As part of Clatsop County Code Compliance’s Let’s Talk Trash Campaign, non-working vehicles on personal property are being highlighted.
If there are two or more non-working vehicles being stored on a property in Unincorporated Clatsop County, the property owner may be in violation of the Clatsop County Land and Water Use Development Code (LAWDUC).
That is because an auto wrecking yard is defined as any property where two or more motor vehicles are not in running condition, or the parts are stored in the open and the vehicles are not being restored to operation. It also applies to any land, building, or structure used for the wrecking or storing of such motor vehicles or parts.
An auto wrecking yard is a land use that requires a development permit from the Clatsop County Community Development Department. Auto-wrecking yards are only allowed in specific zones in Clatsop County. These include General Commercial, Light Industrial, and Rural Community Light Industrial zones.
“Vehicles that are not in running condition are inoperable. They may have broken or missing windows, windshields, wheels or tires, lack an engine or transmission, or have an inoperable engine or transmission,” said Gail Henrikson, Community Development Director.
If your property fits the definition of an auto wrecking yard, there are several ways you can avoid receiving a violation:
- Actively begin restoring your vehicle. Save your receipts, and document your progress. The key is to show you are doing it not just saying you’re doing it.
- Have the vehicle towed to an auto-wrecking yard. Depending on circumstances, it may not cost you any money to have it towed.
“We encourage people to reach out to us if they have questions. We are happy to work with residents to resolve any potential code violations,” she said.
Contact codecompliance [at] ClatsopCounty.gov (Clatsop County Code Compliance) for more information at 503-325-8611 or visit ClatsopCounty.gov.