Grass Height Limits: Lompoc vs Santa Maria
How do grass height limits rules compare between Lompoc, CA and Santa Maria, CA?
Santa Maria has fewer restrictions than Lompoc.
Lompoc, CA
Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County does not impose a numeric grass-height limit for ordinary lawns, but the County's defensible-space program (Chapter 15 / PRC § 4291) requires that flammable grass and brush within 100 feet of any structure be modified so a wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the building.
View full Lompoc rules →Santa Maria, CA
Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria's Good Neighbor Rules (Chapter 4-7) require property owners to maintain vegetation. Overgrown weeds and grass are a code violation. Properties must be free of nuisance conditions.
View full Santa Maria rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lompoc | Santa Maria |
|---|---|---|
| Defensible-space perimeter | 100 feet from structure (or property line) | - |
| Ember-resistant zone | 0-5 ft — no combustible vegetation/litter | - |
| "Lean, clean and green" zone | 5-30 ft | - |
| Acceptable removal methods | Discing, rototilling, mowing | - |
| Code | - | Chapter 4-7 Good Neighbor Rules |
| Standard | - | No overgrown weeds/grass |
| Process | - | Notice, deadline, then citation |
| Abatement | - | City may mow and charge owner |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lompoc FAQ
Is there a specific grass-height limit (like 12 inches) in unincorporated Santa Barbara County?
No. The County does not set a numeric height. Instead, all flammable grass and brush within 100 feet of any structure must be reduced enough that an average-condition wildfire would be unlikely to ignite the building.
What happens if I ignore a Fire Department abatement notice?
The County may hire a contractor to clear the property and bill you for all contractor and administrative costs. Unpaid charges are added to your property tax bill as a lien.
What's required immediately next to my house?
The 0-5 foot ember-resistant zone around the structure must be kept free of combustible vegetation and dead plant litter, consistent with PRC § 4291.
Santa Maria FAQ
How tall can grass be in Santa Maria before getting a violation?
Overgrown weeds and grass that create a nuisance violate the Good Neighbor Rules. Code enforcement responds to complaints.
Can the city mow my lawn in Santa Maria?
Yes. After notice and deadline, the city may abate nuisance vegetation and charge the costs to the property owner.
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