Montebello, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MMC § 8.16.010(A)(3)
- Vehicle definition
- Cal. Vehicle Code § 670
- Exceptions
- Enclosed in building, or licensed dismantler/dealer/junkyard
- Notice
- Sent to registered owner of record
- Appeal window
- 10 days from notice to abate
Summary
Montebello declares any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on private or public property a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 8.16.010(A)(3), with narrow exceptions for vehicles fully enclosed in a building or tied to a licensed dismantler, dealer or junkyard.
3.Parking or allowing to stand any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles. "Vehicle" as used in this chapter shall be defined as set forth in Section 670 of the Vehicle Code of the state of California. Any vehicle which is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative, or any part thereof, located on any private property, or public property, excluding highways, in the city is declared to be a public nuisance. For the purposes of this definition, the term "vehicle" shall not include:a.A vehicle or part thereof which is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner, where the same is not visible from the street or other public or private property, and/orb.A vehicle or part thereof which is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in conjunction with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or a junkyard ... B.A similar notice shall be sent to the owner(s) of any vehicle described in section 8.16.010(A)(3) and as shown on the last registration of the vehicle, unless the vehicle is in such condition that identification numbers are not available to determine ownership.
Full Breakdown
Section 8.16.010(A)(3) of the Montebello Municipal Code declares it a public nuisance to park or allow to stand any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or any part of one, on private property or on public property other than highways, using the Vehicle Code Section 670 definition of 'vehicle.' The rule carves out two narrow exceptions: a vehicle or part completely enclosed inside a building and not visible from the street or other property, and a vehicle stored or parked lawfully in connection with a licensed dismantler's, licensed vehicle dealer's or junkyard's business, though that exception never authorizes maintaining the premises in violation of other code provisions.
Once city staff investigates and confirms the nuisance under Section 8.16.030, Section 8.16.040(B) requires a notice to be sent to the vehicle's registered owner, describing the vehicle by identification and license number when known, unless the vehicle's identification numbers cannot be found. The owner or property occupant can request a hearing within 10 days under Section 8.16.040(C), and if the vehicle is not removed, the city can abate it directly, with costs recoverable as a lien under Sections 8.16.120 and 8.16.150.
Violations & Fines
An owner or occupant who keeps an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on the property after a notice to abate faces city-ordered removal, plus recovery of the city's abatement costs and attorney's fees as a debt and lien against the property under Section 8.16.120, and a citywide civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation per day under Section 8.16.110.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-running car in my driveway in Montebello?
Who gets notified if my car is cited as a nuisance?
What if I work on cars for a living?
What happens if I ignore a vehicle abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montebello
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