Chico, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

CMC Section 10.52.150 makes it unlawful for any person to abandon, keep, park, store, maintain, or leave any licensed or unlicensed vehicle - or parts of a vehicle - that 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 (7 days), except as otherwise provided. The chapter implements California Vehicle Code Sections 22660 - 22669, which authorize cities to adopt abatement procedures and collect costs from the registered owner and/or the landowner. Authority to act on inoperable or abandoned cars or trucks on public property is exercised by the Chico Police Department traffic unit (530-897-4910); abandoned vehicles on private property are handled by Code Enforcement through a noticed abatement process. Inoperable conditions typically include expired registration, missing wheels/engine/major components, flat tires, broken windows, or other indicia that the vehicle cannot be driven. Storage in a fully enclosed garage or behind a six-foot solid fence is an exception under most California Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program ordinances.