Thousand Oaks, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit before 'abandoned'
- 30 days
- Hearing request window
- 10 days after notice
- Council appeal window
- 5 days after decision
- Cost-payment deadline
- 30 days before tax-roll assessment
Summary
Thousand Oaks makes it unlawful to leave an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle, or parts of one, on private or public property for more than 30 days, unless it's fully enclosed in a building out of view or it's part of a licensed dismantler's, dealer's, or junkyard's lawful business. The City can order removal through a notice-and-hearing process, with unpaid costs eventually assessed as a lien on the property.
It shall be unlawful for any person to abandon, park, store, or leave, or to permit the abandonment, parking, storing, or leaving of, any licensed or unlicensed vehicle, or part thereof, which is an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative condition upon any private property or public property, not including highways, within the City for a period in excess of thirty (30) days, unless such vehicle, or part thereof, is completely enclosed within a building in a lawful manner where it is not plainly visible from the street or other public or private property, or unless such vehicle is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, or junk yard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-78: 2026 S-78 Supplement contains: Current city legislation passed through March 31, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Before removal, the Community Development Director mails a 10-day notice of intent to abate; the vehicle or land owner has 10 days to request a hearing or submit a sworn statement denying responsibility. If no hearing is requested, the City can proceed to abate without one. A hearing decision can be appealed to the City Council within 5 days. If a landowner proves the vehicle was dumped without their consent and they haven't acquiesced to it, the City cannot assess costs against them. Unpaid administrative and removal costs, if not paid within 30 days of a final decision, are assessed against the parcel and collected the same way as other City taxes.
Violations & Fines
Beyond the 30-day abandonment prohibition, separately refusing to remove a vehicle after a City abatement order is also unlawful under § 5-10.17. Unpaid removal and administrative costs become a lien-style assessment on the property, collected through the County Tax Collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-running project car in my garage?
What if someone dumped the vehicle on my property without my knowledge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Thousand Oaks
California rules heatmap·Compare Thousand Oaks to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Abandoned Vehicles in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Ventura County handle abandoned vehicles.