Marin County, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Marin County Fire Code § 325.5 / 325.5.1 (Ord. 3775)
- General Abatement
- § 325.6
- Procedures & Notice
- § 325.9 / 325.9.1
- State Backstop
- Cal. Public Resources Code § 4291 (100-ft defensible space)
- Cost Recovery
- Clearing cost + administrative fee billed to owner
Summary
Marin County Fire Code (Ord. 3775) § 325.5 requires every parcel to be kept free of weeds, dead trees, and other hazardous vegetation that constitute a fire hazard. The Fire Marshal can order tall grass and brush mowed, cleared, or removed.
325.5.1 Weeds, dead trees and rubbish to be destroyed or removed. No person who has any ownership or possessory interest in or control of a parcel of land shall allow to exist thereon any hazardous rubbish or weeds, trees, or other vegetation which constitutes a fire hazard. 325.9.1 The County fire code official may order the abatement of weeds, trees and rubbish and shall mail a copy of notice to the owner of the affected property.
Full Breakdown
There is no Marin County Code section that imposes a single uniform 'grass-must-be-X-inches-tall' rule countywide. Instead, the operative standard is Marin County Fire Code Ordinance No. 9 (Abatement procedures) authorize the County fire code official to order abatement of weeds, trees, and rubbish, including mailing notice to the property owner and abating the nuisance at the owner's expense if not addressed. In practice, fire agencies (Marin County Fire, Southern Marin Fire, Central Marin Fire, Ross Valley Fire) treat dry grass over 4 inches near structures as a fire hazard requiring mowing.
State law (Public Resources Code § 4291) separately requires 100 ft of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas, including removing dead/dying plant material.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate after notice from the Fire Marshal triggers cost-recovery abatement: the Fire Department clears the parcel and bills the owner for clearing costs plus an administrative fee, which may be recorded as a lien against the property. Violations may also be charged as infractions or misdemeanors under the Marin County Fire Code and Title 1 of the County Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific maximum grass height in the County Code?
When does the Fire Department inspect for tall grass and weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marin County
How Marin County compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Marin County to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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