San Ramon, CA Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

San Ramon Municipal Code authorizes weed abatement as a public nuisance under California Government Code Sections 39560 through 39588 and Health and Safety Code Section 14875. Residential lawns and landscaped areas are generally expected to be maintained, with grass typically kept under 6 inches and dry grass and weeds removed before fire season. For properties in or adjacent to Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, the standard is stricter: California Public Resources Code Section 4291 and CAL FIRE guidance require grass in Zone 2 (30-100 feet from structures) to be mowed to 4 inches or less during fire season. SRVFPD administers the annual weed abatement program, typically issuing notices beginning in April or May with a compliance deadline before fire season intensifies (often June 1). Notices specify what must be cleared including dry grass, weeds, and combustible debris. If the property owner fails to comply, the city or district may enter the property, perform abatement, and assess costs as a lien against the property under Government Code Section 39581. Administrative fees and hourly abatement contractor costs are added to the bill. Vacant lots, unoccupied properties, and absentee-owner homes are common violators. Green, irrigated lawns are not subject to height limits in the same way — the rule targets dry vegetation that creates fire hazard. New development subject to MWELO must use drought-tolerant species and limit turf grass area.