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

The City of Hemet does not publish a numeric maximum grass height for ordinary, irrigated front lawns the way some cities do. Instead, overgrown vegetation is handled through the Fire Department's annual weed abatement program, which targets "overgrown, dead or decaying vegetation, tall green grass and weeds" as a hazardous, year-round nuisance condition under the Hemet Municipal Code. The City's published Weed Abatement Specifications state that when lots are mowed for clearance, "the mower height must be set at a maximum height of three inches," and a greater height requires approval from the Fire Chief or designee. All discing must comply with South Coast AQMD Rule 403 dust control (water applied before discing, surface stabilized after). Required clearance must be maintained from the weed abatement deadline through December 31 without further notice. Practically, a green, watered lawn is not a violation; the rules bite when dry grass, weeds, or rubbish accumulate and create a fire or vamin hazard. Inspections run each spring/summer (June 1 inspection start, July 1 compliance deadline in the 2025 cycle). Non-compliant parcels may be abated by a City contractor at the owner's expense, with unpaid costs placed as a lien on the property.