Clackamas County, OR Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle-count exception
- up to 2 per premises behind a screen
- Definition
- unlicensed/inoperable 30+ days, § 10.03.030(33)
- Nuisance section
- Code § 10.03.060(B)(11)
- Notice to abate
- at least 10 days, § 10.03.070(B)
- Remedy for costs
- can become a lien on the property
Summary
Storing an inoperable vehicle anywhere but inside a permitted structure is a public nuisance in unincorporated Clackamas County. Owners get one exception: up to two inoperable vehicles per premises may sit behind a code-compliant sight-obscuring screen where the road and neighbors cannot see them.
11. Storing any inoperable vehicle or vehicles unless said vehicle or vehicles are housed within a permitted structure or development, except up to two vehicles per premise may be stored behind a sight-obscuring screen, in accordance with 10.03.060 C, and shall not be visible from the road or surrounding properties. For purposes of this Subsection 11, two or more contiguous tax lots that are under common ownership shall be considered one premises.
12. When commercial, industrial, multi-family or residential developments that use a compactor or compactors for on-site waste management, do not keep the areas around the compactor free of solid waste and debris, and washed down on a regular basis.
C. Any sight obscuring screen used to abate a solid waste nuisance shall consist of one of the following options:
1. Construct a wood fence unpainted or painted with neutral or earth tone colors of which the upright posts shall consist of a decay resistive material a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter and anchored a minimum of two (2) feet below ground level. There shall be a maximum post separation of eight (8) feet. The railings shall be a minimum of 2-inch by 4-inch lumber with the 4-inch side attached vertically to the posts. The attached vertical or horizontal fence boards shall be set with a maximum separation of 1/4 inch.
Full Breakdown
" The definition excludes an unlicensed but operable vehicle used on farmland to grow, propagate or harvest agricultural products. 060(C), provided the vehicles stay out of view from the road and surrounding properties. Two or more contiguous tax lots under common ownership count as a single premises for this two-vehicle cap. 140(O) further requires that only the owner, a licensed auto wrecker, or a licensed towing company may collect, transport or dispose of it. 070 to check compliance.
Violations & Fines
The Director must mail the property owner a notice giving at least ten days to abate before referring the case to the Compliance Hearings Officer, County Counsel for an injunction, or the Board for a show-cause hearing under Section 10.03.070. A violation of Section 10.03.060 carries a civil penalty set by Board resolution under Section 10.03.400, and unpaid abatement costs can become a lien against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inoperable vehicles can I keep on my property in unincorporated Clackamas County?
What counts as an inoperable vehicle under county code?
How long do I have to fix a violation before the county acts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clackamas County
Compare Clackamas County to another location·View the Oregon parking rules overview
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