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

Stanislaus County does not impose a fixed maximum height for ornamental or residential turf grass in unincorporated areas. The County's enforcement tool is its Weed Control chapter (County Code Title 9, Chapter 9.20). Section 9.20.010 declares that all dirt, rubbish, weeds or other rank growths on buildings, grounds or lots that constitute a fire menace, or are otherwise a menace to health or safety, are a public nuisance subject to abatement. The same status applies to grass, weeds and obstructions on adjoining sidewalks, parkings and streets. Parcels in the A-2 (Exclusive Agricultural) zone of ten acres or greater designated agriculture on the General Plan are excluded. Enforcement is largely fire-driven: the County's Code Enforcement office directs overgrown-weed and fire concerns to the local fire agency. When a hazard exists, the fire chief notifies the owner to remove it within seven days in the unincorporated County. Separately, California Public Resources Code 4291 (a state mandate enforced by CAL FIRE and local districts in fire-hazard areas) requires owners to maintain defensible space and keep annual grasses cut low near structures. Practically, tall green lawns are not a violation by height alone; dry, dead, or overgrown weedy vegetation that becomes a fire or safety hazard is.