(A) As soon as possible after taking an abandoned motor vehicle into custody, the authorized county official or her designee shall initiate a search for the owner or any secured parties with respect to the abandoned motor vehicle in compliance with the procedures of Va. Code § 46.2-1200 et seq. and shall work in accordance with those procedures to dispose of the vehicle.
(B) The following notice must be provided for all other impounded motor vehicles:
(1) The authorized county official directing the removal of any vehicle under this chapter, shall, within 15 days of the impoundment of the motor
vehicle, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, provide notice to the owner of record of the impounded vehicle, as shown in records maintained by the Department; provided, that the vehicle has not already been released from the impoundment facility. The notice shall state the following:
(a) The year, make, model and registration number of the motor vehicle;
(b) The address where the vehicle is being held; and
(c) That the owner and any person having a security interest in the vehicle may reclaim the vehicle within 15 days from the date of the notice, after payment of all towing and storage charges resulting from the removal and storage of the vehicle.
(2) If the owner fails or refuses to pay the cost or if his identity or whereabouts is unknown and unascertainable after a diligent search has been made, and after notice to him at his last known address and to the holder of any lien of record with the Department against the motor vehicle, the vehicle shall be considered an abandoned motor vehicle and the provisions of division (A) above apply.
(Ord. passed 11-19-2013)