Inoperable Motor Vehicles on Residential Property

An inoperable or inoperative vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle or trailer:

1. which is not in operating condition; or
2. on which there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a valid inspection decal.

It is a violation of the Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance to store, on any property zoned or used for residential Purposes, any motor vehicle or trailer which is inoperative, unless such motor vehicle or trailer is stored within a fully enclosed building or structure, or otherwise shielded or screened from view. "Shielded or screened from view" means not visible by someone standing at ground level from outside the property on which the subject vehicle is located. No more than one such vehicle shall be stored on the same property.

The keeping of more than five inoperable vehicles is considered a junkyard, and is not permitted in any residential zoning district.

The property owner is responsible for any inoperable vehicles on his/her property. Violators are issued a written notice of violation by a Code Compliance Inspector, and if not corrected are issued a civil summons and penalties.

The vehicle in violation may also be removed by the Police Department, and the cost of removal charged to the owner of the property.

Revised 3/21/11 AR