Ontario, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- Ontario MC Ch. 6-9 (Weeds and Refuse Abatement), Sec. 6-9.01 to 6-9.15
- Nuisance declaration
- Sec. 6-9.02(a)
- Notice of Violation fee
- $172 (Aug. 2025)
- Civil penalty
- $500
- Abatement cost
- Actual contractor cost + $57 admin fee
- Unpaid costs
- Special assessment on property tax bill
Summary
Ontario Municipal Code Chapter 6-9 (Weeds and Refuse Abatement) declares it unlawful and a public nuisance for any property to allow weeds, rubbish, refuse, or dirt to exist on it (Sec. 6-9.02). The City defines weeds to include brush that becomes a fire menace when dry, and abates non-compliant lots at the owner's expense, with unpaid costs becoming a special assessment on the property tax bill.
If after a second inspection the vacant lot is still not in compliance, a civil penalty, re-inspection fee, and a Notice of Intent to Abate will also be issued. Staff will then direct a City contractor to abate all weeds, rubbish, and/or refuse on the vacant lot. All costs associated with abatement of weeds and refuse will be assessed to the property owner. Failure to pay fines, penalties and abatement costs will result in a special assessment being placed on the property tax bill.
Full Breakdown
15. ' On finding a nuisance, the Director (the City Manager or designee) serves a Notice of Violation ordering abatement under Ontario Fire Department regulations, and any abatement of weeds must be done under a City-issued permit. 03 authorizes preventive chemical control of recurrent weeds. The City's Weed & Refuse Abatement program implements this with a 6-inch brush limit and twice-yearly vacant-lot inspections.
Violations & Fines
After a Notice of Violation, an owner who fails to abate is subject to City abatement of the nuisance, with the cost (including administrative and investigative costs) assessed against the property and constituting a personal obligation of the recipient (Sec. 6-9.02(b)). Program fees as of August 2025 include a $172 Notice of Violation, a $172 re-inspection fee, $500 civil penalties, and actual contractor abatement costs plus a $57 administration fee; unpaid amounts become a special assessment on the property tax bill, and a property may be sold by the tax collector after three or more years of delinquent assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are overgrown weeds illegal in Ontario?
What does Ontario count as a weed?
What happens if I don't clear my weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
How Ontario compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle weed ordinances.