Wildomar Municipal Code Ch. 10.52 Vehicle Impound Administrative Fee

It is the intent of this chapter and any subsequent amendments thereto to establish an administrative fee for impoundment of motor vehicles.

(Ord. 59 § 1, 2011)

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words, and derivations shall have the meaning given in this section:

"Chief"

means the Chief of Police of the Police Department of the City of Wildomar.

"City"

means the City of Wildomar.

"City Manager"

means the City Manager of the City of Wildomar.

"Police Department"

means the Police Department of the City of Wildomar.

(Ord. 59 § 1, 2011)

A. A fee to reimburse the City for costs incurred in removing, impounding, storing, and releasing vehicles shall be charged by the Wildomar Police Department to the owner of a vehicle so removed, impounded, stored, or released pursuant to Sections 14602.6, 22651(h), 22651(o), 22651(p), or 22655.5 of the California Vehicle Code. These charges (the "impound fee") shall be in accordance with and by the authority of Section 22850.5 of the California Vehicle Code.

B. The Chief shall provide documentation of the costs on which the impound fee is based and the impound fee shall not go into effect until approved by resolution by the City Council. The impound fee shall not exceed an amount that covers the actual administrative costs incurred by the City relating to the removal, impoundment, storage, and release of the vehicle.

C. The Chief, with the approval of the City Council, is hereby authorized to adopt such rules, regulations, and procedures as are necessary for the release of properly impounded vehicles and for the Police Department to impose, collect, and administer the impound fee by this section.

(Ord. 59 § 1, 2011)

A. The Police Department may waive the impound fee due to extenuating circumstances. It is not the intention of the City nor the Police Department to penalize victims.

B. Circumstances under which the administrative fee may be waived include:

1. The vehicle was towed and stored without authorization by any of the several provisions of the California Vehicle Code;

2. The vehicle was towed or stored as a recovered stolen vehicle.

(Ord. 59 § 1, 2011)