The intent of this chapter is to compel the removal of abandoned and
junk vehicles from property in the Town of Wheatland. Such abandoned and junk
vehicles no longer serve the purpose for which they were intended. They are
unsightly and devalue and degrade the property on which they are stored as
well as surrounding properties. They are an attractive nuisance to children
and may be a hazard due to broken glass, sharp metal points and edges, battery
acid and gasoline remaining in tanks.
This chapter shall apply to all areas of the Town of Wheatland outside
the Village of Scottsville.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Building Inspector unless the
Town Board by resolution designates some other Town officer as enforcement
officer or by resolution establishes the position of enforcement officer and
appoints a qualified person thereto at a salary specified in such resolution.
The enforcement officer is hereby empowered to issue appearance tickets for
violations of this chapter.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ABANDONED VEHICLE
Any unregistered vehicle which is stored outside on any property in the Town of Wheatland. Unregistered vehicles which are the stock in trade of licensed motor vehicle dealers who are operating in conformance with Chapter
130, Zoning, shall not be deemed abandoned vehicles.
JUNK VEHICLE
Any vehicle stored outside which is not in condition for legal use
upon public highways due to accident, deterioration, removal of essential
parts or any other reason.
OUTSIDE STORAGE
Storage of a vehicle anywhere on a property other than within at
totally enclosed building.
UNREGISTERED VEHICLE
Any vehicle which is not currently registered in New York State,
any other state or any province of Canada. Any vehicle which does not have
a valid number plate affixed shall be deemed an unregistered vehicle.
VEHICLE
Any automobile, truck, truck-tractor, bus, trailer, semitrailer,
house trailer, mobile home, travel trailer, recreational vehicle or any other
device designed or intended to be used upon public highways and which requires
registration to be used upon public highways. For the purpose of this chapter,
motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, farm tractors and farm equipment
shall not be deemed vehicles. Any construction equipment which is not normally
registered for use or used upon public highways will not be considered a vehicle.
Mobile homes used as a dwelling in a mobile home park or elsewhere under a
permit from the Town Board shall not be deemed vehicles.
Upon proper application and a showing of necessity, the enforcement
officer may issue a permit for the outside storage of an unregistered vehicle
upon private property. Such permits shall be of limited duration, and the
enforcement officer shall document the specifics of the vehicle, the reasons
for issuing the permit and any special conditions attached to the permit.
Vehicles so permitted shall not be deemed abandoned vehicles for the duration
of the permit.
Any person who believes that a vehicle is an abandoned vehicle may submit
a written complaint to the enforcement officer or Town Clerk. Such complaint
shall identify the property and vehicle. The enforcement officer shall investigate
and respond in writing to the complainant. Copies of the complaint and the
response shall be transmitted to the Town Supervisor.
Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this chapter
or who fails to comply with an order to remedy violation shall be guilty of
a violation of the Wheatland Town Code.
Each and every week a violation continues after the time specified for
its removal shall be deemed to be a separate and distinct violation.