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

Abandoned and junk vehicles in unincorporated Sutter County are handled under Chapter 955 (Removal of Abandoned Vehicles from Private or Public Property), enacted under the authority of California Vehicle Code Section 22660. Section 955-010 declares that accumulating abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property (excluding highways) creates a public nuisance that may be abated. Section 955-020 exempts vehicles fully enclosed within a building, those lawfully connected to a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junk-dealer business, and certain agricultural-use vehicles. Enforcement is administered by the Development Services Department Director or designee (Sections 955-040 and 955-070), who may enter property to examine and remove nuisance vehicles.

Section 955-080 requires a 10-day notice of intention to abate and remove, mailed by registered or certified mail to the landowner and vehicle owner. If a hearing is requested within 10 days (Section 955-090), the Director holds a public hearing (Section 955-100); decisions may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors within five days (Section 955-110). After the order, the vehicle may be removed to a scrapyard or dismantler's yard (Section 955-120), and the DMV must be notified within five days (Section 955-130). Unpaid administrative and removal costs are assessed against the parcel under Government Code Section 25845 and collected as County taxes (Section 955-140). On public roads, Section 1120-130 lets peace officers remove vehicles meeting Vehicle Code Section 22651 conditions.