Redwood City, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Section 14.38 defines 'weeds' broadly: seed-bearing weeds; brush or weeds that become a fire menace when dry; poison oak or poison ivy that threatens public health; dry grass, stubble, brush or other flammable material creating a fire hazard; and any weed, brush, dry grass, stubble or nonornamental plant taller than eight inches. Every property owner, lessee or occupant must clear their lot and the abutting half of any street or alley. The process starts when the Council passes a resolution under section 14.39 declaring the growth a nuisance and orders the Street Superintendent to publish notice at least ten days before a public hearing; mailed notice under section 14.43 must go out at least fifteen days before city crews perform the work.

Owners keep the right to clear the lot themselves at their own expense any time before the Superintendent's crew arrives (section 14.44). If the City does the work, section 14.46 requires the Superintendent to keep an itemized cost account per parcel, posted, published, and presented to the Council for a confirmation hearing under sections 14.48 through 14.50. Once confirmed, section 14.52 makes the abatement cost a special assessment lien against the property, collected with the next property tax bill under section 14.51, subject to the same delinquency interest and penalties as unpaid taxes.

Owners of unimproved lots with buried pipes, survey markers or plantings that could be damaged during clearance must notify the Street Superintendent in writing every year (section 14.45) or waive any damage claim.