By the adoption of this chapter, the Town Board of the Town of Halfmoon
declares its intent to regulate, control and license the activities or businesses
known as "auto graveyards," junkyards, secondhand parts collection areas,
the processing of used metals for resale, and the dumping, storage and disposal
of waste, secondhand or used materials of whatever composition. Said Town
Board hereby declares that such activities or businesses can constitute a
hazard to property and persons and a public nuisance. Such materials may be
highly inflammable and sometimes explosive. Gasoline tanks on old autos often
contain in some quantity combustible gasoline; the engine and other parts
of such autos are frequently covered with grease and oil which is also inflammable.
The tires, plastic seats, tops and other elements of such autos are also inflammable.
Batteries and other elements of such autos can contain acids and other matter
potentially harmful to humans. These autos frequently contain sharp metal
or glass edges or points upon which a human could receive serious cuts and
abrasion. These autos can constitute attractive nuisances to children and
certain adults. The presence of such junkyards even in areas zoned for business
or industry is unsightly and tends to detract from value of surrounding land
and property unless such areas are properly maintained and operated.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
AUTO
Passenger auto, truck, tractor-truck, trailer, bus, motorcycle or
other vehicle.
PERSON
An individual, an association, a partnership, a corporation.
No person shall engage in or conduct on real property within the Town
of Halfmoon either for himself or for and on behalf of any other person directly
or indirectly as agent, employee or otherwise any activity or business either
for profit or otherwise, at wholesale or retail, which involves the collection,
storage, burning, dumping, disassembling, dismantling, salvaging, sorting
or otherwise handling or arranging for sale, resale, storage or disposal or
otherwise of bodies, engines or parts of autos, or otherwise, without first
obtaining a license therefor as hereinafter provided.