Alhambra, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

The City of Alhambra maintains two relevant tools. AMC Chapter 6.24 (Removal of Weeds, Rubbish and Dirt) provides the City's authority to require removal of weeds and debris, paralleling the state framework in the California Health & Safety Code for abatement of hazardous weeds and rubbish. AMC Chapter 6.26 (Real Property Nuisances) defines prohibited public nuisance conditions to include dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, ground cover and other vegetation, the absence of healthful vegetation that tends to cause health concerns, and the lack of required landscaping or ground cover. Visible front and side yards must be mowed, landscaped and maintained to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director, where acceptable landscape includes grass, ground cover, shrubs, hedges, decorative rock, bark and sod approved by the Director. Notably, Alhambra does not publish a specific weed-height number (e.g., 'over 6 inches'); the standard is discretionary and inspection-based. Code Enforcement typically issues a notice to abate, then administrative citations and, if needed, City abatement with cost recovery if the responsible person fails to act. Because Alhambra is incorporated, it enforces its own code rather than Los Angeles County weed-abatement rules.