Redwood City, CA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Brush/weeds over 8 inches (Sec. 14.38(F))
- Enforcing officer
- Street Superintendent
- Process start
- Council nuisance resolution (Sec. 14.39)
- Cost recovery
- Special assessment lien on tax roll (Sec. 14.52)
- Burn permit
- Written Fire Chief approval required (Sec. 14.44)
Summary
Redwood City Code section 14.38 declares dry grass, stubble, brush and any weeds or nonornamental plants over eight inches tall a public nuisance when they create a fire hazard. The Street Superintendent enforces removal after the City Council adopts a nuisance resolution, and owners who skip clearing get billed through a lien on the property tax roll.
All weeds and all dirt, rubbish, and rank growths of any kind, on private property or in any street or alley or public right-of-way in the City, shall constitute a public nuisance. Every property owner, lessee or occupant of buildings, grounds or lots, shall destroy or remove weeds, dirt, rubbish, and/or rank growths from the property... WEEDS: Includes any of the following: ...B.Any brush or weeds which attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property...E.Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material, which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.F.Weeds, brush, dry grass, stubble or nonornamental plant, which are more than eight inches (8″) in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
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. 43 must go out at least fifteen days before city crews perform the work. 44). 50. 51, subject to the same delinquency interest and penalties as unpaid taxes. 45) or waive any damage claim.
Violations & Fines
Uncleared brush becomes a City-abated nuisance billed back to the owner as a special assessment lien on the property (section 14.52), collected with property taxes and subject to the same delinquency interest and penalties (section 14.51). Burning cleared weeds without first getting the Fire Chief's written permission is separately unlawful under section 14.44, on top of complying with Bay Area air-quality burning rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as fire-hazard brush under Redwood City's ordinance?
What happens if I don't clear my lot after the City's notice?
Can I clear the brush myself instead of paying the City?
Can I just burn the brush I clear?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redwood City
California rules heatmap·Compare Redwood City to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Brush Clearance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Mateo County handle brush clearance.