For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED VEHICLE. Includes the following:
(1)
ABANDONED VEHICLE. A vehicle is “abandoned” if it is left on a highway, public property, or private property in such inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all further rights or interests in it may be reasonably concluded. In reference to highways, “abandonment” is presumed to have occurred if a vehicle is left 72 hours or more on the highway, or is parked, resting or otherwise immobilized on any highway or public right-of-way; and lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highway. Such vehicles are presumed to be a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare and may be removed immediately upon discovery by a peace officer or other designated employee.
(2)
DISMANTLED VEHICLE. Any vehicle that is partially or wholly disassembled.
(3)
INOPERATIVE VEHICLE. Any motor vehicle that cannot be moved under its own power.
(4)
PUBLIC NUISANCE VEHICLE. Any vehicle or parts thereof, that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative, that is left that creates a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, promotes blight and deterioration, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, constitutes an attractive nuisance endangering the health and safety of minors, harbors rodents and insects, or jeopardizes health, safety and general welfare.
(5)
WRECKED VEHICLE. Any vehicle that is damaged to such an extent that it cannot be operated upon the highway. A vehicle which has been wrecked in a traffic accident, and which has been removed from the roadway to a storage facility, but which has not been claimed by its owner will not be considered an abandoned vehicle.
EMPLOYEE. A city employee designated by the Director of Public Works.
HIGHWAY. A way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic. Highway includes a street, and all or any part of the entire width of the right-of-way of said highway.
PEACE OFFICER. An individual as defined in Cal. Penal Code §§ 830 et seq.
VEHICLE. A device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be propelled, moved or drawn upon a highway, excepting a device moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
(Ord. 99-05, passed 5-10-99)