Chino Hills, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Overgrown trigger
- not trimmed 30 days after notice
- Governing section
- CHMC § 8.12.020(20)
- Notice period
- 7 to 30 days to correct
- Enforcing officer
- Director of Community Development
- Related clause
- § 8.12.020(9), pest-harboring vegetation
Summary
Chino Hills treats unmowed lawns and weeds that reach the sidewalk or curb as a public nuisance, and the code presumes vegetation is illegally overgrown if it goes thirty days after city notice without being cut back.
20.Inadequately maintained landscaping that is visible from any public street that exists on a front yard, front or side parkway area, planter area, slope area either alone or in combination with other conditions on the subject property that results in a diminution of the appearance of the subject property as compared with adjacent property creating an unsightly appearance, including, without limitation:a.Lawns not trimmed and edged on a consistent basis or weeds that are not removed or encroach over sidewalks or curb and gutter improvements ... d.There shall be a conclusive presumption that vegetation is overgrown if the vegetation has not been properly cut and trimmed within thirty (30) days after notification that said vegetation is overgrown,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
020(9), independently designates "overgrown, dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, vegetation or debris" a nuisance where it may harbor pests, block sightlines for drivers, or create an unsightly or hazardous condition, regardless of the thirty-day notice period. 050 if the deadline passes without correction.
Violations & Fines
Failing to trim within the notice period lets the Director proceed to a public hearing under § 8.12.050, and the city may abate the weeds itself and assess the cost as a lien on the property. Maintaining the nuisance is also punishable under Chapter 1.36's general penalty, up to a $1,000 misdemeanor fine and six months in county jail, since Chapter 8.12 does not designate weed violations an infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chino Hills set a maximum grass height?
How much notice do I get before the city acts on overgrown weeds?
Can the city charge me for cutting my weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino Hills
How Chino Hills compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Chino Hills to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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How other cities in San Bernardino County handle weed ordinances.