§ 24-210. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned vehicle: A vehicle left in a private parking area for more than fifteen (15) consecutive days, when it has not been left under a written contract of storage and has not, during that period, been removed by the person leaving it.

Private parking area: Any office, commercial or business property not controlled by the city where the public is allowed to temporarily park or leave a vehicle.

Private property owner: A person who owns or is in lawful possession of private real property or the agent thereof. For purposes of this article, a private towing carrier shall not act as the agent of a private property owner.

Private towing carrier: Any person who offers services for a fee or charge to tow, transport or impound motor vehicles from private property without the prior permission of the owner or operator of such vehicle by means or use of a truck or other vehicle designed for or adapted to that purpose.

Proof of vehicle ownership: A written instrument of identification that meets the requirements of A.R.S. Section 4-241(A)(1—4) and an ownership document such as, but not limited to: (1) the most recent state-issued title; (2) any state-issued registration, whether current or not, if the vehicle is currently registered in the person's name; or (3) a vehicle purchase agreement, bill of sale, or lien holder contract if the vehicle displays temporary registration tags. A person acting as an agent for an owner may provide a signed and notarized letter from the owner along with proof of vehicle ownership.

Vehicle storage lot: Any business who stores motor vehicles that were removed without the permission of the vehicle owner or operator.

(Ord. No. 2604, § 4, 11-27-07)