Information
Description: On September 10, 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 private residential property, visible from any 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 may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: a broken window or windshield, missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission;
- Is apparently inoperable;
- Has an appropriate 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 to report what I believe 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 located on a city street [public right of way] please call the Mount Vernon Police Department dispatch operator: SKAGIT 911 (360) 428-3211
For vehicles located in a yard or on private residential property visible from any city street please call: Community and Economic Development [CED] (360) 336-6214.
What happens when I call in a junk vehicle?
Vehicles on city streets: During the time a complaint a filed with the Skagit 911 operator the complainant will be asked to provide the license plate, make, model and vehicle color, if available, and the street or address where it is located. The following Tuesday, volunteers from the Citizen's on Proactive Patrol [COPP] program will investigate. If it is determined 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 has not been removed by the following Thursday, notice will be sent to the last registered and legal owner(s) of the vehicle advising violation of MVMC 10.06.010(10). After 15 days, vehicles remaining on city right of way [when no notice of a hearing has been requested] are subject to immediate removal and disposal by the City. The city provides a list of vehicles authorized for wrecking and schedules the removal with the contracted towing company.
Vehicles on property visible from city streets: During the time a complaint a filed with CED the complainant will be asked to provide the license plate, make, model and vehicle color, if available, and the street or address where it is located. Code enforcement will investigate. If it is determined the vehicle satisfies the criteria of a junk vehicle [see above], is visible from any city street, and not otherwise permitted to remain, code enforcement will attempt to locate the last registered and legal owner(s) of the vehicle, and the property owner where the vehicle is located, advising violation of MVMC 10.06.050 and requesting removal within 15 days. Once notice is sent [and when no notice of a hearing has been requested] if the vehicle remains after the 15 day time period, the owner(s) will be subject to a financial penalty of $250-$500 per day or portion thereof while the vehicle remains. If the vehicle continues to remain, the City will issue intent to abate the vehicle and seek to remove the vehicle, dispose of it by a licensed vehicle wrecker, hulk hauler, or scrap processor and recover any costs incurred from the owner(s) 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 which is visible from any city street is punishable by a fine in between $250-$500 per day or portion thereof, including any administration and hearing costs. Any costs incurred are enforceable as a lien against the property where the vehicle is located.
It is a crime punishable up to a $5000 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 be required to pay cleanup restitution equal to twice the costs incurred in removing the junk vehicle.
How do I obtain a permit for my vehicle?
An owner of a single family residence may obtain a temporary permit from CED, located at 910 Cleveland Avenue. The permit allows the vehicle, hulk, or part thereof to be stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property for the purposes of restoration, repair, or disassembly for parts, for non-commercial purposes. A permit shall be valid for not more than 60 days and shall not be renewed. The application fee for the permit is $15.00.