(A) Definitions used in this section.
INOPERABLE VEHICLE is a vehicle that meets any of the following criteria:
(a) It is apparently not capable of being driven or moved under its own power due to mechanical or other issues.
(b) It has missing windows, flat tires, missing lights, or is otherwise apparently unsafe to operate.
(c) It does not meet the necessary requirements to be properly registered or otherwise legally operated on a public road.
PROPERTY OWNER shall include the owner of the real property on which the violation is alleged, and any tenant of such real property.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) refers to any type of vehicle that is designed and used for recreational purposes, typically designed and equipped for temporary living and travel. This can include motorhomes, campervans, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, pop-up campers, and truck campers. Watercraft, such as boats, jet skis, and yachts, can also be considered as recreational vehicles as they are often used for leisure activities like fishing, water sports, or cruising.
VEHICLE refers to any self-propelled machine that is used for transportation on public roads or streets. This includes cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and other similar modes of transportation. The definition also includes trailers, campers, and other mobile structures that are designed to be towed by such vehicles. Bicycles, motorized bicycles, and motorcycles/mopeds 150cc or less are excluded from this definition for the purposes of this section.
VEHICLE COVER refers to a cover, typically made of fabric, that is specifically designed to fit over the vehicle to protect it from various environmental factors and weather conditions.
VEHICLE PARTS means any of the components of a vehicle, including, but not limited to wheels, tires, engine, doors, fenders, transmissions, drive shaft, and axles.
(B) Regulations on keeping of vehicles and vehicle parts on private property.
(1) No property owner shall allow to be stored or abandoned any inoperable vehicle on their property for more than seven days, except within a fully enclosed building or with a proper vehicle cover within the rear yard of a property as defined by the village's zoning ordinance.
(2) The number of inoperable vehicles on a property must not exceed four, even if properly covered with a vehicle cover, except when kept within a fully enclosed building.
(3) Property owners must ensure that recreational vehicles be parked in the side or rear yard of a property as defined by the village's zoning ordinance, or other area authorized by the Village Code Enforcement Officer or designated official if such private parking space is unavailable.
(4) No property owner shall allow vehicle parts to be stored outside of a fully enclosed building, except when covered with a tarp or other surface covering that is in good condition, resting on a surface other than the ground and for non-commercial purposes, if storing for more than seven days.
(5) This section shall not prohibit commercial establishments engaged in the business of repairing vehicles from keeping or maintaining inoperable vehicles on their business premises while the vehicles are under repair, provided the commercial business is located in a commercial zoned district as defined by the village's zoning ordinance.
(C) Notice to remove, remedy or store; notice of violation.
(1) Violation of division (B) will be issued to the property owner by priority mail and by posting at such residence a written notice to remove, remedy, or store after no less than seven days of the initial inspection by the Village Code Enforcement Officer or designated official. The violation must be removed, remedied, or otherwise stored in order to gain compliance within seven days of the written notice, unless other arrangements have been made with the Village Code Enforcement Officer or designated official.
(2) If the violation persists beyond 14 days of the notice to remove, remedy, or store without arrangements, a notice of violation will be issued to the property owner at such residence, and also by certified and ordinary mail. Failure to comply within 14 days of this notice will result in penalty and declaration of public nuisance by Village Council.
(D) Vehicle impoundment. If the violator fails to comply or remedy the public nuisance civil action, the courts may give the authority to the village to tow and impound the vehicle. Costs related to the towing and impounding of the vehicle will be the sole responsibility of the owner of the vehicle or property owner or both, and costs related to the civil action of the public nuisance may also be reimbursed to the village if authorized by the courts. Release of the vehicle requires full payment of the towing services and impounding fees and legal identification and proof of ownership. Arrangements are to be made for pickup with the towing service designated by the village. Information regarding the impoundment of the vehicle can be obtained through the Village Office. Failure to lawfully claim vehicles will result in disposal of the vehicle in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code.
(Ord. 14-93, passed 5-17-93; Am. Ord. 2023-5, passed 5-1-23) Penalty, see § 174.99