Cupertino, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Notice period
- 10 days before City removes vehicle
- Hearing right
- Must request within the 10-day notice
- Storage before disposal
- 15 days at disposal yard
- Exceptions
- Enclosed/screened vehicles; licensed dismantler/dealer lots
- Cost recovery
- Special assessment lien on the property
Summary
Cupertino declares an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on public or private property a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 11.04.019. Owners get a 10-day notice to remove the vehicle before the City abates it, can request a hearing, and face the recorded cost of abatement as a lien.
No person shall commit or cause to be committed any of the following acts: Abandon or permit the abandonment of a vehicle or part on private or public property. Park, store, leave or permit the parking, storage or leaving of a vehicle or part on private or public property in such inoperative or neglected condition that it can be reasonably concluded that all rights or interests of the owner in such vehicle or part have been relinquished. Park, store, leave or permit the parking, storing or leaving of any vehicle in a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition on private or public property. ... You have 10 days from the date of this Notice to abate this nuisance by removing the vehicle or part described herein from the above-described property.
Full Breakdown
04 of the Cupertino Municipal Code, adopted under Vehicle Code Section 22660, makes it unlawful to abandon a vehicle or part, or to park, store or leave a vehicle in a wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition, on public or private property other than a highway. 031 declares any violation a public nuisance subject to abatement. 020 apply: a vehicle completely enclosed in a building or screened from view in a backyard, and a vehicle lawfully stored on the property of a licensed dismantler, dealer or junk dealer.
062 requires the City to serve a Notice of Intention to Abate and Remove at least 10 days ahead of time, identifying the vehicle by make, model and license number and naming the property owner. The property owner has 10 days to remove the vehicle voluntarily or to request a public hearing before the City proceeds; if no hearing is requested, the City can abate the nuisance and assess costs without one. 062 requires it be held at a disposal yard for 15 days before it can be destroyed, dismantled or sold as scrap. 040 authorizes the City Manager, designated employees and peace officers to enter private property, subject to warrant requirements, to inspect or remove a vehicle.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle or part left in violation of Section 11.04.019 is a declared public nuisance under Section 11.04.031, subject to abatement, removal and a special assessment lien for the City's cost of abatement, including towing, storage, staff, legal and hearing costs. An owner who ignores the 10-day notice under Section 11.04.062 loses the chance for a hearing, and the City can remove and dispose of the vehicle without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to remove an abandoned vehicle in Cupertino?
Can I keep an inoperative car in my backyard in Cupertino?
What happens to a vehicle the City removes in Cupertino?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California parking rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle abandoned vehicles.