Discussion of Authority to Abate and Remove Vehicles
RCW 46.55.240 grants specific authority for cities, towns, and counties to adopt an ordinance establishing procedures for the abatement and removal, as public nuisances, of junk vehicles or vehicle parts from private property. Such ordinances must, however, contain the applicable provisions of Chapter 46.55 RCW, including certain notice and hearing requirements.
"Junk vehicle" is defined in RCW 46.55.010(4) as meeting at least three of the following four requirements: (a) Is three years old or older; (b) Is extensively damaged, such damage including but not limited to any of the following: A broken window or windshield or missing wheels, tires, motor, or transmission; (c) Is apparently inoperable; (d) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it.
After notice has been given and a hearing, if requested, has been held, the municipality may remove and dispose of a junk vehicle. Costs of the removal may be assessed against the last registered owner of the vehicle, or the costs may be assessed against the owner of the property on which the vehicle is being stored.
The state law, RCW 46.55.240(3)(c), does contain an exemption for vehicles that are "completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property" or vehicles that are "stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler or licensed vehicle dealer."