Alhambra, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 6.24, §§ 6.24.010-6.24.140
- Height threshold
- None fixed; fire-hazard test
- Objection deadline
- 10 days after notice
- Appeal body
- Board of Appeals
- Remedy
- City abatement plus lien, no fine
Summary
Chapter 6.24 of the Alhambra Municipal Code declares weeds, rubbish and dirt on private property a public nuisance, whether growing on the lot itself or on the abutting street or alley. There is no fixed height limit: any fire-prone brush, downy-seeded weeds, poison oak or poison ivy, or accumulated flammable debris triggers the city's notice-and-abatement process under §§ 6.24.020 and 6.24.030.
(A) All weeds, rubbish and dirt of any kind, as defined in this chapter, on private property or on or over any street, alley, or public right-of-way in the city, shall constitute a public nuisance. (B) No person owning, managing or having control or charge or occupancy of any building, lot or premises within the city, shall permit weeds, rubbish or dirt of any kind as defined in this chapter to remain upon the premises or upon or over public sidewalks, streets or alleys between the premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
010 defines WEEDS to include any plant that bears downy or wingy seeds, any brush or growth that becomes a fire menace when dry, noxious or dangerous weeds, poison oak and poison ivy that threaten public health, and dry grass, rubble or other flammable material that creates a fire hazard. RUBBISH covers waste paper, wood, cardboard or other flammable material that endangers safety by creating a fire risk, and DIRT means an artificial accumulation of earth that hazards public health or safety. 020 makes the presence of any of these conditions a public nuisance and bars owners, managers or occupants from letting them remain on the premises or on the sidewalk, parkway, street or alley up to the centerline fronting their property.
055, or the objection is waived. Timely objections go to a hearing before the Board of Appeals, whose decision on whether a dangerous condition exists is final. If no objection is filed, or the Board overrules it, the city may perform the abatement itself and assess the full cost, plus incidental expenses, as a special assessment lien on the property, collected on the regular county tax roll. 24 carries no separate misdemeanor fine: the exclusive remedy in the chapter is government abatement and cost recovery against the land.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 6.24 does not impose a misdemeanor fine; its remedy is abatement and cost recovery. If an owner misses the ten-day objection window in § 6.24.055 or the Board of Appeals upholds the nuisance finding, the city removes the weeds, rubbish or dirt itself and assesses the full abatement cost, plus incidental expenses such as notice and inspection fees, as a special assessment lien on the property under § 6.24.140, collected with the next municipal tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum grass or weed height in Alhambra?
What happens if I ignore a weed abatement notice in Alhambra?
Can I appeal an Alhambra weed abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
How Alhambra compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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