(A) An officer who finds a vehicle or parts believed to be abandoned shall attach in a prominent place a notice tag containing the following information:
(1) The date, time, officer’s name, public agency, and address and telephone number to contact for information;
(2) The vehicle or parts are considered abandoned;
(3) The vehicle or parts will be removed after 72 hours or, if the vehicle fits in § 93.02, after 20 days;
(4) The owner will be held responsible for all costs incidental to the removal, storage, and disposal, and if not paid the owner’s registration privileges will be suspended on that car; and
(5) The owner may avoid costs by removal of the vehicle or parts within 96 hours, or within 20 days if the vehicle fits in § 93.02.
(B) If the tagged vehicle or parts are not removed within that 72-hour period or the 20-day period, if applicable, the officer or his or her designee under the supervision of the officer may prepare a citation as specified herein or take action for the removal of the vehicle or parts as specified in § 93.02.
(C) The officer may cause a citation for violation of a county ordinance to be issued to the offending property owner. The court may order the county to remove the vehicle and parts or may impose an injunction upon the owner of the property. Each day a violation continues after an action has been commenced shall constitute a separate ordinance violation. No additional notice under this subchapter shall be required to initiate these separate actions once an action has been commenced against the person violating this subchapter.
(D) If the officer is causing removal, he or she or his or her designee shall prepare a written abandoned vehicle report of the vehicle or parts, including information on the condition, missing parts and other facts that might substantiate that the market value is less than $500. Photographs shall be taken to describe the condition of the vehicle or parts.
(E) If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of the abandoned vehicle or parts is less than $500, the officer, or his or her designee under the supervision of the officer, shall immediately dispose of the vehicle to an automobile scrapyard. A copy of the abandoned vehicle report and photographs relating to the abandoned vehicle shall be forwarded to the Bureau. The public agency shall retain the original records and photographs for at least two years.
(F) If, in the opinion of the officer, the market value of the abandoned vehicle or parts is $500 or more, the officer, before placing a notice tag on the vehicle or parts, shall make a reasonable effort to ascertain the owner or person who may be in control of the vehicle or parts. After 96 hours, the officer shall require the vehicle or parts to be towed to a storage area.
(Ord. 24-2021, passed 12-28-2021)