Owensboro, KY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Owensboro Municipal Code Sec. 5-137(b)(22) makes the presence of any junked motor vehicle unlawful on public property or any private lot, tract or parcel within the city, whether occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, except that a property owner may keep a maximum of two hobby vehicles if they are out of ordinary view and properly tarped for protection from the elements. A junked vehicle or its parts are treated as rubbish or refuse, and it is unlawful to wreck, dismantle, partially dismantle, render inoperable, abandon or discard a motor vehicle on real property within ordinary view.

The ordinance carves out exceptions for a vehicle on the property of a lawfully operating business when necessary to that business, a vehicle on property used for repair, reconditioning or remodeling of motor vehicles or appliances consistent with the zoning code, and a motor vehicle as defined in KRS 281.011 owned or operated by a motor carrier. Enforcement follows the standard property maintenance track: a code enforcement officer issues a notice of violation under Sec. 5-129 with a chance to abate, then a citation if the vehicle remains, review by the Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Board, and appeal to Daviess County District Court under Sec.

5-135. Because a junked vehicle is classified as rubbish, the city may also abate it directly and bill the abatement cost to the responsible party if the citation is upheld.