| 112th Year, 35th Issue | Thursday, April 12, 2001 | Sparta, North Carolina |
The Sparta Town Council voted first approval April 3 to an "Abandoned, Junked and Hazardous Vehicles Ordinance." The regulation was created to address what Town Manager Tom Douglas said was an increasing problem with abandoned automobiles in town parking lots.
The ordinance states, in part, "It shall be unlawful....to leave or to allow to remain on town property any vehicle which is an abandoned, a hazardous or a junked vehicle....
"The town may remove any vehicle that is in violation of this ordinance to a storage yard." The ordinance also authorizes the town to dispose of such vehicles.
Although the ordinance specifies town property, Douglas said it could apply anywhere within the town limits. "I interpret it to mean any abandoned car in Sparta. That’s a question for the council and the attorney to address at the next session."
Town Attorney William Graham said a public hearing is not required for the ordinance, but council must pass it at two consecutive sessions for it to become effective.
Douglas said the ordinance may need additional clarification. If it is reworded, the two-passage requirement would start over. The ordinance as passed by council last week provides exceptions for a vehicle necessary to the lawful operation of a business; for a vehicle kept in an appropriate storage facility; and for an authorized motor vehicle dealer or junk dealer.
Douglas said an additional exception may be needed for someone working
on a car on his property.
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