The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Inoperable motor vehicle means any motor vehicle which is not in operating condition; or which for a period of 60 days or longer has been partially or totally dissembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine, or other essential parts required for operation of the vehicle or on which there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a valid inspection decal.

(Code 1990, ch. 14, § 20A-2)

Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.

It shall be unlawful for any person to keep on any property zoned for residential or commercial or agricultural purposes any motor vehicles, trailers or semitrailers, as such are defined in Code of Virginia, § 46.2-100, which are inoperable, except within a fully enclosed building or structure or otherwise shielded from view.

(Code 1990, ch. 14, § 20A-1)

Except as permitted by this article, the owners of property zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes shall, within 30 days of receiving notice from the zoning administrator, remove therefrom any such inoperable motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers that are not kept within a fully enclosed building or structure or otherwise shielded from view.

(Code 1990, ch. 14, § 20A-3)

The county, through its own agents or employees, may remove any such inoperative motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers, whenever the owner of the premises, after receiving the notice provided for in section 74-1053, has failed to do so; in which event, the county may dispose of such motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers after giving additional notice to the owner of the vehicle. The cost of any such removal and disposal shall be chargeable to the owner of the vehicle or premises and may be collected by the county as taxes are collected. Every cost authorized by this article with which the owner of the premises has been assessed shall constitute a lien against the property from which the vehicle was removed, the lien to continue until actual payment of such costs has been made to the county.

(Code 1990, ch. 14, § 20A-4)

It shall be unlawful and constitute a misdemeanor for any person to violate any provisions of this article. Any person violating any provisions of this article shall be subject to a fine of not less than $10.00, nor more than $1,000.00 for each offense.

(Code 1990, ch. 14, § 20A-5)