Weed abatement property inspections begin May 13
Purpose of the program is to decrease fire hazards
Purpose of the program is to decrease fire hazards– Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services will begin inspections for weed abatement compliance on May 5 as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce fire hazards.
The inspections follow the city’s Weed Abatement Ordinance, which requires residents and property owners to remove overgrown vegetation and combustible debris. The ordinance applies to entire properties, not just front yards.
Officials urge community members to help minimize fire danger for their own property and neighboring areas by maintaining their land in accordance with the ordinance.
Property owners seeking assistance can contact Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services at (805) 227-7560 for a list of contractors who perform weed abatement and lot cleaning.
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.
