Weed Ordinances: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do weed ordinances rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
Daly City and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Daly City requires property owners to abate any overgrowth of foliage on or around their property. Overgrown, dead, or hazardous weeds and vegetation are declared public nuisances under Municipal Code section 8.16.030 and are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division with abatement, fines, and cost recovery.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County abates hazardous fire vegetation through its fire districts under California Health & Safety Code 14875 et seq. and Government Code 25845. Programs such as Coastside Fire's require mowing weeds and grass to no taller than 4 inches; lots of one acre or less are cleared entirely, and larger lots need a 30-foot perimeter fire break.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Owner duty | Abate any overgrowth of foliage on or around property | - |
| Administrative penalty | Up to $2,500/day, $10,000 cap per series | - |
| Infraction fines | $100 / $250 / $500 within one year | - |
| Repeat findings | Treble abatement costs within two years | - |
| Enforcement | Code Enforcement Division, 650-991-8260 | - |
| Weed/grass max height | - | 4 inches (mowed) |
| Lots <= 1 acre | - | Clear entire lot |
| Lots > 1 acre | - | 30-foot perimeter fire break |
| Wetland buffer | - | No mowing within 100 ft of wetland |
| Disking | - | Prohibited by County & Half Moon Bay |
| Authority | - | H&S Code 14875 et seq.; Gov Code 25845 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
What happens if I do not clear weeds on my Daly City property?
Code Enforcement can declare the property a public nuisance, order abatement, and impose administrative penalties of up to $2,500 per day (capped at $10,000). If the city abates the weeds itself, it can bill you, record a lien, and charge treble costs for a repeat violation within two years.
Do I have to clear weeds beyond my property line?
The city's weed abatement guidance requires owners to abate overgrowth of foliage on or around their property, and section 12.40.110 makes weed and trash removal at the base of an abutting street tree the responsibility of the adjacent property owner.
South San Francisco FAQ
How short must I cut weeds on a vacant lot?
Under the coastside program, weeds and grasses must be mowed to no taller than four inches. Lots of one acre or less are cleared entirely; larger lots need at least a 30-foot perimeter fire break.
Can I disk my lot to clear weeds?
No. The County of San Mateo and the City of Half Moon Bay no longer allow disking as a method of vegetation removal; mowing and other approved methods must be used instead.
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