Santa Barbara, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Santa Barbara has a dedicated abandoned-vehicle chapter, SBMC Chapter 10.58, separate from the general parking rules in Chapter 10.44. The chapter declares that abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles (or parts of vehicles) on private or public property are a public nuisance that reduces property values, promotes blight and deterioration, invites plundering, and creates fire and safety hazards. This local abatement authority is adopted in addition to and in accordance with the authority granted by the State under Section 22660 of the California Vehicle Code. The removal process is administrative: under SBMC 10.58.070, a 10-day notice of intention to abate and remove the vehicle is mailed by registered or certified mail to the owner of the land and the owner of the vehicle. Within that 10-day period, the owner may request a public hearing or submit a sworn written statement denying responsibility; if no hearing is requested, the City Administrator may abate and remove the vehicle without a hearing. Separately, on the street side, SBMC 10.44.050 prohibits leaving any wrecked or inoperable vehicle standing on a public street, and SBMC 10.44.060 lets Police remove a vehicle left more than 72 consecutive hours. Residents report suspected abandoned vehicles to the Police dispatch center at (805) 882-8900.