§ 27-5. Impoundment of vehicles.

(a)

Intent and purpose. This section is enacted as an enforcement procedure for protection of the public peace, safety and welfare, and the safeguarding of property, and shall be used generally for the prevention and removal of traffic hazards, prevention and abatement of public nuisances arising from traffic law violations, and for the protection of the public rights in the use of city streets and thoroughfares.

(b)

Removal and impoundment. Any vehicle parked, stopped or standing in violation of a posted sign clearly marking a "driveway" shall be deemed a public nuisance, and the police department and any other agent of the city is hereby authorized to remove, or cause to be removed, at the sole cost of the owner of such vehicle. Such police authority shall have the power and is hereby authorized to remove the vehicle by either private or governmental equipment to the city pound, or elsewhere, as he may deem advisable.

(c)

Release of vehicle. Vehicles impounded pursuant to this section will be released to their lawful owner (or person entitled to possession) upon showing adequate evidence of a right to its possession and paying the payment of all accrued fines and costs, or depositing of the collateral required for his appearance in the city court to answer for this violation and, in addition thereto, the charges for towing and storage.

(d)

Rules and regulations. The city council is hereby authorized to adopt by resolution such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.

(Code 1966, § 12-10)