Burleson, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Burleson Code of Ordinances § 34-141 defines a JUNKED VEHICLE as any motor vehicle, as defined in Transportation Code ch. 683, subch. E, that does not have lawfully attached to it an unexpired license plate and is either wrecked, dismantled or partially dismantled, or discarded, or has remained inoperable for more than seventy-two consecutive hours on public property or thirty consecutive days on private property. Under § 34-143, a junked vehicle or part of one that is visible from a public place or public right-of-way is a public nuisance.

Before the city abates one, § 34-144 requires not less than ten days' notice to the last known registered owner, any lienholder of record, and the owner or occupant of the property. The notice goes by certified mail with a five-day return requested and, if the vehicle is reasonably accessible, is also posted on the front windshield. It must state that the nuisance has to be removed not later than the tenth day after mailing and that any hearing request must be made in writing before the ten-day period expires. Failure to abate, request a hearing or attend the hearing waives the owner's and lienholders' interest in the vehicle.

A hearing request goes to the city secretary. The hearing officer is the city manager or designated representative, and under § 34-145 the vehicle is presumed inoperable unless the owner shows otherwise. A removal order lists the description, vehicle identification number and license plate number when available. After removal the vehicle cannot be reconstructed or made operable again (§ 34-147), and notice goes to the state department of transportation no later than the fifth day after removal (§ 34-148).

Section 34-151 exempts a vehicle completely enclosed in a building, and a vehicle at a licensed dealer or junkyard, or an antique or special interest vehicle stored by a motor vehicle collector, if it is kept orderly, is not a health hazard and is screened from ordinary public view. An antique vehicle is a passenger car or truck at least 25 years old. On streets, § 78-46 separately bars storing any vehicle, including a trailer, on public streets, alleys, sidewalks or parkways.