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The City of Seattle
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An ordinance relating to the Traffic Code; revising the definition of "junk motor vehicle"; and amending Section 11.14.268 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
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Recitals:
It can be difficult to enforce portions of the Traffic Code as found in Title 11, Subtitle 1.
This legislation clarifies the definition of a junk motor vehicle and expands the definitions of what is ”extensively damaged,” ”apparently inoperable,” and “without a current certificate of registration or a current and proper vehicle license” to enhance enforcement of the Traffic Code.
This legislation is focused on vehicles not currently being lived in that are stored on city streets.
The Council’s intent is that vehicles that have an active Vehicle Resident Assistance Permit not be towed solely for their vehicle meeting the junk vehicle standards.
In some places in Seattle, there are a limited number of people storing a large number of vehicles in a variety of conditions in the right-of-way, which is not intended to be a place for people to store a large number of vehicles, and definitely not a large number of vehicles that meet the junk vehicle standards. Therefore,
Be it ordained by The City of Seattle as follows:
Section 1. Section 11.14.268 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 120098, is amended as follows:
11.14.268 Junk motor vehicle((.))
A. "Junk motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle meeting at least three of the following requirements:
1. Left on private property without the permission of the person having right to the possession of the property;
2. Left on a street, alley way open to the public, or on municipal or other public property for ((twenty-four ())24(())) hours or longer;
3. Extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: ((A broken window or windshield, missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;))
a. Missing steering wheel, transmission, or motor;
b. Missing or broken windshield; or
c. Two or more missing or broken in any combination: side or back windows, wheels, tires, lights, body panels, or seats;
4. Apparently inoperable, meaning any motor vehicle that is unable to move under its own power on a flat surface or has other general conditions that would render the vehicle unroadworthy;
5. Having a fair market value of ((Five Hundred Dollars ())$500(())) or less;
6. Without a current certificate of registration, with an obscured or not easily visible vehicle identification number, current license tabs depicting the current registration expiration month and year, ((or)) a current and proper vehicle license, or a license plate.
B. ((Vehicles in Violation of this Section.)) Junk motor vehicles are subject to impoundment as provided for in Chapter 11.30 ((SMC)) in addition to any other penalty provided for by law.
This ordinance shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Sections 1.04.020 and 1.04.070.
Passed by the City Council and signed in open session in authentication of its passage on .
President of the City Council
on .
Katie B. Wilson, Mayor
Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk