Naperville, IL Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- no inoperable vehicles stored outside
- Vehicle age cutoff
- 25 years or newer
- Notice period
- 7 days before towing
- Restoration exception
- 10 labor hours per 30 days
- Applies to
- public and private property
Summary
Storing an inoperable motor vehicle in the open on any Naperville property, public or private, is a declared nuisance, with narrow exceptions for wrecking yards, garaged cars, and active restorations.
The parking or storing of any inoperable motor vehicle in the open on any property within the City is hereby declared to be a nuisance. This Section shall not apply to: (1) motor vehicle on the premises of a place of business engaged in wrecking or junking motor vehicle; or (2) motor vehicles that are kept within a building; or (3) to motor vehicles located in the rear yard of a lot... which are owned and actively being restored by the owner or tenant of the lot.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 101).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 4-5-2 declares it a nuisance to park or store an 'inoperable motor vehicle', one incapable of moving under its own power, with an unregistered vehicle presumed inoperable, in the open anywhere on a Naperville property, public or private. The ban exempts vehicles at licensed wrecking/junking businesses, vehicles kept fully inside a building, and vehicles in a rear yard under active restoration, defined under § 4-5-3 as at least 10 documented hours of repair work in the prior 30 days. Owners get a 7-day notice to abate before the City removes the vehicle.
Violations & Fines
Missing the 7-day notice-to-abate deadline lets the City tow the vehicle at the owner's expense; the owner may request an administrative hearing to contest the removal first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-running car on my property in Naperville?
What counts as 'actively restoring' a vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Naperville
Compare Naperville to another location·View the Illinois parking rules overview
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