| Description: On September 10th, 2003, Mount Vernon City Council adopted two ordinances, MVMC 10.06 et. seq. and MVMC 10.10 et.seq., which affect vehicles found within city limits that are considered junk vehicles. Any vehicle meeting the criteria of a junk vehicle either found on a city right of way or on a private residence, visible from any city street without a proper permit will be in violation of the new ordinances.
What is a junk vehicle? A junk vehicle must meet three of the following requirements:
- Is three years old or older;
- Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: A broken window or windshield, or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;
- Is apparently inoperable;
- Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
MVMC 10.06.030; MVMC 10.10.020
Who do I call when I see a vehicle I think is a junk vehicle? The City of Mount Vernon has two separate departments that enforce the City's junk vehicle ordinances depending on where the vehicle is located.
For vehicles on a city street [public right of way] please call the Mount Vernon Police Department dispatch operator: SKAGIT 911 (360) 428-3211 For vehicles on a yard or private residence visible from any city street please call: MOUNT VERNON DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (360) 336-6214
What happens when I call in a junk vehicle?
Vehicles on city streets: During the time a complaint is filed with the Skagit 911 operator the complainant will be asked to provide for the license plate, make, model and vehicle color if available, and the street or address where it is parked. This is forwarded to an officer for follow up. If it is determined that the vehicle satisfies the criteria of a junk vehicle [see above], a notice is attached to the vehicle and attempts are made to notify the owner. If the vehicle is not removed, a notice will be sent to the last registered and legal owners who are in violation of MVMC 10.06.010 (10). After 15 days, vehicles still on city right of way who have not requested a hearing are subject to immediate removal and disposal by the City. The contracted tow company will then receive a list of vehicles authorized for wrecking and schedules the removal. Vehicles on property visible from city streets: Once Development Services receives a complaint regarding a junk vehicle on private property visible from any city street, code enforcement will go to the location and investigate the complaint. If it is determined that the vehicle(s) satisfy the criteria of a junk vehicle[see above], is visible from any city street, and not permitted otherwise to remain, code enforcement will attempt to locate the last known address of the registered and legal owner of the vehicle(s) through a check with the Department of Licensing. Notices will then be sent to the registered and legal owner of the vehicle(s) as well as the owner of the property on which the vehicle resides that this vehicle is in violation of MVMC 10.10.050 and must be removed within 15 days. After notice has been sent and if no hearing has been requested, if the vehicle(s) remain on the residence after the 15 day period, the owner(s) will be subject to a financial penalty of $250.00-$500.00 per day or portion thereof while junk vehicle remains. If the vehicle(s) continue to remain, the City will issue an intent to abate the vehicle and seek to remove the vehicle or part thereof, dispose of it by a licensed vehicle wrecker, hulk hauler, or scrap processor and recover any costs incurred from the owner pursuant to MVMC 10.10.070-080.
What are the possible penalties for violating the new Mount Vernon junk vehicle ordinances?
A violation for having an unauthorized junk vehicle on your property visible from any city street is punishable between $250.00-$500.00 fine per day or portion thereof. The city is entitled to seek the costs of abatement and removal of a vehicle or part thereof including the costs of administration and hearing. Any costs incurred are enforceable as a lien against the property. It is a crime punishable by up to a $5000.00 fine and 365 days in jail to abandon a junk vehicle on a city right of way. MVMC 10.06.040(d); RCW 46.55.230(6). Furthermore, the vehicle's registered owner may also pay a cleanup restitution payment equal to twice the costs incurred in the removal of the junk vehicle.
How do I get a permit for my vehicle?
An owner of a single family residence may obtain a temporary permit from the City of Mount Vernon's Development Services Department located at 910 Cleveland Avenue to store or park in a lawful manner on private property a vehicle or hulk or part thereof, for the purposes of restoration, repair, or disassembly for parts, for non-commercial purposes. A permit shall be valid for not more than sixty (60) days, and shall not be renewed. The fee for application is $15.00. |