Tulare County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Tulare County Ordinance Code Part IV, Chapter 11 (Fire Hazardous Weeds and Rubbish) is the County's principal weed-control authority for unincorporated areas, adopted under Government Code section 25845 and Health and Safety Code sections 14930 and 14931. Section 4-11-1065 declares that weeds, grass, rank growths, and combustible rubbish growing or accumulating upon private property which do, or will when dry, create a fire hazard and which by virtue thereof constitute a danger to neighboring property or the health or welfare of residents of the vicinity are a public nuisance abatable under the chapter.

The chapter defines "weed" as any plant, herbaceous or woody and of whatever height, except a tree, which grows wild. Every owner of private property in the unincorporated areas has a duty to prevent the nuisance from arising or continuing, and may abate it any time before the County Fire Chief begins abatement. The Chief issues a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate; if no administrative review is requested within 15 calendar days of mailing or personal delivery, the Chief may cause abatement, but not until at least 30 days after the notice.

The County then recovers civil, administrative, and abatement costs by lien and/or special assessment. The Hazard Abatement Program is most active April through October. This is a true County ordinance, distinct from statewide PRC sec. 4291 defensible-space rules.