Chico, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 168 hours (7 days)
- Applies to
- Public and private property
- Enforcement
- Notice, hearing, then abatement
- Cost recovery
- Assessed against the parcel
Summary
Chico Municipal Code § 10.52.150 makes it unlawful to abandon, park, or store a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on public or private property in the city for more than 168 hours.
It is unlawful for any person to abandon, keep, park, store, maintain, or leave, or permit the abandonment, parking, storing, or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle, or parts thereof, which is in an abandoned, dismantled, wrecked, or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property, not including highways, within the city for a period in excess of 168 hours except as otherwise provided.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Under Chico Municipal Code § 10.52.150, no one may abandon, keep, park, store, maintain, or leave, or allow to be left, a licensed or unlicensed vehicle, or vehicle parts, in an abandoned, dismantled, wrecked, or inoperative condition on private or public property (not including highways) within the city for more than 168 hours, unless the vehicle qualifies for an exception under § 10.52.020. Chapter 10.52 sets out a full abatement process: notice of intention, a right to request a hearing, appeal, removal and disposal by the city's abatement officer, and cost recovery assessed against the property parcel.
Violations & Fines
Storing, parking, or abandoning an inoperative, wrecked, or dismantled vehicle on any property in Chico for over 168 hours; enforced through the Chapter 10.52 notice, hearing, and abatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a junk car sit in Chico?
Who removes abandoned vehicles in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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