§ 9-2-10. Abandoned and derelict vehicles subject to removal and disposal.

(a)

It shall be unlawful for any person to accumulate, place or deposit or cause to be placed or deposited on any street, alleyway, sidewalk, right-of-way, or any other public or private property within the corporate limits of the city other than within a completely enclosed building any abandoned vehicle or derelict vehicle. All abandoned and derelict motor vehicles shall be subject to removal from public or private property and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this section.

(b)

Definitions .

(1)

"Vehicle" means every device by which a person or property may be transported or drawn upon a highway by mechanical means. Also included in this definition are boats and trailers.

(2)

"Abandoned vehicle" means a vehicle that is inoperable or is left unattended on public property for more than 72 hours, or a vehicle that has remained on private or public property for a period of more than seven (7) days without the consent of the owner in control of the property.

(3)

"Derelict vehicle" means a vehicle:

a.

Whose certificate of registration has expired and the registered and legal owner no longer resides at the address listed on the last certificate of registration on record with the South Carolina Department of Transportation; or

b.

Whose major parts have been removed so as to render the vehicle inoperable; or

c.

Manufacturer's serial plates, motor vehicle identification numbers, license number plate and other means of identification have been removed so as to nullify efforts to locate or identify the registered and legal owner; or

d.

Whose registered and legal owner of record disclaims ownership or releases his rights thereto; or

e.

Which is more than seven (7) years old and does not bear a current license as required by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

(4)

"Colored tag" means any type of notice affixed to an abandoned or derelict vehicle advising the owner or the person in possession that it has been declared an abandoned or derelict vehicle and will be treated as such. The tag shall be of sufficient size to be easily discernable and shall contain such information as the city deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Ord. No. 97-10-13(G), 10/13/97; Ord. No. 2009-05-11(A), 5/11/09)