On Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., the Ogden City Council will consider an ordinance that addresses non-consensual towing within City limits. The Council invites all interested parties to attend the meeting and provide input.
The proposed towing regulations establish requirements for:
- Uniform signage and sign locations;
- Documentation of parking violations;
- Waiting periods before a tow can occur;
- Notice to the Police Department when a vehicle has been towed;
- Ease of retrieval after a vehicle has been towed; and
- Penalties for violations.
The proposed regulations also make it unlawful for property owners and towing operators to share proceeds or otherwise incentivize each other to authorize or conduct towing operations. A copy of the proposed ordinance can be found on the City’s website (click here).
The City Council reviewed this proposed ordinance during its June 14, 2016 work session. Jared Johnson, the City’s Building Services Manager, reviewed the proposed ordinance with Council members. “One of the primary goals of this ordinance is to establish uniform signage and notification to vehicle owners,” Mr. Johnson said.
“We currently don’t have these requirements in the code. We also weighed the rights of the property owners to control their parking lots against the rights of vehicle owners to get fair notice and opportunity to retrieve their vehicles. We believe we have found the right balance with this ordinance.” Council Member Richard Hyer agreed. “We have received numerous complaints about ‘ambush’ towing in this City. I’m pleased that we have found a way to protect citizens against this practice while still supporting the rights of property owners.”
Property owners who choose to tow vehicles will likely incur some costs in order to bring their property into compliance. Costs will be determined by how much control the owner wishes to exert. At a minimum, owners will be required to post signage that complies with the regulations. Property owners or towing companies who fail to comply with this ordinance may incur fines of up to a $500. The City’s code enforcement officers will be responsible for enforcement.
For additional information, please contact Janene Eller-Smith, Ogden City Council Deputy Director, janeneeller@ogdencity.com; 801-629-8165.
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