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

Glendale's weed abatement requirements are driven by the city's proximity to the Verdugo Mountains and the ongoing wildfire risk in Southern California. Property owners are expected to maintain their properties free of hazardous vegetation throughout the year. Dense native brush, certain ornamental vegetation, and neglected or dead landscaping can burn almost any time of the year, while new annual weeds and grass may not become a significant hazard until they start to dry in late spring.

Property owners must maintain a minimum defensible space of 100 feet from any home or other structure adjacent to the property and a minimum of 10 feet along roads. Within this clearance area, there should be no dry, dead, or neglected landscaping or ornamental vegetation, including cultivated ground cover such as grass, ivy, succulents, or similar plants, if such vegetation provides a means of transmitting fire to a structure. The Glendale Fire Department conducts inspections and issues notices to abate fire hazards.

In addition to fire safety requirements, the general landscaping provisions of the Municipal Code require that all vegetation on property or easements be trimmed so that no part extends above any street or sidewalk to a height of less than 9 feet. Every owner or tenant must keep bushes, trees, and other vegetation trimmed so it does not interfere with safe vehicle operation on streets. Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (818) 548-4810 for questions about vegetation clearance requirements.