Shoreline, WA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Section 20.30.750(A) makes storing a junk vehicle, as defined in SMC § 10.05.030(A)(1), on private property within Shoreline city limits a nuisance subject to penalties and abatement under the section. Two exceptions apply: a vehicle completely enclosed in a permanent building, or not visible from the street or other property, and a vehicle stored on a licensed dismantler's or licensed dealer's lot and fenced per RCW 46.80.130. Once a vehicle is certified as junk under RCW 46.55.230, § 20.30.750(B) requires the City to give legal notice to the last registered owner (if identifiable) and the landowner of record that a public hearing may be requested before the Hearing Examiner.

If no hearing is requested within 14 days of service, the City removes the vehicle, and the towing company, wrecker, hulk hauler or scrap processor notifies the Washington State Patrol and the Department of Licensing of its disposition. If the landowner is not the vehicle's registered owner, § 20.30.750(C) bars abatement for 20 days after certification so the landowner can remove it themselves. At a requested hearing, § 20.30.750(E) lets the landowner deny responsibility; if the Hearing Examiner finds the vehicle was placed without the landowner's consent and was never acquiesced to, the City cannot assess removal costs against that landowner.

Otherwise, § 20.30.750(G) collects abatement and removal costs from the last registered owner, or assesses them against the property owner, with unpaid amounts becoming a lien under § 20.30.775 after 30 days.