passed ordinance

*Amend Towing & Disposition of Vehicles Code to expand tow authority and define lawful possession of an impounded vehicle (amend Code Sections 16.30.100, 16.30.220, 16.30.510 and 16.30.520)

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transportation
code amendment

Department: Transportation
Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler Former Commissioner Mingus Mapps
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

Amend Code sections 16.30.100, 16.30.220, 16.30.510 and 16.30.520

Financial impacts

This ordinance does not add any cost to the PBOT budget.

Community impacts

The purpose of the 16.30.100 amendment is to provide quicker response times for vehicle tows from the ROW. Identify required documentation to release vehicles from impound and clearly state owners may be responsible for towing, storage and demolition fees. The intent of these changes is to increase safety, conform with State law, and improve responsiveness to the community.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The purpose of Code Section 16.30.100 is to clearly identify who can request a vehicle be towed from the right-of-way and procedure for disposition once an authorized tow occurs. The proposed change to Section 16.30.100 will expand who has the authority to order a tow to include Maintenance Operations, Water Bureau, and Bureau of Environmental Services Supervisors or Superintendents. The purpose of Code Section 16.30.220, Towing Without Prior Notice is to identify when a Parking Enforcement Officer may call for a vehicle towed from the right-of-way without notice. The proposed change to this section will add vehicles without visible vehicle identification numbers or license plate to the list of reasons a vehicle may be towed from the right-of-way without notice. The purpose of Code Section 16.30.510 is to outline towing and storage charges. This amendment clarifies a vehicle not claimed by the owner within 30 days of tow date may have a lien placed on it and its contents or may be demolished or sold. The purpose of Code Section 16.30.520 is to list charges for tow and impound and required documentation to release an impounded vehicle. The proposed changes to Section 16.30.520 outlines documents needed to claim towed vehicle; requires proof of insurance, valid drivers license and registration for any vehicle driven from impound; vehicle owner is liable for towing, storage, administration, and demolition fees for any unclaimed vehicle. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: City Code Sections 16.30.100, 16.30.220, 16.30.510 and 16.30.520 are amended as shown in Exhibit A. Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists because a delay in passing this ordinance will limit staff's ability to immediately maintain the right-of-way; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from after its passage by Council.

Tally

5 yea 0 nay