Redwood City, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Declared
- Public nuisance
- Duty on
- Owner, lessee, occupant
- Covers
- Weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growth
- Code section
- RCC 14.38
Summary
In Redwood City, weeds, dirt, rubbish, and rank growths on any private property, street, alley, or right-of-way are a public nuisance, and every owner, lessee, or occupant must destroy or remove them.
All weeds and all dirt, rubbish, and rank growths of any kind, on private property or in any street or alley or public right-of-way in the City, shall constitute a public nuisance. Every property owner, lessee or occupant of buildings, grounds or lots, shall destroy or remove weeds, dirt, rubbish, and/or rank growths from the property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Zoning Code: Supplement 29 | City Code: Supplement 61 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Redwood City Code section 14.38 declares that all weeds and all dirt, rubbish, and rank growths of any kind, on private property or in any street, alley, or public right-of-way in the City, constitute a public nuisance. Every property owner, lessee, or occupant of buildings, grounds, or lots must destroy or remove weeds, dirt, rubbish, and rank growths from the property. The duty applies to unimproved and vacant parcels, and the City may follow the chapter's abatement procedures if the owner fails to act.
Violations & Fines
Allowing weeds, rubbish, or rank growth to remain on a vacant lot or property violates Redwood City Code section 14.38 and may be abated by the City at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to clear weeds on my vacant Redwood City lot?
What if I don't?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redwood City
California rules heatmap·Compare Redwood City to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
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