Assembly streamlines code on abandoned and junked vehicles; clarifies response to people living in vehicles

The Assembly adopted an ordinance on April 7 to consolidate and clarify language related to abandoned, junked and impounded vehicles in CBJ code (Ordinance 2025-07). City staff said the rewrite moves scattered provisions into Chapter 72 to let departments respond more quickly and provide officers greater discretion in criminal cases.

City and Police staff told the Assembly the change does not change how officers engage with people who live in vehicles. The code clarifications are meant to expedite tagging, impound, booting and auction processes for vehicles that are truly abandoned or unsafe, while giving officers flexibility and continued emphasis on connecting people in unsafe situations to services.

Matt Kester, manager, and police representatives explained typical practice: officers tag suspected abandoned vehicles and notify the last-registered owner; if the owner does not move the vehicle within the required notice period, the vehicle can be impounded and the typical abandoned-vehicle process (notice, hold period, auction) follows. Staff added that if a vehicle is in such disrepair that it is a health and safety hazard, the police can take stronger action earlier; if a person actually lives in a vehicle it is not classified as abandoned and officers prioritize social-service outreach.

Assembly member Steininger moved adoption; the ordinance passed with no recorded objection.

Ending: The code clarification aims to improve operational efficiency while preserving discretion to assist people living in vehicles rather than treating them as abandoned property.