Elk Grove, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

010 finds that uncontrolled weed and refuse accumulation on sidewalks, streets, and lots is dangerous to neighboring property, promotes blight, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, is an attractive nuisance to minors, and harbors rodents and insects. 020 defines 'weeds' broadly: plants bearing downy or wingy seeds, sagebrush and chaparral that become a fire menace when dry, noxious weeds and grasses, poison oak and poison ivy where growth conditions threaten public health, and dry grass, stubble, brush, or litter that endangers safety by creating a fire hazard; 'garbage,' 'refuse,' and 'rubbish' are separately defined to cover putrescible waste and nonputrescible materials like clippings, trimmings, and construction debris.

030 makes clear this chapter supplements, rather than replaces, county and state weed and refuse abatement law. 040 rests with the Chief of the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department, with the County Fire Warden able to enforce within the district at the Chief's request. 050 prohibits dumping or permitting the accumulation of weeds or refuse on any property in a manner that creates a fire hazard. 060 requires clearing all dry grass, brush, vines, or other dry vegetation for at least 30 feet from all structures, combustible fences, vehicles, and combustible storage, and the Fire Chief may order additional clearance where topography or geography warrants it.