Kern County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Chapter
- Kern County Ordinance Code Ch. 8.46
- Title
- Title 8. Health and Safety
- Program Name
- Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP)
- Annual Clearance Deadline
- June 1
- Cost Recovery Section
- § 8.46.110 (Abatement cost. Collection)
- State Authority
- Cal. Gov't Code § 25845
- Enforcement Contact
- hazardreduction@kerncountyfire.org
Summary
Kern County Ordinance Code Chapter 8.46 declares weeds and other hazardous growths a public nuisance subject to abatement, administered by the Fire Department under the Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP).
The Kern County Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP) is a joint effort between the Kern County Fire Department, Cal Fire, Kern County Code Enforcement, and property owners. The program is currently administered and enforced by fire department personnel following Kern County Ordinance Code 8.46.
Full Breakdown
46 (Weeds and Other Hazardous Growths) under Title 8 (Health and Safety), all properties within unincorporated Kern County are subject to the weed and hazardous growth abatement program. The Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP) is administered as a joint effort between the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD), Cal Fire, Kern County Code Enforcement, and property owners. Property owners must keep their properties clear of fire hazards or nuisance vegetation year-round, with full clearance completed by June 1 each year. from the ground, and excessive accumulation of fuel deemed a fire hazard.
110 (Abatement cost. Collection) authorizes the county to recover abatement costs against the property as a special assessment. Outside Kern County code, California Government Code § 25845 also authorizes counties to summarily abate fire hazards on private property.
Violations & Fines
Administrative penalties under Chapter 8.46 (per 2017 amendments) are up to $500 for a first violation and up to $1,000 for additional violations within the same calendar year. Owners have 15 days from the citation mailing date to correct violations and have the fine removed. If the owner does not abate, the county may abate and collect costs against the property under § 8.46.110, including as a special tax lien collected with property taxes. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate and distinct offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot afford to abate?
Can the County abate weeds on my property without notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
How Kern County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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