Albany, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

AMC § 13.70.010 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left unoccupied and unclaimed, or in such a damaged, disabled or dismantled condition that it is inoperable. Under AMC § 13.70.020, a vehicle the chief of police has reason to believe is abandoned cannot be parked or left standing on the right-of-way of a City street, alley, or City property for a period in excess of 24 hours. The chief of police can take it into custody and hold it at the owner's expense, using department personnel and equipment or hiring outside personnel and facilities.

A hazardous vehicle skips the waiting period. It is defined as one left in a location or condition that creates an immediate and continuous hazard to people using City streets or alleys, and the code's examples are vehicles blocking public or private rights-of-way, leaking petroleum or other hazardous fluids, blocking fire hydrants, or having broken glass or windows. The Chief of Police can tow and impound one immediately, and the owner pays all towing and storage costs (AMC § 13.70.030).

For an ordinary abandoned vehicle the City has to do groundwork first (AMC § 13.70.050). The Chief of Police makes a routine investigation to find the owner, runs a diligent inquiry through the Oregon Motor Vehicle Division using license or VIN number, and affixes a pre-tow notice where it can be easily seen. If the vehicle is found in the same condition within 30 days of the original notice, the owner is considered notified and the vehicle is taken into custody. The notice names the issuing officer, warns of towing, storage charges and a lien, and tells the owner to protest before the tow by calling the Albany Police Department's nonemergency line (AMC § 13.70.060).

After a tow, notice goes by certified letter within 48 hours, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, stating the location, accrued and daily charges, and the right to a hearing (AMC § 13.70.070). The owner has five days, again excluding weekends and holidays, to request a hearing in writing to the Chief of Police, stating why the custody is not justified. The hearing before the municipal judge is set within 72 hours of the request (AMC § 13.70.080). A vehicle held in a criminal investigation is outside the chapter (AMC § 13.70.110).