Towing Issues: Lakeside, Ca towing in apartment, fire hydrant, lakeside ca

Question
We were called to my sons complex by the Sherriff's department.  The building he has only has 4 spaces for non occupents.  No parking available.  My husband parked in a location that was not marked vehicle will be towed.  They towed our vehicle within 1/2 hour.  Surprisingly my sons wife was taken to jail and the signer was her freinds husband who is the maintence man.  Is there a time limit or do they have to issue a citation 1st before they tow?  Also, there is no signature of authorization to tow on the slip.  Also, what is a reasonable tow charge?

Answer
well, if I understand the California laws correctly there is a one hour limit on some types of tows... But there are also exceptions which are there.

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Removal Prohibited
22953.  (a) ( )1 An owner or person in lawful possession of ( )2 private property ( )3 that is held open to the public, or a discernible portion thereof, for parking of vehicles at no fee, or an employee or agent thereof, shall not tow or remove, or cause the towing or removal, of ( )2 a vehicle within one hour of the vehicle being parked.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), a vehicle may be removed immediately after being illegally parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, in a fire lane, in a manner that interferes with an entrance to, or an exit from, the private property, or in a parking space or stall legally designated for disabled persons.

(c) Subdivision (a) does not apply to property designated for parking at ( )4 residential property, or to property designated for parking at a hotel or motel where the parking stalls or spaces are clearly marked for a specific room.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature in the adoption of subdivision (a) to avoid causing the unnecessary stranding of motorists and placing them in dangerous situations, when traffic citations and other civil remedies are available, thereby promoting the safety of the general public.

(e) A person who violates subdivision (a) is civilly liable to the owner of the vehicle or his or her agent for two times the amount of the towing and storage charges.

Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 609, Stats. 2006. Effective January 1, 2007.
The 2006 amendment added the italicized material, and at the point(s) indicated, deleted the following:

“Every”
“any”
“which”
“an apartment complex”
 
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Now as to the lack of signature on the tow slip (invoice) I am not sure there has to be one there, but they do have to have a signed authorization.  I do believe it can be a separate paper... You can search the Internet for information on California laws for towing, or the DMV site for info also..


Reasonable charge now that is a loaded question, I can not answer that or tell you what I would consider reasonable...

The new California law says it has to be no more than the current rate for CHP tows in that area....

But in my mind, a tow for illegal parking (trespassing on private property) should also be enough that it becomes a lesson in property rights...  
Be it 100.00 or 500.00 dollars it is hard to answer "reasonable tow charge" fees...  Look at how "reasonable" gas prices are now as the gas companies say they are reasonable.