By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Junk cars now illegal in Smithville
Hotline set up to report violators
6 -junk cars.jpg

Those wanting to drop a dime on neighbors who are junking up the neighborhood with broken down old cars can now pick up the phone or go online to report offenders.

With the passage of the junk car ordinance this past week, the city of Smithville was besieged with complaints prompting a hotline citizens can test. The number is 615-684-4852 and will be monitored during regular business hours during the week. Those reporting offenders, which can include junk car violators or those violating the junk ordinance are asked to include a picture with their text. Citizens may also email cityofsmithville@icloud.com with an explanation and picture. Those making the reports will be kept secret.

The newly passed law of the land when it comes to junked cars, the city can issue a summons if they are found in violation. The owner of the property or the junked car will have 30 days to take care of the issue before being ordered into court to answer the violation. They can then be assessed a $50 for each issue.

If the owner refuses to comply with a court order, the city judge can direct the city to take the action and pass the costs onto the property owner. This could include hauling away the offending vehicle in the case of the junked car ordinance or hauling away junk in the case of the junk ordinance which was already on the books. If the property owner fails to pay the bill the city can add further fees on the tax rolls as a lien on the property and collect the fees.

The ordinance excludes citizens who park, store, keep, and maintain a junked vehicle on private property completely enclosed within a building and not visible from the street or to their neighbors; if the junked vehicle is in the process of being restored; or if the junked vehicle is parked or stored on property lawfully zoned for business engaged in wrecking, junking, or repairing vehicles.