(1) It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to eliminate the effects of the accumulation of damaged and inoperable vehicles and parts thereof which create blight, depress property values, generate health hazards, contribute to injury, damage the environment including numerous species of fish and wildlife, provide breeding areas for pests such as rodents, hornets and mosquitoes, attract illegal dumping of other solid waste and hazardous substances, and lead to criminal behavior, detrimentally affecting the health and safety of communities and neighborhoods in rural and urbanized areas of unincorporated Clallam County. It is further the purpose of this chapter to declare that removal of such vehicles from private property is a governmental purpose for which public funds may be spent as determined appropriate and necessary by the Director of the Department of Community Development.

(2) All landowners have the right to the full use and enjoyment of their property, consistent with State law and County ordinances, where such use does not infringe on the rights of adjacent landowners.

(3) In instances where an individual’s actions significantly infringe on the use and enjoyment rights of adjacent landowners, the County may act to abate a nuisance.

(4) This chapter is meant to supplement State law, not replace it. The County reserves the right to avail itself of all remedies available pursuant to State law.

(5) While this chapter authorizes the County to take action to resolve junk vehicle public nuisances, it shall not be construed as placing responsibility upon the County to resolve a junk vehicle public nuisance in any particular case, or as creating any duty on the part of the County to any particular person(s). The County is not required to remove junk vehicles from private property by virtue of any of the provisions set forth in this chapter.