Huntington Beach, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- HBMC Chapter 8.48
- Notice period
- 10-day written notice before abatement
- Hearing window
- Owner may request hearing within 10 days
- Removal deadline
- 15 days from final abatement order
- Low-value exception
- Under $200 on unimproved/ag land, no notice
- Unpaid cost recovery
- Lien on property after 30 days unpaid
Summary
Huntington Beach abates abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicles under HBMC Chapter 8.48. The Community Development Director or Police Chief can order removal after a 10-day notice, and owners who dump or refuse to remove a dead vehicle commit an infraction under Section 8.48.110, with towing and administrative costs charged back to the property owner.
§ 8.48.010. Intent and Purpose. This chapter is intended to provide a procedure for the abatement of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled and inoperable vehicles, and vehicle parts, and is enacted under the authority of the Huntington Beach Charter and Section 22660 of the California Vehicle Code... § 8.48.110. Violation—Abandonment. It is unlawful and an infraction for any person to abandon or fail or refuse to remove an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or part thereof or refused to abate such nuisance when ordered to do so in accordance with the abatement provisions of this chapter or state law where such law is applicable.
Full Breakdown
48 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, adopted under the City Charter and California Vehicle Code Section 22660, lets the City abate abandoned, wrecked, dismantled and inoperable vehicles or vehicle parts as a public nuisance on any street, public property or private property. 040. 050 requires a 10-day written notice of intent to abate, sent by registered or certified mail to the landowner of record and the last registered owner of the vehicle. 060 if both owners have signed a release, or if the vehicle sits on agriculture-zoned or unimproved land, is inoperable for lack of a motor, transmission or wheels, is valued under $200 by the Director, or presents an immediate health and safety threat.
070; the Director then decides whether the vehicle is a nuisance and whether removal costs should be assessed against the property. 090 requires notice to the DMV within five days of removal. 100, collected with property taxes. 030.
Violations & Fines
Section 8.48.110 makes it an infraction to abandon a wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicle, or to refuse to remove one or abate the nuisance once the City orders it. Beyond the infraction citation, the City can tow and dispose of the vehicle, notify the DMV, and record a lien against the property for administrative and removal costs if unpaid within 30 days of the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces Huntington Beach's abandoned vehicle law?
How much notice do I get before my vehicle is towed?
Can the City skip the notice altogether?
What happens if I don't pay the towing and administrative costs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Huntington Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Huntington Beach 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.