[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council
of the Town of South Bethany 9-14-1992 as Ord. No. 31-92. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
This chapter is authorized by § C-4B
of the Town Charter.
The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit abandoned
vehicles on any public or private property within the corporate limits
of the Town of South Bethany which would interfere with the enjoyment
and reduce the value of private property, invite plundering, create
fire, safety, health and other hazards to adults and children within
the town and otherwise interfere with the comfort and well-being of
the public.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Includes any transport highway or waterway vehicle or vessel
which is inoperable, unlicensed, unclaimed, disabled or wrecked and
because of its aforementioned condition is unsightly and incongruous
to the neighborhood. The term "abandoned vehicle" shall not include:
Any vehicle or vessel utilized in the construction,
operation or maintenance of public utility facilities located within
the corporate limits of the Town of South Bethany, provided that they
do not impede the normal movement of traffic.
Any vehicle or vessel properly parked and located
on private property, the owner of which has notified the South Bethany
Police Department, in writing, of a desire to maintain such parking
and security for a period not to exceed six months.
This chapter shall be enforced by the South
Bethany Police Department.
A.
Upon discovery of an abandoned vehicle on any private
property within the corporate limits of the Town of South Bethany,
the enforcement authorities shall seek to contact the owner thereof
by certified mail, returned receipt requested, ordering the prompt
removal of such vehicle within 10 days of the date of the letter.
If unable to identify or contact the owner, the enforcement authorities
shall affix an appropriate notice to the vehicle directing its removal
within 48 hours.
B.
Upon discovery of an abandoned vehicle on state or
public property within the corporate limits of the Town of South Bethany,
the enforcement authorities shall post a notice on the vehicle which
shall direct that such vehicle be removed within 24 hours following
the posting of such notice.
C.
If any vehicle is not removed within such time periods
as described above, the enforcement authorities shall cause the physical
movement of the abandoned vehicle to a designated storage area, thereafter
to be subject to disposal in accordance with law. All towing and storage
costs shall be the responsibility of the owner of said vehicle.
[Amended 10-14-2022 by Ord. No. 209-22]
Any person who owns an abandoned vehicle which
is in violation of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty
of not less than $25, nor more than $100, plus court costs. Each day
of continued violation shall be considered as a separate offense.
