Visalia, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit before violation
- 10 days
- Allowed exception
- Completely enclosed in a building or behind a solid 6-foot fence, not visible from street or neighboring property
- Notice before removal
- 10-day notice of intention to abate mailed to owner
- Misdemeanor fine (1st violation)
- Up to $500 and/or 30 days in county jail
- Cost recovery method
- Removal and administrative costs become a special assessment/lien on the property
Summary
Leaving an inoperative, abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled vehicle on private or public non-highway property for more than 10 days is a misdemeanor, unless the vehicle is fully enclosed in a building or hidden behind a solid 6-foot fence where it is not visible from the street.
It is unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person to abandon, park, store, or leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storing or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part thereof which is in an inoperative, abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled condition upon any private property or public property not including highways within the city for a period in excess of ten days unless such vehicle or part thereof is completely enclosed within a building or located behind a solid fence six feet in height in a lawful manner where it is not plainly visible from the street or other public or private property, or unless such vehicle is store or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or a junk yard.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).
Full Breakdown
The city enforcement officer can enter private or public property to inspect vehicles and issue citations or initiate removal. A 10-day notice of intention to abate is mailed to both the land owner and vehicle owner before any removal action. If the owner requests a hearing, a public hearing is held before an administrative hearing officer. After a removal order, the vehicle can be taken to a scrap yard or dismantler five days later. Removal and administrative costs can be charged as a special assessment against the property and placed on the tax roll if unpaid within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor (first offense): fine up to $500 and/or 30 days in county jail. Second violation within one year: up to $1,000 and/or 90 days. Third or subsequent violation within one year: up to $2,500 and/or 6 months. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense. Infraction alternative: $50 first offense, $100 second, $250 subsequent (within one year).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a non-running project car in my backyard?
What happens if I ignore the city's abatement notice?
Does this law apply to a broken-down car parked on my street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Visalia
California rules heatmap·Compare Visalia to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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