Redwood City, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 39 rests on the City Council's finding that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles reduce property values, invite plundering, create fire hazards and attract minors into danger (Sec. 1). The rule does not reach vehicles fully enclosed in a building and out of public view, or those lawfully stored on a licensed dismantler's or dealer's lot (Sec. 3), and "public property" excludes a "highway" under Sec. 2, so ordinary street parking is handled under the state Vehicle Code, not this chapter. The Chief of Police enforces the chapter and may enter private or public property to inspect a suspected vehicle (Sec.

5), and also fixes the administrative cost charged per case, separate from the actual towing cost. Before any removal, Sec. 7 requires a notice of intention mailed by registered or certified mail to both the land owner and the vehicle's last registered/legal owner, using the statutory form text set out in the code, at least ten days before abatement. Either owner may request a hearing within that ten-day window, or submit a sworn written statement denying responsibility, which itself is treated as a hearing request without requiring an appearance.

If a hearing is held, a hearing officer designated by the Chief of Police takes testimony without being bound by technical evidence rules and can delay removal if circumstances justify it (Sec. 8); if the vehicle was placed on the land without the land owner's consent and the owner never acquiesced, the hearing officer cannot assess removal or administrative costs against that owner. Any interested person may appeal the hearing officer's order to the City Manager within fifteen days under Sec. 9, processed under Chapter 1's appeal procedures. After removal, the City must notify the DMV and Department of Justice within five days (Sec. 10).