Rapid City, SD Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- RCMC Ch. 10.56, Abandoned and Junked Motor Vehicles
- Public property window
- 24 hours before tagged vehicle is towed
- Private property window
- 14 days before it is a violation
- Nuisance basis
- SDCL § 9-29-13
- Appeal deadline
- 10 calendar days to Community Development Director
Summary
Rapid City declares abandoned, wrecked or junk motor vehicles a public nuisance under SDCL § 9-29-13, letting the Police Department, Code Enforcement or Building Services order removal from private property within 14 days and from public property within 24 hours. Owners get a mailed notice and can appeal to the Community Development Director within 10 days.
The presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, junk or partially dismantled motor vehicle or parts thereof, on private or public property, is declared a public nuisance pursuant to SDCL § 9-29-13. This section shall not apply to any motor vehicle enclosed within a building on private property or to any motor vehicle held in connection with a business enterprise, properly operated in the appropriate zoning district, or to any motor vehicle in operable condition specifically adapted or designed for operation on drag strips or raceways and covered with an appropriate cover to screen it from view, which vehicle remains on private property. ... No person owning, in charge of, or in control of any real property within the city, whether as owner, tenant, occupant, lessee or otherwise, shall allow any abandoned or junk motor vehicle of any kind to remain on the property longer than 14 days.
Full Breakdown
020 declares the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, junk or partially dismantled motor vehicle or parts on private or public property a public nuisance under state law, SDCL § 9-29-13. The nuisance declaration exempts vehicles enclosed in a building, vehicles tied to a properly zoned business, and covered drag-strip or raceway vehicles kept on private property. 040 lets a police officer tag a vehicle for removal, giving the owner 24 hours before the removal agency tows it to storage; the Police Department may tow immediately if the vehicle blocks or endangers traffic.
060 requires the Police Department, Code Enforcement or Building Services to mail a written notice giving the owner 14 days from the postmark to comply. 065 lets an aggrieved person appeal to the Community Development Director within 10 calendar days of the notice, with a written decision due within 7 days of the hearing and a further appeal available to the Common Council. 030.
Violations & Fines
Failing to remove an abandoned or junk vehicle within the 14-day private-property window, or leaving one on public property, is a violation of Chapter 10.56 subject to the general penalty in § 1.12.010, on top of the city's abatement remedies: towing by a removal agency, disposal of the vehicle, and a special assessment against the property for removal and administrative costs under § 10.56.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can an abandoned car sit on my property in Rapid City?
What counts as a junk vehicle under Rapid City's code?
Can Rapid City tow my car from my own driveway?
Is there an exception for antique or race cars stored on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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