§ 15.24.1260. Scope.

Abandoned, unlicensed or inoperable motor vehicles on any private property, are illegal and will be addressed in the following manner:

A.

Twenty (20) days written notice shall be given to the owner of record of the property and/or the person, firm or corporation having control of such property where the motor vehicle is located (with a copy to the last known registered owner of the motor vehicle, if known) to license, repair or remove same, and a copy of such notice shall be posted on the vehicle.

B.

If the terms of the notice are not complied within the twenty (20) day period as provided, the city shall then have the power and authority to take into custody and physically remove the motor vehicle by towing or otherwise moving it to an open storage area provided by a private contractor where the vehicle shall remain for at least twenty-five (25) days. Neither the city nor the towing facilities utilized, nor the respective agents of each or property owner, may be held liable for any damage or theft that may be incurred to said motor vehicle during the period of towing or storage.

C.

After the vehicle has been towed, a certified letter shall be sent to the last registered owners' address describing the motor vehicle by make, year, model, serial number, color and where the motor vehicle is stored. If the certified mail is returned to the housing official, the housing official shall have the returned notice posted in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County for a period of not less than twenty-five (25) days. If the owner does not claim the vehicle within the twenty-five (25) day period, the housing official shall notify the Salisbury police department and a certificate of disposal shall be issued to the towing company storing the vehicle.

D.

If the motor vehicle is not reclaimed within the twenty-five (25) days, it shall be conclusively presumed to be abandoned by its registered owner and that the failure of the registered owner or lien holders to exercise their right to reclaim the motor vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the registered owner and all lien holders of all right, title, and interest in the motor vehicle and consent to the city the power and authority to dispose of the motor vehicle to a junk yard or disposing of same by any other reasonable means which the city may elect.

E.

When the city of Salisbury has effected the removal of any abandoned, inoperable or untagged vehicle by a local city registered towing company, the towing company shall be paid eighty-five dollars ($85.00) plus one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) for a total of two hundred thirty-five dollars ($235.00) after a certificate of disposal is issued by the Salisbury police department.

F.

If the full amount due to the city is not paid by such owner within thirty (30) days after the fee has been paid to the towing company, then the housing official shall cause to be recorded in the finance department for the city of Salisbury the cost and expense for the towing and storage of abandoned, inoperable and untagged vehicle(s), and such charge will be carried on the records of the city of Salisbury and shall be collectible in the same manner as real estate taxes are collected.

(Ord. 1974 (part), 2005; Ord. 1841, 2002; Ord. 1665 Exh. A (part), 1997)