Sherman, TX Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Article 8.08 of the Sherman Code of Ordinances, enacted by the Sherman City Council in Grayson County, Texas, treats junked vehicles as a public nuisance. Section 8.08.006(a) finds that a junked vehicle, or part of one, located where it is visible from a public place or public right-of-way is detrimental to safety and welfare, invites vandalism, creates fire hazards and is an attractive nuisance for minors. Subsection (c) goes further on private premises: no inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle may be parked, kept or stored, no vehicle may sit in major disassembly or in the process of being stripped, and painting is prohibited unless done inside an approved spray booth.

Section 8.08.001 defines a junked vehicle as a self-propelled vehicle without a lawfully attached unexpired license plate, or one that is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled or discarded, or inoperable for more than 72 consecutive hours on public property or 30 consecutive days on private property. The article covers motor vehicles, aircraft and watercraft. Exceptions in §§ 8.08.003 and 8.08.006(e) protect a vehicle completely enclosed in a building where it is not visible, vehicles kept in connection with a licensed dealer or junkyard, and antique or special interest vehicles stored by a collector. An antique is a car or truck made in 1925 or before or at least thirty-five years old. A collector's vehicle must be behind a screening fence or enclosed, and a car cover does not count as screening.

The process runs through notice and hearing. Under § 8.08.007 the city must give not less than ten days' notice by certified mail with a five-day return requested, sent to the last known registered owner, any lienholder of record, and the owner or occupant of the premises. The notice states that the nuisance must be removed within ten days and that a hearing request must be made before that period ends. Under § 8.08.008 the municipal court holds the hearing not earlier than the eleventh day after service, and the vehicle is presumed inoperable unless the owner shows otherwise. Section 8.08.005 lets authorized city personnel enter private property to examine and remove vehicles. After removal the city notifies the state department of transportation within five days under § 8.08.009, and § 8.08.011 bars anyone from reconstructing or making operable a vehicle removed under the article.