[R.O. 2011 §7-36; Code 1977 §51.010]
Except where otherwise indicated by the context, the following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Chapter.
BUSINESS PREMISES OR PREMISES
The area of a junkyard as described in a junk dealer's license or application for license as provided for in this Chapter.
ITINERANT JUNK DEALER
An individual (natural person) who buys, sells, collects, or delivers junk within the City as a business or employment within the City, but who is not an operator of a junkyard within the City or an employee of such an operator.
JUNK
Old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber debris, waste, or junked, dismantled, or wrecked automobiles, or parts thereof, iron, steel, and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous material.
JUNK DEALER
A person who operates a junkyard, as defined above, within the City.
JUNKYARD
An establishment, area, or place of business maintained, operated, or used for the storing, keeping, buying, or selling of junk or for the operation of an automobile graveyard, garbage dump or sanitary fill.
[R.O. 2011 §7-37; Code 1977 §51.020]
It shall be unlawful for any person to act as a junk dealer or itinerant junk dealer in the City, whether personally, by agents or employees, singly, or along with some other business or enterprise, without first having obtained a license therefor from the City Clerk in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
[R.O. 2011 §7-38; Code 1977 §51.030]
A. 
An applicant for license under this Chapter shall file with the City Clerk a written application upon forms provided by the City Clerk, and pay a fee as hereinafter prescribed.
B. 
Said application shall include the junk dealer or itinerant junk dealer's name, residence address, and telephone number of applicant; the exact address or location of the place where the business is or is proposed to be carried on; and such other information as the City Clerk may reasonably require.
[R.O. 2011 §7-39; Code 1977 §51.040]
The fees for licenses required under this Chapter shall be as established from time to time by ordinance of the Board of Aldermen and on file in the office of the City Clerk.
[R.O. 2011 §7-40; Code 1977 §51.050]
A. 
Upon receipt of an application for a junk dealer's license as provided for herein, the Chief of Police shall cause an investigation to be made of the applicant's business responsibility and moral character.
B. 
If the findings of said investigation are favorable to the applicant, the City Clerk shall within thirty (30) days after the filing of the application and payment of the fee issue a junk dealer's license to the applicant.
C. 
If the findings of said investigation are not favorable to the applicant, the City Clerk shall, within thirty (30) days after the filing of the application and payment of the fee, refer the application to the Board of Aldermen who shall, within thirty (30) days after the referral of the application, either order the license issued or not issued.
[R.O. 2011 §7-41; Code 1977 §51.060]
No license issued under this Chapter shall be transferred or assigned or used in any way by any person other than the one to whom it was issued.
[R.O. 2011 §7-42; Code 1977 §51.070]
All licenses issued under the provisions of this Chapter shall expire on the thirtieth (30th) day of June following the issuance thereof. For a partial year license, the fee shall be prorated quarterly. No license fee shall be returned to the holder upon sale, transfer or dissolution of the business for which the license was issued.
[R.O. 2011 §7-43; Code 1977 §51.080]
A. 
The following general operating requirements shall apply to all junk dealers licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter:
1. 
The license issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be plainly displayed on the business premises;
2. 
The junkyard, together with things kept therein, shall at all times be maintained in a sanitary condition;
3. 
No space not covered by the license shall be used in the licensed business;
4. 
No water shall be allowed to stand in any place on the premises in such manner as to afford a breeding place for mosquitoes;
5. 
Weeds and vegetation on the premises, other than trees, shall be kept at a height of not more than ten (10) inches;
6. 
No garbage or other waste liable to give off a foul odor or attract vermin shall be kept on the premises; nor shall any refuse of any kind be kept on the premises, unless such refuse is junk as described herein and is in use in the licensed business;
7. 
No junk shall be allowed to rest upon or protrude over any public property, street, alley, walkway, or curb or become scattered or blown off the business premises;
8. 
Junk shall be stored in piles not exceeding ten (10) feet in height and shall be arranged so as to permit easy access to all such junk for fire-fighting purposes;
9. 
No combustible material of any kind not necessary or beneficial to the licensed business shall be kept on the premises; nor shall the premises be allowed to become a fire hazard;
10. 
Gasoline and oil shall be removed from any scrapped engines or vehicles on the premises;
11. 
No junk or other material shall be burned on the premises in any incinerator not meeting the approval of the Chief of the Fire Department, which approval shall not be unreasonably denied;
12. 
No noisy processing of junk or other noisy activity shall be carried on in connection with the license business on Sunday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or at any time between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.;
13. 
The area on the premises where junk is kept (other than indoors) shall be enclosed, except for entrances and exits, with a solid vertical wall or fence of a minimum height of eight (8) feet measured from level. Entrances and exits shall not be wider or more numerous than reasonably necessary for the conduct of the licensed business.