Asheville, NC Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 10, Article II of the Asheville City Code defines an "abandoned motor vehicle" four ways: parked in violation of a parking law or ordinance, left on a public street or highway more than seven days, left on city-owned property more than 24 hours, or left on private property without the owner's, occupant's, or lessee's consent for more than two hours. C. Gen. C. Gen. 2). Under § 10-29, it is unlawful for the registered owner or person entitled to possession to cause or allow a vehicle to become abandoned as defined.

The police chief administers removal of abandoned vehicles from public streets and city property and can designate a vehicle abandoned; that designation stays valid for 12 months and needs no repeated notice to justify immediate removal. The planning and development director instead handles designations on private property, including junked and aesthetic junked vehicles, and may order removal of a junked vehicle found to be a health or safety hazard, such as harboring pests, collecting standing water, or posing a tipping or entrapment danger. Duly authorized city officials may enter private property during daylight hours, after showing credentials, to inspect for violations and post a vehicle with notice. The city may also contract with private tow operators to remove, store, and dispose of abandoned, junked, and aesthetic junked vehicles.