Perris, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 7.08 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish) is Perris's core weed law. PMC 7.08.030 declares a nuisance any weeds, dry grasses, dead shrubs, dead trees, rubbish, or material 'which by reason of their size, manner of growth and location constitute a fire hazard,' plus weeds that when dry will likely become a fire hazard. Cultivated, useful grasses and pastures are not a nuisance, but a firebreak may be required to protect adjacent improved property. PMC 7.08.045 sets detailed abatement standards. On parcels five acres or less: clear-cut or disk to mineral soil where lawful; keep the property free of fire-hazard nuisances, unsightly waste, and rubbish; cut grasses to no more than six inches; and trim trees to their trunk at least eight feet above ground. On parcels larger than five acres, a 100-foot cleared strip at the boundaries plus a checkerboard disking pattern of 100-foot strips is required, and the fire marshal may demand wider firebreaks. Russian thistle (tumbleweeds) must be cleared to mineral soil on all parcels regardless of size. Enforcement runs through notice to abate (PMC 7.08.050) with appeal rights; the city can perform abatement and recover costs. Riverside County's Hazard Reduction program (under County Ordinance 695) separately addresses hazardous vegetation on unimproved county parcels, but inside city limits the Perris code governs. This local fire-driven weed standard is stricter than any general California statute.