Union, NY Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Town of Union Code § 194-3, prohibited acts
- Notice period
- 15 days after service before Town removal and destruction (§ 194-4)
- Restoration permit
- Up to 60 days, one per vehicle, 15-foot street setback
- Vehicle for sale permit
- Up to 60 days each, three permits, 180 days maximum
- Seasonal use permit
- Expires eight months after issuance; inspection sticker required
- First violation
- Fine up to $250 or up to 15 days, or both (§ 194-10)
Summary
In the Town of Union outside the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City, Chapter 194 makes it unlawful to openly park, leave, store or deposit a motor vehicle no longer in condition for legal use on the public highway, on private or public land or a highway, unless the owner holds a vehicle sales, seasonal use or restoration permit.
It shall be unlawful and a violation of the chapter for any person, entity, firm or corporation, either as owner, occupant, lessee, agent, tenant or otherwise, to openly park, leave, store or deposit, or cause or allow or permit to be parked, left, stored or deposited, any motor vehicle no longer intended or in condition for legal use on the public highway, or parts or waste material from such motor vehicles, upon any private or public land or premises or highway within the limits of the Town of Union outside the limits of the Villages of Endicott and Johnson City unless the owner of said vehicle obtains a vehicle sales permit, seasonal use permit or restoration permit.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 194, Vehicles, Inoperative, was adopted by the Town Board on 10-6-1999 as L.L. No. 3-1999, and § 194-3 was amended in 2010. Section 194-1 explains the reason: abandoned, junked or inoperative vehicles are unsightly, an attractive nuisance to children, a fire and explosion risk, and a source of environmental contamination when gasoline or other fluids are left in them.
The prohibition in § 194-3 reaches the owner, occupant, lessee, agent or tenant, and also anyone who causes, allows or permits the storage. It covers parts and waste material from such vehicles too, on private land, public land or a highway. Under § 194-2, an inoperable motor vehicle cannot be driven on the public streets for reasons including being unlicensed, wrecked, abandoned, in disrepair or incapable of moving under its own power. "Openly stored" means storage other than in a completely enclosed structure such as a garage built completely of wood, brick, masonry blocks or metal.
Three permits are the only way around the ban, each issued by the Town Building Official on written application and a fee set by Town Board resolution. A restoration permit (§ 194-5) covers one vehicle during repairs, lasts not more than 60 days, is limited to one permit per vehicle and requires a street setback of 15 feet. A vehicle for sale permit (§ 194-6) covers one unregistered vehicle owned by a resident of the property, requires a ten-foot street setback, lasts not more than 60 days and can be issued up to three times, for no more than 180 days. A seasonal use permit (§ 194-7) expires eight months after issuance, requires a current inspection sticker, and keeps the vehicle out of the required side and rear setbacks.
Section 194-4 sets the removal process. The Building Official or another law enforcement officer serves a written notice, personally or by mail. If the person fails to comply within 15 days after service, the Town removes and destroys the vehicle, and the cost is assessed against the land as a lien. If the Highway Superintendent finds a vehicle on public land is a safety hazard, it is removed and stored before the 15 days run. Under § 191-21(D), the Highway Department can also remove a vehicle not registered for operation on public highways that is parked on a street or right-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Section 194-10 makes a violation punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $250 or imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or both. A second or subsequent violation carries a fine of not less than $250 or imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both. The Town can also sue to compel compliance or obtain an injunction, and its attorney fees and litigation costs become an obligation of the property owner and can be levied on the real property as a lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an abandoned or junked vehicle in the Town of Union?
How long do I have to move a junk car after a Town of Union notice?
Can I keep a project car in my yard in the Town of Union?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union
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