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Habersham County takes first reading of derelict‑vehicle ordinance; full vote set for next month
Summary
Commissioners accepted for first reading a proposed derelict‑vehicle (junk‑car) ordinance that defines derelict vehicles, sets a 30‑day private‑property threshold and provides notice, magistrate hearing and county abatement procedures; adoption will be considered at the next meeting.
The Habersham County Board of Commissioners on March 17 accepted for first reading a proposed derelict‑vehicle ordinance that would prohibit and regulate unregistered, inoperative or abandoned vehicles left on private and public property.
Planning and code enforcement staff presented the measure as a targeted tool for individual properties where vehicles have been left for an extended period. The proposed ordinance defines a derelict vehicle as an unregistered, junked, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned vehicle on private property for more than 30 days. The process laid out in the draft would require notice to property owners, a 14‑day removal window and potential magistrate‑court proceedings if owners do not comply; the county could then remove offending vehicles and place a lien on the property.
Mike Beauchamp, the staff presenter, stressed the ordinance is intended for individual residential situations rather than licensed junkyards, and that exceptions for yard art or decorative uses were intended. ‘‘It’s to handle those type situations,’’ Beauchamp said, summarizing the purpose.
The board opened a public hearing on the change; one attendee said they could not fully comment without reading the full text. The clerk read the ordinance caption in full. After the public hearing, a motion to accept the item for first reading passed unanimously. Commissioners will hold a formal adoption vote at the next regular meeting after providing time for public notice and review.
Key points • Definition proposed: derelict vehicle = unregistered/dismantled/inoperative/abandoned on private property for more than 30 days. • Enforcement: 14‑day removal notice, magistrate hearing, possible county removal and lien placement. • Scope: Targets individual private‑property cases, not licensed salvage/junkyard businesses; yard‑art exceptions were discussed.
Next steps The measure was accepted for first reading; adoption will be on a future agenda and will require a separate vote.
