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

Chapter 8.09 of the El Dorado County Code (Vegetation Management and Defensible Space), adopted by Ordinance 5101 in 2019 and amended by Ordinance 5186 in 2024, broadly regulates grasses and weeds rather than specifying a single inch-height cap. Section 8.09.020(A) finds that 'the uncontrolled growth and/or accumulation of weeds, grasses, hazardous vegetation and combustible materials or obstructions on sidewalks, streets, and on lands or lots within the County is dangerous or injurious to neighboring property and the health, safety and welfare of residents of the County. Such growth and accumulation constitute a public nuisance.' Section 8.09.030 defines 'Weeds' to include weeds bearing downy or wingy seeds; sagebrush, chaparral, manzanita and other brush, slash, or weeds that attain hard growth so as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property; noxious weeds and grasses; poison oak and poison ivy menacing public health; and 'Dry grass, stubble, brush, or other flammable vegetation which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.' The same section defines a 'fuel ladder' as live or dead vegetation that allows fire to climb up from the landscape or forest floor into the tree canopy, including tall grasses, shrubs, and tree branches. Per § 8.09.070(F)(1)(k), 'Cultivated and useful grasses and pastures shall not be considered a public nuisance,' but the enforcement official may require an adequate firebreak to protect adjacent improved property. The standard countywide deadline for abatement is on or before June 1 each year (§ 8.09.110(A)(1)).