Sacramento requires property owners to keep grass and weeds under 12 inches under SMC Chapter 8.116; the city may abate and lien for non-compliance.
SMC Chapter 8.116 (Weed Abatement) defines overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance. Grass and weeds over 12 inches tall, dry vegetation on vacant lots, and accumulation of combustible plant debris all qualify. Sacramento Code Enforcement issues a 10-day Notice to Abate; if not cleared, a contractor mows and the cost becomes a special assessment lien on the property tax roll. Annual Spring Weed Abatement inspections cover vacant parcels. Fines for noncompliance start at 100 dollars plus abatement costs.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Sacramento code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Sacramento, CA
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladd...
Sacramento, CA
Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must ha...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house,...
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa t...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle grass height limits.
See how Sacramento'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.