Albany, OR Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

AMC § 13.70.040 governs the towing operator in a police-ordered tow in the City of Albany, Oregon. A person who, at the request of the chief of police, takes a vehicle into custody under Chapter 13.70 has a lien on the vehicle and its contents for reasonable towing and storage charges, can retain possession until the charges are paid, and can have the vehicle sold at public auction to satisfy the lien. The lien is a possessory chattel lien under ORS 87.152 and can be foreclosed in the manner provided in ORS 87.152 to 87.212. If the appraised value of the vehicle is $500 or less, it can be disposed of in the manner provided in ORS 819.215. If the City holds the vehicle itself rather than a private garage, disposal follows ORS 819.210 to 819.215.

The tow itself comes from two triggers in the same chapter. A vehicle the chief of police has reason to believe is abandoned and left more than 24 hours on a City street, alley, or City property can be taken into custody at the owner's expense, and the chief can hire outside personnel, equipment and facilities for removal and storage (AMC § 13.70.020). A hazardous vehicle can be towed and impounded immediately, with the owner responsible for all costs of towing and storing it (AMC § 13.70.030). The chief of police selects the private garage that receives the vehicle (AMC § 13.70.010).

The tower's charges are subject to review. Within 48 hours of removal, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the City mails the owner a notice stating the accrued towing and storage charges and the daily storage charges. The owner can reclaim the vehicle by presenting proof of ownership and paying the charges, or by depositing cash security or a bond equal to the charges (AMC § 13.70.070). At a hearing before the municipal judge, towing and storage charges set by law, ordinance, or rule, or that comply with law, ordinance, or rule, are reasonable (AMC § 13.70.080). If the judge finds the City's action invalid, the owner owes no towing or storage charges incurred before the hearing and the City satisfies them (AMC § 13.70.090).