Franklin County, KY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 91.03 of the Franklin County Code, adopted by the Fiscal Court in Ord. 14 (2005), sets a flat 30-day limit on exterior storage of non-operating vehicles. The duty reaches every person in charge of or in control of commercial or residential property, whether as owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or otherwise. A second clause reaches anyone who leaves such a vehicle on any property for longer than 30 days, so a person who dumps a vehicle on land they do not control is covered as well.

The vehicle categories are partially dismantled, wrecked, junked, discarded or otherwise non-operating motor vehicles. Section 91.01 also lists such vehicles, along with abandoned automobiles, among the conditions that make a nuisance when kept on premises in a residential or commercial district.

There are three exceptions. The section does not apply to a vehicle in an enclosed building. It does not apply to a vehicle on the premises of a business enterprise operated in a lawful place and manner when keeping the vehicle is necessary to the operation of that business. And it does not apply to a vehicle in the appropriate storage place or depository maintained in a lawful place and manner.

Enforcement follows § 91.05. A complaint is filed with the County Judge/Executive or the office of Planning and Zoning, the County Enforcement Officer visits the site, and the owner, lessee, occupant or person in charge is served notice to abate within ten days of receipt. Abandoned or non-inhabitable mobile or manufactured homes and campers carry their own 30-day limit in § 91.04. This chapter applies in the county outside Frankfort, which has a separate code for vehicles left within the city.