Walnut Creek, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

California Vehicle Code §22660 authorizes cities to adopt ordinances declaring abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles on private property a public nuisance subject to removal. Walnut Creek Municipal Code Chapter 5-2 implements this authority and requires: (1) vehicles on private property to be operable, currently registered, and not stored in front yards unless on a paved driveway; (2) vehicles undergoing repair to be inside a garage or screened from public view; (3) no vehicle may be stored on unpaved surfaces. Code Enforcement may post a 10-day notice of intent to abate, followed by a hearing opportunity. After the hearing, the city may tow the vehicle and assess costs against the property owner as a lien. Exempt vehicles: those in an enclosed building, a licensed dismantler's yard, or a means of operation conducted under appropriate permits. Street-parked vehicles fall under CVC §22651(k) 72-hour rule, enforced by Walnut Creek Police (925-943-5844). Abatement fines typically start at $100 per vehicle per violation plus towing costs ($300-500) and daily storage ($50-75/day).