By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department I was asked a question involving storage of unregistered motor vehicles on property here in town. Many people have unregistered vehicles on their property for one reason or another. A person recently bought a new car and is in the process of selling their older one. I was asked to explain the town By-law for the benefit on storage of unregistered cars. Article twenty-one is the section of the Dudley By-laws which pertains to storage of unregistered motor vehicles. Unless a person is the holder of a license, such as a car dealer, or unless given a special permit by the Selectmen, they cannot allow more than one unregistered motor vehicle to remain on a lot in the town. The vehicle can be assembled or disassembled for the purposes of this law. The term “lot” is defined as “a parcel of land held in identical ownership throughout including all contiguous land held in the same ownership.” In the incident in question, the property owner is completely within the limit of the law. Should someone request a special permit, a public hearing will be held and the Selectmen “may” issue one if certain criteria are met. Some items of consideration include whether or not the vehicles constitute a nuisance and if they do “not adversely affect the neighborhood.” This By-law does not apply to vehicles stored within an enclosed building or if they are designed for farming or other agricultural purposes. Penalties for a violation are $20 per day for each violation. This law is designed to avoid hazardous situations and the compiling of vehicles. |
Should you find yourself with a potential violation, it is good to know you have options. Many charities or scrap dealers will take old vehicles off your property at no cost. You may also receive a tax credit in some cases. Feel free to contact our office should you require assistance with this problem.
Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department, 71 West Main St., Dudley, MA 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. |
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