Santa Cruz County has no general lawn-height limit, but Chapter 7.92 (Fire Code) requires weeds, grass and vines capable of being ignited to be cut down, and grass beyond 30 ft from a structure to be kept under 18 inches.
Santa Cruz County does not impose a general property-maintenance maximum on grass height in the unincorporated area. However, SCCC Chapter 7.92 adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. Section 304.1.2 (Vegetation) provides that 'weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.' Within the defensible-space zone, 'grass and other vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the building or structure and less than 18 inches (457 mm) in height above the ground may be maintained where necessary to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion' — i.e., grass beyond 30 ft is allowed only if kept below 18 inches. California state law (Pub. Resources Code § 4291) independently mandates 100 ft of defensible space for structures in State Responsibility Areas, with Zone 1 (0–30 ft) requiring removal of dead/dying vegetation and Zone 2 (30–100 ft) requiring grass cut to ≤ 4 inches during fire season.
A violation of the fire code is a public nuisance under SCCC § 1.12.050 and the Fire Code. If the owner fails to abate after notice, the fire code official may abate by force account or contract and charge the cost (including a lien) to the property owner. State PRC § 4291 violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 (first offense) and up to $1,000 (subsequent).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Santa Cruz County, CA
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Santa Cruz County, CA
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Santa Cruz County, CA
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Santa Cruz County, CA
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Santa Cruz County, CA
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Santa Cruz County, CA
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See how Santa Cruz County's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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