Newport Beach, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

48 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code defines weeds as growth bearing wingy or downy seeds that becomes a fire menace when dry, or that is otherwise noxious or dangerous. 020 authorizes the Fire Marshal to declare a nuisance and abate weeds growing on highways, streets, sidewalks, parkways or private property, dry grass, stubble, brush or garden refuse that constitutes a fire hazard, poison oak or poison ivy that menaces public health, and rubbish, refuse or dirt on parkways, sidewalks or private property. It also covers vegetation the Fire Marshal determines to be a fire hazard within the Local Responsibility Area's Very High, High and Moderate Fire Hazard Severity Zones, which run through parts of Newport Beach's hillside and canyon areas.

030, the Fire Marshal must give the property owner written notice to abate within 30 days, describing the nuisance and the required corrective work, and warning that the City may enter the parcel to remove the hazard if the owner does not act, bill the Nuisance Abatement Services cost, and record a special assessment lien collected on the property's next tax bill. Notice must be mailed by certified and regular first-class mail at least 15 days before the proposed abatement date. An owner may appeal the Fire Marshal's abatement notice in writing to the Fire Chief within ten days, triggering a City Manager hearing scheduled 10 to 14 days out, with a written decision issued within 48 hours of the hearing. 5.