San Ramon, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

San Ramon Municipal Code (consistent with California Vehicle Code sections 22660-22668) defines a junk or abandoned vehicle as any vehicle that is wrecked, dismantled, partially dismantled, or inoperative and is stored on private or public property. Except inside a fully enclosed structure (garage) or as a permitted business (licensed dismantler or repair shop), storage of such vehicles is a public nuisance. The enforcement sequence: (1) code enforcement posts a 10-day notice of intent to abate on the vehicle and mails notice to the registered owner and property owner; (2) owner may request an administrative hearing within 10 days; (3) if no hearing requested or the hearing affirms the violation, the city orders removal; (4) the vehicle is towed to a storage yard, and removal costs plus administrative fees (typically $500-$1,500) are assessed against the owner or recorded as a lien on the property.

Vehicles parked on unpaved surfaces (bare dirt, gravel) in residential yards are additionally prohibited under zoning code section requiring paved parking on driveways/approved surfaces. Vehicles with expired registration over six months are presumed abandoned. Covering a vehicle with a tarp does not exempt it - the vehicle must be both operable and currently registered, or stored inside a garage. On public streets, Vehicle Code 22651(k) authorizes tow after 72 hours consecutive parking, regardless of operability. Recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers face additional setback/screening requirements under San Ramon zoning. Salvage or restoration projects require a home occupation determination (not typically allowed) or must occur inside an enclosed garage.