Woodland, CA Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Under Section 9.08.010, Woodland's abandoned-vehicle ordinance is adopted under Vehicle Code Section 22660 et seq. and lets the Community Development Director abate wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles on private or public property other than highways. Section 9.08.020 requires a written notice of intent to abate mailed to both the property owner and the vehicle's registered owner, giving 10 days to remove the vehicle or request a hearing; the notice must identify the vehicle, cite the violated section, and warn that moving the vehicle to another unauthorized storage site triggers additional penalties without further notice.

A low-value exception in Section 9.08.030 skips the hearing notice for a vehicle worth less than $200.00 that is missing its motor, transmission or wheels, cannot be towed, and sits on agricultural or unimproved residential land, provided the landowner signs a release. If a hearing is requested, Section 9.08.050 requires five days' notice to the requesting party and to the nearest California Highway Patrol office, and Section 9.08.070 lets the hearing officer order abatement within five days of its decision, with judicial review governed by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.

Vehicles fully enclosed and hidden from view, or lawfully stored at a licensed dismantler or junkyard, are exempt under Section 9.08.090. Separately, Section 9.08.120 bars leaving any vehicle on a City street, alley or parking lot for more than 72 consecutive hours, subjecting it to removal under the state Vehicle Code. Removal costs become a special assessment lien on the property under Section 9.08.160, collected the same way as delinquent property taxes.