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

14 defines an abandoned vehicle as one left in an inoperable or neglected condition long enough that the owner's intent to give up all rights to it can reasonably be concluded, and a public nuisance vehicle as any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle or part on private property that reduces property values, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, endangers minors, or harbors rodents and insects. 040 makes it unlawful to abandon, park, store, or leave such a vehicle, or to permit that condition, within the unincorporated area for more than 10 days; past that point the vehicle is deemed a public nuisance.

050 exempts vehicles completely enclosed in a building and out of public view, vehicles lawfully stored as part of a licensed dismantler's, dealer's, or junkyard's business, and vehicles carrying historic vehicle plates under Vehicle Code Section 5004. 060, the sheriff's department, which administers this chapter, must mail the property owner and vehicle owner notice of intent to abate and remove the vehicle, giving them 10 business days to correct the violation, submit a sworn statement of nonresponsibility, or appeal to the abandoned vehicle hearing officer.

An appeal must be filed in writing with the clerk of the board of supervisors within 10 days of the notice, and the hearing must be held within 30 days of that filing. 070 lets the county assess administrative and removal costs against the parcel through the tax collector if the owner is found responsible.