Brentwood, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 8.30 (and mirror provisions in Chapter 8.12) declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles on private property a public nuisance when visible from a public street, sidewalk, or neighboring property. This includes vehicles on flat tires, missing major components (engine, transmission, wheels), with expired registration tags beyond 60 days, or stored on jack stands or blocks. Authority derives from California Vehicle Code section 22660, which specifically empowers cities to adopt abatement ordinances for junk vehicles on private property. On receipt of a complaint, Brentwood Code Enforcement inspects the vehicle, photographs its condition, and issues a Notice of Intent to Abate providing the owner and the property owner 10 days to either remove the vehicle, store it within a fully enclosed garage, or request an administrative hearing. If the owner does not comply, the city contracts with a licensed tow operator to remove and dispose of the vehicle, and all costs including administrative fees (typically 500 to 1,000 dollars) are assessed against the property as a special assessment that becomes a lien if unpaid. Vehicles on public streets are handled under California Vehicle Code section 22651(k), which allows towing after 72 consecutive hours of parking in the same spot. Classic cars undergoing a documented restoration and kept covered may qualify for a hardship exception but must still be registered as non-operational with DMV.