12.14.010 Definitions.
The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter:
(1) “Abandoned vehicle” means a vehicle that a registered tow truck operator has impounded and held in the operator’s possession for one hundred twenty consecutive hours. (Ord. 280-N, §2, 2001)
(2) “Abandoned vehicle report” means the document prescribed by the state that the towing operator forwards to the department after a vehicle has become abandoned. (Ord. 280-N, §2, 2001)
(3) “Impound” means to take and hold a vehicle in legal custody. There are two types of impounds – public and private.
(a) “Public impound” means that the vehicle has been impounded at the direction of a law enforcement officer or by a public official having jurisdiction over the public property upon which the vehicle was located.
(b) “Private impound” means that the vehicle has been impounded at the direction of a person having control or possession of the private property upon which the vehicle was located. (Ord. 280-N, §2, 2001)
(4) “Junk vehicle” means a vehicle meeting at least three of the following requirements:
(a) Is three years old or older;
(b) Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: a broken window or windshield, missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission, or cannot be operated legally on the highway as the result of damage or disrepair;
(c) Is apparently inoperable;
(d) Has an approximate, fair market value equal only to its approximate scrap value; OR
(e) Has no valid license plates or license tabs displayed or is not insured for the minimum amount required for a motor vehicle operated on public roads within the State of Washington. (Ord. 316-N, §1, 2005; Ord. 280-N, §2, 2001)
(5) “Unauthorized vehicle” means a vehicle that is subject to impoundment after being left unattended in one of the following public or private locations for the indicated period of time:
Subject to removal after:
(a) Public locations:
(i) Constituting an accident or traffic hazard as defined in RCW 46.55.113...Immediately
(ii) On a highway and tagged as described in RCW 46.55.085....24 hours
(iii) In a publicly owned or controlled facility, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070....Immediately
(b) Private locations:
(i) On residential property.....Immediately
(ii) On private, nonresidential property, properly posted under RCW 46.55.070....Immediately
(iii) On private, nonresidential property, not posted.....24 hours. (Ord. 280-N, §2, 2001)