We need a Code Enforcement Abandoned Vehicle Process for working and cleaning up abandoned vehicles in Wrens.

• What is an abandoned vehicle?

• What documentation do you need on the vehicle?

• Information you need:

• Make and Model

• Year

• VIN Number

• Tag Number

• Owner of the vehicle

• Date of Notice.

• How long vehicle has been abandoned.

• Etc.

• How many letters do you send?

• How does the county tag office help with abandoned vehicles?

• When do you take the code case to court?

• When do you impound, tow, store the vehicle?

• How long do you need to keep an impounded vehicle?

• When can you sell the vehicle?

• Etc.

 

Does GACE have an outline and documents for working abandoned vehicle cases?   Do any GACE contacts have a working process for abandoned vehicles? 

 

 Please contact Felicia or put your responses here.

 

Felicia Hannah

Billing Clerk/ Code Enforcer

FHANNAH@CITYOFWRENS.COM

706-547-3000 ph

706-872-6915 cell

706-547-3002 fax

Abandoned Vehicle Enforcement – Thomasville, GA

Question	Answer
What is an abandoned vehicle?	A vehicle that’s been sitting too long without moving, doesn’t run, has no tag, or is wrecked, stripped, or junked—especially if it’s out in the open.
What documentation do you need on the vehicle?	Take clear photos and write down the make, model, year, VIN, tag number, where it’s located, what shape it’s in, and how long it’s been sitting there.
Information needed?	Make/Model, Year, VIN, Tag, Owner (from tag office), Date of notice, and how long it’s been abandoned.
How many letters do you send?	Usually three if needed. First is a 10-day notice is mailed regular, then a second 10-day notice sent certified mail. If they don’t act after the second, the vehicle has a final 10-day sticker with a copy of the final notice put on it. If no action is taken then a citation can be issued and towing is warranted. (Honestly, most in our area are usually gone before we have to sticker them.) Usually if I have to put a sticker on it they know if they don't move it. I will. Communication is key:)
How does the county tag office help?	They can tell you who owns the vehicle, if the tag is current, and if there’s a lien on it.
When do you take the case to court?	If the owner doesn’t comply or asks for a hearing after getting a final notice.
When do you impound, tow, or store the vehicle?	After the third 10-day notice runs out and no action is taken, the city can tow it.
How long do you need to keep an impounded vehicle?	At least 30 days. You also have to notify the owner and any lienholder within 5 business days.
When can you sell the vehicle?	After 30 days if no one claims it and you’ve followed the required steps for notice.
Etc.	You can place a lien on the property if the owner won’t pay removal costs. Owners do have the right to a hearing before action is taken.

Edited July 30, 2025 at 08:23 PMJul 30, 2025 by ChrisHataway
Spelling

Thank you Chris!!!