Colusa County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Two chapters apply. Chapter 12B governs abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private or public property (not highways), adopted under California Vehicle Code Section 22660. Section 12B-1 declares such vehicles a public nuisance; Section 12B-3 exempts vehicles fully enclosed in a building, fully screened behind a solid six-foot fence, or stored as part of a licensed dismantler/dealer or lawful business. Abatement is administered by the sheriff (Section 12B-5): a 10-day notice of intention to abate is mailed by registered or certified mail to the landowner and vehicle owner (Section 12B-8), who may request a hearing within 10 days (Section 12B-9).

The sheriff decides (Section 12B-10), with appeal to the board of supervisors within 10 days (Section 12B-11). Removed vehicles may not be reconstructed (Section 12B-12), DMV is notified within 5 days (Section 12B-14), and unpaid administrative and removal costs become a special assessment against the parcel under Government Code Section 25845 (Section 12B-15). Chapter 12C separately covers county roads and rights-of-way: under Section 12C-6 any vehicle unattended 72 hours or more is presumed abandoned and may be removed under California Vehicle Code Section 22651 et seq.