Twain Harte, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Tuolumne County lies in a wildland-urban interface, and its Hazardous Vegetation Management Ordinance (Chapter 8.14, Ord. 3428, 2022) applies to all parcels in the unincorporated area, including vacant land. Section 8.14.020 declares that uncontrolled growth or accumulation of hazardous vegetation on lands or lots is a public nuisance. Section 8.14.060(B) specifically requires that "unimproved parcels shall complete a Reduced Fuel Zone on any portion of the parcel within 100 feet of a building, dwelling, and/or structure on an adjacent parcel" - a stricter standard than state PRC 4291, which the County notes does not by itself require management of vacant lots. The Reduced Fuel Zone (defined in 8.14.030(N)) includes mowing annual grass to a maximum height of 4 inches, spacing shrubs and trees, removing standing dead vegetation, and keeping fallen leaves/needles no deeper than 3 inches. Section 8.14.040(B) also cites the adopted California Fire Code Section 304.1, which prohibits combustible waste material creating a fire hazard on vacant lots or open space. The ordinance is enforced by the Fire Prevention Division / County Fire Chief via Chapter 1.10; because these are health-and-safety violations, they are not subject to the statute of limitations, and the County may abate the parcel and place a lien for the cost. Fuel reduction is not required on slopes over 30 percent, in stream beds, riparian areas, or wetlands.