Sec. 8-1. - Definition.

As used in this chapter, the term "automobile graveyard" shall mean any lot or place which is exposed to the weather and upon which more than five (5) motor vehicles of any kind, that are incapable of being operated, and which it would not be economically practical to make operative, are placed, located or found. The movement or rearrangement of vehicles within an existing lot or facility does not render this definition inapplicable. The provisions established by this chapter shall begin with the first day that the vehicle is placed on the subject property.

(Ord. No. 98, § 1; Code 1961, § 6-1; Ord. No. 6136-05, § 1)

State law reference— Similar definition with respect to automobile graveyards adjacent to highways, Code of Virginia, § 33.1-348.

Sec. 8-2. - Penalty for violation of chapter.

A violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be punishable as such, unless otherwise specifically provided.

(Ord. No. 98, § 16; Code 1961, § 6-16)

Sec. 8-3. - Record of purchases.

Every person operating an automobile graveyard who purchases any vehicle or vehicle parts or accessories shall record, in a book at such person's place of business for such purpose, the following information concerning each such purchase:

(1)

The date and time of such purchase;

(2)

The name, address, race, age and height of the seller and of the person actually delivering the vehicle or parts or accessories;

(3)

The amount of the purchase price;

(4)

The make, state license number, motor number, body number, style and seating capacity of the vehicle purchased;

(5)

The make and identifying number of radiators, speedometers and magnetoes purchased;

(6)

Such other information as may be necessary to prove ownership or identity of the vehicle or parts or accessories purchased.

(Ord. No. 98, § 4; Code 1961, § 6-4)

Sec. 8-4. - Inquiry as to right of seller to make sale.

Before the operator of any automobile graveyard purchases any vehicle or vehicle parts or accessories, diligent inquiry shall be made as to the legal right of the seller to make such sale.

(Ord. No. 98, § 4; Code 1961, § 6-4)

Sec. 8-5. - Inspections.

All automobile graveyards, together with the records required by section 8-3, shall at all times be open for inspection to all officers of the city having police powers.

(Ord. No. 98, § 5; Code 1961, § 6-5)

Sec. 8-6. - Fence required; fence specifications and location.

Automobile graveyards shall be entirely enclosed by a fence eight (8) feet in height and constructed of planks, boards, corrugated iron or masonry, brick, cinder block or concrete, so as to exclude such graveyards from public view. Every such fence shall be located at least twenty (20) feet from the street or road and in no event project beyond the building line of other buildings on the same street or road.

(Ord. No. 98, § 5; Code 1961, § 6-5)

Cross reference— Fences generally, § 13-237 et seq.

Sec. 8-7. - Maintenance of fence.

The fence required by section 8-6 shall, at all times, be kept neatly painted and in good repair, to the satisfaction of the codes compliance administrator.

(Ord. No. 98, § 7; Code 1961, § 6-7)

Sec. 8-8. - Use of fence for advertising purposes.

The fence enclosing an automobile graveyard shall not be used for billposting or other advertising purposes, except that a space not larger than six (6) feet by twelve (12) feet may be used for the advertisement of the business of the owner of such graveyard. Where such graveyard fronts on more than one (1) street or road, the use of space for advertisement herein permitted shall extend to each street or road on which the graveyard abuts.

(Ord. No. 98, § 8; Code 1961, § 6-8)

Cross reference— Advertising, Ch. 3.

Sec. 8-9. - Contents of yard not to extend above height of fence.

The contents of an automobile graveyard shall not be placed or deposited to a height greater than the height of the fence required by section 8-6.

(Ord. No. 98, § 9; Code 1961, § 6-9)

Sec. 8-10. - Premises to be kept free of rubbish and waste matter.

An automobile graveyard shall, as far as practicable, be kept clear and clean of all rubbish or waste matter.

(Ord. No. 98, § 11; Code 1961, § 6-11)

Cross reference— Garbage, litter and other solid waste, Ch. 19.

Sec. 8-11. - Abutting sidewalks to be kept clean.

All sidewalks abutting upon automobile graveyards shall be kept clear and clean of all, trash or other waste matter.

(Ord. No. 98, § 14; Code 1961, § 6-14)

Sec. 8-12. - Abutting streets to be kept clear.

All streets abutting automobile graveyards shall be kept clear and clean of all vehicles incapable of being operated under their own power.

(Ord. No. 98, § 15; Code 1961, § 6-15)

Sec. 8-13. - Fire extinguishers and other safety devices.

Safety devices, such as fire extinguishers or other like apparatus, may be required in, or for use in, automobile graveyards wherever, in the opinion of the chief of the fire department, such devices are necessary in the interest of public safety.

(Ord. No. 98, § 12; Code 1961, § 6-12)

Cross reference— Fire prevention and protection, Ch. 16.

Sec. 8-14. - Open fires.

No open fires for the burning of rubbish, trash, vehicles or any part thereof or other waste matter shall be permitted in any automobile graveyard. An accidental or casual fire occasioned by the use of an acetylene torch shall not be regarded as an open fire under this section, where it is shown that the person operating or maintaining the graveyard has, by the use of fire extinguishers or other safety devices, made reasonable effort to prevent the same.

(Ord. No. 98, § 10; Code 1961, § 6-10)

Cross reference— Open burning of leaves, § 16-32 et seq.

Sec. 8-15. - Gasoline to be drained from vehicles.

All tanks and engines of vehicles in automobile graveyards shall be kept thoroughly drained of gasoline.

(Ord. No. 98, § 13; Code 1961, § 6-13)