Although CA State regulates private property towing, it gives each city the freedom to write more restrictive municipal codes.  Some cities require the properties to pay for permits to allow them to tow vehicle using permitted tow companies, who also pay for their permits.  Even before the car is towed, the cost for the private property tow is adding up in the way of permits and license fees to the city.  It is not fair to blame the property manager or the tow company for all of the outrageous fees to claim a vehicle, but it is fair to say the vehicle driver controls the outcome from where they park their car.