Chapter 8.30
ABANDONED AUTOMOBILES
Sections:
8.30.010 Criminal acts declared.
8.30.020 Misdemeanors – Exceptions.
8.30.030 Definition – Violation – Service of notice.
8.30.050 Action by town – Expenses.
8.30.010 Criminal acts declared.
The town council of the town of Coulee Dam finds and ordains that it is necessary for the protection and welfare of the general public in regard to automobile hulks that certain acts be declared to be criminal. (Ord. 230 § 1, 1980)
8.30.020 Misdemeanors – Exceptions.
Any person who discards, abandons or places an automobile hulk on private or public property, or any owner, lessee or manager who knowingly permits automobile hulks to remain on premises under his control is guilty of a misdemeanor; except the foregoing provisions shall not apply to:
(1) A vehicle or part thereof which is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner, or where it is not otherwise visible from the street or other public or private property; or
(2) A vehicle or part thereof which is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed vehicle dealer. (Ord. 230 § 2, 1980)
8.30.030 Definition – Violation – Service of notice.
An “automobile hulk,” for the purpose of this chapter, means the remnant or remains of an automobile, truck or other motor vehicle which is wrecked, dismantled or inoperative. The chief of police, upon his becoming aware thereof, shall serve notice by certified mail of any violation of this chapter on the person or entity committing the same; provided, that no criminal action shall be taken under this section until 10 days after such notice is sent. (Ord. 230 § 3, 1980)
8.30.040 Violation – Penalty.
Every person convicted of violating this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300.00 and/or 30 days in jail. Every day in which automobile hulks remain on property shall be considered a separate and distinct violation. (Ord. 230 § 4, 1980)
8.30.050 Action by town – Expenses.
In all cases where the automobile hulk is not removed following the 10 days’ notice as provided above, it shall be lawful for the chief of police to remove said automobile hulk and said owner or occupant shall be chargeable with the expenses which may be incurred in the removal thereof, to be collected by suit or otherwise, in addition to the fine or penalties hereinabove mentioned. (Ord. 230 § 5, 1980)