Alameda, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

1, and immediately amended several sections to fit local conditions. 4 to require that premises and exterior property be kept free of weeds and uncontrolled herbaceous growth over 8 inches tall, and to prohibit noxious weeds outright. The code defines weeds broadly: ornamental and uncultivated grasses and herbaceous vegetation that, once mature, bear wingy or downy seeds, or that because of their height or extensiveness of growth and desiccation have become a fire menace, or that are otherwise noxious or dangerous to health or safety.

That fire-menace language matters on an island city where dry summer grass along fence lines and vacant lots is a recognized ignition risk. A code enforcement officer or the Building Official inspects on complaint or during routine sweeps and can order the owner or occupant to cut the growth. The same 2025 amendment package also rewrote adjoining sections covering under-floor ventilation openings, screened against rodents, garbage receptacles, and insect screening, so an overgrown, unscreened or unsecured lot can draw more than one citation at once.