The City adopted California Vehicle Code ("CVC") regulations that allow staff to abate "abandoned" vehicles from private property.

(The Police Department is responsible for abandoned vehicles on public streets and alleys) 

When a vehicle is abated, it is "scrapped" - it may not be returned to the street in running condition.

A vehicle that is "abandoned" is often, but not always, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative.   It usually has flat tires or lacks tires or a battery.  The vehicle is a public nuisance that tends to reduce the value of property, promote blight, and constitutes an attractive nuisance that may endanger the health and safety of people. 

Community Preservation Inspectors abate vehicles from all private commercial, industrial and residential properties within the City.

The Vehicle Abatement process may take upwards of 30 days.  An inspection is conducted at each step of the process:

1. Vehicle Abatement Notice is issued.

2. 10 days later, the first follow-up inspection is completed

3. If the vehicle is still "abandoned", Certified letters are mailed to the registered & legal owners and the property owner.

4. 15 days after the postmark of the Certified letters, the second follow-up inspection is completed.

5. The inspector prepares paperwork to obtain an Abatement Warrant.  The warrant is signed by a judge and allows for the inspection and abatement of the "abandoned" vehicle.  The warrant must be posted 24 hours prior to the inspection and abatement.

6. The vehicle is towed if it is still abandoned.

Not all abatements require this much effort.  Many vehicles are repaired, removed from the premises or placed inside a building or residential garage in order to avoid abatement.

In most instances, a registered owner, property owner or business owner may sign the Certified letter and the City will tow the vehicle at no expense.

A property owner can avoid the abatement process if the property is properly posted for "Private Property Impound."  Contact Santa Ana Police Department's Traffic Division at (714) 245-8201 for the requirements for this process.

Call Community Preservation at (714) 667-2780 if you observe or suspect an abandoned or inoperative vehicle on private residential, commercial or industrial property.