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

The weed abatement program in Santa Clarita is a joint effort between the LA County Fire Department and the LA County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department (ACWM). Properties covered by the hazardous vegetation abatement program must remove dirt, rubbish, weeds, and other growths from the property and any adjacent sidewalks. This program is particularly critical in Santa Clarita given the city's history of devastating wildfires including the Sand Fire (2016) and Tick Fire (2019).

Property owners must maintain a minimum of 100 feet of clearance from any home or other structure adjacent to the property, and a minimum of 10 feet along roads. Within 30 feet of a home or structure, there should be very little to no native brush. Beyond 30 feet, individual specimens of native brush may remain as long as they are isolated from one another by a distance of at least 15 feet or three times their diameter, and are maintained free of all dead and dying material. Dry grass and weeds must be cut to 3 inches or less throughout the clearance area.

Property owners who receive a Notice of Violation must complete the specified clearance tasks by the deadline provided. If the owner fails to complete the work, the County will perform the task and charge the owner a fee. These costs may be placed as a lien on the property. The program runs year-round, with increased inspection activity before and during fire season (typically May through November in the Santa Clarita Valley).