Phila. Code §12-1120 defines an abandoned vehicle as one that is inoperable, has deflated/missing tires, or lacks current tags and has been parked on a street for 48+ hours. The city can tow after 10 days' written notice, or immediately if the vehicle is a safety hazard. Towing and impound procedures are in Chapter 12-2400.
Philadelphia defines abandoned vehicles as those left on public property for an extended period (typically 72 hours) or inoperable vehicles stored on private property visible from the street. Vehicles without current registration, flat tires, or significant damage may be classified as abandoned. Code enforcement issues a notice to the registered owner before towing. On private property, vehicles must be in an enclosed garage or behind an opaque fence. Certain exemptions may apply for vehicles actively being repaired with a valid permit.
Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia caps amplified music and other sound by decibels above background at the property boundary: 3 dB near hospitals/schools/houses of worship, 5 dB ...
Philadelphia, PA
No zoning permit is needed for a fence at or below the Zoning Code limits; exceeding them requires a permit and a ZBA appeal. A building permit is required f...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia generally prohibits keeping chickens, poultry, and livestock; farm animals (other than pigs) are allowed only on parcels of three or more acres,...
Philadelphia, PA
No Philadelphia-specific ordinance directly imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting means there is n...
Philadelphia, PA
True backyard ground fires (recreational fires and bonfires) are not freely allowed in Philadelphia. The Air Management Code Section 3-202 prohibits open fir...
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania's Act 43 of 2017 (the Fireworks Law) legalized consumer fireworks statewide and largely preempts local bans, but it imposes strict use limits th...
See how Philadelphia's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.