Fountain Valley Municipal Code Ch. 2.68 Unclaimed Property

It shall be the duty of the law enforcement agency of the city to dispose of all unclaimed property in its possession. Said property shall be handled and disposed of after complying with the provisions of Section 2068 of the Civil Code of the state of California as said code may be amended from time to time, exempting therefrom the property that would fall under Section 1411 of the Penal Code of the state of California, and as said code may be amended from time to time.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

All of such property falling under Section 2068 of the Civil Code of the state of California shall be held by said law enforcement agency for a period of at least three months.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

All unclaimed property subject to this chapter after being held in custody by the law enforcement agency for a period of three months and that remains unclaimed shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

In the event said unclaimed property cannot be sold at public auction, it may be given away to any fraternal, benevolent, patriotic, charitable or religious organization, not organized for profit, as directed by the city council. If any such property is of no value and cannot otherwise be disposed of by gift or sale, it may be destroyed as junk. No property shall be disposed of as junk or given away as a gift until due notice has been given as set forth in this chapter dealing with the sale of such property at a public auction.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

Notice of such sale at public auction shall be given by the police department at least five days before the time fixed therefor, by appropriate publication in a newspaper at least once. Said newspaper shall be of general circulation published within the county. Said notice shall specify the time and place where such public sale will be held, and generally describe the property to be sold at said public auction.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

In the event the owner of any such property appears on or before the date fixed for the sale thereof at public auction and reclaims said property and reimburses the city for all expenses incurred in the care and preservation of the property, then said property shall be restored to the owner.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

The public sale shall be held at least once a year by the police department of the city and may be held at more frequent intervals as determined by the police department.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)

All revenue derived from the sale of said property shall be turned over to the general fund of city.

(Ord. 1506 § 2, 2015)