Boulder, CO Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

C. 1981, 'Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicle,' declares a public nuisance in two situations. First, any vehicle left in one location on public or private property, without the property owner's consent, for 24 hours beyond a posted time limit, or for 72 continuous hours anywhere unregulated, is an abandoned vehicle. Odometer movement of less than two-tenths of a mile over the relevant period is prima facie evidence the vehicle stayed put. Second, any inoperable vehicle or its parts left on public property, or on private property other than the owner's own, without consent, is a separate nuisance category.

Once a peace officer has probable cause, the officer attaches a conspicuous warning notice stating the date and time, ordering the vehicle removed within seven days, and warning that it may be impounded afterward at the owner's expense. The city manager separately mails the same information to the registered owner within 48 hours. The person in possession has the right to a hearing if requested within seven days of the notice; without a timely request, the vehicle may be towed and impounded once the seven days lapse, unless a hearing officer has already found no violation.

To reclaim an impounded vehicle, the owner pays the administrative impoundment fee set under Section 4-20-55 plus the towing carrier's towing and storage costs. If the vehicle's appraised market value is under $200, the reclaim period is shortened to 15 days before the city can sell it; otherwise the owner has 30 days from impoundment before sale. C. 1981.