What is the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program?
The Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program is a California State program whereby counties and incorporated communities can receive funding to help defray the costs of removing abandoned vehicles within their jurisdiction.
The program operates under Division 11, Chapter 10 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) “Removal of Parked and Abandoned Vehicles.” Section 22710 of the CVC authorizes a Service Authority for the abatement of abandoned vehicles to be established in any county. The Code Enforcement Division is the service authority for Mendocino County and holds the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the County and participating incorporated cities.
How do we determine whether a vehicle qualifies for the AVA Program?
To qualify for the AVA Program, a vehicle must be:
- Abandoned, and not occupied
- Damaged/wrecked
- Valued at less than $500.00
- In or along the public right-of-way, and not on:
- Private property
- Private roads
- Private easements
For vehicles that do not meet the above requirements, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency to seek alternative options for towing allowable within their jurisdiction.
What happens once a vehicle is determined to have qualified for the program?
Once a vehicle is determined to be qualified, it is tagged under California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 22669 (abandoned) and/or 22661 (wrecked) and a ten-day notice provided.
If the vehicle poses an immediate safety hazard (e.g., close or within the roadway, leaking fluid, etc.), Code Enforcement may authorize the removal in advance of the ten-day notice timeline requirement.
Once verified, Code Enforcement will authorize removal of the vehicle in writing to the contracted towing company. No vehicle can be removed without authorization from Code Enforcement to do so.
What areas are covered by the AVA Program?
Presently the program serves the unincorporated areas of Mendocino County, City of Ukiah, City of Willits and City of Fort Bragg. If you wish to report an abandoned vehicle within the city limits of Ukiah, Willits or Fort Bragg, you can do so by contacting the respective departments on the phone numbers provided next:
- City of Ukiah Code Enforcement: (707) 467-5786
- Willits Police Department: (707) 459-6122 (non-emergency)
- Fort Bragg Police Department: (707) 961-2800 (non-emergency)
Where does the AVA Program receive its funding from?
Funding for the program comes from a $1 per vehicle Department of Motor Vehicles registration assessment. The State retains 1% of this for administration and makes the remainder available to the service authority. Funds are distributed to the service authority quarterly. This assessment fee must be approved by the County’s voters every 10 years in order for this funding to continue.
How can I report an abandoned vehicle?
Report an Abandoned Vehicle
How can I find out whether an abandoned vehicle I reported has been towed?
An interactive map has been created showing the locations of all reported to the AVA Program in Mendocino County. Those locations marked in green have been resolved, while those marked in yellow are currently pending. Clicking on one of the locations will bring up a pop up box detailing the following information:
- Case Number
- Reported Location
- Vehicle Description
- Vehicle Condition
- Date Marked
- Date Removed (if applicable)
- Status