Compton Grass Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Compton Municipal Code Chapter 9-4 addresses nuisance conditions on private property, including overgrown grass, weeds, and unmaintained vegetation. Under these provisions, any grass, weeds, or similar growth that exceeds 12 inches in height on any portion of a property — including front yards, side yards, rear yards, and parkway strips — is declared a public nuisance. Property owners and occupants are jointly responsible for maintaining all landscaped areas in a trimmed, healthy, and visually acceptable condition. This obligation extends to the parkway area between the sidewalk and curb, which is part of the public right-of-way but for which the adjacent property owner bears maintenance responsibility.

Compton's Code Enforcement Division takes a proactive approach to vegetation maintenance, conducting routine neighborhood sweeps in addition to responding to individual complaints. This proactive stance is part of the city's broader efforts to improve neighborhood aesthetics and property values throughout the community. When an overgrown property is identified — either through a sweep or a neighbor complaint — the property owner receives a written notice of violation specifying the conditions to be corrected and a compliance deadline, typically 10 to 15 days. If the property is occupied by a tenant, both the owner and tenant may receive notice.

If the property owner fails to correct the violation within the specified timeframe, the city may initiate abatement proceedings. Under its nuisance abatement authority, Compton can hire contractors to cut and remove overgrown vegetation from the property, then lien the property for the full cost of abatement plus administrative fees. These liens attach to the property and must be paid before the property can be sold or refinanced. Abatement costs typically range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the size of the property and severity of the overgrowth.

Vacant lots face particularly close scrutiny. Compton requires owners of vacant parcels to maintain vegetation at or below 12 inches, remove accumulated debris, and keep the lot free of conditions that could harbor rodents, create fire hazards, or attract illegal dumping. Vacant lot owners who repeatedly fail to maintain their properties may face enhanced penalties and priority abatement actions. Property owners with questions about vegetation maintenance standards should contact the Compton Code Enforcement Division at (310) 605-5555.