(a) It shall be unlawful to anchor, moor or ground any derelict vessel on the public land or waters of the town, or waters adjoining private property. Indicators that a vessel is derelict include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) Improper, non-working, or no anchor light, which is a hazard to navigation, when combined with an owner/operator who is not tending to the vessel;
(2) Vessel is neglected, substantially dismantled, improperly maintained, or is not able to be used for navigation as intended;
(3) Vessel does not comply with current registration requirements, when combined with an owner/operator who is not tending to the vessel;
(4) Vessel is barnacle-laden;
(5) Vessel interior is exposed to the elements (rain, waves, and the like);
(6) Vessel is listing;
(7) Vessel is aground;
(8) Vessel is in danger or breaking its mooring; or
(9) Vessel is sinking.
(b) Upon identifying a derelict vessel, the Police Chief shall post a notice on board the vessel and shall attempt to notify the owner by certified mail or personal delivery of notice. The notice shall:
(1) Describe the vessel and location of the vessel, however the notice posted aboard the vessel need not include description and location;
(2) Identify the condition(s) identified that must be corrected;
(3) Inform the owner that a written plan for correcting identified conditions, or removal of the vessel and restoration of the affected surrounding environmental area, must be submitted within ten days of the date the notice is served;
(4) Inform the owner that the identified conditions must be corrected, or the vessel must be removed from the waters or public lands and the affected surrounding environmental area restored, within 30 days of the date the notice posted aboard the vessel;
(5) Inform the owner that failure to meet either the ten-day or 30-day deadlines will result in the vessel being deemed abandoned, subject the owner to civil/criminal penalties, and that all costs associated with removal and disposition of the vessel and restoration of the affected surrounding environmental areas will be the responsibility of the owner.
(c) Failure of the owner to correct the dangerous condition, or remove the vessel from the waters of the jurisdictional boundaries of the town within 30 days, after notice, shall cause the vessel to be defined as an abandoned vessel, and disposed of pursuant to § 12-62.
(Ord. passed 1-3-2024)