Fontana, CA Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Fontana Municipal Code authorizes Code Enforcement to require removal of weeds, dry grass, brush, rubbish, and similar combustible or noxious vegetation from all improved and vacant parcels. While the code does not set a single numerical height, the Fontana Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement divisions treat dry weeds and grasses in excess of about 6 inches as a fire hazard and public nuisance, particularly between May and October. The Annual Weed Abatement Program kicks off each spring: Code Enforcement inspects vacant lots, unmaintained residential yards, and commercial landscape buffers and mails a Notice to Abate to noncompliant parcels. Owners have a set period (commonly 30 days) to clear the property before the city hires a contractor to do the work. Contractor charges, typically ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on lot size, along with administrative and inspection fees, are then recorded as a special assessment lien on the property tax bill under state nuisance abatement law. Maintained, irrigated turf and intentional drought-tolerant landscaping are not violations - the ordinance targets dry, overgrown, or dead vegetation that poses a fire or pest hazard. Front-yard maintenance obligations also extend to parkways between the sidewalk and curb. Repeat offenders and properties with chronic weed problems face escalating administrative fines.