Lake County, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 13-31 of the Lake County Code lets a designated county employee abate and remove any vehicle or part that has been abandoned, or a wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle or part that has been parked, stored or left on public or private property, treating it as a public nuisance. Before removal, Section 13-32 requires a written notice of intention to abate and remove given at least ten days ahead, unless the property owner and vehicle owner have both signed releases waiving further interest. That notice requirement is waived for a vehicle inoperable because its motor, transmission or wheels are missing and it cannot be towed, and valued under $200 by a person qualified under Vehicle Code § 22855.

Section 13-34 gives the property owner and the vehicle owner the right to a hearing before the Board of Supervisors on written request to the Clerk of the Board; if no hearing is requested within the notice period, the county may proceed to abate and collect the costs of abatement. Section 13-36 requires notice to the DMV once a vehicle is removed. Separately, Section 19-32 of Chapter 19 bans leaving any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle standing on a county road, highway, or County Service Area road, and authorizes the Sheriff or CHP to remove it under Vehicle Code § 22652; Section 19-33 sets the penalty for that specific roadway violation at not less than $25 nor more than $100.