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Contra Costa County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Heavy Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: CA Vehicle Code 22660 →

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Key Facts

Code chapter: CCC 418-6
Veh Code: 22660
Notice period: 10 days
Screening exemption: Garage or 6-ft fence
Cost recovery

City-specific rules exist: Pittsburg, Richmond, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Brentwood, Antioch, Concord, Martinez, and Oakley have their own property blight rules that differ from Contra Costa County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

CCC Ordinance Code Chapter 418-6 declares inoperable, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles on private property a public nuisance. Abatement process includes 10-day notice, administrative hearing, and tow at owner expense.

Full Breakdown

Contra Costa County Code Chapter 418-6 adopts California Vehicle Code Section 22660 authority to regulate abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private property as public nuisances. Vehicles missing wheels, motor, transmission, or unable to operate under their own power are presumed junk. Enforcement begins with a written notice from Code Enforcement giving the owner 10 days to remove the vehicle or request an administrative hearing. After hearing or default, the County may enter the property, tow the vehicle to a storage yard, and assess abatement costs as a lien against the property. Vehicles screened from public view inside a garage or behind a solid six-foot fence are generally exempt unless they create other nuisance conditions (vermin, fluid leaks). Unregistered vehicles parked on public streets are handled under Vehicle Code Section 22651 with 72-hour tow authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a project car in my driveway?

Only if it is registered and operable, or fully screened from public view. Open-air storage of inoperable vehicles triggers abatement.

Who do I report a junk vehicle to?

Contra Costa County Code Enforcement (925-655-2710) handles private property complaints; Sheriff handles street-parked vehicles.

How does Contra Costa County compare?

See how Contra Costa County's property blight rules stack up against other locations.

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Contra Costa County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

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