Citrus Heights Municipal Code Art. IX Impounded Vehicle Cost Recovery

The chief of police is hereby authorized to impose a fee, in an amount as set by the city council from time to time, to recover the city's administrative costs relating to the removal, impound, storage, or release of a properly impounded vehicle.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.010), 12-17-1997)

Any fee imposed under this article shall be imposed on the registered owner of the vehicle, or the agent of that owner, and shall be collected by the city prior to the release of the vehicle.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.020), 12-17-1997)

The chief of police may waive any fee imposed under this article upon verifiable proof that the impounded vehicle was reported stolen at the time the vehicle was removed by the city.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.030), 12-17-1997)

No fee shall be imposed under this article as to any vehicle towed under an abatement program or sold at a lien sale pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure §§ 3068.1—3074 and 22851, unless the sale is sufficient in the amount to pay the lienholder's total charges and proper administrative costs.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.040), 12-17-1997)

Fees authorized under this article shall be in addition to any other charges authorized or imposed pursuant to the Vehicle Code.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.050), 12-17-1997)

Under this article, the chief of police shall by regulation provide for notice to the vehicle's registered owner, or the agent of such owner, of the opportunity for a poststorage hearing. Any such notice or hearing shall comply with Vehicle Code § 22852.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 1(10.70.060), 12-17-1997)

This article is not intended to and shall not be construed or given effect in a manner that imposes upon the city or any officer or employee thereof a mandatory duty of care towards persons and property within or without the city so as to provide a basis for civil liability for damages, except as otherwise imposed by law.

(Ord. No. 97-24, § 2, 12-17-1997)