(A) The city may have vehicles removed under this chapter by private towing operators. Any abandoned, junked or nuisance vehicle which has been ordered removed may be removed to a storage area by the tow truck operator or towing business contracting to perform such services for the city.
(B) (1) Whenever a vehicle with a valid registration plate or registration is removed, the authorizing official shall immediately notify the last known registered owner of the vehicle, such notice to include the following:
(a) The description of the removed vehicle;
(b) The location where the vehicle is stored;
(c) The violation with which the owner is charged, if any;
(d) The procedure which the owner must follow to redeem the vehicle; and
(e) The procedure to be followed to request a probable cause hearing.
(2) If the vehicle is registered in the state, notice shall be given within 24 hours from removal of the vehicle. Otherwise, notice shall be given to the registered owner within 72 hours from removal of the vehicle. Notice shall be sent to the owner at his or her last known address of the registered owner unless he or she, or his or her agent, waives this notice in writing.
(C) Whenever an abandoned, junked or nuisance vehicle is removed and such vehicle has no valid registration or registration plate, the authorizing official shall make reasonable efforts, including checking the vehicle identification number to determine the last known registered owner and to notify the owner of the information listed in division (B) above. If the last known registered owner cannot be determined, the notice posted on the vehicle as required in § 75.07(A) shall be deemed reasonable efforts to determine the last known owner.
(Code 2019, § 13-64) (Ord. passed 10-10-2011)