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

Chapter 4-9 of the Tulare County Ordinance Code implements California Vehicle Code Sections 22660-22664. Section 4-09-1000 declares that accumulating or storing abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles (or parts) on private or public property, not including highways, is a public nuisance that may be abated. Section 4-09-1010 provides two exceptions: a vehicle 'completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner so that it is not visible from the street or other public or private property,' and a vehicle 'stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or a junk yard,' or where storage is necessary to a lawfully conducted business.

The Planning and Development Director administers enforcement (Section 4-09-1020). The process runs from a request for voluntary compliance (4-09-1030) to a mailed Notice of Intention to Abate by certified mail (4-09-1035), a 10-day window to request administrative review (4-09-1040), an administrative review and decision (4-09-1050-1060), and an appeal to the County Hearing Officer (4-09-1065). If the owner does not pay administrative and removal costs within 30 days, the County may place the unpaid costs on the tax roll as a special assessment (4-09-1085). Note this is separate from on-street abandonment, which is handled by the Vehicle Code and the 72-hour rule.