(a) It shall be unlawful to abandon a vessel on public land, submerged land, or waters of the town, or waters adjoining private property. This section does not apply to persons who abandon a vessel in an emergency for the safety of the persons onboard; however, after the emergency is over, the owner and operator of the abandoned vessel shall notify the Police Department or the United States Coast Guard and must remove the vessel within ten days.
(b) Upon identifying an abandoned 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.
(1) Describe the vessel and location of the vessel, however the notice posted aboard the vessel need not include description and location;
(2) Inform the owner that the vessel must be removed from the waters or public lands and the affected surrounding environmental area restored, and/or claimed upon payment of all fines and fees, within 30 days of the date the notice is posted aboard the vessel;
(3) Inform the owner that failure to meet the ten-day deadline will result in the vessel being deemed abandoned, subject the owner to civil/criminal penalties, and that all costs associated with publication of notice, removal and disposition of the vessel and restoration of the affected surrounding environmental areas will be the responsibility of the owner.
(c) Any abandoned vessel located on or below any navigable waters, or beached, or grounded adjacent thereto may be removed or relocated and impounded by the Police Chief.
(d) The owner shall be responsible for all costs of towing, relocation, removal and storage of the vessel, and restoration of the area surrounding the vessel, including costs owed to a third party, and costs incurred by the town or the Police Department. Any vessel towed, removed, relocated or impounded shall be subject to a lien pursuant to G.S. § 44A.
(Ord. passed 1-3-2024)