Santa Cruz Fire Code §304.1.3 (per §19.05.100) requires removal of weeds, grass, vines, or other growth capable of being ignited and endangering property, especially in Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
Enforcement combines fire code (§19.05.100) with general nuisance abatement under Ch. 4.04. Defensible-space requirements under PRC §4291 require 100 ft of clearance around structures in or near State Responsibility Area lands. Overgrown weeds that contribute to fire fuel load can be ordered cleared via fire chief notice. The city does not set a specific inch-height limit citywide but uses fire hazard and nuisance standards.
Administrative abatement with cost-recovery lien; failure to abate after notice triggers city-performed clearance billed to owner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Santa Cruz's grass height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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