El Cerrito, CA Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code Chapter 416 (Weed Abatement) and Government Code sections 39560–39588 authorize the Board of Supervisors to declare dry weeds, grasses, and brush a public nuisance and abate them. Under the ConFire weed abatement program, developed residential parcels must maintain grass and weeds at no more than 3 inches in height; rural and vacant parcels in hazardous fire areas must be cleared to 4 inches within 100 feet of structures and along 10 feet of roadway edge. Each spring (typically April 1), ConFire mails weed abatement notices to parcels that failed prior-year inspection or fall in high-risk zones. Owners have until a stated deadline (usually June 1 or June 15) to comply. Non-compliance triggers contractor abatement—ConFire's contractor clears the property and the county records a special assessment lien on the tax roll for contractor costs plus a $350–$700 administrative fee. Repeat offenders may be placed on auto-abatement for multiple years. Ornamental lawns and irrigated green landscaping are exempt as long as they remain green and watered.