Santa Cruz County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

SCCC 7.92 § 304.1.2 (Vegetation) requires owners and occupants to cut down and remove weeds, grass, vines and other growth capable of being ignited. SCCC 7.92 § 304.1.2.1 (Firebreaks) requires that 'a firebreak shall be made by removing and clearing away, for a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) on each side of the building or structure or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other combustible growth.' Areas within 10 ft horizontal and 15 ft vertical of any portion of a highway, public/private street, road, or driveway used for vehicular traffic must also be cleared of flammable vegetation. Single specimens of well-pruned trees or maintained ground covers (green grass, ivy, succulents) are exempt at the discretion of the fire code official. Under SCCC 1.12.050, any fire-code violation is a public nuisance. If not abated, the fire code official may abate by force account or contract and charge the cost to the owner. California PRC § 4291 independently mandates 100 ft of defensible space in State Responsibility Areas (the bulk of unincorporated Santa Cruz County).