Berkeley, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Max weed height
- 4 inches (VHFHSZ)
- Targeted invasives
- Broom, acacia, pampas
- Abatement
- City-contracted, owner-billed
- Chipper days
- Free, spring
- Lien
- Possible for non-payment
Summary
Berkeley treats overgrown weeds as a nuisance and fire hazard. Weeds over 6 inches (or 4 inches in the fire zone) must be abated; invasive broom and acacia are targeted for removal.
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 Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 14.48 (Public Nuisance) and 19.48 (Fire Code), property owners must abate weeds that pose fire, rodent, or aesthetic nuisance. The Vegetation Management Unit conducts annual inspections beginning in April and issues Notices to Abate. In the Berkeley Hills VHFHSZ, weed height must not exceed 4 inches during fire season under PRC 4291. Non-compliance leads to city-contracted abatement at the owner's cost (typically 2,000-10,000 dollars plus 25 percent admin fee) and can result in a lien. Berkeley particularly targets French broom (Genista monspessulana), Scotch broom, acacia, blue gum eucalyptus, and pampas grass - all flagged as fire-fueling invasives by the California Invasive Plant Council. The East Bay Regional Park District and city partner on broom pulls and chipper days each spring. Homeowners in the hills should remove broom within 100 feet of structures. Herbicide use is permitted but glyphosate is restricted on city property per Berkeley's integrated pest management policy. Contact BFD at (510) 981-2489.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is French broom really that dangerous?
Can I use Roundup on my weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berkeley
How Berkeley compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Berkeley to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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