Except where the context otherwise requires, the following definitions shall govern the construction of this chapter.
ABANDONED VEHICLE. Any vehicle, which has been left on private property or public 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; except, if the vehicle is stored as provided in § 7.29.030(B) of the city code. A vehicle shall not be considered abandoned if it is on property owned or occupied by the owner of the vehicle.
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. The costs to the city, and to the county when acting on behalf of the city pursuant to an agreement of performing the acts required under this chapter, except the actual removal of the vehicle. The City Council may, from time to time, by resolution, determine the administrative costs for the removal of each vehicle removed by the city if the vehicle is removed without a hearing pursuant to § 7.29.100 of this chapter. When the acts required by this chapter are performed by the county acting on behalf of the city, the administrative costs, if the vehicle is removed without a hearing, shall be that amount to be determined from time to time by the Board of Supervisors to be the administrative costs of
removal of abandoned vehicles from unincorporated areas of Tulare County rather than the amount determined by the City Council. ln those cases in which the City Manager, or designee, conducts a hearing pursuant to § 7.29.110 of this chapter, they shall fix and determine the administrative costs which shall be the actual cost of performing acts pertaining to the specific vehicle which is the subject of the hearing.
COST OF REMOVAL. The actual cost to the city of having the vehicle removed. The City Council may, from time to time, by resolution, determine the cost of removal.
DISMANTLED VEHICLE. Any vehicle that is partially or wholly disassembled.
H1GHWAY. A way or place of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. The term HIGHWAY includes “streets.”
INOPERATIVE VEHICLE. Any motor vehicle designed to be operated on a public roadway that cannot be moved under its own power, and which is not currently registered for operation with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A Planned Non-Operation (PNO) will be recognized as current registration.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Includes "highway."
VEHICLE. 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. The term VEHICLE also includes any part or portion of a vehicle which is less than a whole vehicle, and all of the provisions of this chapter apply to a part or portion of a vehicle which is less than a whole vehicle.
WRECKED VEHICLE. A vehicle which has been wrecked, or which lacks an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part or equipment necessary to operate safely on the highways of this state.
(Ord. 2024-01, passed 3-19-2024)