Selling an abandoned or dead car in Mountain Brook

Two ways a car becomes a nuisance here

Mountain Brook's definitions catch cars that still run. A vehicle on private property is "abandoned" if it "does not have a lawfully issued license plate" or has one "that has been expired for more than 30 days," and the code adds "whether operable or inoperable." So a sound car with a long-lapsed tag qualifies.

The second path covers broken cars: an inoperable vehicle "that has remained in the same place on private property and is in public view for a period of 30 days or more."

Either one creates what the code calls an "abandoned or inoperable motor vehicle nuisance." Three things take a car out of reach of the rule:

• storage "within an enclosed building"
• screening by "privacy fencing, topography or vegetation"
• race cars and licensed antiques, as long as they are operable

Notice, hearing and the 30-to-60-day window

Section 34-45 lays out a formal process. The enforcement official mails notice by certified mail, "with five-day return receipt requested," to whoever last assessed the property for state taxes and to all mortgagees of record. A copy is posted "within three feet of an entrance to the main building" within three days of the mailing.

For a car, the time given to fix it is "not less than 30 nor more than 60 days." That is longer than the 10 to 20 days the same section gives for weeds or litter.

There is a hearing before the city council, and you can speak at it. The code lets you explain your plans, including "the plans of the owner of that vehicle to remove it," or show that the car "was placed on that person's property without their consent." Our notice to remove a car guide covers how to answer.

Driveways and the Village

Under Section 50-108, parking in another person's driveway, or blocking it, without permission is unlawful. Such a car may be towed, with the driver and the owner both owing "all costs related to the towing and storage." In Mountain Brook Village, short-term street spaces with posted signs are limited to three hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Title office and Alabama paperwork

Mountain Brook title papers are handled at the Birmingham office of Jefferson County we found, at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Its number is 205-325-5256. It sits about 5 miles northwest of central Mountain Brook, measured on a straight line. Others may exist in the county.

Alabama skips the notary on the seller's assignment. In Mountain Brook, your certified mileage must equal the buyer's application figure, and owner names must read exactly as on the title. Pull the plates, since you can move them to a vehicle you get later; missing a timely transfer brings a $15 plus interest penalty. A lost title costs $15 to replace. Vehicles older than 35 model years need no Alabama title. Selling a parent's car? See inherited car.

Getting an offer

Phone (877) 421-6008 or use the online form. Share model year, make, model, odometer figure, paperwork condition and if it cranks. Leave the tarp on if you like; pickup is from the driveway. Neighbors Vestavia Hills, Birmingham and Homewood each have a page, and Alabama holds the state rules.