Sacramento County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Height trigger
- Over 12 inches
- Coverage trigger
- 50%+ of front/side yard
- Governing section
- § 16.18.401(C)(1)
- First-citation fine
- $100
Summary
Unincorporated Sacramento County treats weeds, grass, or dead vegetation over 12 inches tall as a public nuisance once it spreads onto the right-of-way or covers more than half of a front or side yard visible from the street.
C. Landscaping, or the lack thereof, that is detrimental to aesthetic and property values in the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare as evidenced by any one or more of the following conditions:
1. The accumulation of weeds, trees, debris or other vegetation that is overgrown onto a public right-of-way at least 12 inches, or is completely dead, over 12 inches in height, and covers more than 50% of the front or side yard visible from any street; or 2. The failure to regularly maintain plant materials, including, but not limited to, irrigating, mowing, and trimming in a manner consistent with applicable Sacramento County Code requirements; or 3. The failure to remove and/or replace any overgrown, damaged, dead, diseased, or decaying plant materials likely to harbor vectors; or 4. The failure to keep irrigation systems in proper working order to provide water and coverage that is consistent with applicable Sacramento County Code requirements; or 5. The failure to comply with applicable County landscape design plan and permit requirements and development permit requirements for landscaping.
D. The operation of a junkyard or automobile dismantling yard, except in an industrial zone pursuant to a special use permit;
E. Any abandoned drive-in enterprise;
F. Any dangerous, unsightly, or blighted condition which is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the public;
G.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 16.18.401(C)(1) declares landscaping a nuisance where 'the accumulation of weeds, trees, debris or other vegetation... is overgrown onto a public right-of-way at least 12 inches, or is completely dead, over 12 inches in height, and covers more than 50% of the front or side yard visible from any street.' The same subsection also lists failure to irrigate, mow, or trim plant material, and failure to remove overgrown or dead vegetation likely to harbor vectors, as nuisance conditions the County can cite and abate.
Violations & Fines
Nuisance landscaping violations carry $100 for a first citation, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional citation on the same property, per § 16.18.207(B)(2), plus possible abatement costs billed to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass or weeds get in unincorporated Sacramento County?
What's the fine for overgrown weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
How Sacramento County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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