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Pismo Beach, CA Municipal Code
Chapter 10.16 ABANDONED VEHICLES
10.16.010 Nuisance declared.
   The presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or parts thereof, on private or public property not including highways, except as expressly permitted in this chapter, is declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (Prior code § 8.28.010)
10.16.020 Hazard declared.
   The presence of an abandoned, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or parts thereof, on private or public property, which is determined by the fire chief or his representative to constitute an immediate, life-endangering threat to the public health and safety, may be removed to an appropriate location immediately and without the notification procedures described herein. The owner of any such vehicle shall be responsible for any and all costs of towing, storage, and other charges connected therewith. (Uniform Fire Code Section 10.101.) (Prior code § 8.28.015)
10.16.030 Definitions.
   For purposes of this chapter the words and phrases defined in this section shall mean as follows:
   "Highway" means a way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Highway includes street.
   "Owner of the land" means the owner of the land on which the vehicle, or parts thereof, is located, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll.
   "Owner of the vehicle" means the last registered owners and legal owner of record.
   "Public property" does not include highway.
   "Vehicle" means a device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway, except a device moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. (Prior code § 8.28.020)
10.16.040 Exemptions.
   A.   This chapter does not apply to:
   1.   A vehicle, or parts thereof, which is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property; or
   2.   A vehicle, or parts thereof, which is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, a junk dealer, or when such storage or parking is necessary to the operation of a lawfully conducted business or commercial enterprise.
   B.   Nothing in this section shall authorize the maintenance of a public or private nuisance as defined under provisions of law other than Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 22650) of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code and this chapter. (Prior code § 8.28.030)
10.16.050 Supplemental regulations.
   This chapter is not the exclusive regulation of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles within the city. It shall supplement and be in addition to other regulatory codes, statutes, and ordinances heretofore or hereafter enacted by the city or any other legal entity or agency having jurisdiction. (Prior code § 8.28.040)
10.16.060 Enforcement authority.
   Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the city's chief of police. In the enforcement of this chapter such officer and his deputies may enter upon private or public property to examine a vehicle or parts thereof, or obtain information as to the identity of a vehicle and to remove or cause the removal of a vehicle or parts thereof declared to be a nuisance pursuant to this chapter. (Prior code § 8.28.050)
10.16.070 Contract or franchise for vehicle removal—Authority.
   When the council has contracted with or granted a franchise to any person or persons, such person or persons shall be authorized to enter upon private property to remove or cause the removal of a vehicle or parts thereof declared to be a nuisance pursuant to this chapter. (Prior code § 8.28.060)
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