Riverside County, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Unimproved and vacant parcels in unincorporated Riverside County are subject to the County's hazard-reduction (weed abatement) program, which the Fire Department's Hazard Reduction Office administers under Ordinance No. 695 (hazardous vegetation), Ordinance No. 772 (abandoned or neglected orchards, groves and vineyards), and Ordinance No. 787 (fire code). An 'unimproved parcel' is land of any size upon which no structure is located, and it must be cleared of hazardous or flammable vegetation including seasonal and recurrent weeds, stubble, brush, dry leaves, tumbleweeds, other rank growth, and rubbish or combustible material. Clearance requirements vary by what the parcel adjoins (structures, roadways, or other vacant parcels); under Ordinance 695, clearance is generally limited to what is necessary to establish defensible space, up to 100 feet from structures on adjoining properties. The Hazard Reduction Office conducts annual field inspections of unimproved lands. Owners of targeted parcels receive a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate stating the method and amount of clearance required, with 30 days from the postmark to comply or appeal (the appeal window is 15 calendar days under Ordinance 695 and 30 calendar days under Ordinance 772). If the owner does not comply, the County may hire a contractor to clear the parcel and record a special assessment lien for the abatement and administrative costs.