Pittsburg, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

California Vehicle Code §22660 authorizes cities to adopt ordinances establishing procedures for the abatement and removal of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles from private or public property as a public nuisance. Pittsburg has adopted such an ordinance in Municipal Code Chapter 8.24. A vehicle is considered inoperative junk if it lacks a current registration, is missing major components (engine, transmission, wheels), cannot be started and driven under its own power, or is in a partially dismantled state. Such vehicles stored on residential property in public view from the street, sidewalk, or neighboring property are prohibited. Exemptions exist for: vehicles completely enclosed in a garage or behind an opaque six-foot fence, vehicles on the premises of a licensed auto dealer or dismantler, and historical vehicles actively being restored with supporting documentation. The abatement process begins with a written notice giving the owner at least 10 days to remove the vehicle or request a hearing. After a hearing officer confirms the violation, the city may authorize removal by a tow operator; costs are billed to the owner and may become a lien on the property if unpaid. Separate rules under CA Vehicle Code §22651(k) allow towing of any vehicle - operative or not - parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Report junk vehicles to Pittsburg Code Enforcement or the Police Department's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program.