For purposes of this chapter, certain terms, phrases, and words, and their derivatives, shall have specific meanings, as defined in this section. Terms, phrases, and words used in the singular shall also apply to the plural; terms, phrases, and words used in the plural shall also apply to the singular.
APPARENTLY INOPERABLE:
A. That the vehicle does not appear to comply with requirements for safe and legal operation on public streets or highways with regard to licensing, brakes, lights, tires, safety glass, or other safety equipment; or
B. A vehicle that has been determined by the Pierce County health department to be unfit for use due to contamination from methamphetamine or other substances, which are harmful to human health or the environment; or
C. Other circumstances or conditions that are evidence that the vehicle is not currently operable, including, but not limited to, a vehicle having its passenger compartment filled with trash or debris, vegetation growing inside, around, or on the vehicle, or other evidence that the vehicle has not been moved for an extended period of time.
EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED: Such damage including, but not limited to, any of the following: a broken window or windshield or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission.
HEARING OFFICER: The city administrator, or his or her designated representative.
LANDOWNER: The owner of the property, as shown in the records of the Pierce County assessor.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: For purposes of this chapter, any commissioned police officer and any person holding a limited commission to enforce this chapter or chapter 46.55 Revised Code Of Washington.
PUBLIC NUISANCE VEHICLE: A vehicle, or the parts of a vehicle, which meets three (3) of the following criteria:
A. Is extensively damaged;
B. Is apparently inoperable;
C. Is three (3) years old or older; and
D. Has an approximate fair market value equal to the scrap value;
provided, that the following shall be exempt from the foregoing definition:
A. The vehicle, or parts thereof, is completely enclosed within a building; or
B. The vehicle, or parts thereof, is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the legal business of a licensed dismantler; motor vehicle wrecker; licensed vehicle dealer; junk, salvage, or wrecking yard; provided, that the business is in compliance with the provisions of this code and the property is fenced, as required by Revised Code Of Washington 46.80.130.
PUBLIC OFFICIAL: Any official designated by the city administrator, or his or her designee, authorized to enforce this chapter, including, but not limited to, officials of the police department, fire department, public works department, finance department, or the code enforcement office charged with the enforcement of a particular portion of this chapter.
VEHICLE: Shall include, but not be limited to, automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, buses, motorized recreational vehicles, campers, travel trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, or other similar devices capable of moving or being moved on the public right of way, and shall also include parts of vehicles. (Ord. 2017-1004, 2-8-2017)