisdiction within the corporate limits of the city, which shall include, but is not limited to members of the City Police Department or the Code Enforcement Officer.
OWNER. The last known record title holder to a vehicle according to the records of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles of the state.
PARTS. All components of a vehicle that, as assembled, do not constitute a complete vehicle.
PERSON. All natural persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, associations and organizations.
PRIVATE PROPERTY. All privately-owned property which is not classified within the definition of public property.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Any public right-of-way, street, highway, alley, park or other state, county or municipally-owned property.
VEHICLE. Any motor vehicle, automobile, motorcycle, truck, trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor, bus, school bus, house car or motor bicycle.
(`90 Code, § 9.38.010) (Ord. 94-14, passed 5-3-1994; Am. Ord. 2022-30, passed 8-9-2022)