§ 98.04 ABANDONED JUNK MOTOR VEHICLE.

   (A)   For the purpose of this section, ABANDONED JUNK MOTOR VEHICLE shall mean any motor vehicle meeting all of the following requirements:

      (1)   Left on private property for more than 72 hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property, on a public street or other property open to the public for purposes of vehicular travel or parking, or on or within the right-of-way of any road or highway, for 48 hours or longer;

      (2)   Three years old, or older;

      (3)   Extensively damaged, such damage including, but not limited to any of the following:  missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;

      (4)   Apparently inoperable and/or unlicensed.

   (B)   (1)   The Chief of Police shall order any abandoned junk motor vehicle to be photographed by a law enforcement officer in the place where abandoned.  The officer shall record the make of motor vehicle, the serial number when available, and shall detail the damage or missing equipment.

      (2)   The Chief of Police shall thereupon immediately dispose of the abandoned junk motor vehicle to a junk yard or scrap metal processing facility as defined in R.C. § 4737.05, or to any facility owned by or under contract with the municipality for the disposal of such motor vehicles.  The records and photograph relating to the abandoned junk motor vehicle shall be retained for a period of at least 2 years.  The Police Department shall execute in quadruplicate an affidavit, as prescribed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, describing the motor vehicle and the manner in which it was disposed of, and that all requirements of this section have been complied with, and shall sign and file the same with the Clerk of Courts of the county in which the motor vehicle was abandoned.  The Clerk of Courts shall retain the original of the affidavit for his or her files, shall furnish 1 copy thereof to the Registrar, 1 copy to the junk yard or other facility handling the disposal of the vehicle, and 1 copy to the Police Department, who shall file such copy with the records and photograph relating to the disposal.  Any monies arising from the disposal of an abandoned junk motor vehicle shall be deposited in the general fund.

   (C)   Notwithstanding § 98.02, any motor vehicle meeting the requirements of division (A)(3) and (4) of this section which has remained unclaimed by the owner or lienholder for a period of 30 days or longer following notification as provided in § 98.02 may be disposed of as provided in this section.

(1974 Code, § 99.04)  (Ord. l5-82, passed 4-5-1982; Am. Ord. 10-17, passed 5-1-2017)