Bloomington, MN Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- § 8.16 bars open storage on any real property
- Government property test
- More than 48 hours, or four hours where posted
- Notice to owner
- Mailed within two working days of on-vehicle notice
- Removal deadline
- Seven days from the date of notice
- Reclaim window
- 15 days from notice, on payment of towing and storage
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor; each day after seven days is a new violation
Summary
Bloomington City Code § 8.16 bars storing or leaving any abandoned, junk or inoperable vehicle on any real property, private property included, unless the vehicle is completely enclosed in a building or tied to a licensed business. Notice goes on the vehicle, the owner then has seven days, and each later day is a new violation.
§ 8.16 OPEN STORAGE OF ABANDONED, JUNK AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES PROHIBITED. No person may store, leave or permit the storing or leaving of any abandoned , junk or inoperable vehicle upon any real property, including private property, within the city, unless the vehicle is completely enclosed in a building or unless the vehicle is stored on private property in connection with a duly licensed business or commercial enterprise operated and conducted pursuant to state law and Chapter 21 of this city code and where the storing of abandoned , junk or inoperable vehicles is an essential portion of that lawful business or commercial enterprise. ... § 8.18 FAILURE TO REMOVE. Failure by the vehicle owner or owner or occupant of the real property upon which the vehicle is located to remove and store the motor vehicle after notice has been given and the seven-day period has expired, shall constitute a misdemeanor. Each day such abandoned , junk or inoperable vehicle remains improperly stored after the seven-day period shall constitute a new violation and separately subject to prosecution or civil administrative penalties pursuant to § 1.13 of this city code citation.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 8, Article III, Division A of the Bloomington City Code treats these vehicles as public nuisances. Section 8.15 finds that abandoned, junk or inoperable vehicles create an unsightly condition, invite plundering, create fire and safety hazards and promote blight, and it declares their presence, accumulation or improper storage on real property a public nuisance subject to abatement.
Section 8.04 defines the terms. The abandoned vehicle definition has two elements. Element (A) is a time or consent test: the vehicle has remained parked or stored for more than 48 hours on property owned or controlled by a unit of government, or more than four hours where that property is properly posted, or on private property for the period set in M.S. § 168B.04, subd. 2 without the consent of the owner or occupant. Element (B) is a condition test: the vehicle lacks vital component parts, has no current license plate or tabs as required by state law, or is an inoperable vehicle, unless it is kept in an enclosed garage or storage building. A junk vehicle is one that is three years old or older, extensively damaged, apparently inoperable, without a valid current registration plate, and worth only about the value of the scrap in it. Classic and pioneer cars meeting M.S. § 168.10, vehicles in a licensed junk yard, and vehicles held under police authority, a writ or a court order are not treated as abandoned.
Enforcement runs on a notice clock. Under § 8.17, the City Enforcement Officer places a notice on the vehicle, or posts it near the vehicle, at least eight inches by ten inches and weatherproof. Within two working days the city mails notice to the vehicle owner and to the owner or occupant of the property. The notice states that the vehicle will be removed and disposed of by the city or its designated contractor within seven days. Section 8.19(c) requires the property owner or occupant to give the contracted agent access and allow reasonable clearing of obstructions.
Once a vehicle is taken into custody, § 8.21 requires the city to give notice of the taking within ten days. The owner or a lienholder then has the 15-day waiting period under M.S. § 168B.051 to reclaim it by paying towing and storage charges, after which it is eligible for sale or disposal.
Violations & Fines
Once the seven-day period after notice expires, failing to remove and store the vehicle is a misdemeanor under § 8.18. Each day the vehicle stays improperly stored is a new violation, separately subject to prosecution or civil administrative penalties under § 1.13. Failing to facilitate removal under § 8.19(c) is also a misdemeanor with civil administrative penalties. The city can tow and dispose of the vehicle, and reclaiming it requires paying towing and storage charges within 15 days of notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to remove an abandoned or junk vehicle in Bloomington, MN?
Can I keep an inoperable project car on my own property?
What is the 48-hour rule in the Bloomington abandoned vehicle definition?
What happens if the city tows my vehicle?
Sources & Official References
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle abandoned vehicles.