Mission Viejo, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Sec. 010 finds that accumulating abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property (not including highways) reduces property values, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, and is injurious to health and safety, so it declares such vehicles a public nuisance abatable under the chapter. Sec. 030 exempts vehicles completely enclosed within a building where not visible from the street or other property, and vehicles lawfully stored on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, junk dealer, or other lawfully conducted business.

Sec. 050 puts the chief of police in charge of administration and enforcement, with authority for officers to enter private or public property to examine a vehicle or identify its owner. Under Sec. 090, the city must mail a ten-day notice of intention to abate and remove before acting, unless the property owner and vehicle owner have signed releases waiving further interest. Sec. 100 lets either owner request a public hearing within that ten-day window; if no hearing is requested, the chief of police may abate and remove the vehicle without one.

Sec. 120 allows the owner of the land or the vehicle who requested a hearing to appeal the chief of police's decision to the city council by filing written notice within five days, and the council's decision on appeal is final. Sec. 150 provides that if administrative and removal costs are not paid within 30 days of the order or final appeal, the costs are assessed against the land and collected under Government Code Sec. 25845.