Folsom, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential
- 6 inches max typical
- VHFHSZ
- 4 inches defensible space
- State Law
- H&S §14875
- Remedy
- Abatement lien
- Drought
- Dead lawn protected AB 2100
Summary
Folsom Municipal Code allows Code Enforcement to declare overgrown vegetation a public nuisance under CA Health & Safety Code §14875. Grass and weeds generally must be maintained under 6 inches in residential areas and under 4 inches in VHFHSZ defensible space zones. Non-compliance triggers abatement and lien recovery.
14875. "Weeds," as used in this part, means vegetation growing upon streets, sidewalks, or private property in any county, including any fire protection district and may include any of the following:
(a) Vegetation that bears seeds of a downy or wingy nature.
(b) Vegetation that is not pruned or is otherwise neglected so as to attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property.
(c) Vegetation that is otherwise noxious or dangerous.
(d) Poison oak and poison ivy when the conditions of growth are such as to constitute a menace to the public health.
(e) Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard in an urbanized portion of an unincorporated area which has been zoned for single and multiple residence purposes. (Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 260, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2006.)
Full Breakdown
Folsom Code Enforcement responds to vegetation complaints under the nuisance abatement authority granted by CA Health & Safety Code §14875 and CA Government Code §§39560–39588. In standard residential zones, grass and weeds over 6 inches tall may be cited as a public nuisance, especially when they harbor pests, create fire hazard, or degrade neighborhood aesthetics. In designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (east and south hills), defensible space rules require grass mowed to 4 inches within 100 feet of structures during fire season. The city issues a Notice to Abate with a compliance window (typically 10–30 days). If the owner fails to comply, Folsom dispatches contractors to mow/clear the property and bills the cost plus administrative fees as a special assessment: unpaid amounts become a property tax lien. Drought-tolerant landscaping and low-water native plantings are encouraged alternatives; dead lawn during Stage 2 water restrictions is not a violation per AB 2100 (drought protection).
Violations & Fines
Notice to Abate with 10-30 day compliance window. Failure to comply: administrative abatement contractor fees ($300-$1,500 typical) plus 50% surcharge, assessed as tax lien. Repeat violators may face fines up to $500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
My lawn died during water restrictions: am I going to be cited?
How fast must I respond to a Folsom weed abatement notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
How Folsom compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom 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.