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

Stanislaus County's weed rules are in Title 9 (Health and Safety), Chapter 9.20 (Weed Control). Section 9.20.010 declares that all dirt, rubbish, weeds or other rank growths upon any buildings, grounds or lots that constitute a fire menace, or are otherwise a menace to health or safety, are a public nuisance that may be abated; the same applies to grass, weeds and obstructions on adjoining sidewalks, parkings and streets. Parcels in the A-2 (Exclusive Agricultural) zone with a minimum designation of ten acres or greater that are designated agriculture on the General Plan land-use element are excluded. The abatement process is fire-driven. Upon an owner's failure to remove the hazard, the chief of the fire department for the area notifies the owner to remove it within seven days in the unincorporated County (notice periods differ in some incorporated cities served by the same district). The notice identifies the property by name, road, and assessor's tract/block/lot/parcel. An owner who disputes the fire chief's nuisance determination may file a written objection with the Board of Supervisors through the fire warden's office within seven days of the notice. If the owner does not abate, the County may abate the nuisance and assess the cost against the property as a lien. The County's Code Enforcement office routes overgrown-weed and other fire concerns to the local fire agency. This local rule operates alongside California's PRC 4291 defensible-space mandate in fire-hazard areas.