Riverside County Ordinance 695 requires property owners to abate weeds, dry grass, and combustible vegetation that create a fire hazard. Abatement notices typically require grass and weeds to be mowed to 3-4 inches or less by a published deadline each spring (usually May 1). Non-compliance leads to county-contracted abatement with cost liens.
Riverside County Ordinance 695 establishes the Weed Abatement Program, jointly administered by the Fire Department, Code Enforcement, and the Tax Assessor. Each year in late winter the Board of Supervisors adopts a resolution declaring seasonal dry vegetation a fire hazard and directing notices to be sent to identified parcels. Owners must clear or mow weeds and dry grass to a maximum height (commonly 3-4 inches) on all areas visible from adjoining roads and within 100 feet of structures (defensible space under Public Resources Code §4291). The typical compliance deadline is May 1 or June 1 depending on the fire season. If the owner fails to abate, the county contracts the work and records a special assessment lien on the property tax bill, usually at a significant markup. The program is most active in WUI foothill and mountain areas (Idyllwild, Temecula wine country, Perris Hills, Winchester, and the San Jacinto foothills). Native vegetation and maintained drought-tolerant landscapes are not targeted. Appeal procedures are provided under the ordinance.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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