Selma enforces abandoned and inoperable vehicle abatement through a combination of local municipal code provisions and California Vehicle Code Sections 22651 and 22660, which provide the statutory framework for removing vehicles from both public streets and private property. On public streets, any vehicle parked for more than 72 consecutive hours is subject to citation and towing under CVC 22651(k). On private property, abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles are declared public nuisances under CVC 22660, which authorizes the City of Selma to initiate abatement proceedings that can result in the removal of the vehicle at the owner's expense. The city must provide written notice of intent to abate at least 10 days before removing a nuisance vehicle from private property, during which time the property owner may request an administrative hearing to contest the determination. Vehicles that are missing essential components such as engines, transmissions, or wheels, or that have registration expired for more than six months, are typically classified as inoperable and subject to abatement. Selma Code Enforcement handles complaints about abandoned and nuisance vehicles on both public and private property, investigating reports and initiating the appropriate enforcement process.
The City of Selma addresses abandoned and inoperable vehicles through an enforcement framework that combines California state vehicle code authority with local code enforcement procedures. On public streets, the primary enforcement tool is California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k), which authorizes the removal of any vehicle that has been parked or left standing upon a highway for 72 or more consecutive hours. Highway in this context includes all public streets, not just major roadways. The Selma Police Department monitors for vehicles that appear to be abandoned on public streets, often in response to complaints from residents and business owners. Officers document the vehicle's location, condition, and identifying information, then return after 72 hours to determine whether the vehicle has been moved. If the vehicle remains in the same position, it is subject to citation and towing. The towing company charges the vehicle owner for both the tow and daily storage fees, which accumulate until the vehicle is claimed. Vehicles that remain unclaimed for a specified period are disposed of in accordance with state law. On private property, the enforcement mechanism is California Vehicle Code Section 22660, which declares the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle or vehicle parts on private property to be a public nuisance. This provision authorizes the City of Selma to abate the nuisance by removing the vehicle or parts after following a prescribed notice and hearing process. The city must provide written notice of its intention to abate the nuisance at least 10 days before the scheduled removal date. This notice must be served on both the property owner and the registered owner of the vehicle, if different, and must describe the vehicle, its location, and the basis for the nuisance determination. The notice must also inform the recipients of their right to request an administrative hearing within the 10-day notice period. If a hearing is requested, the city must provide an opportunity for the property and vehicle owners to present evidence as to why the vehicle should not be classified as a nuisance. If no hearing is requested, or if the hearing officer determines that the vehicle constitutes a nuisance, the city may proceed with removal. Vehicles classified as inoperable typically include those missing engines, transmissions, wheels, or other components essential for safe operation on public roads, as well as vehicles with registration that has been expired for more than six months. Vehicles stored on private property must comply with the city's zoning requirements, which mandate that vehicles be parked on paved surfaces and screened from public view. Storage of vehicle parts, dismantled vehicles, or junk vehicles in yards, driveways, or other areas visible from public streets or neighboring properties is prohibited and may trigger separate code enforcement action under the property maintenance and zoning ordinances. Selma residents can report abandoned vehicles on public streets to the Selma Police Department and vehicles on private property to the Selma Code Enforcement Division.
Administrative citations for nuisance vehicles on private property. Vehicles on public streets exceeding 72 hours may be towed at the owner's expense per CVC 22651(k). Storage and towing fees accumulate daily until the vehicle is claimed. Costs of abatement from private property may be assessed as a lien against the property if unpaid.
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