Aliso Viejo, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Abandoned vehicle
- Left standing more than 72 hours without consent
- Dismantled vehicle
- Critical part removed for 72 hours or more
- Notice before removal
- Not less than 10 days, registered or certified mail
- Hearing request window
- 10 days after the notice is mailed
- Cost lien
- Unpaid costs assessed to the parcel after 30 days
- Main exemption
- Completely enclosed in a building, not visible
Summary
In the City of Aliso Viejo, California, AVMC Chapter 9.06 declares an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on public or private property a public nuisance. A vehicle lawfully enclosed in a building out of view is exempt. The city mails at least 10 days of notice before removal, offers a hearing, and bills administrative and removal costs to the property owner.
The accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof on private or public property is hereby found to create a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, to create a harborage for rodents and insects and to be injurious to health, safety and general welfare. Therefore, the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or parts thereof, on private or public property, except as expressly hereinafter permitted, is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
AVMC 9.06.010 rests on Vehicle Code Section 22669 and declares the presence of such a vehicle or its parts on private or public property a public nuisance, except as the chapter expressly permits. Definitions matter. Under AVMC 9.06.020 an abandoned vehicle is one left standing for more than 72 hours on any street, highway, or public or private property without the consent of the person who controls it. A dismantled vehicle has had one or more critical parts removed for 72 hours or more, such as a wheel, windshield, door, hood or transmission. An inoperative vehicle includes any unlicensed or unregistered vehicle, and the listed signs include accumulated dirt or cobwebs, items stored on or around it, vegetation growing adjacent to it, deflated tires and severe oil leakage. "Vehicle" covers motorcycles, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles and watercraft.
Exemptions are narrow. AVMC 9.06.040 excludes a vehicle completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible, a vehicle kept in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer or junk dealer business, and a vehicle maintained on public property as an historic artifact. Any inoperative vehicle legally stored must have proof of ownership registered to the property address under AVMC 9.06.030. The nuisance list in AVMC 8.24.010(E)(2) says the same for inoperative vehicles on any property excepting those completely enclosed in a building.
The chief of police services administers the chapter and can enter public or private property to examine a vehicle. Under AVMC 9.06.090, notice goes by registered or certified mail to the property owner and vehicle owner not less than 10 days before removal. A hearing request, or a sworn written statement denying responsibility, must reach the chief within 10 days. Hearings follow Article III of Chapter 1.06 AVMC, with notice mailed at least 10 days before, and appeal goes to the city council under AVMC 1.06.270. Removal can follow ten days after the notice, the hearing decision or the council action. The city notifies the Department of Motor Vehicles within five days, and a removed vehicle cannot be rebuilt unless it qualifies for historical or horseless carriage plates.
Violations & Fines
Under AVMC 9.06.160, failing or refusing to remove such a vehicle or abate the nuisance when ordered is unlawful and a misdemeanor. The council sets an administrative cost by resolution on top of actual removal cost. If those costs go unpaid for 30 days after the order or final appeal, they are assessed against the parcel and collected under Government Code Section 38773.5. No costs fall on an owner who did not consent to the vehicle being placed there.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a parked car become abandoned in Aliso Viejo?
Can I keep a project car in my driveway or yard?
How do I contest a removal notice in the City of Aliso Viejo?
Who pays to remove the vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aliso Viejo
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