Corvallis, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Corvallis Municipal Code Ch. 5.02
- Enforced by
- Chief of Police
- Max penalty
- 30 days jail and/or $500 fine
- Hearing notice
- 10 days' certified mail to owner
- Removal timing
- 5 days after Council's nuisance order
Summary
Corvallis Municipal Code Chapter 5.02 declares an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on private or public property, other than a highway, a public nuisance the City can abate. The Chief of Police administers and enforces the chapter, and a property owner who refuses to remove or abate a nuisance vehicle after a Council order commits a misdemeanor.
Section 5.02.010 - Findings and determinations. ... the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or part thereof, on private or public property, not including highways, except as expressly permitted by the provisions herein, is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions herein. ... Section 5.02.140 - Penalty. It shall be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to fail to or refuse to remove an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or part thereof, or to refuse to abate such nuisance when ordered to do so in accordance with the abatement provisions herein or State law, where such State law is applicable. A person violating any of the provisions herein shall, upon conviction thereof in the Municipal Court, be punished by imprisonment in jail for a period not to exceed 30 days, or by a fine not to exceed $500.00, or both, and shall pay the costs of the proceedings.
Full Breakdown
Section 5.02.010 finds that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles reduce property values, promote blight, invite plundering, create fire hazards, attract minors into a hazardous condition, and harbor rodents and insects, so the presence of such a vehicle on private or public property, not including highways, is declared a public nuisance that may be abated. Section 5.02.030 exempts a vehicle completely enclosed in a building and out of public view, and a vehicle lawfully stored on a licensed dismantler's, dealer's, or junk dealer's business property.
Section 5.02.050 puts the Chief of Police, along with deputies and agents, in charge of entering property to examine a suspected vehicle. Before removal, Section 5.02.080 requires Council to hold a public hearing with at least 10 days' certified-mail notice to the landowner and the last registered owner, plus notice to the Motor Vehicles Division. Under Section 5.02.110, the vehicle can be removed to a scrap yard five days after Council's nuisance order or the mailed notice of decision, or 15 days after an appeal decision, and Section 5.02.130 lets unpaid administrative and removal costs be assessed against the parcel like a City tax.
Violations & Fines
Section 5.02.140 makes it unlawful and a misdemeanor to fail or refuse to remove an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle, or to refuse to abate the nuisance once Council orders it. A conviction in Municipal Court carries up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500.00, or both, plus the costs of the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an abandoned vehicle under Corvallis code?
Can I keep an inoperative car in my closed garage?
What happens before the City removes a nuisance vehicle?
What is the penalty for refusing to remove a nuisance vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Corvallis
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