The provisions of this chapter shall govern the abatement and removal of motor vehicles, or parts thereof, which are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative. "Motor vehicle" as used in this chapter is defined as set forth in Section 670 of the Vehicle Code of the state of California.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
Any motor vehicle, or any part thereof, which is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative, located on any private property, or public property, excluding highways, in the city, is a public nuisance.
(1) 
Abatement. Where such motor vehicle is found to constitute a public nuisance, by reason of its condition and location, as provided in this chapter, said nuisance shall be abated and the motor vehicle, and all parts thereof, shall be removed and disposed of as provided in this chapter;
(2) 
Declaration. Whenever the city manager or his or her designee finds that any motor vehicle is being maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter by reason of its condition and location, he or she shall give the notice required hereinafter.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
(a) 
Notice. Prior to removal of any such vehicle, or part thereof, the city manager shall give a ten-day notice of his or her intention to abate the nuisance, by removal; such notice shall contain the information required pursuant to Section 22660 of the Vehicle Code, and shall describe the vehicle involved, and the property whereon the same is located, including, but not limited to, the correct identification number and license number thereof, if available. Such notice shall be given in the manner prescribed in said Section 22660.
(b) 
Request for Hearing. Within ten days after the mailing of said notice, the owner of the lot upon which such vehicle or part thereof is located, or the owner of the vehicle, may file a written request, as provided in said Section 22660, with the city clerk, requesting a hearing on such matter. If no such request is made, the city manager shall abate the nuisance as provided in the notice relating thereto.
(c) 
Hearing. Upon receipt by the city clerk of a request for a hearing, the clerk shall set the same for hearing before the city council, if said request is received within ten days after the mailing of notice of intention to abate and remove the vehicle. The city clerk shall give notice of the hearing by registered mail at least five days before the hearing to the owner of the vehicle and the owner of the land on which the vehicle is located, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll of Los Angeles County. At the time of said hearing, the city council shall hear all facts and testimony it deems pertinent. Said facts and testimony may include testimony on the condition of the vehicle or parts thereof, and the circumstances concerning its location on the said private property or public property. The city council shall not be limited by the technical rules of evidence.
The city council may impose such conditions and take such other action as it deems appropriate under the circumstances to carry out the purpose of this chapter. It may delay the time for removal of the vehicle or parts thereof, if, in its opinion, the circumstances justify it. At the conclusion of the public hearing the city council shall, on the basis of the evidence presented at such hearing, determine whether the vehicle or a part thereof, as maintained, constitutes a public nuisance as defined herein. The city council may find that the vehicle or parts thereof has been abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or is inoperative, on private or public property, and order the same removed from the property as a public nuisance and disposed of as hereinafter provided, and determine that the administrative costs and the cost of removal be charged against the owner of the land. If the council finds that a public nuisance exists, it shall, by resolution, order the same abated within a reasonable time, to be set forth in said resolution. The determination of the city council shall be final and conclusive.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
After a final determination that a motor vehicle, or parts thereof, constitutes a public nuisance within the meaning of this chapter, the owner of the motor vehicle, and/or the owner of the property whereon the same is located, shall abate the said public nuisance by removing the same in the time set forth in the order of abatement relating thereto. If such person or persons fail to abate such public nuisance, the city manager shall abate the same by city forces or private contract in the time and manner permitted by Section 22660 of the Vehicle Code and the state of California.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
Where the abatement of a public nuisance pursuant to this chapter is accomplished by city forces, the provisions of Sections 9.36.090 through 9.36.120, inclusive, shall be applicable to such proceedings.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the city manager.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
Motor vehicles or parts thereof, declared to be a public nuisance pursuant to this chapter, shall be disposed of in the manner provided by Section 22660 of the Vehicle Code of the state of California; provided that, after a motor vehicle has been declared to be a public nuisance, and has been removed from the premises where located, the same shall not be reconstructed or otherwise made operable.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
Within five days after the date of removal of a vehicle or part thereof, the city manager shall cause to be forwarded to the Department of Motor Vehicles of the state of California notice identifying the vehicle or part thereof, and any evidence of registration available, including, but not limited to, registration certificates of title or license plates on any such vehicle.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)
This chapter shall not apply:
(1) 
To a vehicle or part thereof which is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner, where the same is not visible from the street or other public or private property; and/or
(2) 
To a vehicle or part thereof which is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in conjunction with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or a junk yard; provided, however, that this latter exception shall not authorize the maintenance of any premises contrary to the provisions of this code.
(Ord. 1158 § 2, 1972)