CC 01-22-2025 Item No. 10. Weed Abatement Program_Staff PresentationCupertino City Council
January 22, 2025
Weed Abatement Program
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
●December 3, 2024 Council adopted Resolution
No. 24-111 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
Example
Non-
Compliant
Compliant
Example
Non-
Compliant
Compliant
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 $105 inspection fee
●Fee covers County cost of servicing the property
Noticing to Property Owners
●December 20, County sent abatement and
public hearing notice
●January 10, City sent a reminder letter
Recommended Action:
●Conduct hearing for impacted property
owners to contest the matter of proposed
abatement
●Adopt Resolution No. 25-006 ordering
abatement of public nuisance from weeds
or other fire hazards pursuant to provisions
of Cupertino Municipal Code Chapter 9.08
and Resolution No. 24-111.