Galt requires property owners to keep grass and weeds trimmed so vegetation does not become a fire or public health nuisance. The City's weed abatement program treats dry grass typically over 4 inches on vacant or residential lots as a declarable nuisance.
Under California Government Code Sections 39560-39588 and the Galt Municipal Code nuisance provisions, the City Council annually declares overgrown weeds and rank grass a public nuisance. Notices are mailed to property owners of vacant and developed parcels each spring. Standard enforcement expects grass and weeds on developed residential lots to be maintained below 4 inches for the front yard and visible side yards, with rear yards expected to be free of fire-hazard dry fuel. Vacant parcels must be disked or mowed to the same standard, typically by a stated June deadline. If the owner does not comply, the City hires a contractor to abate the nuisance and records the cost plus administrative fees as a special assessment lien. Commercial agricultural parcels inside or adjacent to the city handle weed control through normal farming practice, but roadside and fenceline vegetation still must be controlled. Complaints can be filed with Code Enforcement.
Administrative abatement by the City with charges billed to the owner, plus administrative fines. Unpaid amounts become a tax lien.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle grass height limits.
See how Galt's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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