Sonoma County, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unimproved parcels, unincorporated county
- Clearance zone
- 10 feet of structures/roadway frontage
- Grass height limit
- Under 4 inches
- Abatement deadline
- 30 calendar days after notice
- Enforcer
- County fire warden/fire marshal
Summary
Unimproved parcels in unincorporated Sonoma County must keep vegetation and combustible material cleared within 10 feet of structures and roadway frontage, or face abatement.
for unimproved parcels in the state responsibility area and local responsibility area:(1)Flammable vegetation and other combustible growth within ten feet (10') of structures and roadway frontage shall be removed;(2)Dead and dying vegetation within ten feet (10') of structures and roadway frontage shall be removed;(3)Grass and combustible surface vegetation within ten feet (10') of structures and roadway frontage must be trimmed to less than four inches (4") in height unless necessary for erosion control;(4)All trees within ten feet (10') of structures and roadway frontage must be pruned to at least six feet (6') above grade; and(5)Combustible material shall be removed from the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sonoma County Code Chapter 13A treats hazardous vegetation and combustible material on any unimproved parcel in the unincorporated county as a public nuisance. Owners of vacant land must remove flammable and dead/dying vegetation within 10 feet of structures and roadway frontage, trim grass and combustible surface vegetation there to under 4 inches, prune trees to 6 feet above grade, and clear combustible material from the property. The fire warden/fire marshal enforces the duty year-round and can order abatement.
Violations & Fines
After a notice of violation, the owner has 30 calendar days to abate. Noncompliance exposes the owner or person in possession to civil, administrative, and criminal penalties under Sonoma County Code §§ 1-7 and 1-7.1, and the county fire warden/fire marshal may summarily abate the nuisance and bill the owner for costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if my vacant lot is in the City of Sonoma or Santa Rosa?
How short does the grass need to be on a vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
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