Richmond, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Richmond regulates junk vehicles under Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 (Abandoned Vehicle Abatement) and California Vehicle Code §§22660-22664, which declare abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private or public property a public nuisance subject to removal. A vehicle is considered "inoperative" if it lacks current registration, cannot be lawfully driven (missing tires, engine, major components), or has been stationary in the same spot for more than 72 hours on a public street (per Vehicle Code §22651(k)). On private property, junk vehicles must be (1) fully enclosed within a building, or (2) stored behind a solid 6-foot fence that screens them from street view. A vehicle left in a driveway with flat tires, expired tags over 6 months, or obvious damage can be cited. The abatement process: Code Enforcement or Richmond PD Traffic Division issues a Notice of Intent to Abate with a 10-day cure period. Owner may request a hearing. If unresolved, the vehicle is towed at the owner's expense; costs become a lien on the property. On public streets, the Police Department handles 72-hour parking violations; a chalk mark or GPS log proves the vehicle hasn't moved. Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers parked on residential streets also trigger oversized vehicle rules (RMC Chapter 11.40). The Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Service Authority (AVASA) registration surcharge funds local enforcement statewide.