(a)

Definitions as used in this section:

(1)

Motor vehicle or vehicle means any motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer, or any part thereof, as defined in Code of Virginia, § 46.2-100, as amended.

(2)

Inoperable vehicle means any vehicle:

a.

Which is not in operating condition; or

b.

Which for a period of 60 days or longer has been partially or totally disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine, or other essential parts required for operation of the vehicle; or

c.

On which there are displayed no valid state license plates; or

d.

On which there is displayed no valid state inspection decal; or

e.

This definition of "inoperable vehicle" shall not include a registered and licensed antique vehicle, classic vehicle, or prestige vehicle so long as the vehicle is in operating condition.

(3)

Shielded or screened from view means not visible by someone standing at ground level from outside of the property on which the subject vehicle is located by using one of the following methods:

a.

A form fitted, defect-free cover specifically designed and manufactured to completely shield the motor vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer from view;

b.

A hedge or dense evergreen landscape planting not less than six feet high and ten feet wide that is neat and well maintained; or

c.

An opaque masonry wall or treated wood fence of stockade, board and batten, panel or similar type design in good repair of not less than six feet high and ten feet wide.

(b)

The keeping by any person, firm or corporation, except within a fully enclosed building or structure or otherwise shielded or screened from view, of any inoperable motor vehicle on any property zoned for residential, commercial or agricultural purposes is detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare, and is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance.

(c)

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to keep on any property zoned for residential, commercial or agricultural purposes any vehicle which is inoperable, except as follows:

(1)

On property less than two acres, one inoperable vehicle, including any portions thereof, may be kept provided they are shielded or screened from view; or

(2)

On property two acres and larger, two inoperable vehicles, including any portions thereof, may be kept provided they are shielded or screened from view; or

(3)

The inoperable vehicle is kept at a commercial business in compliance with the county's zoning regulations covering such business and/or a conditional use permit has been issued for the operation of such business; or

(4)

An inoperable vehicle being repaired at an automobile repair business may be kept at such property for no more than 60 continuous days; or

(5)

The inoperable vehicle is kept within a fully enclosed building or structure.

(d)

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any entity which was licensed and regularly engaged in business as an automobile dealer, salvage dealer or scrap processor, as of June 26, 1970.

(e)

The zoning administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to take any action necessary to ensure compliance with this Code section.

(Ord. of 3-8-2023 (3))

Property owner's, permit applicants, and/or establishment owners/managers, as applicable, shall be notified in writing of violations of the provisions of this article. The zoning administrator or his designee shall, in the notice of violation, state the nature of the violation, the date that it was observed, and the remedy or remedies necessary to correct the violation. The zoning administrator or his designee may establish a reasonable time period for the correction of the violation. The procedure for any violations of this section will follow the procedures and penalties outlined in section 24-168.

(Ord. of 3-8-2023 (3))