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

Shasta County addresses neglected vacant lots through two channels. First, the general nuisance authority in Title 8, Chapter 8.28 of the County Code lets the County order abatement of accumulated rubbish, debris, or unsafe conditions on any parcel after written notice (Section 8.28.030). Second, and most significant in this high-fire-risk county, vacant and improved parcels are subject to vegetation-management and defensible-space requirements. Under the County's fire-safety/defensible-space provisions, a responsible party must maintain defensible space of up to thirty (30) feet from the property line when accumulated fuel on the parcel endangers or encroaches on the 100-foot defensible space around improvements on an adjacent property; the Fire Warden may require a greater distance, not to exceed 100 feet, consistent with California Public Resources Code 4291. Any 'Urban Parcel' two (2) acres or less must have the entire parcel cleared. Initial project clearing is to be done between November 1 and May 1. These rules apply specifically to unincorporated Shasta County and are distinct from the codes of Redding, Anderson, or Shasta Lake. Owners of empty lots should expect that overgrown vegetation, dumped debris, or fire fuel can each independently trigger enforcement, with the County able to abate and recover costs if the owner does not comply.