Apple Valley, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Weed abatement is one of the most actively enforced property rules in Apple Valley because of the town's dry, windy High Desert setting. Property owners who receive a notice are required to remove all weeds, dry grasses, shrubs, and dead trees on their lots, parcels, or alleyways that pose a fire hazard. The Town's published statutory-references page identifies "Weed and rubbish abatement, Government Code section 39501 et seq." as the controlling authority, alongside general nuisance authority (Government Code section 38771 et seq.). Fire-hazard standards are administered by the Apple Valley Fire Protection District, which directs creating defensible space (commonly up to 100 feet around structures), mowing annual grass to no higher than 4 inches, keeping wood piles at least 35 feet from structures, and removing dead leaves and combustible debris. Compliance inspections run on an annual cycle. If an owner does not clear the hazard after notice, the contractor "must be allowed to abate all hazards," and the District charges a non-refundable $80 administrative fee that is due regardless. Failure to pay the contractor fee results in a tax lien recorded against the property. Grievances after the program are directed to Code Enforcement.