§ 2-437. Notice to owner.

(a)

If a motor vehicle is not claimed within three days after having been taken into custody of the city, the Chief of Police shall make reasonable efforts to ascertain the names and addresses of the registered owner and legal owner, if any, and the person entitled to possession.

(b)

If the names and addresses of such owners or persons entitled to possession or either of them can be ascertained, except as to vehicles mentioned in subsection (c) of this section, the Chief of Police shall cause notice to be sent forthwith by certified mail addressed to the registered owner of the vehicle and a similar letter addressed to the legal owner, if any. Such notice shall include the following information:

(1)

The location where the vehicle may be redeemed by the owner or person entitled to possession upon satisfactory proof of ownership or right to possession;

(2)

The amount of towing and storage charges accrued to the date of such notice, and the amount of any fines or bail which must be paid or posted and the date after which the vehicle will be subject to public sale.

(c)

With respect to vehicles which have been taken as evidence, or are recovered after having been stolen, the notice set forth in subsection (b) of this section shall be given within three days of the date of recovery, or of release by the prosecuting attorney if the vehicle is held for evidence.

(d)

In any event, notice under this section shall be given at least 20 days before sale.

(Prior Code, § 51.145; Code 2006, § 2.21.10)