San Clemente, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance declared by
- SCMC § 10.52.010
- State authority cited
- Gov. Code § 38771
- Removal notice period
- 10 days from letter's posted date
- Hearing request window
- 10 days from notice letter
- Enforcing officials
- Chief of Police / Director of Building and Planning
- CHP notice before hearing
- At least 10 days
- Failure to comply
- Criminal infraction
Summary
San Clemente declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on private or public property a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 10.52.010, acting under Government Code Section 38771. Owners get a 10-day written notice to remove the vehicle before the City abates and removes it at the owner's expense.
The existence of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles, or parts thereof, on private or public property (not including public highways) is found to create a condition tending to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, a harborage for rodents and insects, and visual blight on the surrounding properties, all of which is injurious to the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the City unless such vehicles are stored in the manner described in Section 10.52.030 of this chapter. Therefore, pursuant to Government Code Section 38771, the City declares that the presence of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles, or parts thereof, on private or public property (except public highways) shall be declared to constitute a public nuisance and may be abated as provided for in this chapter unless such vehicles are stored in the manner described in Section 10.52.030 of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
030. That exemption covers a vehicle completely enclosed in a building and out of public view, or one stored on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer or junk business. 060, who may enter public or private property to inspect a vehicle and identify its owner. 090 requires a certified or registered letter to both the property owner of record and the registered vehicle owner, stating the vehicle will be abated and removed at the owner's expense unless removed within 10 days of the letter's posted date.
100. At the hearing, the owner of the land may contest the nuisance finding in person or by sworn written statement denying responsibility. 070 to carry out removals.
Violations & Fines
Section 10.52.090 states it is a criminal infraction for any person to fail or refuse to remove an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle, or to refuse to abate the nuisance, once ordered to do so under the chapter's abatement provisions. The City Council also sets administrative costs under Section 10.52.080, separate from actual removal costs, both of which are chargeable against the vehicle and land owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a wrecked car in my yard in San Clemente?
How much notice do I get before the City removes my vehicle?
Can I contest that my vehicle is a nuisance?
Who enforces the abandoned vehicle rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle abandoned vehicles.