Arapahoe County Code Section 12 and CRS 42-4-1803 authorize removal of abandoned vehicles. Vehicles left on public roads over 72 hours or inoperable vehicles visible from the street on private property may be tagged, ticketed, and towed at the owner's expense.
Under CRS 42-4-1803 and Arapahoe County Code enforcement policy, a vehicle is considered abandoned if left on public property for 48-72 hours without movement or if stored on private property in a condition indicating abandonment. Indicators include expired registration (more than 6 months), flat or missing tires, broken windows, accumulated debris, or inability to operate under its own power. On private residential property in unincorporated Arapahoe County, inoperable vehicles must be stored inside an enclosed structure (garage) or screened from public view by an opaque fence or wall at least 6 feet tall. Classic and collector vehicles actively being restored may qualify for an exemption if registered as a collector vehicle under CRS 42-12-301. Tagging requires 72 hours notice before tow. Vehicles towed are taken to licensed tow yards, and owners have 30 days to redeem before the vehicle is sold at public auction.
Tag plus 72-hour notice, then tow at owner expense ($200-$600). Private property violations: written notice with 10 days to correct, then $100-$500 per day fines. Unclaimed vehicles sold at auction after 30 days.
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