Olympia, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Private property trigger
- Junk vehicle stored more than thirty days is a nuisance
- Junk vehicle test
- Meets at least three of four listed criteria
- Review request window
- Ten days after written notice
- Civil infraction ladder
- $50, $125, then $250, plus statutory assessments
- Abandoned on City street
- 72 hours, or 24 hours if unlicensed or inoperable
- Unlicensed vehicle on City right-of-way
- $38.00 parking infraction under OMC § 10.16.320
Summary
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a junk vehicle stored on private property for more than thirty days is a declared public nuisance subject to removal and disposal. On a City street, a vehicle counts as abandoned after 72 hours, or after 24 hours if it is unlicensed or inoperable, and can be tagged and impounded.
A. The storage or retention of a junk vehicle on private property for more than thirty days is declared to constitute a public nuisance subject to abatement by removal and disposal. ... In the event the inspection by the enforcement officer confirms that the vehicle or part(s) thereof in question meet the criteria of OMC 8.40.020, then the enforcement officer shall give notice in writing to the last registered owner of record of the junk vehicle or part(s) thereof and also to the property owner(s) of record, where such junk vehicles or part(s) thereof are located, that an administrative review may be requested before the Director of Community Planning and Development or the Director of Community Planning and Development’s designee and that if no administrative review is requested within ten days the junk vehicle or part(s) thereof shall be removed. ... E. The enforcement officer is authorized and directed to collect by all lawful means the cost of removal of junk vehicles or their parts from the responsible party.
Full Breakdown
OMC Chapter 8.40 handles junk vehicles on private property in the City of Olympia, Thurston County, Washington. Under OMC § 8.40.040(A), storing or retaining a junk vehicle on private property for more than thirty days is a public nuisance subject to abatement by removal and disposal.
A junk vehicle under OMC § 8.40.020 is any vehicle meeting at least three of four tests: it is three years old or older, it is extensively damaged (a broken window or windshield or missing wheels, tires, motor or transmission), it is apparently inoperable, or its approximate fair market value equals only the value of the scrap in it. A vehicle completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner, not visible from the street or other property, is exempt, as is a vehicle stored in connection with a licensed dismantler or licensed vehicle dealer and fenced under RCW 46.80.130.
The enforcement officer, meaning the Building Official, a designee or a police officer, inspects first. Written notice goes to the last registered owner and the property owner of record. They can request an administrative review before the Director of Community Planning and Development or the Director's designee, and if no review is requested within ten days the vehicle is removed. Hearing notice goes by certified mail with a five-day return receipt requested. A landowner who shows the vehicle was placed without consent, and who has not acquiesced, is not charged the administration and removal costs, which the City can collect from the last registered owner instead. Removal is by a registered tow truck operator with notice to the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Licensing.
On City right-of-way, OMC § 10.16.040 applies instead. A vehicle is abandoned if parked 72 hours or more, if unlicensed or unregistered for 24 hours or more, or if it shows obvious disrepair or inoperability for 24 hours or more. Parking Services field representatives or police officers can tag it with a warning to remove it within 72 hours, and failure to remove it can result in impound at the owner's expense.
Violations & Fines
Under OMC § 8.40.050, a knowing violation is a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, each day a separate offense, and second and subsequent days of a continuing violation are gross misdemeanors up to $5,000 and/or 365 days. The concurrent civil infraction is Class 3 ($50), then Class 2 ($125), then Class 1 ($250), not including statutory assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a junk car sit in my yard in the City of Olympia?
What makes a vehicle a junk vehicle in Olympia?
Can I contest a junk vehicle notice?
When is a vehicle abandoned on an Olympia street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olympia
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