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

Chapter 8.04 (Abandoned or Inoperative Vehicles) gives the county its own abatement authority in addition to the state. Section 8.04.010 declares that the accumulation of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property (not including highways) is a public nuisance that may be abated. The county sheriff administers and enforces the chapter (8.04.040) and may enter private or public property to inspect or remove such vehicles. Exemptions in 8.04.050 cover vehicles fully enclosed within a building out of public view, and vehicles lawfully stored in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer, junk dealer, or other lawful business. Abatement follows a defined process: a ten-day mailed notice of intention to the land owner and vehicle owner (8.04.090), an optional public hearing before the Board of Supervisors if requested within ten days (8.04.100-8.04.110), removal to a scrapyard or dismantler after the order (8.04.120), notice to the DMV (8.04.130), and assessment of administrative and removal costs against the parcel under Government Code Section 25845, collected with county taxes (8.04.140). A removed vehicle may not be reconstructed unless it qualifies for horseless-carriage or historical plates under CVC 5004 (8.04.150). Vehicles abandoned on highways are removed under the California Vehicle Code (CVC 22651 / 22669).