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Council holds first reading of towing and nuisance-abatement ordinance; staff says council action required before towing from private property
Summary
On first reading the council reviewed Ordinance 2026-0504 to clarify procedures for removing abandoned, unclaimed and nuisance vehicles, including authorizing private towing contractors and specifying notice and council-order steps for private-property towing.
The Clay City Council read Ordinance 2026-0504 (first reading) to clarify and authorize procedures for removal, towing, impoundment and disposition of nuisance and abandoned vehicles and to provide council abatement procedures.
City staff explained the ordinance would authorize the use of private towing contractors and clarified that towing from private property would still require a council order declaring a public nuisance. Staff described a notification process that includes posting the vehicle, certified letters, and a 10-day minimum notice before council consideration; if a residence is involved staff said notice would also be posted within three feet of the door.
Council members asked whether the proposed authority would extend to vehicles stored in private driveways or rear yards and whether the city's existing ordinance language (which targets items visible from the street) would change. Staff said the current enforcement approach is limited to items visible from the street and that new towing authority still hinges on council authorization after notification.
Given several outstanding clarification questions, a council member moved to table further action so staff could provide additional detail and the motion to table passed on roll call. The ordinance remains at first reading and will return for further consideration after staff follow-up.
