Warrick County, IN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 157's definition of ABANDONED VEHICLES borrows the state test from I.C. 9-13-2-1: a motor vehicle at least three model years old, mechanically inoperable, and left on private property continuously in a spot visible from public property for more than 20 days. The definition carves out farm equipment, farm implements, machinery parts used in agricultural operations, and antique farming implements, so a stored tractor or an old combine on a working farm does not trigger the ordinance. Enforcement runs through the same violation-report process that covers weeds and junk: any resident of the same neighborhood or community may file a violation report on forms provided by the Warrick County Administrator, the Code Enforcement Officer or district County Commissioner inspects, and a violation notice gives the owner a ten business day abatement period to remove the vehicle.

Section 157.03(D)(5) specifically requires the county to follow all due process requirements for notice and abatement of abandoned vehicles under Indiana law, including I.C. 9-22-1 et seq., before the county acts. If the vehicle is not removed and a court-ordered abatement follows, the county may recover its administrative and abatement costs from the owner, billed as an invoice appealable to the Hearing Authority within ten calendar days, with unpaid amounts eventually certified to the County Auditor and added to the property's tax bill. Fines under § 157.99(A) escalate: $100 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation, on top of any abatement costs and up to $250 in attorney fees the county incurs filing an ordinance-violation action.