Elk Grove, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- EGMC Ch. 8.26
- Noxious list
- County Ag Commissioner
- Threshold
- 4 in grass / weeds
- Appeal
- Administrative hearing
- Lien
- Added to tax bill
Summary
Elk Grove's weed ordinance (EGMC Chapter 8.26) declares uncut weeds, dry grass, and noxious plants a public nuisance. County Agricultural Commissioner noxious-weed lists under CA Food & Ag §5004 apply, and the city can perform forced abatement and lien the property.
“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 EGMC Chapter 8.26, any accumulation of weeds, dry grass over 4 inches, Russian thistle, star thistle, poison oak, poison hemlock, or other species listed by the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner constitutes a public nuisance. Notices are mailed to property owners of record, followed by a posted sign at the property if no response is received. Owners may appeal the determination at an administrative hearing; if the nuisance is confirmed or uncontested, the city's abatement contractor clears the lot. All direct costs plus a standard administrative overhead fee (often 30 percent) are certified to the Sacramento County Tax Collector and added to the next property tax bill as a special assessment. Repeat offenders may be placed on a standing annual abatement list so inspection and action occur automatically each year.
Violations & Fines
Forced abatement cost plus 25-35 percent administrative fee recorded as a lien on the property tax roll. Willful repeat violations can also trigger misdemeanor penalties under Title 1 of the Municipal Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who maintains the noxious weed list?
Can I appeal a weed abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elk Grove
How Elk Grove compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Elk Grove to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle weed ordinances.