The fast-growing weeds are not just an eyesore. Overgrown weeds can pose a serious fire hazard, especially when the weather heats up.

City codes require property owners to keep their land maintained and free of overgrown weeds because the shorter the weeds equal less fire risk, fewer pests, and better curb appeal.

How can you maintain your yard?

  • If your property is less than 2 acres, cut all overgrown weeds below 12 inches.
  • If your property is greater than 2 acres, cut all overgrown weeds below 12 inches 30 feet around the perimeter of the property and 30 feet around any structure or combustible material.

What happens if overgrown weeds are not cut?

Failure to comply may result in the issuance of administrative citations and the assessment of abatement costs against the property. To avoid administrative enforcement action, please maintain your property.

Weed Abatement Program

The purpose of the program is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetation growth on private property. As the vegetation dries out, the risk of fire increases significantly during fire season. In partnership with the Cosumnes Services District (CSD) Fire Department, Code Enforcement will enforce the requirements for weed abatement to reduce the risk of fires during fire season.

Property owners are required to maintain their property clear of weeds, vegetation growth and debris that are capable of being ignited and endangering residents year around. 

Requirements

To help safeguard your property and the surrounding community and to avoid citations and abatement costs assessed against your property, please follow these guidelines:

Properties Smaller than 2 Acres

All weeds and vegetation must be fully cleared, mowed and/or cut for the entire property. 

Properties 2 Acres or Larger

Must maintain a 30-foot firebreak around the perimeter of the property, as well as around all structures, combustible fences, vehicles, and combustible storage.

Elk Grove Municipal Code 17.12.060 Firebreak required. 

The Cosumnes Services District Fire Department may require additional clearances when topographical or geographical conditions warrant said action. Staying in compliance with these requirements not only helps protect your investment but also contributes to the safety of your entire neighborhood. Please visit their website for additional information. 

Ordinance

Process

Pursuant to Elk Grove Municipal Code 16.18.400, “If, upon the determination of a Code Enforcement Officer, Police Officer, or other authorized enforcement officer, a particular public nuisance as described in this chapter or any other applicable statute, rule, code or regulation poses an immediate threat to public health and safety, the authorized enforcement officer who made the public nuisance determination may dispense with the notice and hearing requirements of the public nuisance appeals procedures set forth in this chapter and cause City crews or private contractors to take such reasonable actions that are necessary to immediately abate the activity or activities and/or condition or conditions causing the public nuisance.”

When a property is deemed a fire hazard, the Code Enforcement Division will utilize city contractors to abate the hazard promptly. 

The property owner is informed of the abatement action once the hazard is addressed by the City. A report explaining the reasons requiring the abatement is mailed upon completion.

Once the abatement is completed, Code Enforcement will provide the property owner with a report that explains: 

  1. Why advance notice of the abatement to the property owner, occupant and/or agent having charge or control is not reasonable or feasible or why prior advance notice was not effective; 
  2. Why the subject property constitutes a public nuisance and;
  3. Why immediate abatement of the public nuisance is necessary.

A cost report is provided to the property reflecting abatement costs incurred by the City for the abatement of the fire hazard. A title lien is filed against the property to ensure payment to the City for any costs incurred. 

Example Notices and Additional Resources

File a Complaint

If you observe overgrown weeds on a parcel within the city limits, please report the issue online.

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