Forks Township supervisors later this month will be discussing how to roll clunkers out of the township.

The vehicles -- mostly broken down without proper registration -- are on private property in the township with homeowners often working on them. But, some supervisors say the lemons have become major eyesores and want to fine the homeowners for their junk.

"There's a fine balance allowing people what they want to do on their property and what is a nuisance," Supervisor Erik Chuss said. "This helps clarify what is a nuisance."

Chuss said the old ordinance didn't allow township zoning officer Tim Weis to properly enforce it. The revised version would make homeowners pay no less than $400 and no more than $600, plus court and attorney fees, if the ordinance is violated.

Each day the clunker remains on the property would be a separate offense. If approved by the board, the ordinance would go into effect five days later.

Motor vehicles considered a public nuisance, under the proposal, include those unable to move under their own power. Those not registered with the state or with expired inspection also would be classified as a nuisance if they have one or more of a lengthy list of defects.

Defects in the proposal include broken windshields, mirrors, tail-lamps and other glass with sharp edges; one or more flat or open tires or tubes; missing doors, windows, hoods, trunks and other parts; and any sharp holes from rust.

More defects included in the proposal are torn upholstery; missing tires; disassembled chassis parts apart from the vehicle; broken vehicle frames suspended from the ground in an unstable manner and exposed batteries.

Supervisor Dan Martyak brought up the issue at a recent workshop meeting after seeing a couple of the junky vehicles parked around the township, Chuss said. In the past, several residents also have phoned, emailed and showed up to the municipal building with complaints about the clunkers, he said.

Weis said he likely would initially send the homeowner a letter explaining the violation as a warning. The ordinance, he said, would provide probable cause for the letter.

"It's just one more tool to make it easier," he said.

Chuss said he will support the ordinance when it is discussed and up for a vote at the May 19 board meeting. The public will have a chance to speak on the proposal before any action.

"Other municipalities also have enforced this," Chuss said.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.