Santa Maria, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Weed abatement in Santa Maria proceeds under Title 5, Chapter 5-8 (Weeds and Rubbish on Private Property) and follows the Government Code / Streets and Highways Code procedure. Section 5-8.02 declares overgrown weeds and brush that become a fire menace when dry, contain poisonous oils, or are otherwise dangerous, to be a nuisance after City notice. Section 5-8.03 extends the same rule to debris that constitutes a fire menace, harbors rodents or insects, or threatens public health. If a violation is found, the Council may order removal, post the property with a notice requiring removal within 10 days, and conduct a public hearing on protests and objections. After the hearing, if conditions are not abated, City crews or a contractor perform the work and the actual cost — plus an administrative fee covering program administration, contractor management, and measurement — is charged as a special assessment on the property tax bill for the parcel. The City's annual Weed Abatement Program resolution (filed each year with the Streets and Facilities/Public Works Director) establishes inspection schedules; inspections begin June 1 each year ahead of fire season. Santa Maria's annual abatement program is in addition to the property-nuisance article (Section 5-6.202) and the Good Neighbor Rules (Chapter 4-7), each of which independently support enforcement against overgrown vegetation.