San Joaquin County Weed Abatement Guidelines – 2025

San Joaquin County enforces weed abatement regulations under Ordinance 4286 to reduce fire hazards caused by overgrown vegetation and combustible debris. These regulations apply to all unincorporated areas and are enforced by the County Fire Warden and local fire districts.

Fire Hazard Reduction Requirements:

• Firebreaks:
  • Properties under 2 acres: The entire property must be cleared of hazardous vegetation.
  • Properties over 2 acres: A minimum 100-foot firebreak must be maintained around all structures and along property lines.
  • Agricultural properties: Must maintain a 15-foot firebreak along property lines and a 100-foot clearance around structures and combustible storage areas.
• Vegetation Height: Mowed or cut vegetation must not exceed 4 inches in height.
• Approved Abatement Methods:
  • Discing or rototilling is preferred.
  • Mowing is allowed if clippings are dispersed to reduce fire risk.
  • Grazing with livestock is permitted, but firebreaks must still be maintained.
• Public Right-of-Way: Property owners are responsible for maintaining the area between their property and the street to ensure it remains free of fire hazards.
• Red Flag Warnings: Stricter enforcement and precautions may apply during high fire danger periods.

Enforcement Process:

1. Initial inspection by fire district personnel.
2. First notice issued with a 14-day compliance period.
3. Final notice issued with an additional 14 days to comply.
4. If not corrected, the County may conduct forced abatement and charge the property owner.
5. Unpaid charges may result in a lien against the property.

Contact Information:

For information specific to residents of the Farmington Fire District or the surrounding area, please call Farmington Fire Station 41 at (209) 886-5321 or contact the nearest fire station for assistance. For general county-level inquiries, contact the San Joaquin County Fire Prevention Bureau at (209) 468-3380 or email fire_prevention@sjgov.org.

Links and downloads for more information:

San Joaquin County Fire Prevention

Abatement Guidelines