CC 01-17-2024 Item No. 10. Weed Abatement Program_Staff PresentationCupertino City Council
January 17, 2024
Weed Abatement Program
CC 01-17-2024 Item No. 10
Weed Abatement Program
●In place to prevent fire hazards posed by
vegetative growth and combustible materials
●Managed by the Santa Clara County
Department of Agriculture
●City Code 9.08 requires property owners to
remove or destroy weeds
●Compliance is required annually by April 30
and throughout the year
Weed Abatement Program
●Noncompliant properties are added to the
program
●Properties remain on the list for three years
●They are removed, if found to be hazard free
during that time
●November 7, Council adopted Resolution No.
23-117 accepting the County report of
noncompliant properties
Owner Responsibilities
Minimum Safety Standards
●Vegetation height must not exceed 6 inches
●Includes roadways and driveways
●Clear vegetation from 30’ from structures
●Clear combustible debris
●Clear under the eaves of houses
●Clear roof and gutters
●Trim tree branches 10’ from chimney
Compliance
Before After
Compliance
Before After
Abatement Options
●Option 1: homeowner completes the required
work
●Option 2: authorized contractor completes
the work, charges appearing on next property
tax bill
Inspections
●The County begins conducting property
inspections after April 30
●Every property in the program receives an initial
inspection
●All properties are charged a $96 inspection fee
●Fee covers County cost of servicing the property
Service Level Reduction (SLR)
●On November 21, 2023, Council approved SLRs
defunding a subsidy of $8,600 annually
●In previous years, County administrative fee was
waived for properties that abated before the April
30 deadline
●The City will no longer cover these costs
Noticing to Property Owners
●November 29, County notice of public
hearing and abatement requirement
●December 21, City reminder letter to abate
by April 30 and maintain year-round
●City letter included notification of
administrative fee changes
Recommended Action:
●Conduct hearing for impacted property
owners to contest the matter of proposed
abatement
●Adopt Resolution No. 24-010 ordering
abatement of public nuisance from weeds
or other fire hazards pursuant to provisions
of Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 9.08
and Resolution No. 23-117.