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

Weeds and grass are regulated in unincorporated Sonoma County primarily through Chapter 13A of the County Code, which treats seasonal and recurrent weeds, stubble, brush, and dry leaves as 'hazardous vegetation' that creates a fire hazard. Compliance is required throughout the year. For improved parcels in the Local Responsibility Area, Section 13A-4 requires owners to maintain a 30-foot defensible space around all structures and specifically to keep grass 'cut six inches (6") or less' (not cut to bare mineral soil), limb tree branches up 6 feet from the ground, maintain shrubs and climbing vines, keep a 10-foot minimum roadside clearance, keep roofs and gutters clear of debris, and remove dead or dying vegetation. Additional defensible space outward to 100 feet from structures may be required depending on slope, fuel load, and fuel type, with the most intense management in the first 30 feet. The County Fire Warden/Fire Marshal enforces and may inspect, issue a notice of violation, and order abatement within 30 calendar days. If the owner fails to comply, the County may abate and recover 'abatement costs' as a lien under Government Code Sections 25845 and 25845.5. The ordinance is authorized by Health & Safety Code Sections 14930 and 14931. Agricultural crops and cannabis cultivation are exempt, but defensible space is still required around dwellings and residential accessory structures.