Parma, OH Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 72 hours inoperable/unlicensed
- State Law
- ORC 4513.60-4513.65
- Warning
- 72-hour tag
- Reclaim
- 10 days with fees
Summary
Parma defines abandoned vehicles as those inoperable, unlicensed, or parked over 72 hours on street. Police tag vehicles with 72-hour warning, then tow. ORC 4513.60-4513.65 governs statewide abandoned vehicle procedures.
Section 4513.60 | [...] Vehicle left on private residential or private agricultural property without the permission of person having right to possession of property. (A)(1) The sheriff of a county or chief of a law enforcement agency of a municipal corporation, township, port authority, conservancy district, or township or joint police district, within the sheriff's or chief's respective territorial jurisdiction, upon complaint of any person adversely affected, may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle as defined in section 4513.63 of the Revised Code, that has been left on private residential or private agricultural property for at least four hours without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property. The sheriff or chief, upon complaint of a repair garage or place of storage, may order into storage any motor vehicle, other than an abandoned junk motor vehicle, that has been left at the garage or place of storage for a longer period than that agreed upon. When ordering a motor vehicle into storage pursuant to this division, a sheriff or chief may arrange for the removal of the motor vehicle by a towing service and shall designate a storage facility. [...] (4) As used in this section, 'private residential property' means private property on which is located one or more structures that are used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one or more persons, if no more than three separate households are maintained in the structure or structures. [...] (D)(1) The owner or lienholder of a motor vehicle that is ordered into storage pursuant to division (A)(1) of this section may reclaim it upon both of the following: (a) Payment of all applicable fees [...]; (b) Presentation of proof of ownership, which may be evidenced by a certificate of title to the motor vehicle, a certificate of registration for the motor vehicle, or a lease agreement.
Full Breakdown
Parma Codified Ordinances and Ohio Revised Code 4513.60 through 4513.65 provide abandoned vehicle enforcement. Police officers tag suspected abandoned vehicles with 72-hour warning stickers. If unmoved, vehicles are towed to an approved impound. Owners receive certified mail notice and have 10 days to reclaim with fees paid. Unclaimed vehicles sold at public auction or scrapped. Junk or inoperable vehicles on private property, including driveways, also violate property maintenance code if missing wheels, with flat tires, or no current registration visible from the street. Residents can report abandoned vehicles via Parma Police non-emergency or 311.
Violations & Fines
Owner pays towing ($150+), storage ($25/day), and administrative fees. Private property junk vehicles: $100 to $500 fines per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit on the street without moving?
Can I keep an inoperable car in my driveway?
Sources & Official References
- [1]ORC 4513.60
Other rules in Parma
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle abandoned vehicles.