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

Unlike many cities, the unincorporated County of Monterey does not set a specific maximum grass or lawn height (such as 6 or 12 inches) that automatically triggers a violation. Instead, tall grass becomes regulated when it constitutes a fire hazard or public nuisance. Monterey County Code Chapter 10.46 (Weed Control), Title 10 Health and Safety, authorizes the County to declare weeds and dry grass a public nuisance and abate them. In State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones - which cover much of unincorporated Monterey County - California Public Resources Code § 4291 mandates 100 feet of defensible space around every habitable structure, with more intensive fuel reduction within 5-30 feet and an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet. Section 4291 defines 'fuel' to include 'cultivated landscape plants, grasses, and weeds, and wildland vegetation.' The Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District enforces this through the County's 'Ordinance of Weeds and/or Waste Matter Abatement' and requires a defensible space inspection prior to property sale in high or very high fire zones.