Garden Grove, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 7 days for an abandoned/inoperative vehicle
- Applies to
- Private and public property, not highways
- Exempt
- Fully enclosed vehicles, licensed dismantlers/dealers
- Abatement notice
- 10 days, mailed to owner and landowner
- Hearing body
- Police Department tow hearing officer
- Appeal window
- 5 days to City Council
- Unpaid costs become
- A lien on the property
Summary
Garden Grove Municipal Code Section 8.28.020 makes it a misdemeanor to leave an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on private or public property, other than a highway, for more than seven days unless it's fully enclosed in a building or lawfully stored at a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junkyard. The City can declare and remove such vehicles as a public nuisance.
It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to abandon, park, store, or leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storing, or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part(s) thereof that is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property not including highways within the City for a period in excess of seven days unless such vehicle or part(s) thereof is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not plainly visible from the street or other public or private property, or unless such vehicle is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, or a junkyard.
Full Breakdown
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. 4 or the safety equipment required by Division 12 of the Vehicle Code. 050. 180. 110. 140, and dispose of the vehicle through a scrapyard or dismantler. 150.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a covered vehicle beyond the seven-day limit, or refusing to remove one after an abatement order, is a misdemeanor under Sections 8.28.020 and 8.28.030. Beyond criminal charges, the City can abate and tow the vehicle itself, assess administrative and removal costs against the landowner, and record those unpaid costs as a lien on the property under Section 8.28.150 if not paid within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I keep a broken-down car in my own driveway?
Does a car without current registration count as 'inoperative' even if it runs fine?
Can I stop the City from towing a vehicle someone dumped on my land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
California rules heatmap·Compare Garden Grove 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 Orange County handle abandoned vehicles.