Grass Height Limits: Bakersfield vs Ridgecrest

When does Bakersfield send weed abatement notices?

Notices typically go out in spring, before the Central Valley's dry fire season. Owners have roughly 30 days to mow, disc, or clear weeds and dry grass before the city hires a contractor and bills the property.

Do I have to maintain the strip between sidewalk and curb?

Yes. Under BMC property maintenance rules, adjacent property owners are responsible for the parkway strip, including keeping grass mowed and weeds controlled.

Does Kern County set a specific maximum grass or weed height?

Chapter 8.46 does not specify a single grass-height number; instead, it requires clearance of all non-ornamental combustibles and vegetation within 30 feet of structures and fuel reduction within 100 feet. The standard is whether vegetation creates a fire hazard, evaluated by Fire Department inspectors. Within the 30-foot zone, vegetation should be green, ornamental trees, grass, and shrubs only.

When are inspections done?

Property inspections occur after the June 1 deadline each year. Property owners receive notification letters prior to the deadline. If cited, owners have 15 days from the citation mailing date to correct the violation to avoid being assessed a fine.

Does the County clear my property for me?

No. The Kern County Fire Department states it does not have the capability to conduct fire hazard abatement on cited properties, making correction the owner's responsibility. If the owner does not abate, the County may contract abatement and assess costs against the property as a lien.

What if my property is vacant?

For vacant properties, the Kern County Fire Department requires a minimum 10-foot fuel break along property lines adjacent to neighboring structures, and properties remain subject to the full Chapter 8.46 requirements year-round.