A. An abandoned vehicle or automobile hulk on private property shall not be removed therefrom, unless by express consent of the owner of such property, except as provided in this section. The city clerk shall give 10 days’ written notice to the property owner of record, and to the last registered owner of record if such be known or obtainable, that a public hearing may be requested before the city council and that if no hearing is requested, the vehicle or automobile hulk will be removed. If no hearing is requested within 10 days a tow truck operator appointed under this chapter shall remove the same at the request of the chief of police. The same shall thereafter be disposed of as above provided in this chapter.

B. If a request for hearing is received, a notice giving the time, location and date thereof, on the question of abatement and removal of the vehicle or part thereof as a public nuisance, shall be mailed by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the owner of the land shown on the last equalized assessment roll and to the last registered and legal owner of record, unless the vehicle is in such condition that identification numbers are not available to determine ownership.

C. The owner of the land on which the vehicle is located shall appear in person at the hearing or present a written statement prior thereto, and deny responsibility for the presence of the vehicle on his land, with his reasons for such denial. If it is determined at the hearing that the vehicle was placed on the land without the consent of the landowner and he has not subsequently acquiesced in its presence, then the city council shall not assess costs of administration or removal of the vehicle against the property upon which the vehicle is located or otherwise collect the same from said owner.

D. After such hearing has been held, if requested, the vehicle or part thereof shall, at the request of the chief of police, be removed by a tow truck operator appointed under this chapter and the same shall thereafter be disposed of as above provided in this chapter. (Ord. 1362 § 1, 2017; Ord. 122 § 9, 1969).