San Diego requires property owners to maintain vegetation and cut grass to approximately 2 inches on flat parcels under weed abatement provisions. Vegetation over 12 inches may be cited as a public nuisance. Properties in fire hazard zones subject to stricter standards under SDMC 54.0201.
Under San Diego's property maintenance and weed abatement provisions (SDMC 54.0201 and the California Fire Code), every property owner must maintain their property free from weeds, rubbish, and other forms of waste. Grass and weeds must be cut to approximately 2 inches on flat parcels or parcels with a slope gradient up to 25%. Vegetation exceeding approximately 12 inches may be declared a public nuisance. In Very High Fire Severity Zones, all vegetation within 100 feet of structures must comply with brush clearance standards. Fire Prevention Services Inc. (FPSI) conducts annual inspections of vacant parcels. Properties not in compliance receive a Notice of Violation. If not cleared within the compliance period, the City abates the property and places a lien for costs under SDMC 54.0206.
Notice of Violation with compliance period. Non-compliance results in city abatement at owner's expense with administrative fees. Costs added as a lien on the property under SDMC 54.0206.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle grass height limits.
See how San Diego's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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