Oxnard, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Oxnard Code of Ordinances § 7-25 finds that accumulating or storing abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts on private or public property (excluding highways) reduces property values, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, attracts children into a hazardous nuisance and harbors rodents and insects; the section declares any such vehicle a public nuisance subject to abatement under this article. Sec. 7-26 defines VEHICLE broadly as any device that may propel a person or property on a highway, other than human-powered or rail-bound devices.

Sec. 7-27 carves out two exceptions: a vehicle completely inside an enclosed structure, or behind a solid fence six feet or higher and not visible from public or private property, and a vehicle lawfully stored by a licensed dismantler, vehicle dealer, junk dealer, or as part of a lawfully conducted business. Enforcement runs through the city manager (Sec. 7-28), who may enter private property to inspect or identify a vehicle (Sec. 7-29). Before towing, Sec. 7-32 requires a ten-day notice of intention to abate, mailed by registered or certified mail to the property owner and, if identifiable, the registered vehicle owner, plus posting the notice on the vehicle itself; the notice must explain the right to appear at a hearing or submit a sworn statement denying responsibility.

Sec. 7-33 waives the ten-day notice where the owner has signed a release of interest, or where the vehicle is missing a motor, transmission or wheels, cannot be towed, or is worth less than $200 and poses an immediate health or safety threat, but only on agricultural or non-residential property. A timely hearing request goes to a hearing officer, who must decide within 14 days of the hearing (Sec. 7-38); five days after that decision the city manager may tow the vehicle (Sec. 7-40).