Burbank Weed Ordinances Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Burbank's property maintenance standards require all private property to be kept free of weeds and vegetation that constitute a nuisance or fire hazard. While the municipal code does not specify a precise weed height threshold, weedy, overgrown, and debris-filled properties are subject to code enforcement action. Complaints are routed based on location: Code Enforcement handles weeds and overgrown vegetation on private property, while Public Works manages weed growth along streets, alleys, and parkways. Property owners who receive a notice of violation have a compliance period — typically 10 to 30 days depending on severity — to clear the offending vegetation before fines begin accruing.

For properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), weed abatement takes on additional urgency as a fire safety matter. These parcels are included in the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures (ACWM) weed abatement program, which operates under California Health and Safety Code Sections 14875 through 14922. Under this program, property owners receive annual notification to clear hazardous vegetation from their land. If the required clearance is not completed by the deadline, the county may authorize contractors to perform the abatement work and bill the property owner for all costs — including contractor fees and administrative overhead — which may be placed as a lien on the property. Burbank also participates in free mulch distribution programs to encourage residents to replace combustible ground cover with inert mulch in fire-prone areas. Free mulch is available by calling Parks and Recreation at (818) 238-5304. Additionally, gas-powered leaf blowers — which can scatter dry vegetation and fire material — are regulated under Burbank MC 9-3-214 and prohibited in residential zones between 6 PM and 8 AM.