Vacaville, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Code
- VMC Ch. 8.04
- Inspection Date
- On or about June 1
- Lien Authority
- Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 39561+
- Noxious Weed Program
- Solano WMA
- Noxious Weed Statute
- Cal. FAC Sec. 5001-5026
- Contact
- Code Enforcement 707-449-5693
Summary
Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 8.04 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish) declares dry vegetation, weeds, and rubbish a public nuisance, with annual June 1 inspections by Code Enforcement and lien recovery for non-abated parcels. The Solano County Agricultural Commissioner's Weed Management Area (WMA) handles state-listed noxious weeds (yellow starthistle, perennial pepperweed, medusahead) under California Food & Ag Code Sections 5001-5026.
5004. 'Noxious weed' means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture.
Full Breakdown
04 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish). The chapter declares all weeds and rubbish constituting a fire or sanitation hazard a public nuisance, and authorizes the City to inspect properties on or about June 1 each year, issue notice to clear, and abate non-compliant properties at the owner's expense. Costs are recovered as administrative fines and ultimately as special assessment liens on the property tax bill under the procedures of California Government Code Section 39561 et seq. The Vacaville City Council periodically takes action to place liens on chronically non-compliant properties.
Separate from city-level weed abatement, the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner administers the Solano Weed Management Area program targeting state-listed noxious weeds - yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), perennial pepperweed/whitetop (Lepidium latifolium), medusahead (Elymus caput-medusae), and Italian thistle - under California Food & Agricultural Code Sections 5001-5026. Defensible-space and fire-hazard clearance under California Public Resources Code Section 4291 overlay these rules for parcels in or near State Responsibility Areas, including portions of the Vaca Hills and Lagoon Valley. com.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate after written notice authorizes Vacaville to enter the property, clear the weeds, and bill the owner under VMC 8.04 - costs become an administrative fine plus a tax-roll lien. State-listed noxious-weed violations can result in Agricultural Commissioner abatement under California Food & Ag Code Sections 5021-5026 with cost recovery. PRC 4291 defensible-space violations carry separate Cal Fire administrative penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vacaville have a weed ordinance?
How do I report an overgrown lot in Vacaville?
What about yellow starthistle and other noxious weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vacaville
How Vacaville compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Vacaville to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle weed ordinances.