Woodland, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 9.44 (Weed Abatement) opens at § 9.44.010(A) by declaring weeds and rubbish, refuse, and dirt on parkways, sidewalks, or private property a public nuisance citywide. Section 9.44.020 then defines regulated "weeds" by category rather than by a numeric height: weeds bearing seeds of a downy or wingy nature (A), sagebrush, chaparral, or brush that becomes a fire menace when dry (B), weeds that are otherwise noxious or dangerous (C), poison oak and poison ivy that constitute a health menace as they grow (D), and dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or flammable material creating a fire hazard (E).

Cultivated and useful grasses and pastures are exempt from the nuisance declaration unless the Fire Chief orders a firebreak. Enforcement runs through the Fire Chief, who makes the nuisance finding and can designate a parcel a seasonal and recurrent violator requiring preventive chemical control in future years (§ 9.44.030); the Code Compliance Officer posts and mails the required notice at least five days before a hearing (§ 9.44.040); a hearing and written abatement order follow (§§ 9.44.060, 9.44.070); and the owner may self-abate before the deadline (§ 9.44.080) or the City will abate and bill the cost as a lien on the property (§§ 9.44.090, 9.44.130). An aggrieved owner can appeal a final order or cost confirmation to the City Council within 10 days (§ 9.44.140).