University Place: selling a car that no longer runs

The one-car, seven-day rule

The rule sits in the city's accessory use list, so it governs how a car is parked or stored on a lot. Three parts of it matter when a car has died:

• One at a time. A second unscreened inoperable car on the same property breaks the rule straight away.
• Seven days. "Storage of inoperable vehicles for any period greater than seven days shall be within an enclosed structure or screened from neighboring properties and the public right-of-way by a solid fence or approved Level I landscaping pursuant to Chapter 19.65 UPMC."
• Parts count too. Parts and supplies for a repair must be "kept within an enclosed structure or in an area screened from public view."

The code names a building, a solid fence or Level I landscaping. It does not mention a car cover.

When the car becomes a nuisance

Section 9.35.030 lists "One or more junk, wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, or apparently inoperable vehicles" among the city's public nuisances. A car escapes that list only if it sits inside a lawful building, is "screened from neighboring properties and the right-of-way," or is parked on the lot of a licensed dismantler, wrecker, dealer or salvage yard. The same section separately calls "abandoned, broken or neglected vehicles" attractive nuisances dangerous to children.

If the city issues an order, Section 9.35.037 sets the minimum time to comply. For a junk or abandoned vehicle, "the period of time shall be no less than 15 days."

Washington's junk test, RCW 46.55.010, applies here too. Meeting three of four tests makes a University Place car junk: it's three or more years old, it's badly wrecked, it seems unable to drive, and it's worth only scrap.

Tacoma's quick title office

For a University Place seller, the quick title office on DOL's list is Suite 200 at 2401 S 35th in Tacoma. That is roughly 4 miles east of the center of town, as the crow flies. It is the only office we looked at, and Pierce County may have others.

You will not need a notary there. In Washington, the notary step falls on the buyer, when they sign their title application. Your part is the release-of-interest block on the title, plus a signed bill of sale. No bill of sale is needed if the price and sale date are written on the title.

Before the car leaves University Place

Unbolt the plates first. DOL puts that duty on the seller by law. The plates are yours, not the buyer's. Put the plates on your next car of that same type, or hand them back to the state. Next comes the Vehicle Report of Sale, due within 5 days. Handing a car to a wrecking yard needs the same report. DOL says filing it protects you from towing charges and from liability for whatever happens with the car after it is gone.

No title in the house? It has to be replaced first. University Place owners pay $39.50 for a new title, mailed in 4 to 8 weeks, or a licensing office can accept an affidavit. See junk car with no title.

Nearby

Lakewood is 3.7 miles away and Tacoma is 4.8 miles. The Washington page covers the statewide rules.

Getting an offer

For a University Place offer, call (877) 421-6008 or send us the short form. In University Place the truck can reach a fenced side lot, an apartment parking stall, or the shop that has the car now.