(a) General Authority. By authority of the Code of West Virginia, Chapter 17, Article 23, Section 4, the Town is empowered to adopt, administer and enforce reasonable rules and regulations for the establishment of a salvage yard.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this article is to carry out the intent and purpose of the Code of West Virginia relating to licensing and operation of salvage yards within the State of West Virginia. Such administrative services will be performed for the appropriate use of land, for the protection of the health, safety, comfort, convenience and general public welfare of County residents.
(c) Title. This article shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the “Salvage Yard Permit Article”.
(d) Permit Required. On and after the enactment date of this article, any owner or operator establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding a salvage yard for which a West Virginia Department of Highway’s license has not been previously issued is hereby required to obtain a nontransferable permit from the Putnam County Planning Commission.
(e) Exempt Activities. The following activity is expressly exempt from the provisions of this article:
Any new or used motor vehicle dealer licensed by the State of West Virginia or any commercially established motor vehicle repair shop; provided, that any junked motor vehicles on site are serving a reasonable functional use in the operation of the business, unless otherwise determined to be a salvage yard by the Building Permit Officer.
(f) Effective Date. This article shall take effect immediately upon adoption and shall apply to all salvage yards within the Town.