Modoc County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Modoc County has a full abandoned-vehicle abatement program in Modoc County Code Chapter 10.20, adopted under the authority of California Vehicle Code Section 22660. Section 10.20.010 finds that accumulating abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property (excluding highways) creates blight, fire and health hazards, and an attractive nuisance, and declares such presence a public nuisance. The code does not apply to a vehicle fully enclosed in a building, or one stored lawfully in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer, junk dealer, or other lawful business (Section 10.20.030). The Director of Public Works administers and enforces the chapter and may enter property to inspect or remove a nuisance vehicle (Sections 10.20.050-10.20.060). Abatement starts with a 10-day notice of intention to abate and remove, mailed by registered mail to the landowner and the vehicle's registered and legal owners (Section 10.20.070). Owners may request a public hearing before the Planning Commission within 10 days, with appeal to the Board of Supervisors within 5 days (Sections 10.20.080-10.20.100). After the order, vehicles may be removed to a scrapyard and cannot be made operable again; DMV must be notified within 5 days (Sections 10.20.120-10.20.130). Unpaid removal and administrative costs become a property assessment under Government Code Section 25845 (Section 10.20.150).