Abandoned Vehicles
Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles
Abandoned and inoperable vehicles are one of the most common complaints received by the Division. After receiving a complaint, staff does a field inspection to verify the vehicle’s condition and to obtain VIN or License Numbers, if possible. Previously abated vehicles include anything from a vehicle with four flat tires to nothing more than the frame. The vehicle must be visibly inoperable, such as: missing tires or engine parts, significantly damaged, and/or on jack stands. “Dirty, old, and ugly,” is not, of itself, a reason to presume the vehicle is inoperable. Because vehicles are relatively large and when sitting in an inoperable state they become massive eyesores; inoperable vehicles are a nuisance in neighborhoods and on vacant lots. They must be stored in a completely enclosed structure; i.e., a garage. The California Vehicle Code allows the City to remove the vehicle after proper notification is made to the vehicle and/or property owner.
For more information about removing a car from your property, please see the Fresno Municipal Code.
If an inoperable vehicle is on City streets, the Street’s Division would handle its removal. They can be reached at their Abandoned Vehicle Hotline, 621-2089.
- There are charity organizations and towing companies that will remove vehicles for you. Depending on the organization and the condition of the vehicle; you may be eligible for a tax deduction!
- To find a towing company, you can look in your phone book under “Towing.”
The City of Fresno participates in the Abandoned Vehicle Service Authority Program, under which the City is reimbursed expenses for removing these inoperable vehicles, thus improving City neighborhoods.