Pacifica Municipal Code Ch. 6 Auto Dismantling Business

For purposes of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context, certain words and phrases used in this chapter are defined as follows:

(a) "Auto dismantler" shall mean every person who buys, sells, stores, exchanges, or otherwise deals in, or in any other manner comes into possession of, motor vehicles, as such term is defined in the Vehicle Code of the State, for the purpose of selling, storing, dismantling, or disassembling such motor vehicles, or who stores, sells, dismantles, or disassembles any such motor vehicles, whether for the purpose of utilizing, selling, storing, or otherwise disposing of the component parts or materials of such vehicles, including the disposal thereof as junk. "Auto dismantler" shall also include junk yards, automotive graveyards, and scrap metal facilities as defined in the Vehicle Code of the State.

(b) "Auto dismantling establishment" shall mean any premises on which any person engages in the occupation of an auto dismantler.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, permit, carry on, conduct, or in any way participate in the business of an auto dismantler except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

(§ II, 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

The business of an auto dismantler may be carried on only after securing a use permit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of Article 33 of Chapter 4 of this title. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or maintain an auto dismantling establishment in violation of any of the conditions set forth in such use permit.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

Fees for permits to engage in business as an auto dismantler shall be required as established and periodically updated by the Council.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

No permit to engage in business as an auto dismantler shall be assignable or transferable in any way, and if there shall be any change whatsoever in the ownership or operation of such business, the use shall be permitted to continue, and a new permit shall be required after making an application therefor as set forth in this chapter.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

Every auto dismantling establishment shall be carried on, maintained, or conducted entirely within an enclosed building or buildings, unless the premises on which such business is carried on, maintained, or conducted shall be entirely enclosed by a fence eight (8′) feet in height. Such fence shall be constructed of such materials and in such a manner as to completely obscure the vision of the site from the adjacent streets and shall conform to all the regulations and laws relating to such structures. The Planning Commission may require increased fence height if necessary to completely obscure the vision of the site.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

The entire area of auto dismantling establishments at all times shall be kept free from grass, weeds, rubbish, and other accumulations which in any way constitute a fire hazard or a nesting or breeding place for rats, mice, and other rodents. Landscaping shall be provided and maintained as required by the City.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

(a) Height limit: Proximity to fences and walls. No automobile bodies, salvage parts, metals, tires, or accessories shall be piled or stacked to a height in excess of eight (8′) feet and in no event higher than the enclosing fence or wall or nearer than two (2′) feet thereto.

(b) Passageways. All automobile parts, bodies, salvage parts, metals, tires, and accessories shall be piled or stacked neatly in rows with a sufficient number of clear and adequate passageways to allow the free and unobstructed access and movement of the Public Safety Department in the event of fire.

(c) Approval of Director of Public Safety. The manner of handling and keeping dismantled automobiles and parts thereof shall at all times be subject to the approval of the Director of Public Safety.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

Immediately upon the receipt of a wrecked or damaged automobile to be dismantled, the gasoline tank crankcase shall be emptied completely of their contents and all gas and oil properly contained and disposed of so as to avoid the danger of fire or explosion. All gasoline and oil shall be stored so as not to contaminate soil and water.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

All auto dismantlers shall maintain all records as required by the Vehicle Code of the State and make all such records, including those on purchases, assignments, sales, and exchanges of dismantled automobiles, available for inspection by the City at all times.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

Every auto dismantling establishment, and every part thereof, at all times shall be open to inspection by fire, health, and police officers, building inspectors, and other authorized public officials as shall be designated from time to time by the Council.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)

Any auto dismantling establishment in existence on February 27, 1985, which constitutes a lawful nonconforming use according to the provisions of Article 30 of Chapter 4 of this title shall be permitted to continue provided that, on or before August 27, 1985, such establishment obtains a use permit and comes into conformity with the requirements of this chapter.

(§ II, Ord. 439-85, eff. February 27, 1985)