Porterville, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Municipal Code section 12-3.1 defines WEEDS broadly to cover 'all undesired plants of rank or profuse growth growing upon streets, alleys, sidewalks or private property,' including weeds that bear or may bear wind-borne or downy seeds, weeds and indigenous grasses that grow large enough to become a fire menace when dry, weeds that are otherwise noxious or dangerous, and poison oak or poison ivy that threatens public health. Rather than fixing a height in inches, section 12-3.4(A)(1) simply declares 'the existence of weeds on the premises, or public sidewalks, curbs and gutters, streets or alleys in front of, adjacent to or behind said premises' a public nuisance once an enforcement officer determines the condition exists, giving the officer discretion to require abatement and place the cost as a lien on the property.

The fire chief, who administers this article under section 12-3.2, issues an annual public notice by April 1 (section 12-3.5) and can hold a hearing (section 12-3.7) before the city abates the growth itself and bills the owner through the tax roll (sections 12-3.8 through 12-3.12). Section 12-3.3 separately requires the occupant or owner fronting a paved sidewalk or curb and gutter to keep it free of weeds and disking residue. The officer's determination of what growth counts as a nuisance is final under section 12-3.4(C).