ABANDONED VEHICLE ORDINANCE

Section 1. Purpose 

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote public safety, protect property values, preserve the appearance of the Town of Paleto Bay, and ensure that abandoned, inoperable, or improperly stored vehicles do not create hazards or become a public nuisance. 

Section 2. Definitions 

Abandoned Vehicle means any motor vehicle, trailer, boat, recreational vehicle, or similar conveyance that:

• Has been left unattended on public property for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours without authorization;

• Has been left on private property without the permission of the property owner;

• Is apparently deserted and without intent to reclaim;

• Is extensively damaged, dismantled, stripped, or incapable of lawful operation.

Inoperable Vehicle means a vehicle that cannot be legally or safely driven under its own power due to mechanical failure, missing components, expired registration, or lack of required equipment.

Public Property includes any street, alley, parking area, park, right-of-way, or property owned or maintained by the Town.

Private Property means any land or premises not owned by the Town.

Section 3. Declaration of Public Nuisance 

Any abandoned vehicle located within the Town is hereby declared a public nuisance when it:

• Creates a safety hazard;

• Obstructs traffic or emergency access;

• Attracts vandalism or criminal activity;

• Harbors vermin or debris;

• Diminishes the appearance of surrounding property;

• Leaks fluids or otherwise creates environmental concerns.

Section 4. Vehicles on Public Property 

No person shall abandon or leave any vehicle on public property for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours unless otherwise authorized by law or approved by the Town.

Vehicles determined to be abandoned may be immediately tagged and subject to removal.

Emergency situations or vehicles involved in criminal investigations are exempt.

Section 5. Vehicles on Private Property 

No property owner or occupant shall permit an abandoned or inoperable vehicle to remain on private property for more than thirty (30) days unless:

• The vehicle is fully enclosed within a lawful structure;

• The vehicle is actively being restored or repaired and does not constitute a nuisance;

• The property is properly licensed for vehicle storage or repair operations.

The Town may grant reasonable extensions upon written request.

Section 6. Exceptions 

The following are exempt from this ordinance when maintained in a safe and orderly manner:

• Antique or collector vehicles stored on private property;

• Vehicles undergoing active restoration within an enclosed garage or workshop;

• Licensed automotive repair businesses;

• Agricultural equipment used in normal farming operations;

• Emergency vehicles owned by government agencies.

Section 7. Notice of Violation 

When practical, the Town shall provide written notice to the registered owner, property owner, or occupant requiring removal or correction within ten (10) calendar days.

Notice may be affixed to the vehicle, mailed, or personally delivered.

Immediate removal may occur without notice if the vehicle presents an imminent hazard.

Section 8. Removal and Impoundment 

The Paleto Bay Police Department may authorize towing and impoundment of any abandoned vehicle found in violation of this ordinance.

The Town may contract with licensed towing providers for removal.

Owners shall be responsible for all towing, storage, and administrative costs incurred.

Section 9. Recovery of Vehicle 

An impounded vehicle may be reclaimed upon:

• Proof of ownership;

• Payment of all applicable towing and storage fees;

• Correction of any legal deficiencies required for lawful operation.

Nothing in this section prevents additional citations or penalties.

Section 10. Environmental Hazards 

Any abandoned vehicle leaking fuel, oil, coolant, battery acid, or other hazardous substances may be immediately removed without prior notice to protect public health and the environment.

Cleanup costs may be assessed against the responsible party.