(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
(1) INOPERABLE VEHICLE. Any vehicle from which, for a period of at least seven days the engine, wheels, or other parts have been removed, or on which the engine, wheels, or other parts have
been altered, damaged, or otherwise so treated that the vehicle is incapable of being driven under its own power or is incapable of being moved by another vehicle designed to move it, this includes vehicles that are propped up such that the wheels cannot be used to move the vehicle. An
INOPERABLE VEHICLE also means a motor vehicle which is not permitted to be operated on a public road because of an expired state license plate. However, nothing in this section shall apply to any motor vehicle that is kept within a building when not in use, to operable historic vehicles over 25 years of age, or to a motor vehicle on the premises of a place of business engaged in the wrecking or junking of motor vehicles as permitted to do so under the zoning ordinances.
(2) OPEN PRIVATE LAND. Refers to an area of land not enclosed by an accessory building, such as a garage, or other completely enclosed building authorized to be used for such storage purposes.
(B) It shall be unlawful and considered to be establishing or maintaining a nuisance to park or store upon open private or public land any inoperable, stripped, or junked vehicle, or relic, vintage, or antique vehicle which is not regularly used for transportation, or any other machinery, trailers, boats, implements, or equipment which is inoperable, stripped, or junked, except as is permitted by the city, as in the case of a licensed junkyard.
(C) It shall be unlawful and considered to be establishing or maintaining a nuisance to allow the attached parts, apparatus, tools, material, fuel, containers, or refuse from the items specified in division (B) to remain upon or to be strewn upon open private land.
(D) The Chief of Police shall cause the owners of inoperable vehicles, whether on public or private property, and in view of the general public for seven days to be given a notice stating that such person is to dispose of the inoperable motor vehicle within seven days. Failure to comply with such notice will subject the owner of the inoperable motor vehicle to the penalties of this chapter. In addition, any such vehicle not removed seven days after the issuance of the municipal notice will be removed by the city or an agency or business hired by the city to remove such a vehicle.
('71 Code, § 8-1-20(A)-(C)) (Ord. 2514, passed 5-27-85; Am. Ord. 2733, passed 7-23-90; Am. Ord. 2837, passed 7-12-93)