Hemet, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Weed abatement is one of Hemet's most actively enforced landscaping rules. Under Hemet Municipal Code Sec. 30-31 and the statewide authority of California Government Code Section 39560, the City declares overgrown, dead, or decaying vegetation, tall dry grass, weeds, and accumulated rubbish to be a seasonal and recurrent fire and nuisance hazard that must be abated. The Fire Prevention Bureau inspects all Hemet properties annually (in the 2025 cycle, inspections began June 1 with a July 1 compliance deadline) and may inspect year-round. The City's published Weed Abatement Specifications require weeds and rubbish to be removed from the entire parcel "including roadsides, parkways, easements, all edges and property line borders." Parcels 5 acres or smaller may be mowed or disced to mineral soil; parcels over 5 acres must have 100-foot soil firebreaks around the perimeter with 100-foot-wide cross breaks every 300 feet. Mowing must use a maximum 3-inch height, all discing must comply with AQMD Rule 403, and equipment must have spark arresters and mufflers. Fenced pastures with livestock that materially reduce weeds are exempt. Clearance must be maintained through December 31. If an owner does not comply, a City contractor abates the property and the owner is billed; unpaid costs become a lien/special assessment against the parcel.