Novato, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 18-13 of the Novato Municipal Code (Inoperative Motor Vehicles) rests on Section 18-13.1, where the city council finds that stored abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles reduce property values, promote blight, invite plundering, create fire hazards, attract minors and harbor rodents, and declares them a nuisance under Vehicle Code Section 22660. Under § 18-13.2(c), an inoperative vehicle is one that cannot be moved under its own power, or one not currently registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, excluding vehicles filed as non-operational.

Section 18-13.14 sets the offense: it is unlawful and an infraction to abandon, park, store or leave such a vehicle or part on private or public property for more than ten days, unless it is completely enclosed in a building where it is not plainly visible, or stored lawfully for a State licensed dismantler, vehicle dealer, auto repair business or licensed junkyard. Section 18-13.3 adds exceptions for enclosed vehicles and for storage necessary to a lawful business.

The chief of police or the community development director enforces the chapter under § 18-13.5. Under § 18-13.8, a ten-day notice of intention to abate is mailed by registered or certified mail to the landowner and the last registered and legal owner. Either can request a council hearing from the city clerk within ten days under § 18-13.9, and a landowner can submit a sworn statement denying responsibility instead of appearing. Removal to a scrapyard can follow ten days after notice if no hearing is requested, or five days after the council's order. If administrative and removal costs are not paid within 30 days, § 18-13.13 assesses them against the parcel under Government Code Section 38773.5.