Benton County, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

BCC § 21.005(1) defines a 'discarded vehicle' as any vehicle lacking a lawfully affixed, unexpired license plate, or one that is inoperative, wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, abandoned or junked, and it expressly classifies a discarded vehicle as a form of 'solid waste' under Chapter 21, except for vehicles at a licensed auto wrecking yard. That classification pulls discarded vehicles into the general accumulation ban in § 21.105(1): no person may store, collect, maintain or display solid waste on private property that is offensive or hazardous to public health and safety, or that creates offensive odors or a condition of unsightliness.

A violation is declared a public nuisance under Chapter 21. The Health Administrator investigates complaints under § 21.110 and, on finding reasonable cause, reports it to the Board of Commissioners, which can order a public hearing under § 21.115 (held 15 to 40 days after notice) to decide whether a nuisance exists. If the Board declares a nuisance under § 21.120, the County Counsel can bring a Circuit Court action under § 21.205, and the court can order the county to remove the vehicle or other waste, or, for unsightly waste, allow fencing or screening as an alternative under § 21.210.

Abatement costs become a lien on the property under § 21.220. Chapter 21 does not reach areas inside incorporated city limits, county-permitted disposal sites, or agricultural operations under § 21.105(2).