Bellflower, CA Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)
Key Facts
- Authorization required
- Signed property-owner towing agreement
- Governing chapter
- Bellflower Municipal Code Ch. 5.20
- Permit needed to operate
- Tow car business permit (City Manager)
- Enforcement
- Permit suspension/revocation + Ch. 1.08 penalties
Summary
Bellflower tow companies cannot remove a vehicle from private property until the property owner or agent has signed a towing request, under Chapter 5.20 of the Municipal Code.
No tow company or towing employee shall take possession of any vehicle parked on private property, until such time as the owner or agent of such real property has signed a towing request or towing agreement... Tow truck drivers are specifically prohibited from initiating a tow-away of any vehicle on private property without obtaining a signed receipt from the owner or agent of such property or having in his/her possession a current tow agreement authorizing removal of illegally parked vehicles from private property.
Full Breakdown
Under Bellflower Municipal Code § 5.20.170, a tow operator may act only after notifying the Sheriff and providing the vehicle's description, driver name, tow location, and the authorizing property owner's name. No tow company or employee may take possession of a vehicle parked on private property until the owner or agent has signed a towing request or towing agreement, and drivers must carry a signed receipt or current towing agreement before initiating a private-property tow. A separate City tow car business permit under Chapter 5.20 is required to operate at all, and permit holders must post required consumer-notice signage under § 5.20.180.
Violations & Fines
Towing without a signed property-owner authorization, or operating without a valid Chapter 5.20 tow car business permit, is a Chapter 1.08 violation and grounds for permit suspension or revocation by the City Manager; misdemeanor violations carry up to a $1,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Bellflower tow company remove my car from a private lot without the owner's signature?
Do Bellflower tow companies need a City permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellflower
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