Altadena, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- LA County Fire Code Title 32
- Max Grass/Weed Height
- 3 inches
- Annual Inspection
- Spring (notice mailed)
- Cost Recovery
- Property tax assessment
Summary
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance: vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3 inches in fire-hazard areas. Annual notices issued each spring.
5004. “Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 556, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)
Full Breakdown
Under LA County Fire Code Title 32 and the Forestry Division's Defensible Space Unit, owners of all improved parcels in the VHFHSZ must clear hazardous vegetation annually. Grass and weeds must be cut to no more than 3 inches; native brush reduced to 3 inches. The first notice goes out in early spring; non-compliance triggers a county-contracted clearance with charges assessed via the property tax bill (special assessment under the Weed Abatement Act).
Violations & Fines
Non-compliance results in forced clearance (~$200–$1,500 cost depending on lot size) plus an administrative penalty and lien against the property tax bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my Altadena lawn grass be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Altadena
How Altadena compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Altadena to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle weed ordinances.