A. Junk Vehicle Abatement:
1. Upon a determination by the city that a vehicle constitutes a public nuisance or junk vehicle pursuant to section 6-3-2 of this chapter, the city shall issue a notice to the last registered vehicle owner of record and the property owner of record that a violation of city ordinance has occurred and an abatement will be commenced. The notice shall provide that a hearing may be requested but if no such hearing is requested, the vehicle will be promptly removed.
2. The property and vehicle owner shall be given fourteen (14) days from the date the notice is mailed to request a hearing. Upon receipt of such a request, the city shall provide a notice stating the time, location and date of the hearing on the question of abatement and removal of the vehicle, or part thereof, as a public nuisance. The city shall mail this notice, by certified mail, with five (5) day return receipt requested, to the owner of land as shown on the last equalized assessment role and to the last registered and legal vehicle owner of record unless the vehicle is in such a condition that identification numbers are not visible.
3. The notice shall contain a statement that the owner of land on which the vehicle is located may appear in person at a hearing conducted by the chief of police or present a written statement for consideration. The owner may deny responsibility for the presence of the vehicle and state the reasons for such denial. If it is determined at the hearing that the vehicle was placed on the property without consent of the property owner, and that there has been no acquiescence by the property owner, then the city shall not assess costs of administration or nuisance abatement against the property where the vehicle was located.
4. Following notice by the city and a hearing, the vehicle shall be removed under the order of the chief of police with notice provided to the Washington state patrol and the department of licensing that the vehicle has been wrecked. Upon removal, the city may dispose of the vehicle or parts as scrap upon terms which are reasonable and just.
B. Cost Of Abatement: The city's reasonable cost for abatement, except as described above, shall become a charge against the vehicle owner and property owner and shall be recovered by the city. (Ord. 109, 1-4-2003)