Norwalk, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 8.12.010 declares that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles create blight, fire hazards, rodent harborage and an attractive nuisance to children, and authorizes abatement under Vehicle Code Chapter 10 (commencing at Section 22650) and this chapter. Section 8.12.160 makes it a misdemeanor to abandon, park, store or leave such a vehicle or part on private or public property, excluding highways, for more than 15 days. Two narrow exemptions apply under Section 8.12.030: a vehicle completely enclosed in a building and out of view, or one stored or parked lawfully on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler's, dealer's or junk business.

The Director of Public Safety and the Commander of the Norwalk Sheriff's Station administer and enforce the chapter and may enter property to inspect or remove a vehicle under Section 8.12.050. Before removal, Section 8.12.090 requires a 10-day notice by registered mail to both the land owner and the vehicle's registered owner; either may request a public hearing within that 10-day window. Section 8.12.110 sends contested cases to the Public Safety Commission, which is not bound by technical rules of evidence, and Section 8.12.120 lets any interested party appeal the Commission's decision to the City Council within 10 calendar days.

If the land owner shows the vehicle was placed without consent and was not later acquiesced to, the Commission cannot assess removal or administrative costs against that owner. Once an order becomes final, Section 8.12.130 allows disposal to a scrapyard or dismantler five days after the order, or 15 days after a Council appeal, and Section 8.12.170 separately makes it a misdemeanor to refuse to comply with an abatement order.