La Mesa, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 10.15.010 finds that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles create blight, fire hazards, an attractive nuisance to minors and a rodent harborage, and declares such vehicles a public nuisance abatable under the chapter, acting under authority the state grants cities in Vehicle Code Section 22660. Section 10.15.020 defines an 'inoperable vehicle' as one 'incapable of movement under its own power or any vehicle not capable of being operated legally on public streets or highways.' Section 10.15.030 exempts one vehicle per lot if it isn't visible from the street or other property, and vehicles lawfully stored or parked on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler's, vehicle dealer's or junk dealer's business, or where storage is necessary to a lawfully conducted commercial enterprise.

Section 10.15.040 puts enforcement in the hands of the Chief of Police, who may enter private or public property to examine a vehicle or determine ownership and remove it once it's declared a nuisance; Section 10.15.050 lets the city extend the same removal authority to a contracted franchisee. Section 10.15.070 requires a ten-day mailed notice of intent to abate to both the landowner and the vehicle's registered owner, and Section 10.15.080 gives either of them a right to request a public hearing within that window before removal proceeds.

Section 10.15.130 lets unpaid administrative and removal costs be assessed against the parcel as a tax lien under Government Code Section 38773.5 if not paid within thirty days of the final order.