South El Monte Municipal Code Art. IV Vehicles

A. Adoption by Reference of Sections 22660 and 22661 of the Vehicle Code. All of the provisions of Sections 22660 and 22661 of the Vehicle Code are adopted by reference as a part of this chapter. In the case of any conflict between the provisions of this chapter and the provisions of said Sections 22660 and 22661, the provisions of Sections 22660 and 22661 shall prevail.

B. Notification of Department of Motor Vehicles. Within five days after the city or any officer thereof removes, pursuant to this chapter, any vehicle or any part thereof, the director shall so notify the Department of Motor Vehicles identifying the vehicle or part thereof.

C. Notification of Highway Patrol. Not less than ten days before the hearing provided for in Section 8.36.040, the director shall notify the California Highway Patrol identifying the vehicle or part to be removed.

D. Exceptions. A vehicle or any part thereof shall not be removed pursuant to this chapter if such vehicle or part is:

1. Completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street, highway or other public or private property; or

2. Stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or junkyard. This exception does not authorize the maintenance of a public or private nuisance.

E. Registration of Vehicle. If any vehicle is removed pursuant to this chapter, the director shall forward to the Department of Motor Vehicles any evidence of registration available, including registration certificates, certificates of title and license plates.

F. Proof of Nonresponsibility. The owner(s) of any land upon which a vehicle which has been removed was located may appear in person at any hearing provided for in this chapter or present a written statement in time for consideration at such hearing and deny responsibility for the presence of the vehicle on the land with his or her reasons for such denial. If it is determined at the hearing that the vehicle was placed on the land without the consent of the land owner and that he or she has not subsequently acquiesced in its presence, then the city shall not assess costs of administration or removal of the vehicle against the property upon which the vehicle was located or otherwise attempt to collect such costs from the owner.

G. After a vehicle has been removed pursuant to this chapter, it shall not be reconstructed or made operable, unless it is a vehicle which qualifies for either horseless carriage license plates or historical vehicle license plates, pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 5004, in which case the vehicle may be reconstructed or made operable.

(Ord. 1092 §2, 2007)