Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Santa Maria

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

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing authority: Vehicle Code § 22660 et seq.
Removal notice period: 10 days by certified mail
Hearing request window: 10 days after notice
Cost recovery: Property lien if unpaid in 30 days
Exemption: Enclosed behind 6-ft solid fence
Low-value fast track: Under $200, missing motor/wheels
Penalty: Infraction under Veh. Code § 22523(c)

Summary

Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 5-1 declares any wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle stored in public view on private or public property a public nuisance. Police and code compliance officers can order it removed after a 10-day notice, and keeping one in violation is an infraction under Vehicle Code Section 22523(c).

The City Council finds that the accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof on public or private property in public view... constitutes a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. ... it is unlawful for any person to park or leave, or permit the parking or leaving of any vehicle which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition, in public view upon any private property or public property within the City. Violation of this section shall be an infraction punishable as provided in Vehicle Code section 22523(c).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4818069; v9 updated 2026-04-07).

Full Breakdown

06). 08); the recipient may request a hearing within 10 days. 10). 13). 04). 09). 12).

Violations & Fines

Section 5-1.14 makes it unlawful to park or leave, or permit the parking or leaving of, an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle in public view on private or public property in Santa Maria. Violation is an infraction punishable under Vehicle Code Section 22523(c), and the City Attorney may also seek a court injunction to compel removal as a public nuisance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Santa Maria make me remove a wrecked car from my backyard?

Yes, if it's visible from the street or another property. Section 5-1.03 declares any wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle stored in public view a nuisance, and the City can order it removed after a 10-day notice under Section 5-1.08, unless you enclose it behind a solid fence at least six feet high.

What if I disagree that my vehicle is a nuisance?

You have 10 days after the notice is mailed to request a hearing before a City-designated hearing officer under Section 5-1.10. You can appear in person or submit a sworn written statement, and if the officer finds the vehicle was placed there without your consent, no costs can be assessed against you as the landowner.

Does the city charge me for towing an abandoned vehicle?

Yes. Under Section 5-1.13, administrative and removal costs ordered at the hearing must be paid within 30 days or they become a special assessment against the property, collected by the tax collector with the same priority as other city taxes.

Is keeping a junk car in my garage illegal in Santa Maria?

No. Section 5-1.04 exempts any vehicle completely enclosed within a building, or behind a solid fence at least six feet high so it isn't visible from the street or neighboring property. The nuisance declaration in Chapter 5-1 only reaches vehicles that are in public view.

Sources & Official References

[1]Santa Maria Municipal Code, Chapter 5-1 Abandoned, Wrecked, Dismantled or Inoperative Vehicles (eCode360)

Other rules in Santa Maria

Overnight ParkingHeavy Restrictions Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Curb Color RulesSome Restrictions Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions EV ChargingLight Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Artificial TurfLight Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions Landscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingFew Restrictions Sign Regulations: Political SignsSignificant Restrictions Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & ShieldingSome Restrictions

All Santa Maria rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California parking rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.