Alhambra, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 10 days before it is a nuisance
- Enforcing officer
- Director of Planning and Building
- Notice required
- 10 days written notice by registered mail
- Penalty
- Infraction under § 1.12.011; misdemeanor under § 11.31.130
- Cost recovery
- Assessed as tax lien via county roll
Summary
Alhambra bans keeping an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on private or public property (not counting highways) for more than ten days. The Director of Planning and Building enforces the rule under Municipal Code Chapter 11.31, with removal and cost recovery against the property owner.
It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to abandon, park, store, or leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storing or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part thereof which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property not including highways within the city for a period in excess of ten days, unless any such vehicle or part thereof is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner and is not visible from the street or other public or private property, or is entirely surrounded by a solid fence or by solid walls six feet in height...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
31 declares an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or part on private or public property, aside from highways, a public nuisance under Cal. Veh. 010). 130 makes it unlawful, and a misdemeanor, for any person to abandon, park, store or leave such a vehicle on private or public property (excluding highways) for a period exceeding ten days. 130). 050). 080). 120).
Violations & Fines
Failing or refusing to remove an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or refusing to abate the nuisance after an abatement order, is an infraction punishable under § 1.12.011 of the code (§ 11.31.140). Separately, keeping such a vehicle beyond the ten-day limit under § 11.31.130 is a misdemeanor. The city may also remove the vehicle itself and assess the administrative and removal costs as a lien against the property, collected through the county tax roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a wrecked or inoperative vehicle sit on my Alhambra property?
Who enforces Alhambra's abandoned vehicle rule?
Will I get notice before the city removes my vehicle?
Are business vehicles exempt from the abandoned vehicle rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle abandoned vehicles.