Youngstown, OH Parking Rules: Abandoned Vehicles (2026)

Youngstown Codified Ordinances Section 351.17 defines an 'inoperable motor vehicle' as one that, for seventy-two hours or more, lacks a valid registration sticker or license plate, or is wrecked, partially wrecked, dismantled, discarded or otherwise incapable of moving under its own power. No person may store, place, park or allow such a vehicle to remain on property in the City of Youngstown unless they are lawfully operating a junk yard or scrap metal facility, or unless the vehicle sits fully enclosed in a garage or other structure shielded from public view.

The ordinance expressly declares the maintenance of a violating vehicle a nuisance subject to immediate abatement and imposes strict liability, meaning intent is not a defense. Notably, a vehicle that is inoperable solely because it lacks current registration or plates is exempt from forced removal under subsection (e). The Mahoning County Sheriff, the Youngstown Police Chief, or either's designee, must serve notice by personal service or mail giving the property owner (and vehicle owner, if different and identifiable) ten days to enclose the vehicle or remove it before the City removes it at the owners' joint expense.

The vehicle owner or landowner may appeal the removal determination in writing, before the ten-day period expires, to the Youngstown Housing Code Appeals Board through the Clerk of Youngstown City Council at 26 S. Phelps Street, 6th Floor; a timely appeal stays disposal, though not removal, pending the hearing. Removed vehicles are disposed of under Ohio R.C. 4513.61, 4513.63 and/or 4505.101. This section was enacted by Ordinance 07-241, passed October 3, 2007.