Abandoned Vehicles: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma

How do I get an abandoned vehicle removed from my Sonoma County property for free?

Submit a request through the SoCo Connect platform at socoreport.org or call Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement at (707) 565-1992 or email PRMD-Enforcement@sonomacounty.gov. The free Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program is available to property owners in unincorporated Sonoma County for passenger cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans. You must provide written permission to enter the property and dismantle the vehicle, but you do not need DMV title paperwork - the County handles that through the lien-sale process under California Vehicle Code Sec. 22851. The program does not cover recreational vehicles, motor homes, boats, or vehicles at salvage yards and auto repair shops. The County's contracted tow operator will pick up the vehicle at no cost to you, and the vehicle will be dismantled.

How long can a vehicle be parked on the street in unincorporated Sonoma County?

California Vehicle Code Sec. 22651(k) limits parking in the same location on a public roadway to 72 hours. After 72 hours without being moved, a vehicle is subject to citation and tow by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office (or the California Highway Patrol on state highways). Moving the vehicle a few feet to reset the clock is also a violation under CVC Sec. 22651(l). Vehicles with registration expired more than six months may be towed immediately under CVC Sec. 22651(o)(1)(A) regardless of whether 72 hours has passed. Report violations through SoCo Connect or to the Sheriff's non-emergency line.

What happens if I refuse to remove an inoperable vehicle from my property?

Inoperative, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles visible from public property or right-of-way are declared a public nuisance under California Vehicle Code Sec. 22660 and Chapter 18 of the Sonoma County Code. Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement will send written notice of violation and give you a chance to abate voluntarily. If you don't, the County may enter, remove, and dismantle the vehicle, and the cost (towing, dismantling, administrative) is recorded as a lien against the property and collected with property taxes. Administrative citations under Sec. 1-7 of the County Code also apply: $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 per day for continuing violations. Persistent maintenance of multiple inoperable vehicles can be charged as a misdemeanor or prosecuted as a private/public nuisance under California Civil Code Sec. 3479.

How do I get an abandoned vehicle removed from my Sonoma County property for free?

Submit a request through the SoCo Connect platform at socoreport.org or call Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement at (707) 565-1992 or email PRMD-Enforcement@sonomacounty.gov. The free Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program is available to property owners in unincorporated Sonoma County for passenger cars, pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans. You must provide written permission to enter the property and dismantle the vehicle, but you do not need DMV title paperwork - the County handles that through the lien-sale process under California Vehicle Code Sec. 22851. The program does not cover recreational vehicles, motor homes, boats, or vehicles at salvage yards and auto repair shops. The County's contracted tow operator will pick up the vehicle at no cost to you, and the vehicle will be dismantled.

How long can a vehicle be parked on the street in unincorporated Sonoma County?

California Vehicle Code Sec. 22651(k) limits parking in the same location on a public roadway to 72 hours. After 72 hours without being moved, a vehicle is subject to citation and tow by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office (or the California Highway Patrol on state highways). Moving the vehicle a few feet to reset the clock is also a violation under CVC Sec. 22651(l). Vehicles with registration expired more than six months may be towed immediately under CVC Sec. 22651(o)(1)(A) regardless of whether 72 hours has passed. Report violations through SoCo Connect or to the Sheriff's non-emergency line.

What happens if I refuse to remove an inoperable vehicle from my property?

Inoperative, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles visible from public property or right-of-way are declared a public nuisance under California Vehicle Code Sec. 22660 and Chapter 18 of the Sonoma County Code. Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement will send written notice of violation and give you a chance to abate voluntarily. If you don't, the County may enter, remove, and dismantle the vehicle, and the cost (towing, dismantling, administrative) is recorded as a lien against the property and collected with property taxes. Administrative citations under Sec. 1-7 of the County Code also apply: $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 per day for continuing violations. Persistent maintenance of multiple inoperable vehicles can be charged as a misdemeanor or prosecuted as a private/public nuisance under California Civil Code Sec. 3479.