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

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Ventura County Ordinance Code §6280–6289 →

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Key Facts

Classification: Public nuisance (§6281-1)
Hearing Right: 15-day request period (§6282-1)
Enforcement: County designated agency
Cost Recovery: Assessed to property owner (§6285)
Code Section: §6280–6289

City-specific rules exist: Santa Paula, Ojai, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Fillmore, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Moorpark, and Camarillo have their own abandoned vehicles rules that differ from Ventura County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Ventura County Ordinance Code §6280–6289 declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, and inoperative vehicles on private property a public nuisance. The county follows a formal abatement process with notice, public hearing, and removal at the owner's expense.

Full Breakdown

Under §6281-1, abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private or public property are declared a public nuisance. The county's enforcing agency per §6280-2 initiates abatement by issuing a notice of intention to remove under §6281-2. Property owners may request a public hearing within 15 days under §6282-1. If no response is received, the county proceeds with removal per §6283. The hearing official makes a determination under §6284-2, with appeals available under §6284-3. Removal costs are assessed against the property owner per §6285. An alternative procedure for vehicles on highways exists under §6287–6289, with abandonment prohibited under §6288-3.

Violations & Fines

Vehicle abandonment is prohibited under §6288-3. Costs of removal are assessed against the vehicle owner per §6289. Administrative costs are charged per §6280-5. The county notifies both CHP (§6288-7) and DMV (§6288-8) upon removal. Vehicles on private property follow the formal abatement process with hearing rights before removal and cost assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep an inoperable vehicle on my property in Ventura County?

Abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private property are declared a public nuisance under §6281-1 and subject to abatement. Exceptions exist under §6280-7 for certain situations.

What is the process for removing an abandoned vehicle?

The county issues a notice, allows 15 days to request a hearing, holds a hearing if requested, and proceeds with removal if the vehicle is not brought into compliance. Costs are assessed to the owner.

How do I report an abandoned vehicle in unincorporated Ventura County?

Contact Ventura County Code Compliance at (805) 654-2466. For vehicles on public roads, contact the Ventura County Sheriff at (805) 654-9511.

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

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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