Weed Ordinances: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do weed ordinances rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo requires property owners to maintain their lots free of overgrown weeds, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. Code Enforcement addresses complaints about unmaintained vegetation. The fire department enforces vegetation clearance in wildfire-prone hillside areas.
View full San Mateo 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 | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibility | Property owner maintains vegetation | - |
| Sidewalk Weeds | Owner responsible | - |
| Fire Areas | SM Consolidated Fire enforces | - |
| City Abatement | May perform work and bill owner | - |
| Code Enforcement | 650-522-7200 | - |
| 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.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I be cited for weeds on my property?
Yes. Property owners must maintain lots free of excessive weeds. Code Enforcement responds to complaints and may issue abatement notices.
Am I responsible for weeds on the sidewalk?
Yes. Weeds growing on sidewalks or into the public right-of-way adjacent to your property are the property owner's responsibility.
What if I don't abate the weeds?
The city may perform the abatement and bill you for the costs. Unpaid costs may result in a lien on your property.
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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