Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping and prevent weed growth under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Overgrown vegetation, dying or dead plants, and inadequate ground cover are property maintenance violations.
Under SMMC property maintenance requirements, all landscaped areas must be permanently maintained and kept free of weeds, debris, and litter per Chapter 8.108. Fallen leaves or yard waste shall not accumulate on any paved surface (leaves used as mulch in dirt areas are exempt). The City's authority to prosecute violations is in addition to its authority under Chapter 13.06 (Abatement of Nuisances). Ground cover must be live plant material and cannot be comprised of pervious nonplant materials such as gravel, colored rock, bark, etc. Mulch is limited to areas around shrubs and trees and cannot substitute for ground cover plants.
Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Administrative citations under Chapter 1.09 apply. The City may abate nuisances under Chapter 13.06.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle weed ordinances.
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