The clearance requirements for the Weed Abatement program are referred to as the Minimum Fire Safety Standards. All property owners are required to comply with the Health and Safety Code Section 13879 to abate hazardous weeds and rubbish under Health and Safety Code Section 14875 et seq. This page is a reference for property owners to learn more about weed abatement and the requirements for compliance.
Important Weed Abatement Dates to Remember
Compliance with annual weed abatement regulations is mandatory for all property owners. It is the responsibility of each property owner to plan for and execute weed abatement activities every year. Comply by April 30th and remain compliant for the duration of the fire season (typically October or November). If spring conditions hinder treatment due to excessive moisture, contact County Weed Abatement before the April 30th deadline to request an extension. For assistance, contact them at (408) 282-3145 or via email at [email protected].
The following requirements are taken from the County Weed Abatement website.
- Hazardous vegetation must not exceed 6 inches in height any time after the compliance deadline.
- Maintain grasses and weeds below 6 inches for 10 feet horizontally on both sides of all roadways, including driveways and access routes. Roads and driveways must maintain a clearance of 10’ W by 13’6” H for all vegetation.
- Clear flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around any structure, occupied or not. Ornamental vegetation should be kept clear of dead material. Some conditions, such as slopes, may require up to a 100-foot clearance.
- Parcels one acre or less shall be completely abated. Parcels over one acre up to five acres require 30-foot clearance around structures and perimeter property lines. Additional 30-foot cross-fuel breaks may also be required.
- Parcels larger than five acres require 30-foot clearance around structures and perimeter property lines in addition to 30-foot cross-fuel breaks as needed to separate the remaining vegetation into sections no larger than five acres.
- Keep property clear of accumulation of combustible debris, such as trash, wood, and dead vegetation. Stacked firewood and neatly piled yard waste are not considered to be combustible debris.
- Keep vegetation cleared from under the eaves of houses.
- Trim tree branches to at least 10 feet away from chimneys. Trim tree branches up from the ground to provide at least 6 feet of vertical clearance.
What if I don’t comply with the requirements?
If a property owner is not compliant, they may be referred to the County Weed Abatement Program by County inspectors, other agencies, or via resident complaints. Residents may report hazards here. Follow-up inspections are conducted, and if it is found that the property is out of compliance, property owners are notified. If no action is taken by the property owner, then the property may be added to the program. The property owner may be responsible for fees incurred if the County abates the hazards. For more information visit https://weedabatement.santaclaracounty.gov/home.
Visit the County Weed Abatement FAQ Page
Resources for District Residents
While the County Weed Abatement Program is not managed by LAHCFD, the District is here to support your compliance efforts. Here are a few District programs that may assist you:
- Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Assessment and Rebate program
- Defensible Space Brush Chipping and Debris Removal program
- Defensible Space Vegetation Removal Monthly Drop Off program
These are just three programs we offer our residents. For more information, visit our Programs page.
