It is hereby determined by the Village Board of Trustees of
the Village of Ravena that abandoned, junked, discarded, dismantled
or partially dismantled, rusted, wrecked or inoperative motor vehicles
not in condition for legal use on highways as evidenced by valid inspection
and registration stickers, placed on public or private property, are
a visual blight and constitute a hazard to the health, welfare and
safety of the citizens of the Village of Ravena. The Village Board
of the Village of Ravena deems it proper to provide for the acquisition
and disposal of abandoned motor vehicles by acting in its governmental
capacity.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ABANDONED VEHICLE
A motor vehicle left unattended with no valid license plates
affixed thereto:
A.
For more than six hours on any street, highway or other public
place in the Village of Ravena.
B.
For more than 24 hours on any street, highway or other public
place except a portion of a street, highway or public place on which
parking is legally permitted.
C.
For more than 48 hours after the parking of such vehicle shall
have become illegal if left on a portion of a street, highway or public
place on which parking is legally permitted.
D.
For more than seven days on the property of another if left
without permission of the owner.
E.
For more than seven days upon private property with no valid
license plates and not in condition for legal use upon the highways,
as evidenced by valid inspection and registration stickers, except
as permitted by authority of the Mayor of the Village of Ravena, unless
the same is necessary for the operation of a business enterprise lawfully
upon said premises or as long as the motor vehicle is sheltered with
a permanent structure that is in compliance with village zoning and
building regulations.
Any person causing any vehicle to be an abandoned vehicle is
in violation of this chapter, and it shall be presumed that the owner
of the vehicle abandoned the vehicle. Such violation shall be punishable
by a fine not exceeding $250. A violation of this chapter shall be
deemed a violation.
After the expiration of such period, any police officer or any
other authorized agent of the Village of Ravena may serve notice as
approved by the Village Board upon the owner of such abandoned vehicle
by posting a notice conspicuously on each abandoned vehicle.
Upon the expiration of a five-day period after posting of such
notice, the Village of Ravena may cause such abandoned vehicle to
be removed to a storage area designated by the Village Board of the
Village of Ravena and there held for three days.
Within such three-day period, the owner or owner's agent
may claim such abandoned vehicle upon payment of the towing, removal
and storage charges therefor. Such owner or owner's agent shall
immediately remove such abandoned vehicle to a storage area approved
by the Mayor of the Village of Ravena and pay the expenses incurred
by such removal.
Upon the expiration of such three-day period with no claim having
been made, ownership of such abandoned vehicle shall be deemed forfeited,
and such vehicle may be sold by the Village of Ravena for disposal
as scrap. In the event of such sale, no charge shall be made against
the owner for towing, removal, storage or disposal of such abandoned
vehicle, and all moneys realized from such sale shall belong to the
Village of Ravena and shall be deposited in the general fund.