Irvine, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Division 11, Chapter 2, Article b implements California Vehicle Code § 22660 locally. Sec. 4-11-202(B) finds that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles "create a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards" and declares such a vehicle "in public view" a public nuisance. Sec. " The rule does not reach vehicles fully enclosed in a building out of public view, or those lawfully parked in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer or junk business (Sec.

4-11-203). Under Sec. 4-11-210, the Director of Public Safety must mail a 10-day notice of intent to abate before removal in most cases (a $200-or-under vehicle missing its motor, transmission or wheels can be removed with only a signed owner release). The vehicle or land owner has 10 days to request a hearing before the City Manager under Sec. 4-11-211; without a request, the vehicle can be towed and disposed of without a hearing. Sec. 4-11-214 allows appeal to the City Council within five days of the City Manager's decision, on payment of a Council-set fee.

Once a vehicle is declared a nuisance, Sec. 4-11-215 allows disposal to a scrapyard or dismantler five days later, and it may not be reconstructed or made operable again unless it qualifies for historical or horseless-carriage plates. Administrative and removal costs unpaid within 30 days become a special assessment lien under Sec. 4-11-217. Separately, Sec. 4-11-219 makes it "unlawful and a misdemeanor" to abandon, park, store or leave such a vehicle in public view for more than 10 days, and Sec. 4-11-220 makes refusing to remove one after an abatement order a misdemeanor too.