Newport Beach, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- NBMC § 10.52.010
- Enforcing official
- Chief of Police
- Notice period
- 10-day notice of intention to abate
- Balboa Pier Lot threshold
- 7 days without permit
- Permitted overnight threshold
- 14 days with permit
Summary
Newport Beach declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on public or private property a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 10.52.010. The Police Chief enforces a 10-day notice-and-removal process before towing at the owner's cost.
The presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle, or parts thereof, on private or public property, excluding highways, is, except as expressly permitted by ordinance, hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance which may be abated in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter, a vehicle shall be considered abandoned, if continuously present or parked at the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking Lot for more than seven days unless the vehicle displays a permit authorizing overnight parking, and a vehicle displaying a permit authorizing overnight parking at the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking Lot, shall be considered abandoned if it is continuously parked or present at that facility for a period in excess of fourteen (14) days.
Full Breakdown
005 that such vehicles reduce property values, attract rodents, insects, theft and fire risk, and, at the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking Lot specifically, consume scarce public parking needed by residents and businesses. 010 declares such a vehicle on private or public property, other than highways, a public nuisance that may be abated under the chapter. At the Balboa Pier Municipal Parking Lot, a vehicle is deemed abandoned if it sits continuously more than seven days without an overnight parking permit, or more than 14 days with one.
020 exempts vehicles fully enclosed in a building out of public view, and vehicles lawfully stored on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer or junk business. 030, including entering private property to inspect a vehicle, and may direct removal by a City-contracted tow provider. 040 requires a 10-day notice of intention to abate, posted on the vehicle and mailed by certified mail to both the landowner and the registered vehicle owner of record, giving the property owner the right to request a public hearing or submit a sworn statement denying responsibility within that same 10-day window.
Violations & Fines
If the vehicle or its parts are not removed within the 10-day notice period, the City may remove them itself, through a contracted tow operator, and assess the removal and administrative abatement costs against the landowner if the vehicle was placed with the owner's consent, or was left without consent but permitted to remain. The chapter operates alongside California Vehicle Code Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 22650), and violations may also draw enforcement under the City's general infraction and misdemeanor penalty schedule in Section 1.04.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the City remove an abandoned car from my property?
How long can a car sit at the Balboa Pier lot before it is abandoned?
Are vehicles stored for a licensed auto business exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Newport Beach to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle abandoned vehicles.