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

San Bernardino County's Fire Hazard Abatement Program, administered by Land Use Services Code Enforcement under County Code Sections 23.0301-23.0319, sets the weed-and-grass standard for unincorporated parcels: weeds and grasses must be kept below four inches at all times. Owners must also remove dead trees, dead plants, and combustible debris that could spread fire to homes. County guidance directs that flammable vegetation within 30 feet of any structure, and 10 feet from a roadway or driveway, be cleared, and the program references maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around structures. The duty to abate falls on every owner and person in control of the land and extends to adjoining sidewalks, parkways, and easements. Seasonal inspections start in spring; first and second inspections are documented with photos. If a hazard is found, the County issues a Notice and Order to Abate giving roughly a 30-day grace period to comply, with an additional short window after a Notice of Intent to Abate to submit photographic evidence of clearance. If the owner does not act, the County abates the hazard and bills the owner. Published fees include a $100 administrative citation, a $100 appeal fee (refunded if successful), warrant ($298.00), late ($123.00) and lien ($211.00) fees, and abatement labor up to a maximum of $627.00 per hour plus a $76.00 administrative fee.