Code Compliance Abandoned Vehicle Abatement  


The focus of the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program in Calaveras County is to remove abandoned vehicles from the right-of-way, public property, and private property.

Calaveras County is the local Service Authority for the State Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program. The authority has two (2) entity members consisting of the County of Calaveras and the City of Angels Camp. The program is designed to assist service authorities by offsetting the cost of removing vehicles that are abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or otherwise inoperable within the County right-of-way, on public property, and on private properties.

If you believe a private property has inoperable vehicles in excess of those allowed, please see our frequently asked questions for more information.

Once the public makes a report of an abandoned vehicle, Code Compliance will place an orange tag on the vehicle if the vehicle is eligible for abatement. 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.

Eligible vehicles include cars and trucks. RV’s, Trailers, and Vessels may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Concerns regarding general code violations should be directed to Code Compliance.

Calaveras County Code Compliance covers all of Calaveras County including the incorporated City of Angels Camp in relation to Abandoned Vehicle Abatement. If you have general code violations to report in the City limits of Angels Camp please direct your concerns to Angels Camp Code Compliance.  Code Enforcement – City of Angels (angelscamp.gov)

 

AVA On-line Request Form

 

Abandoned Vehicle Abatement FAQs

Can I utilize the AVA program to dispose of my own vehicles?

26 October 2023

Can I utilize the AVA program to dispose of my own vehicles?

No. The program is intended to remove abandoned vehicles only.

Can you tow my neighbor’s junk cars?

26 October 2023

Can you tow my neighbor’s junk cars?

No, the AVA program is intended to remove abandoned vehicles and must be requested by the property owner if not on public property. If you have a complaint of vehicles on a neighbor’s property, a complaint form is required. Once the form is submitted to the Code Compliance, staff begins the investigation process. County staff cannot remove a vehicle from one person's property simply because someone else asks for the removal. They work with the property owner to determine if there is a code violation, and if so, to resolve the situation.

How do I submit a complaint?

26 October 2023

How do I submit a complaint?

You may submit an AVA request form directly to our department online. Alternatively, you may print out the form found here and mail it to:

Calaveras County Code Compliance
891 Mountain Ranch Road
San Andreas, CA 95249

What is the process for having an abandoned vehicle removed?

26 October 2023

What is the process for having an abandoned vehicle removed?

After a vehicle removal request is received, a Code Enforcement Officer will conduct a site visit, verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and place an orange tag on the vehicle.

Once tagged, the last registered owner is notified by mail as prescribed in the California Vehicle Code. After a waiting a period of not less than 10 days, the vehicle may be towed. The process generally takes a minimum of two weeks, depending on staff workload and the tow provider’s schedule.

The California Vehicle Code provides for the immediate towing of vehicles that meet specific health and safety risks.

Will you tow an abandoned vehicle from my business?

26 October 2023

Will you tow an abandoned vehicle from my business?

No. We do not tow from commercial properties. You will need to contact a tow provider if you wish to have the vehicle removed.