Junk Cars - Townships Granted More Authority

A new portion of the Ohio Revised Code, section 505.871, became effective earlier this year which grants townships additional power in which to deal with junk motor vehicles. Prior to this new law, townships were really restricted on what we could do to address junk cars left in driveways and yards. Only junk cars that were deemed a 'nuisance' could be removed from the property.

With the new law, we can legally remove a junk vehicle from a property after proper notice. "Junk motor vehicle" is specifically defined as a "vehicle that is three model years or older, is apparently inoperable and is extensively damaged, including, but not limited to, any of the following: missing wheels, tired, engines or transmissions." There is no dollar limit or value. Court involvement is not required prior to removing a junk motor vehicle.

This is a great new tool that can (and will) be used to help us help our community maintain a quality of life and high property values by addressing junk vehicle issues in a more effective and efficient manner. I welcome this added authority and we are working to implement the necessary legislation so that we can utilize this authority and improve the quality of life in Sylvania Township.