The intent and purpose of this chapter is to establish a vehicle impound cost recovery program. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department removes and stores numerous vehicles from streets and highways and public and private property in the City of Norco pursuant to Sections 22650 et seq. of the Vehicle Code.
(Ord. 706-1996)
Vehicle Code Section 22850.5, added by Assembly Bill 481, Chapter 614 Statues of 1993, became effective January 1, 1994, specifically authorizes the City, by ordinance, to impose an administrative service fee equal to the City's costs relating to the removal, impound, storage and release of vehicles and to establish procedures for the release of vehicles impounded pursuant to Sections 22650 et seq. of the Vehicle Code.
(Ord. 706-1996)
The administrative cost to the City of Norco for the removal, impound, storage and release of a vehicle will be determined periodically and set by Resolution.
(Ord. 706-1996; Ord. 820, 2004)
Pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 22850.5, an administrative service fee may be collected by either the Sheriff or the City. The Sheriff shall account for and forward to the City all such fees collected and may excuse the payment of said fee where the vehicle to be recovered was impounded because it was stolen or embezzled, or where other extenuating circumstances existed beyond the control of the owner of the vehicle which caused the vehicle to be impounded.
(Ord. 706-1996; Ord. 820, 2004)
Pursuant to Vehicle Code, Section 22850.5, the following minimum procedures are established for the release of vehicles properly impounded by the Sheriff's Department:
1. 
A determination shall be made whether an administrative service fee as established by this Ordinance shall be paid prior to the release of the vehicle.
2. 
Notice shall be given to the owner of a vehicle of the administrative service fees prior to the release of the vehicle.
3. 
All towing, storage, and where applicable, administrative service fees shall be paid prior to the release of the vehicle.
(Ord. 706-1996; Ord. 820, 2004)
The Sheriff and the City are authorized to establish such other procedures consistent with the procedures established by this ordinance, the Vehicle Code and other applicable provisions of law for the release of vehicles impounded by the Sheriff's Department or City staff.
(Ord. 706-1996; Ord. 820, 2004)