The spring weather in Sacramento not only invites weeds to grow, but soon they will dry out causing them to be a fire hazard. The City is reminding property owners to eliminate tall weeds or face City Code violations.

“This routine maintenance is crucial to the safety of our neighborhoods and is required by City ordinance,” said John Sorrels, Senior Code Enforcement Officer. “It is a property owners’ responsibility to maintain their parcel of land throughout the year, especially during fire season, which is April through October to prevent fire hazards.”

There are currently over 3,000 weed abatement cases open in the city. If lots become overgrown with dry weeds, it can pose a significant fire hazard. Grass fires can spread quickly from a vacant lot or property to an adjacent residential neighborhood.

Here’s what property owners need to know to help keep the community safe:

• If you own vacant, undeveloped property, then it is your responsibility to maintain the condition of that property.
• To avoid penalties and fees, property owners must cut weeds or disk their property. Weeds cannot exceed 12 inches in height. Disking is the preferable method to maintain properties as it prevents weed growth for a longer period of time.
• The deadline for mowing, disking, and/or clearing vacant lots was April 15. The City requires the same deadline every year. Properties with weeds at a height of 12-inches or higher may be cited. Inspections of properties will begin at the end of May and will be ongoing through the fire season, typically through October.

Residents may file a complaint of overgrown weeds on a property by calling 311. Penalties for non-compliance can be up to $1,500.

The City of Sacramento owns hundreds of undeveloped parcels. City staff began cutting weeds on these parcels in March. If you believe a City property has overgrown weeds on it, please contact 311.

For more information, call (916) 808-2633 or visit the weed abatement web page.