Junk Cars

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Now in Effect: No junk cars allowed in Unincorporated Pierce County
WHY?
Junk vehicles often contribute to offensive smells and visual blight.  Vehicles and spare parts of vehicles attract rodents and other pests.  They may endanger the health and safety of children who may be tempted to play on or around the vehicles.  Leaking fluids could impact the quality of drinking water, wells and surface water.   There is a high correlation between junk vehicles and the manufacture and distribution of drugs and vehicle "chop shops".

WHAT IS A JUNK CAR?
To be classified as junk or nuisance, a vehicle must satisfy three of the following requirements:  The vehicle is 3 years or older; extensively damaged; apparently inoperable; and is equal to or less than its value as scrap metal.

EXCEPTIONS
Vehicles stored in a building, screened from public view, or associated with certain legally-zoned businesses are exempt from the junk car policy.   However, stored vehicles cannot attract rodents or other pests.

FINES
Allowing a nuisance vehicle to remain on a property for more than 45 days could result in fines and/or jail time.

HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE
Through its Cooperative Abatement Program, the County will provide removal assistance to those who qualify.  To find out if you qualify, call 798-INFO or visit the Responds web site at www.piercecountyresponds.org.