Scottsdale enforces abandoned vehicle regulations under Arizona state law (ARS Β§28-871). Vehicles left on public streets for 72 or more consecutive hours, or vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or significantly deteriorated on private property may be classified as abandoned and subject to removal.
Arizona law (ARS Β§28-871) defines abandoned vehicles on public property as those left for 72 or more hours without being moved. On private property, vehicles that are inoperable, unregistered, or significantly deteriorated may also be classified as abandoned under Scottsdale's property maintenance standards. Scottsdale code enforcement handles abandoned vehicle complaints on private property, while police handle vehicles on public streets. The process includes a notice period, during which the owner has an opportunity to move or repair the vehicle. Abandoned vehicles on public streets are marked with a dated sticker and checked after 72 hours. Vehicles not moved are towed at the owner's expense. On residential properties, inoperable vehicles must be stored in an enclosed garage or behind a visual screen. The desert climate can accelerate vehicle deterioration, making this a common code enforcement issue.
Abandoned vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense. Property owners may also receive code enforcement citations for storing inoperable vehicles on residential lots.
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates construction noise primarily through general noise provisions and building code administration. Arizona HB 2371 (effective 2025) require...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale addresses animal hoarding through Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 4 keeping limits and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control field investigations;...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates the keeping of domestic animals including chickens and livestock under Chapter 4, Article II of the Revised Code. Chickens and other fow...
Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enf...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates propane (LPG) storage under the adopted 2018 International Fire Code and NFPA 58; aggregate residential storage over 500 gallons water c...
Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale regulates outdoor burning under Revised Code Chapter 36 (Fire Code) and Maricopa County ADEQ air quality rules. Open burning of yard waste and deb...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle abandoned vehicles.
See how Scottsdale's abandoned vehicles rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.