Sacramento, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code Ch. 8.16
- State authority
- Vehicle Code § 22660
- Notice period
- 10 days to remove or request hearing
- Cost recovery
- Tow/storage + admin fee, joint & several
- Key exemption
- Vehicles fully enclosed, out of public view
- Judicial review
- Code Civ. Proc. § 1094.6
Summary
Sacramento abates abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on public or private property as a public nuisance under Chapter 8.16, acting on state authority in Vehicle Code § 22660. Owners get a 10-day notice, a right to a hearing, and can face liens for removal costs.
It is the intent of the council to provide that the abatement of public nuisances consisting of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled and inoperative vehicles may be carried on either concurrently with or separately from the abatement of other conditions, if any, constituting a public nuisance on any premises within the city, as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. ... The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any vehicle(s) or parts thereof which: A. Is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not visible from the street or other public or private property; or B. Is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or a junkyard, provided such business is not unsightly or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
Full Breakdown
16 of the Sacramento City Code sets the local procedure for abating abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles as a public nuisance, adopted under the authority of Vehicle Code Section 22660. 030 requires a written notice of intention to abate, identifying the vehicle and premises, giving the owner 10 days to remove it or request a hearing before a hearing examiner, sent by certified mail to the address on the county assessment roll and to the registered/legal owner of the vehicle. 040 lets the property owner file a sworn statement disclaiming responsibility instead of appearing in person.
6. 080 bars an owner from simply swapping in a replacement vehicle after one is ordered removed, on penalty of referral to the city attorney. 090, the chapter does not reach vehicles fully enclosed in a building out of public view, or vehicles lawfully stored on the property of a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junkyard that isn't a public nuisance itself. 110 makes the towing and storage costs, plus a council-set administrative fee, the joint and several obligation of the property owner and last registered owner, collectible as a lien unless the owner proves lack of responsibility or the registered owner satisfies Vehicle Code Section 22524(b). 130.
Violations & Fines
Failure to remove the vehicle or request a hearing within 10 days of notice waives the owner's rights and lets the city abate. Towing, storage, and an administrative fee become a joint and several personal obligation of the property owner and the last registered owner, recorded as a lien on the property if unpaid. Replacing an ordered-off vehicle triggers referral to the city attorney for further legal remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sacramento's abandoned vehicle rule apply on private property, not just streets?
Can I dispute an abandoned vehicle notice without going to a hearing?
Who pays if the city tows an abandoned vehicle from my property?
What happens if I just replace a removed vehicle with another junk vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle abandoned vehicles.