Garden Grove, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 8.28 implements the City's authority under Vehicle Code Section 22660 to treat abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles as a public nuisance, finding that they reduce property values, invite plundering, create fire hazards, and attract children and rodents. Section 8.28.040 defines an 'inoperative vehicle' to include not just a car missing an engine, transmission, or wheels, but also one lacking current registration under Vehicle Code Section 4000.4 or the safety equipment required by Division 12 of the Vehicle Code. Section 8.28.020's seven-day limit applies to both public property, not counting highways, and private property, including a homeowner's own driveway or yard, unless the vehicle sits fully enclosed inside a building out of view or is lawfully stored at a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junkyard under Section 8.28.050.

The abatement process starts with a 10-day notice of intention mailed to both the landowner and the registered vehicle owner under Section 8.28.180. Either owner can demand a public hearing before the Police Department's tow hearing officer within that 10-day window under Section 8.28.090; if the landowner swears the vehicle was dumped without consent, the hearing officer cannot assess removal costs against them under Section 8.28.110. Without a timely hearing request, the Chief of Police may abate and remove the vehicle after the notice period under Section 8.28.130, notify the DMV within five days under Section 8.28.140, and dispose of the vehicle through a scrapyard or dismantler. Unpaid administrative and removal costs become a lien against the property after 30 days under Section 8.28.150.