Benton County, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Discarded vehicle test
- No valid plate, or inoperative/wrecked/junked
- Legal classification
- Treated as solid waste (§ 21.005(1))
- Exempt
- Licensed auto wrecking yards
- Process
- Health Administrator investigation, Board hearing
- Remedy
- Court-ordered removal or screening, cost lien
- Not covered
- Incorporated city limits, farm operations
Summary
Benton County treats a vehicle without a valid license plate, or one that is inoperative, wrecked, dismantled or junked, as 'discarded vehicle' solid waste. Storing or displaying it on private property in unincorporated Benton County so it is offensive, hazardous or unsightly violates BCC § 21.105, and licensed wrecking yards are exempt.
(1)"Discarded Vehicle" means any vehicle which does not have a lawfully affixed unexpired license plate or is inoperative, wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, abandoned or junked. A "discarded vehicle" is a form of "solid waste". This definition does not apply to licensed auto wrecking yards. ... (1)Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, no person shall store, collect, maintain or display on private property solid waste or waste that is offensive or hazardous to the health and safety of the public or which creates offensive odors or a condition of unsightliness. Storage, collection maintenance or display of solid wastes or wastes in violation of this subsection shall be considered a public nuisance which may be abated as provided in BCC 21.
Full Breakdown
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. 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. 115 (held 15 to 40 days after notice) to decide whether a nuisance exists. 210. 220. 105(2).
Violations & Fines
Keeping a discarded, wrecked, dismantled or unlicensed vehicle on private property in unincorporated Benton County so that it is offensive, hazardous or unsightly is a public nuisance under § 21.105, subject to a Board hearing under § 21.115, a Circuit Court abatement order under § 21.210 requiring removal or screening, and a lien on the property for the county's abatement costs under § 21.220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an unlicensed car in my yard illegal in unincorporated Benton County?
Does the county need a hearing before making me remove a vehicle?
What can the county do if I don't remove a discarded vehicle?
Are wrecking yards exempt from the discarded vehicle rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
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