Kitsap County, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Junk-vehicle test
- Meets 3 of 4 age/damage/inoperability/value criteria
- Outdoor storage limit
- Up to 6 vehicles if screened and permitted
- Required paperwork
- Signed environmental mitigation agreement
- Screening
- Sight-obscuring fence or vegetation; tarps don't count
- Penalty
- $250 per day
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Kitsap County only
Summary
A vehicle meeting at least three junk-vehicle criteria (three-plus years old, extensively damaged, inoperable, or worth only scrap) is a nuisance if stored outside on private property in unincorporated Kitsap County. Up to six may stay only if fully screened or 250 feet from every property line, and the owner signs an environmental mitigation agreement with the county.
"Junk motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle meeting at least three of the following requirements: (a) Is three years old or older; (b) Is extensively damaged, such damage including, but not limited to, any of the following: a buildup of debris that obstructs use, broken window or windshield; missing wheels, tires, tail/headlights, or bumpers; missing or nonfunctional motor or transmission; or body damage; (c) Is apparently inoperable; or (d) Has an approximate fair market value equal only to the approximate value of the scrap in it. ... Any junk motor vehicle including, but not limited to, any junk motor vehicle, vehicle hulk or any part thereof which is wrecked, inoperable or abandoned... with one exception: (A) A property may store up to six junk motor vehicles on private property outside of a permitted building, only if the vehicles are: (i) completely screened... by sight-obscuring fence or natural vegetation to the satisfaction of the director... or (ii) more than two-hundred and fifty feet away from all property lines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4864424; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
020(9) defines a junk motor vehicle as one meeting at least three of four tests: three years old or older; extensively damaged (broken windows, missing wheels or bumpers, nonfunctional motor); apparently inoperable; or worth only its scrap value. 070. A tarp over the vehicles does not satisfy the screening requirement. 56 nuisances. 060(3)(a) directs the county to photograph, remove and dispose of the vehicle through a licensed wrecker, hulk hauler, or scrap processor, notifying the Washington State Patrol and Department of Licensing that it was wrecked. 050(3)(a) lets the owner deny responsibility at the hearing and avoid the removal cost.
Violations & Fines
The standard $250-per-day monetary penalty under § 9.56.040(5) applies once a notice of abatement is affirmed. The county may also remove and dispose of the junk vehicle at the responsible party's expense, with costs becoming a lien on the property. Obstructing a county employee during removal is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many junk cars can I legally keep on my property?
What makes a vehicle 'junk' under Kitsap County's code?
Can I just throw a tarp over an old car to comply?
What if someone abandons a junk car on my land without my consent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kitsap County
Compare Kitsap County to another location·View the Washington parking rules overview
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