Apple Valley, MN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 90 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances, enacted by the City Council of Apple Valley in Dakota County, Minnesota, regulates abandoned and junk vehicles on public and private property. Section 90.01 defines an abandoned motor vehicle three ways. First, a motor vehicle that has remained more than 48 hours on any public property, more than four hours on public property when properly posted, or on private property without the consent of the person in control of it, and that lacks vital component parts or is inoperable with no substantial potential for future use. Second, a motor vehicle on private property for 90 days or more that is not properly licensed for operation within the state, except seasonal service vehicles where a license is required for part of the year only. Third, a vehicle voluntarily surrendered to the city or towing contractor. Vehicles kept in an enclosed garage or storage building are carved out of the first two definitions, and classic cars and pioneer cars as defined in state statutes are not abandoned vehicles under the chapter.

A junk vehicle is any vehicle that is three years or older, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, without a valid current registration, and worth only about the value of the scrap in it. All five conditions have to be met.

Section 90.08 makes it unlawful to store or keep, or permit another to store or keep, an abandoned, junk or unauthorized vehicle on public or private property unless it is kept within an enclosed garage or permitted storage building. Under § 90.02, a police officer can order an abandoned vehicle removed and impounded. Under § 90.04, the towing contractor notifies the registered owner and known lien holder within five days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The owner has 15 days from the date of the notice to reclaim an abandoned or junk vehicle, or 45 days for an unauthorized vehicle, and failing to do so is a waiver and consent to sale under § 90.06. Sale proceeds first pay towing, preserving and storing costs and the city's notice costs, and any remainder is held for the owner or entitled lienholder for 90 days before it goes to the city's general fund.