Imperial County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- overgrown, infested weeds/vegetation
- Applies to
- unincorporated Imperial County only
- Violation
- misdemeanor under § 91802.00
- Nuisance declared by
- concurrence of 2 county officials
- Appeal fee
- $125 to board of supervisors
Summary
Imperial County bars landowners in the unincorporated area from letting weeds and other vegetation, including fire-prone brush and chaparral, overgrow and infest their property, backed by a nuisance-abatement process and misdemeanor penalties.
It is unlawful for the owner or occupant of any land, lot, yard, or tract of land in an unincorporated area of the county of Imperial to cause or to allow such premises to become overgrown and infested with weeds and other vegetation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
The county's weeds ordinance covers the unincorporated area only. A nuisance is declared only on the concurrence of two of four officials: the fire marshal, planning director, public works director, or agricultural commissioner. Owners get mailed notice and may appeal to the board of supervisors for a $125 fee within the compliance window. If an owner does not clear the growth, the county can abate it and bill the owner, with unpaid costs becoming a special assessment lien on the parcel. Recurring seasonal nuisances can be re-noticed by postcard without a new hearing.
Violations & Fines
Allowing weeds/vegetation to accumulate is a misdemeanor under § 91802.00; the county can also abate the growth itself and place a lien on the property for the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside El Centro or the City of Imperial?
Who decides my property has a weed nuisance?
What if I don't clear the weeds after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
How Imperial County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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