Fullerton, CA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Overgrowth threshold
- Weeds/grass over 12 inches
- Governing section
- FMC § 6.01.030(D)
- Hearing officer
- City Manager or designee
- Appeals body
- Planning Commission
- Abatement surcharge
- 33% of abatement cost
- Unpaid cost becomes
- Lien on the property
Summary
Fullerton's public nuisance ordinance declares it unlawful to let vegetation grow into a rat or vermin harborage. FMC § 6.01.030(D) targets overgrown weeds or grass above 12 inches, and dead, decayed, or diseased plants, as a nuisance the Development Services Director can order abated.
(D) To maintain vegetation, including, but not limited to, trees, shrubbery weeds or grass, cultivated or uncultivated, which is overgrown (weeds or grass in excess of 12 inches in height), dead, decayed or diseased or which is likely to harbor rats, vermin, insects or other nuisances which are dangerous to the public health, safety or general welfare;
Full Breakdown
030, the Public Nuisance Ordinance's site-nuisance section, makes it unlawful for any owner, lessee, or occupant to maintain trees, shrubbery, weeds, or grass, cultivated or not, that is overgrown (defined as weeds or grass over 12 inches in height), dead, decayed, or diseased, or that is likely to harbor rats, vermin, insects, or other nuisances dangerous to public health, safety, or general welfare. The same chapter separately declares it a nuisance to maintain premises so far out of line with neighborhood maintenance standards that structural defects, such as damaged roofing or siding, admit rodents, insects, or vermin into a building. 080. 100. 150 allows that cost to become a lien against the property under Cal. 4.
Violations & Fines
Letting weeds or grass exceed 12 inches, or vegetation die back into rat and vermin harborage, is a declared public nuisance under § 6.01.030(D); ignoring a notice of violation lets the city abate the condition itself and bill the owner for the full cost plus a 33% administrative surcharge under § 6.01.130, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property under § 6.01.150. The city can also pursue a civil or criminal action instead of, or alongside, the abatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Fullerton cite me for weeds that attract rats?
What happens after the city issues a nuisance notice for overgrown vegetation?
What does it cost if the city clears the vegetation itself?
Can I appeal a rodent-harborage nuisance finding?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
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