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.
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 enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.