Shasta County Municipal Code Ch. 2.84 Lost or Unclaimed Personal Property

This chapter shall govern the disposition of lost or unclaimed personal property coming into the possession of the sheriff pursuant to Civil Code Section 2080.1.

(Prior code § 5100)

A. Notwithstanding Section 5100, this chapter shall not apply to lost or unclaimed property in the possession of the sheriff for which the finder furnishes the sheriff at the time the property is turned over to him a statement under penalty of perjury containing the information required by Civil Code Section 2080.1 and the promise to pay to the county within ten days after notice to do so reasonable costs of storage, care and advertising of such property, such costs to be established by the sheriff. Failure to pay such costs within the time required shall terminate any right to the property by the finder and the property shall be disposed of pursuant to Sections 5103 and following of this chapter.

B. This chapter does not apply to property which has been intentionally abandoned by its owner.

(Prior code §§ 5101, 5105)

If a finder complies with the provisions of Section 2.84.020 A, the property shall be processed in the manner provided in Civil Code Sections 2080.2 and 2080.3.

(Prior code § 5102)

Lost and unclaimed personal property in the hands of the sheriff which is not returned to the finder pursuant to Sections 2.84.020 A and 2.84.030 shall be disposed of in accordance with this section. Such unclaimed personal property shall be held by the sheriff for a period of at least three months, during which time it may be redeemed by the owner upon proof of ownership and payment of costs of storage and care, such costs to be established by the sheriff. Thereafter, such property may be sold at public auction by the sheriff or may be transferred to the county purchasing agent and surplus property officer. If the property is sold at public auction, notice of such sale shall be given by the sheriff at least five days before the time set for the auction and shall be given by a single publication in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county. Property transferred to the county purchasing agent and surplus property officer shall be maintained, transferred or sold in the manner provided by Section 3.40.010 of this code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, firearms shall be disposed of in the manner provided by Section 12028 of the Penal Code.

(Prior code § 5103)

When lost or unclaimed property in the hands of the sheriff is in danger of perishing or losing the greater part of its value, or when the lawful charges payable on its redemption would amount to two thirds of its value, and if it is a thing which is commonly the subject of sale, if the owner cannot with reasonable diligence be found, or, when found, refuses upon demand to pay the lawful charges necessary for redemption, the sheriff may sell such property by public auction in the manner and upon the notice of sale of personal property under execution.

(Prior code § 5104)