For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
Antique auto.
A passenger car or truck that was manufactured in 1925 or before, or which is at least 35 years old.
Collector.
The owner of one or more antique or special interest vehicles who collects, purchases, acquires, trades or disposes of special interest or antique vehicles or parts of them for his own use in order to restore, preserve and maintain an antique or special interest vehicle for historic interest.
Junked motor vehicle.
A vehicle that is self propelled and:
(1) 
Displays an expired license plate or invalid motor vehicle inspection certificate or does not display a license plate or motor vehicle inspection certificate; and
(2) 
Is:
(A) 
Wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded; or
(B) 
Inoperable and has remained inoperable for more than:
(i) 
Seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, if the vehicle is on public property; or
(ii) 
Thirty (30) consecutive days, if the vehicle is on private property.
Special interest vehicle.
A motor vehicle of any age which has not been altered or modified from the original manufacturer’s specifications and, because of its historic interest, is being preserved by hobbyists.
(2007 Code, sec. 7-11; Ordinance adopting Code)
Procedures for abatement and removal of junked vehicles or parts thereof, as public nuisances, as defined in V.T.C.A., Health and Safety Code, chapter 365, from private property or public rights-of-way, shall be as follows:
(1) 
For a junked vehicle on private property, written notice of not less than ten (10) days must be given stating the nature of the public nuisance on private property and that it must be removed and abated within ten days and that a request for a hearing must be made before the expiration of said ten-day period. Such written notice shall be mailed by certified or registered mail with a five-day return requested, to the last registered owner of the junked motor vehicle and any lienholder of record and to the owner or the occupant of the private premises whereupon such public nuisance exists. If the notice is returned undelivered by the United States Postal Service, official action to abate said nuisance shall be continued to a date not less than ten (10) days from the date of such return.
(2) 
For a junked vehicle on public property, written notice of not less than ten (10) days must be given stating the nature of the public nuisance on public property or on a public right-of-way and that it must be removed and abated within ten days and that a request for a hearing must be made before expiration of said ten-day period. Such written notice shall be mailed by certified or registered mail with a five-day return requested, to the last registered owner [of the junked motor vehicle and any lienholder of record and to the owner] or the occupant of the public premises [or to the owner or occupant of the premises] adjacent to the public right-of-way whereupon such public nuisance exists. If the notice is returned undelivered by the United States Postal Service, official action to abate said nuisance shall be continued to a date not less than ten (10) days from the date of such return.
(3) 
A request for a hearing in either subsection (1) or (2) above shall be made in writing and delivered to the judge of the municipal court.
(4) 
A public hearing must be held prior to the removal of the vehicle or part thereof as a public nuisance, to be held before the judge of the municipal court, when such a hearing is requested by the owner or occupant of the public or private premises or by the owner or occupant of the premises adjacent to the public right-of-way on which said vehicle is located, within ten days after service of notice to abate the nuisance. Any order requiring the removal of a vehicle or part thereof shall include a description of the vehicle, and the correct identification number and license number of the vehicle, if available at the site.
(5) 
Written notice must be given to the state department of transportation within five days after the date of removal identifying the vehicle or part thereof.
(6) 
After a vehicle has been removed it shall not be reconstructed or made operable.
(7) 
The above procedure for abatement and removal of a public nuisance shall be accomplished by the code enforcement officer, except that the removal of vehicles or parts thereof from private property, public property or public rights-of-way may be by any other duly authorized person under the direction of the village.
(8) 
Placing a junked vehicle or allowing a junked vehicle to remain on private or public property constitutes an offense. Each day of any such violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(2007 Code, sec. 7-12)
The above procedures shall not apply to:
(1) 
A vehicle or part thereof which is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property;
(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; or
(3) 
Unlicensed, operable or inoperable, antique or special interest vehicles stored by a collector on his property, provided that the vehicles in the outdoor storage areas are maintained in such a manner that they do not constitute a health hazard and are screened from ordinary public view by means of a fence, rapidly growing trees, shrubbery, or other appropriate means.
(2007 Code, sec. 7-13)