Modesto requires property owners to maintain grass and weeds below 12 inches. Overgrown vegetation is a fire hazard in the dry Central Valley climate and is one of the most common code enforcement violations in the city.
Modesto Municipal Code requires all residential and commercial properties to keep grass, weeds, and vegetation trimmed to no more than 12 inches in height. Overgrown yards are classified as a nuisance and fire hazard, particularly during the hot, dry summers when temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees F. This is one of the most frequently cited code violations in Modesto. The Code Enforcement Division conducts proactive sweeps during fire season (typically May through October). Property owners receive a notice to abate with a compliance deadline. If the owner fails to comply, the city may abate the nuisance and place a lien on the property for the cost of abatement.
Overgrown vegetation: notice to abate. Non-compliance: city abatement with costs placed as property lien.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance expressly exempts aircraft and railroad operations; aircraft noise around Modesto City-County Airport is governed by federal FAA ru...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has no blanket overnight parking ban. The default rule is the 72-hour storage limit (sec. 3-2.1002). Residential Parking Permit Zones under Article 1...
Modesto, CA
Modesto zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fen...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's zoning ordinance limits a residential dwelling unit to two dogs (5+ months old) and three cats (3+ months old). Larger numbers, exotic animals, or ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 allows up to 12 domestic fowl (hens only - no roosters), plus 2 pygmy goats and 2 miniature potbellied pigs (no boars), per...
See how Modesto's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.