Sonoma Municipal Code Chapter 10.73 declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on public or private property a public nuisance and authorizes removal after notice and hearing.
SMC Chapter 10.73 (Removal of Abandoned and Other Nuisance Vehicles) implements California Vehicle Code §22660 et seq. It includes sections on declaration of nuisance, definitions, exceptions, enforcement, contracted performance of removal duties, administrative cost recovery, notice and request-for-hearing rights, conduct of hearings, disposal of the vehicle, notice to the state (DMV), and assessment of removal costs against the underlying parcel if not paid. Vehicles on public streets are addressed under CVC 22651(k) (72-hour limit) and CVC 22669 (wrecked/dismantled on highway). For unincorporated parts of Sonoma County, Permit Sonoma's Code Enforcement Division administers the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program — but within the City of Sonoma itself, Chapter 10.73 controls and removal is coordinated with the Police Department.
After notice is posted on the vehicle and mailed to the registered owner and property owner (typically 10 days), the owner may request a hearing. If no hearing is requested or the nuisance is upheld, the vehicle is removed and the City may assess removal and administrative costs against the landowner — and unpaid assessments may become a lien on the parcel under SMC 10.73 procedures derived from CVC §38773.5.
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