(A) An administrative penalty imposed pursuant to this chapter shall constitute a debt due and owing the city which may be enforced in any manner provided by law.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a motor vehicle impounded pursuant to this chapter shall remain impounded until:
(1) The administrative penalty is paid in full to the city, and all applicable towing and storage fees are paid to the towing agent, in which case the owner of record shall be given possession of the motor vehicle;
(2) A cash bond in the amount of $500 is posted with the City Comptroller or Police Department, and all applicable towing and storage fees are paid to the towing agent, at which time the motor vehicle shall be released to the of owner or record; or
(3) The motor vehicle is sold or otherwise disposed of to satisfy a judgment or enforce a lien as provided by law.
(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, whenever a person with a lien or record against a motor vehicle impounded under this chapter has commenced foreclosure proceedings, possession of the motor vehicle shall be given to that person if he or she pays the applicable towing and storage fees and agrees in writing to refund to the city the net proceeds of any foreclosure sale, less any amounts necessary to pay all lien holders of record, for the total amount of administrative penalties imposed under this chapter.
(D) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no vehicle that was seized and impounded pursuant to state or federal drug asset forfeiture laws shall be returned to the owner of record unless and until the city has received notice from the appropriate state, or where applicable, federal officials that:
(1) Forfeiture proceedings will not be instituted; or
(2) Forfeiture proceedings have concluded and there is a settlement or a court order providing that the vehicle shall be returned to the owner of record.
(Ord. 09-29, passed 8-10-09; Am. Ord. 16-11, passed 6-14-16; Am. Ord. 17-44, passed 11-14-17)