(A) Definitions. For purposes of this section the following words have the meanings specified below.
ABANDONED VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that has remained for a period of more than 48-hours on public property illegally or lacking vital component parts, or that has remained in an inoperable condition for a period of more than 48-hours on private property with or without consent of the person in control of the property, unless it is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building. It also
means a motor vehicle voluntarily surrendered by its owner to the city or to a towing contractor hired by the city for its removal.
INOPERABLE CONDITION. That the vehicle has no substantial potential use consistent with its usual function, and includes a vehicle that:
(a) Has a missing or defective part that is necessary for the normal operation of the vehicle;
(b) Is stored on blocks, jacks or other supports; or
(c) Has not had a current vehicle license for at least six months.
JUNK VEHICLE. A motor vehicle that is in an inoperable condition, that is partially dismantled, that is used for sale of parts or as a source of repair or replacement parts for other vehicles, or that is kept for scrapping, dismantling, or salvage of any kind, unless the vehicle is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building. A JUNK VEHICLE is also an abandoned vehicle for the purpose of this chapter.
MOTOR VEHICLE or VEHICLE. Has the meaning contained in M.S. § 169.01.
VITAL COMPONENT PARTS. Those parts of the motor vehicle that are essential to the mechanical functioning of the vehicle, including, but not limited to, the motor, drive train, and wheels.
(B) Vehicles constituting a public nuisance.
(1) Abandoned and junk vehicles are a public nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of the public because they invite plundering, create fire hazards, attract vermin, and present physical dangers to the safety and well-being of children and other citizens. The accumulation and outside storage of these vehicles is in the nature of rubbish, litter, and unsightly debris and is a blight on the landscape and a detriment to the environment.
(2) A vehicle, whether occupied or not, that is found stopped, standing, or parked in violation of a ordinance or state statute; that is reported stolen; or that is found impeding firefighting, snow removal or plowing or the orderly flow of traffic, is a public nuisance.
(3) A vehicle that is impeding public road or utility repair, construction or maintenance activities if reasonable notice of the proposed activities was given to the vehicle owner or user at least 12 hours in advance, is a public nuisance.
(C) Abatement.
(1) Impounding. A police officer or other authorized person may order a vehicle constituting a public nuisance to be immediately removed and impounded. The impounded vehicle will be surrendered to the owner by the towing contractor only upon payment of the required impound, towing and storage fees.
(2) Sale. Notice and sale of a vehicle impounded under this chapter will be conducted in accordance with M.S. Ch. 168B, governing the sale of abandoned motor vehicles.
(Ord. passed 6- -2019)