Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Information

The focus of the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program in Nevada County is to remove abandoned vehicles from public property.  Please note this program is for abandoned vehicles in public right-of-ways.  If you believe a private property has inoperable vehicles in excess of those allowed, please click here for frequently asked questions and more information about filing a complaint.

Report an Abandoned Vehicle

Call our 24-hour AVA Hotline (530-470-2750) or fill out the online form here. Please note that a vehicle is not considered to be abandoned unless it has remained in the same location for a minimum of 72 hours.

The County’s AVA program covers County right-of-ways.  To report an abandoned vehicle inside a city, contact: Town of Truckee (530) 582-2915, Nevada City (530) 265-7880, or City of Grass Valley (530) 265-7880.

Abandoned vehicles in the City of Grass Valley can also be reported online at: https://www.cityofgrassvalley.com/webform/abandoned-vehicle-report

Nevada County Abatement Procedures: 
Once the public makes a report of an abandoned vehicle, Code Compliance strives to tag the vehicle within three business days. Once tagged, the last registered owner is notified by mail as prescribed in the California Vehicle Code.  After waiting a period of not less than 10 days, the vehicle may be towed.  The California Vehicle Code provides for the immediate towing of vehicles that meet specific health and safety risks.

Who pays for this? 
The AVA program is funded by a one-dollar fee collected with each annual vehicle registration. In the past 5 years, over 2,000 vehicles have been removed from public property.

If you have questions or comments please feel free to leave a message on the AVA Hotline at (530) 470-2750, or contact the Code Compliance Division at (530) 265-1222, option 4.

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement County Service Authority Meetings

Meetings occur quarterly on the second Tuesday in July, October, January and April at 10:00 am and agendas are available 1 week prior to the meetings.