MITCHELL – As summer settles over southern Indiana, Mitchell officials are launching a renewed campaign to address a long-standing issue across the city: inoperable and abandoned vehicles left in public view.
With warm weather bringing more outdoor activity, the Mitchell Police Department and Building Commissioner’s Office are stepping up enforcement of Indiana Code 9-13-2-1, which governs the handling of abandoned vehicles. Officials say the goal is to clean up unsightly and neglected vehicles while encouraging voluntary compliance through transparency and cooperation.
Residents may begin seeing official notices posted on vehicles that appear to be in violation of the law. The notice identifies various circumstances under which a vehicle can be tagged for removal — including being left unmoved on public property for more than 24 hours, obstructing public rights-of-way, lacking owner consent on private property for over 48 hours, or being visibly inoperable for over 20 days.
Under the city’s five-step procedure:
- Vehicles suspected of violating the ordinance are forwarded to the Building Commissioner.
- The Commissioner notifies the owner by mail or personal service and informs the police for public posting.
- If the vehicle remains after 10 business days, the Mitchell Police Department (MPD) places a removal tag and sends an additional notice.
- Five business days later, if still unresolved, the information is sent to a towing contractor.
- MPD will then post on social media a list of all vehicles removed during that period.
The city emphasizes that hardship or disability-related exceptions may be considered. A limited program is available to help qualifying owners receive removal services without charge, with the city offering to cover costs in certain situations.
Residents with concerns or questions are encouraged to contact the Mitchell Police Department at (812) 849-2151 or the Building Commissioner at (812) 849-1811.
Officials hope this initiative will not only reduce visual blight but also enhance safety, improve property values, and foster community pride.
