Weed abatement property inspections begin May 13 

Purpose of the program is to decrease fire hazards

– Paso Robles Fire & Emergency Services is reminding residents and property owners about the city’s weed abatement program. The purpose of this program is to decrease fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris. Property inspections will begin May 13, and property owners must maintain their properties to the below requirements.

These requirements are for the entire property, not just the front yards. Weed abatement will help to minimize danger to not only your property but your neighbors, too.

If you have questions or require the names of contractors who perform weed abatement and lot cleaning, call the emergency services department at (805) 227-7560.

Properties less than 10 acres

• Clear lots by mowing or discing to a maximum height of 4 inches. This includes vegetation that may be green now but dries later. Remove all cuttings.
• Clear all dead leaves, weeds, brush, trees, and tree limbs.
• Remove excess trash, wood, or other combustibles from the property.
• Clearance shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width at the perimeter of the property and from any roadway, 10 feet from any driveway, and a minimum of 100 feet around all structures.
• Clearance shall be a minimum of fifty feet around oak trees.
• Grass and other vegetation located more than fifty feet from any structure and less than eighteen inches in height may be maintained where necessary on slopes at or above forty-five degrees to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
• These requirements are for all portions of your property, including your backyard.
• Properties must be cleared of hazardous fuels year-round.

Properties more than 10 acres

• Properties greater than 10 acres shall include fire breaks at the Fire Marshal’s discretion.
• Clearance shall be a minimum of 50 feet in width at the perimeter of a parcel and from any roadway, 10 feet from any driveway, and a minimum of 100 feet around all structures.
• Orchards/vineyards shall be mowed or disced to a distance of fifty feet on both sides of any roadway.
• Abatement work under the dripline of an oak tree shall not disturb the soil.
• Properties must be cleared of hazardous fuels year-round.

Exemptions to weed abatement ordinance:

• Growing hay and grain awaiting harvest; need to be cut at harvest time; any uncut hay or grain uncut past harvest time will be subject to abatement.
• Fenced pastures are exempt where existing livestock will significantly reduce weeds and grasses.

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.