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

Santa Paula's weed abatement program is grounded in both local ordinance and California Government Code Sections 39560 through 39588, which authorize cities to establish annual programs requiring property owners to clear fire-hazard weeds before the start of fire season. Each year, typically before June 1, property owners must ensure that dry, dead, or overgrown weeds are cleared from their parcels. The Santa Paula Fire Division and Code Enforcement Division coordinate to identify non-compliant parcels.

When a parcel is found to be non-compliant, the city issues a Notice and Order to Abate, providing the owner a brief window — often 10 to 30 days — to clear the weeds. If the owner does not act, the city contracts with a private vegetation management company to clear the property. All costs, plus a statutory administrative overhead charge, are billed directly to the owner. If unpaid, these costs are placed as a special assessment and lien on the property through the County of Ventura.

In Santa Paula, weed abatement is taken seriously given the city's location in the Santa Clara River valley and its proximity to hillsides and agricultural land that can serve as fire corridors. Invasive species such as mustard, filaree, and wild oats are common throughout the region and dry out quickly during the hot summer months, creating significant fire risk. Property owners should not wait for a notice — proactive clearance before the deadline avoids all fines and fees.