Marin County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Nuisance declared
- Marin County Code § 7.56.010
- Removal notice
- 10 days by mail (§ 7.56.070)
- Hearing request window
- 10 days (§ 7.56.080)
- Appeal window
- 5 days to Board of Supervisors (§ 7.56.100)
- Enforced by
- CHP / County Sheriff (§ 7.56.050)
- Unpaid costs
- Property lien after 30 days (§ 7.56.130)
Summary
Storing an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on private or public property in unincorporated Marin County is a declared public nuisance under Marin County Code § 7.56.010. The CHP or county sheriff can order it removed after a 10-day notice and a chance to request a hearing under §§ 7.56.070-7.56.090.
In addition to and in accordance with the determination made and the authority granted by the state of California under Section 22660 of the Vehicle Code to remove abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof as public nuisances, the board of supervisors makes the following findings and declarations: The accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof on private or public property including highways is found to create a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, to create a harborage for rodents and insects and to be injurious to the health, safety and general welfare. Therefore, the presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle or parts thereof on private or public property including highways, except as expressly hereinafter permitted, constitutes a public nuisance which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 2026 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
010 declares such a vehicle a public nuisance subject to abatement. 030 excludes a vehicle completely enclosed in a building and not visible from the street, and a vehicle lawfully stored on private property in connection with a licensed dismantler, vehicle dealer, junk dealer, or another lawfully conducted business. 050), which may enter property to inspect a vehicle. 080). 090). 100). 120). 130.
Violations & Fines
Keeping an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicle on Marin County property outside the § 7.56.030 exclusions exposes it to removal as a public nuisance. If the landowner does not request a hearing, or loses one, the CHP or sheriff can seize and scrap the vehicle, and unpaid administrative and removal costs become a lien on the property under § 7.56.130, collected the same way as delinquent county taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to keep a wrecked or inoperable car in my yard in unincorporated Marin County?
Are there exceptions for vehicles being restored or used in a business?
What notice does the county give before removing a vehicle?
Who pays for towing and disposal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.