The outdoor storage of abandoned, junked, discarded
and unlicensed motor vehicles on privately owned property within the
Village of Fishkill is detrimental to the health, safety and general
welfare of the community. The same also constitutes an attractive
nuisance to children and in many ways imperils their safety. Such
storage also endangers the person and property of members of the community
since fuel tanks containing gasoline or gasoline fumes may easily
explode. Such storage is unsightly and depreciates property values.
The control of the outdoor storage of abandoned, junked, discarded
and unlicensed motor vehicles on privately owned properties within
the Village of Fishkill is therefore regulated for the preservation
of the health, safety and general welfare of the community.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle which the owner thereof does not intend
to use on the public highways. The intent of the owner shall be determined
by the physical condition of the motor vehicle, any statements as
to its abandonment, the length of time since the motor vehicle was
last used on the public highways, whether the motor vehicle is currently
licensed and other relevant facts. Any motor vehicle which is required
by state law to be licensed and/or registered, but which has not been
licensed and/or registered for more than 12 months, shall be presumed
to be an abandoned motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle
not required to be licensed or motor vehicles not usually used on
public highways, the intent of the owner shall be determined by the
physical condition of the motor vehicle, the length of time since
it was last used for the purposes intended, any statements as to its
abandonment and other relevant facts.
[Amended 4-8-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002]
DISCARDED MOTOR VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle which the owner thereof, as established
by the surrounding circumstances, does not intend to recover the possession
of, or any motor vehicle of which the owner cannot be found after
due and reasonable inquiry.
JUNKED MOTOR VEHICLE
Includes every vehicle or part or section of a vehicle manufactured,
made, altered or designed to be operated by any power other than muscular
power, whether in running condition or not, or without a motor, that
is not properly and currently registered as a motor vehicle or does
not display a proper and current registration plate, except vehicles
used solely for recreational and farm purposes which have been licensed
within the preceding two years.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Every vehicle original]y designed and intended to be operated,
drawn or driven or capable of being operated, drawn or driven upon
a public highway by any power other than muscular power. For the purposes
of this chapter, the term "motor vehicle" shall include but not be
limited to automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles and trailers.
OWNER OF MOTOR VEHICLE
A person, firm or corporation having the property in or title
to a motor vehicle, including a person entitled to the use and possession
of a vehicle subject to a security interest in another person and
also including any lessee or bailee of a motor vehicle having the
use thereof under lease or otherwise.
OWNER OF PRIVATE PROPERTY
A person, firm or corporation who is the owner, contract
purchaser, tenant, lessee, occupant, undertenant, receiver or assignee
of private premises or private property located within the Village
of Fishkill.
PREMISES or PROPERTY
Includes all parcels of real property privately owned, situated
in the Village of Fishkill, whether occupied or vacant.
UNLICENSED MOTOR VEHICLE
Any motor vehicle which may be licensed or registered with
the State of New York and is not currently licensed or registered.
The fact that a motor vehicle which may be licensed or registered
with the State of New York does not display a current license plate
or displays an expired license plate shall be presumptive evidence
of the fact that such motor vehicle is not currently licensed or registered.
If the provisions of the foregoing sections
are believed to be violated, the enforcing officer shall serve an
appearance ticket, either personally or by registered, certified or
ordinary mail, upon the owner, occupant or person having charge of
such private property, to comply with the requirements of this chapter.
The enforcing officer may determine ownership of any parcel of land
in the Village of Fishkill from the current assessment roll of the
Village and may serve written notice upon the owner thereof by mailing
such notice to the owner at the address listed on the current assessment
roll.
A violation of this chapter or any provision
or part thereof by any person, firm or corporation is hereby declared
to be an offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $250 or by imprisonment
for a term not to exceed 15 days, or both. Any person, firm or corporation
who shall resist or obstruct the duly authorized agents, servants,
officers and employees of the Village of Fishkill in the removal and
destruction of a motor vehicle shall be subject to the fines and penalties
provided herein. Each week's continued violation shall constitute
a separate and additional offense.
[Amended 4-8-2002 by L.L. No. 4-2002; 5-24-2010 by L.L. No.
6-2010]
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced
by the Code Enforcement Officer and/or the Police Department of the
Village of Fishkill.