Whittier, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Whittier handles abandoned vehicles through Chapter 10.56 (Abandoned Vehicles) and the street-removal authority in Section 10.08.100. Section 10.56.020 declares any motor vehicle (or parts) that is 'abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative,' located on real property other than highways, to be a public nuisance subject to abatement and removal. Before removal, Section 10.56.030 requires the city manager to give a 10-day notice of intent to abate, containing the information required by California Vehicle Code Section 22660 et seq.; the property or vehicle owner may request a hearing within 10 days. Vehicles declared nuisances are disposed of per Vehicle Code Sections 22661 and 22662 (Section 10.56.080), and the DMV is notified within five days of removal (Section 10.56.090). Section 10.56.100 exempts a vehicle completely enclosed within a building and not visible, and a vehicle lawfully stored in connection with a licensed dismantler, dealer, or junkyard. Separately, on public streets, Section 10.08.100(A) authorizes any salaried police officer to remove 'any vehicle parked or left standing upon a street or highway for seventy-two or more consecutive hours,' with storage and release handled under Vehicle Code Section 22850 et seq. The city also has a cost-recovery ordinance (Chapter 10.10) allowing administrative charges for impound and release of properly impounded vehicles.