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

Under Martinez Municipal Code and California Health & Safety Code §14875, overgrown grass, weeds, and rank vegetation are declared public nuisances. The operational standard during fire season — typically May through October — is that grass and non-ornamental vegetation must be cut to 4 inches or less in hillside WUI areas and 6 inches or less in flatland residential zones. This aligns with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) weed abatement orders issued annually in spring. ConFire and Martinez Code Enforcement conduct parcel inspections beginning in May. Property owners receive notice of violation with a 30-day correction window. If the owner fails to comply, the city or district may abate (hire a contractor to cut vegetation) and record a lien against the property for the cost plus administrative fees under CA Government Code §39560–39588. Fines range from $100 for a first offense to $500+ for repeat violations within 12 months. Ornamental landscaping, meadows with native grasses, and agricultural pasture may be exempt if maintained in a manner that does not create fire risk — but this requires documentation. Vacant lots are held to the same standard as occupied parcels. At property sale, compliance is typically required prior to close of escrow if a violation is pending. Weed abatement ties into the broader defensible space regime under PRC §4291 for properties near VHFHSZ areas.