San Clemente, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Chapter 10.52 finds that such vehicles create an attractive nuisance hazardous to minors, a harborage for rodents and insects, and visual blight, and Section 10.52.010 declares them a public nuisance subject to abatement unless stored in an enclosed, screened manner under Section 10.52.030. 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. Enforcement runs through the Chief of Police or the Director of Building and Planning under Section 10.52.060, who may enter public or private property to inspect a vehicle and identify its owner.

When the Director of Community Development determines a vehicle is a nuisance, Section 10.52.090 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. Either owner may request a public hearing within that same 10-day window; if requested, the City must hold a hearing on abatement, removal and cost allocation, with at least 10 days' mailed notice of the hearing date to both owners and to the California Highway Patrol under Section 10.52.100.

At the hearing, the owner of the land may contest the nuisance finding in person or by sworn written statement denying responsibility. Chapter 10.52 states it is not the exclusive regulation of such vehicles and supplements other City, state or agency rules, and the City may also contract with or franchise a private company under Section 10.52.070 to carry out removals.