Residents of Apple Valley have been reminded by city officials of the ordinance that strictly prohibits the outdoor storage of vehicles deemed as junk or abandoned on private property. As of September 22, vehicles lacking essential parts or inoperable to the point they cannot serve their intended purpose are not allowed to be parked outside, as stated on the City of Apple Valley's website. Instead, these vehicles should be stored in an enclosed garage or storage building or completely removed from the property.
The city defines vital component parts as the motor, drive train, and wheels, but not limited to, and requires vehicles to be properly licensed with current registration visibly displayed; outdoor storage of vehicles not meeting these criteria is a violation of the ordinance at both commercial and residential properties. According to the Apple Valley municipal code, private property owners and managers have the authority to remove such vehicles without the consent of the owner, if they are found to be in violation of these regulations.
For residents looking to repair their vehicles, the city has outlined regulations that allow minor automotive repair work to be done outside, yet tasks that are more extensive, such as engine overhauls or major body work, must be undertaken within the confines of a garage. The municipal code allows residents to replace parts or repair parts as long as it does not involve extensive procedures that would require dismantling major components like the engine head, transmission or differential, and entails only minimal body work, minor painting, or upholstering for vehicles under 7,000 pounds gross weight.
Concerned citizens or those with inquiries regarding the storage and repair of vehicles can reach out to the Apple Valley Code Enforcement office for guidance, the city's announcement provides contact information including a phone number 952.953.2570 and an email address at [email protected] to report any potential violations or to ask questions. The awareness about the issue is hoped to ensure that the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods is maintained for the benefit of the entire community, and to avoid the hazards that can be associated with improperly stored or abandoned vehicles.
