Santa Paula Grass Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Santa Paula's Municipal Code treats excessively tall grass and vegetation as a public nuisance under Chapter 91, Section 91.02. On improved residential and commercial lots, grass and herbaceous vegetation must be kept at a manageable height — generally interpreted as no more than 12 inches — to prevent fire hazard, harborage of rodents or insects, and blight. The property owner is responsible for maintenance of all areas within the lot boundaries, including the parkway strip between the sidewalk and the street curb.

Code enforcement in Santa Paula operates primarily on a complaint-based system. Upon receiving a complaint or observing a violation during patrol, the Code Enforcement Division issues a Notice to Comply specifying a corrective deadline — typically 10 to 15 days for vegetation issues. If the owner fails to act, the city may contract a private abatement crew to mow the property and bill the cost to the owner, which can become a lien on the parcel if unpaid.

Santa Paula's warm Ventura County climate means lawns and weeds can grow quickly in spring and early summer, requiring more frequent mowing than in cooler inland areas. Vacant lots and rental properties with absent owners are common sources of violations. Owners of vacant or unoccupied parcels should arrange for regular maintenance to avoid accumulating fines and abatement costs.