St. Martinville plans stronger enforcement against nuisance vehicles on private property, with owners facing towing and storage charges if they do not correct violations, according to an October 29 city notice.
The city said it amended its ordinance covering junked, abandoned, inoperable, wrecked, dismantled and improperly stored vehicles. The notice did not identify the amendment’s adoption or effective date.
Vehicles that meet the ordinance’s definition of a nuisance may be inspected. The city said vehicles visibly stored in violation of its requirements for more than 30 consecutive calendar days may face enforcement.
After a violation notice, owners generally have 10 calendar days to remove the vehicle, restore lawful operability or otherwise comply. If the applicable deadline passes without correction, the city may arrange towing at the vehicle owner’s expense.
Owners disputing a notice can request a City Council appeal by submitting a written request to the Planning and Zoning Department within 10 calendar days of the notice.