Placer County, CA Property Maintenance: Weeds & Overgrown Grass (2026)

Placer County's Hazardous Vegetation and Combustible Material Abatement ordinance (County Code Section 9.32, Part 4, effective May 21, 2020) sets specific vegetation maintenance standards in the unincorporated county. Annual grasses and weeds must be maintained at four inches or less; tree branches must be limbed up six feet from the ground; shrubs must be maintained; and non-ornamental climbing vines must be removed from trees and structures. A 100-foot defensible space must be maintained around all buildings and structures, consistent with California Public Resources Code Section 4291 and local fire codes; fire officials may require abatement beyond 100 feet in high-hazard circumstances. The duty falls on every owner, occupant, and person in control of any improved or unimproved parcel and of private roadways. 'Combustible material' means rubbish, litter, or flammable material other than hazardous vegetation that creates a fire hazard. Inspection and enforcement are conducted by the serving fire district or local fire agency (or Placer County Fire at 530-886-3570). When a violation is found, the county issues a Notice of Violation and Order to Abate; owners may request an administrative hearing. If the owner fails to abate, the county may abate the hazard and charge the property owner for all administrative costs associated with the abatement.