Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 5.18 Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers

Sections: 5.18.010 Definitions. 5.18.020 Recordkeeping requirements. 5.18.030 Furnishing false information prohibited. 5.18.040 Records--Filing--Inspection. 5.18.050 Articles--Period to be retained. 5.18.060 Minors--Sale to, or purchase from, prohibited--Exception. 5.18.070 Minors--Sale of firearms to prohibited--Exception. 5.18.080 Sale of certain articles--Disinfection or notification required. 5.18.090 Violation--Penalty.

As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

"Pawnbroker" means any person, firm or corporation carrying on, conducting or engaging in the business of lending money for interest, and receiving goods, wares or merchandise as a pledge or pawn in security for the payment of such loan, or who purchases articles of personal property and resells or agrees to resell such articles to the vendors thereof or their assigns at prices agreed upon at or before the time of such purchase.

"Secondhand dealer" means any person, firm or corporation carrying on, conducting, maintaining or engaging in the business of buying, selling or exchanging or otherwise dealing in or acquiring any article or thing that has not been included in the terms "junk dealer," "pawnbroker" or "automobile dealer." (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

A. Every person, firm or corporation carrying on, conducting or maintaining or engaging in the business of pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or junk dealer, under the provisions of this chapter, shall keep a record, in duplicate, in a book, in which shall be entered, in the English language in a clear and legible manner, the name or names and description of all persons from whom any article or thing whatsoever is purchased, traded or otherwise acquired; the date of such purchase, trade or acquisition; and the name and description of each such article or thing such purchased, traded or acquired. The original of such record and report, signed by the proprietor of such business or an authorized person, shall be submitted upon request of the chief law enforcement officer, to the police services department.

B. Every person, firm or corporation other than a pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or junk dealer, who, at his regular place of business, trades or exchanges or deals in secondhand goods, wares or commodities as an incident to his regular business under the provisions of this chapter, shall keep a record, in the manner set out in subsection (A) of this section, of all firearms purchased by or otherwise acquired by him, together with a description of the person or persons from whom acquired.

C. Every person, firm or corporation carrying on, conducting, maintaining or engaging in the business of pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or junk dealer under the provisions of this chapter, shall keep a record, as provided in this section, showing the name or names and description of all persons to whom any such used article or secondhand thing is sold, traded or otherwise disposed of, the name and description of each such article or thing so sold, traded or disposed of, and the date of such sale, trade or disposition. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

It is unlawful for any person to furnish false information in connection with the sale or exchange of any goods sold to, bailed to or exchange with any secondhand dealer, pawnbroker or junk dealer, or other person dealing in secondhand goods. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

The chief law enforcement officer shall file in his office all reports received pursuant to the terms of this chapter, and same shall be open to inspection by members of the police department of the city or the city clerk, or by other persons upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

Every pawnbroker shall retain in his possession, after the date on which the loan became due and payable, clothing and furs pledged to him for a period of four months, and every other article pledged to him for a period of six months. During such periods the borrower may redeem the articles upon payment of the loan and interest charges. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

It is unlawful for any pawnbroker, secondhand dealer or junk dealer to purchase, trade for or receive any article or thing from any minor under the age of eighteen years; provided, however, that used bottles, rags and papers may be purchased from a minor under the age of eighteen years. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, hire or deliver to any minor under the age of eighteen years, any gun, rifle, pistol, shotgun or other firearm, without the written permission of such minor’s parents or guardian. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or exchange within the city any secondhand furniture, bedding, carpets or clothing until the same have been thoroughly disinfected, or until the purchaser thereof has been expressly notified that such disinfection has not been made. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).

Every violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be a misdemeanor and, upon violation thereof, shall be punishable as provided for in Chapter 1.08. Each day any violation of any provision of this chapter shall continue shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).