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City of San Mateo Municipal Code.

11.40.120 ILLEGAL PARKING—REMOVAL OR TOWING OF VEHICLE.

(a) The owner or person in lawful possession of any private property may, subsequent to giving notice to the Police Department of the City, cause the removal of the vehicle parked on such property to the nearest public garage or other place of safety, if there is displayed in plain view on the property a sign prohibiting public parking and containing the telephone number of the Police Department of the City. The person causing the removal of such vehicle shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 10 of Division 11 (beginning with Section 22650) of the Vehicle Code of the State relating to notice when removing a vehicle from private property.

(b) Pursuant to the authority granted by Section 22651 of the Vehicle Code of the state, any officer of the Police Department of the City or any regularly employed or salaried employee who is engaged in directing traffic or enforcing parking laws and regulations of the City may remove a vehicle from any street, alley or other public way within the City to the nearest public garage or other place of safety, or to a garage designated or maintained by the City, under the following circumstances:

(1) When a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a street, alley or other public way, for 72 or more consecutive hours in violation of this section.

(2) When a vehicle is illegally parked on a street, alley, or other public way in violation of any ordinance of the City forbidding standing or parking, and the use of such street, alley, or other public way or portion thereof is necessary for cleaning, repair, or construction of the street, alley, or other public way or the installation of underground utilities, and signs giving notice that such vehicle may be removed, are erected or placed at least twenty-four hours prior to the removal by the authorities of the City pursuant to this section.

(3) Where the use of the street, alley, or other public way or any portion thereof is authorized by the City for purpose other than the normal flow of traffic; or for the movement of equipment, articles or structures of unusual size, and the parking of such vehicle would prohibit or interfere with such use or movement and signs giving notice that such vehicle may be removed, are erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal by the authorities of the City pursuant to this section.

(4) Where any vehicle is parked or left standing when the City has, by ordinance or resolution, prohibited such parking, and signs giving notice of the removal have been posted pursuant to this section.

(c) The owner or person having the right to possession of any vehicle removed pursuant to this section, shall pay all lawful removal, towing and storage charges.

(d) Whenever a vehicle is removed under this section by an employee of the City, the person authorizing such removal shall comply with the California Vehicle Code provisions relating to notice and opportunity for hearing as set forth in Chapter 10 of Division 11 of that Code.