The City of Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 9.47, “Vehicle Impounds” covers different types of vehicles and when they may be impounded.  The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 9.47.010 by adding a definition of “Unlicensed Vehicles”, and prohibit unlicensed vehicles from parking on a public street.  This amendment would provide for the immediate impoundment of the violator vehicle and includes a monetary penalty.

Another proposed amendment in this section, 9.47.010(J)(1)(b), would clarify that any vehicle cannot be parked for longer than 24 hours “on any one block face” on a public roadway. Thus, 9.47.040(B), the section allowing for these vehicles to be impounded, should be amended.  Currently, this section allows for Unauthorized Vehicles to be impounded if they have been parked for 24 hours on the roadway, and, after notice plus an additional 48 hours, remain substantially in the same location. The phrase “substantially in the same location” does not clearly define how far a vehicle must be moved in order to avoid impoundment.  This amendment would clarify that a vehicle may be impounded after failing to move the vehicle “one block face” after being provided the proper notice.   

Allowing the city to impound vehicles that are parked on the roadway and are 1) unlicensed or 2) parked for more than 24 hours would help preserve the public peace, health, safety and economic welfare of the City of Yakima.