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1. Where does Weed Abatement apply?

• All undeveloped parcels (vacant lots)
• All developed parcels over .5 acres having over .5 acres of unimproved land
• All parcels located within the Wildland Urban Interface Fire Areas

2. What is Weed Abatement?

Weed abatement is the actual removal of combustible growth and material from property actual removal of weeds and/or rubbish as performed by the parcel owner or a contractor hired by the parcel owner. Parcels that are not in compliance and have received notices and have not taken action to comply with their notices will be sent to a contractor hired by the City of Santa Rosa Fire Department. The parcel owner will be held responsible for all costs incurred including the initial inspection fees (including the investigation, inspection, preparation, service, and/or publication or administrative notices and other related clerical costs performed by the Fire Department).

3. Does the Fire Department spray for weeds or perform the removal of weeds/rubbish?

No. The property owner is responsible for removal of weeds/rubbish. The Fire Department inspects the property for compliance.

4. What do I do if I receive a notice?

Each year, information regarding the weed abatement program is included in water bills and
messaged to the public through various methods including social media and our website. Please
inspect your property and take whatever actions are necessary to bring your property into
compliance before it is inspected.
Inspect your property frequently throughout the year. You are required to maintain your property
per the ordinance #3681 throughout until the end of the fire season.
• If the property is maintained properly and is in compliance when inspected by the City, owners
will not be charged for the inspection.
• If a property is not in compliance when inspected by the City, the owner will then receive a
reminder notice and a re-inspection will occur after a minimum of 2 weeks.
• If a property remains uncorrected during the second inspection, the property owner will be issued
a violation notice and charged for all costs related to the inspection and re- inspection of that
property.
If you are maintaining your property to be in compliance, we thank you and appreciate your fire
prevention efforts.

5. What does it mean if I have received a "violation notice"?

Property owners are responsible to maintain their properties to be in compliance at all times and
inspections are conducted throughout the fire season.
If a property is not in compliance when inspected by the City, the owner will then receive a notice
of violation and a re-inspection will occur after a minimum of 2 weeks.
The violation notice that has been received should list any violation that was found on the
property as well as a timeline for when the property is scheduled to  be
inspected again.

Property owners are required to correct all violations on the property as soon as
possible to avoid additional charges from the City.
Because the property was not in compliance with the requirements of the City's Ordinance when it
was inspected for the second time, you are being charged for the Fire Department's costs related to
all inspections of your property.
If the violation(s) listed is/are not corrected prior to the next inspection, the City is
authorized to hire a contractor to abate the property at the property owner's expense, in addition
to any other charges and all expenses related to the inspections of the property. Any unpaid
charges will be added to the property owner's tax bill as a lien on
the property.

6. Can I dispute a violation or an invoice?

Yes. You must provide the following information in writing:
• Invoice number
• Parcel number
• Photo documentation that your issues have been resolved per the requirements of the Ordinance
• Any receipts and/or evidence that you have that pertain to the resolution of the issue
• A signed letter explaining why you are disputing the violation
• Send to:
Santa Rosa Fire Department
Weed Abatement: Dispute
2373 Circadian Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95407

7. What if I do nothing?

If the violation(s) listed is/and not corrected prior to the next inspection, the City is authorized to hire a contractor to abate the property at the property owner’s expense in addition to any other charges and all expenses related to the inspections of the property.

8. Will I be charged for that?

Yes. You will be responsible for all costs incurred for the contractor, inspections, and administration fees. These fees can be attached to your tax roll for you parcel.

9. What if I am the new owner, and the previous notices were not received by me?

We ask that you dispute that charges following the instructions above. The charges will follow the parcel, and may be added to the tax roll for that property. Any previous owner information is helpful.

10. What if the parcel is owned by a group/corporation, and I was not receiving my mail at my mailing address?

The mailing address is provided through the Sonoma County Assessor’s Office that the group/corporation designated. The group/corporation is still responsible for any and all costs incurred for the parcel. It is strongly recommended that any changes are updated at the County Recorder’s Office.