Contra Costa County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- CCC 418-6
- Veh Code
- 22660
- Notice period
- 10 days
- Screening exemption
- Garage or 6-ft fence
- Cost recovery
- Property lien
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.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a city, county, or city and county may adopt an ordinance establishing procedures for the abatement and removal, as public nuisances, of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof from private or public property, and for the recovery, pursuant to Section 25845 or 38773.5 of the Government Code, or assumption by the local authority, of costs of administration and the removal.
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?
Who do I report a junk vehicle to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Contra Costa County
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