Puyallup, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- PMC Chapter 9.28
- Abandonment threshold
- 24 hours or longer
- Violation class
- Class I civil infraction
- Hearing deadline
- 10 days after notice
- Lien filing window
- Within 30 days of removal
- Exempt storage
- Fully enclosed or licensed dismantler lot
Summary
Puyallup makes it unlawful to keep an abandoned vehicle or automobile hulk on public or private property in the city. A vehicle left 24 hours or longer without the property owner's consent is legally abandoned, and the city can remove it and lien the property for the cost.
An "abandoned vehicle," for the purpose of this chapter, means any vehicle left within the limits of the city on any highway or public street or upon the property of another without the consent of the owner of such property for a period of 24 hours, or longer, except that a vehicle shall not be considered abandoned if its owner or operator is unable to remove it from the place where it is located and so notifies the Puyallup police division and requests assistance. ... It is unlawful for any person, natural or corporation, to place or keep an abandoned vehicle or an abandoned vehicle hulk, a discarded or junk automobile or portion thereof, upon any private or public property within the city or as owner, occupant, or party in control of any real property within the city to permit or allow any such automobile or portion thereof to be placed or kept upon such property unless: ... In addition to any other penalty prescribed or remedy available, violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a Class I civil infraction as defined in Chapter 1.02 PMC.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
28 defines an "abandoned vehicle" as any vehicle left within city limits on a highway, public street, or another person's property without that owner's consent for 24 hours or longer, unless the owner or operator cannot move it and has notified the Puyallup Police Division and requested assistance. An "automobile hulk" is the remnant of a vehicle that is inoperative and cannot be made mechanically operative without added parts and substantial repair labor. 130. 04 RCW.
Violations & Fines
A violation of PMC Chapter 9.28, keeping an abandoned vehicle, hulk, or junk automobile on public or private property, is a Class I civil infraction as defined in Chapter 1.02 PMC. The city may also assess the costs of removal and abatement against the registered owner or the property owner as a lien on the real property under Chapter 60.04 RCW.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car sit before it counts as abandoned in Puyallup?
Can I keep a junk car in my backyard in Puyallup?
What happens if the city removes my abandoned vehicle?
Is having an abandoned vehicle a criminal offense in Puyallup?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle abandoned vehicles.