The Susanville Fire Department has officially announced that the deadline for local weed abatement is Monday, June 29th. Property owners within the Susanville City Limits are strictly required to clear all weeds and potential fire hazards prior to this date to ensure community safety and assist in regional wildfire prevention efforts.
With fire season quickly approaching, local fire officials emphasize that creating defensible space is crucial for protecting lives and property. The Susanville Fire Department maintains the final authority on determining whether a parcel is sufficiently safe from fire spread and complies with the “intent of the code.”
Local Compliance & City Codes
Per City Code Section 8.28.030, it is unlawful for any landowner, agent, lessee, or tenant to allow weeds, rubbish, or refuse to grow or remain on any piece of land, as well as on sidewalks or streets directly in front of their property.
The fire department notes that standard acceptable abatement methods include mowing, disking, or scraping. For residents who choose to mow, the remaining combustible growth must be cut down and strictly maintained at a maximum height of 4 inches throughout the dry season.
Mandatory Weed Abatement Standards
To comply with local regulations, all properties must meet the following clear guidelines before the June 29th cutoff:
Building Clearance: A minimum 30-foot wide cleared space must be mowed or disked around all buildings and structures.
Perimeter Clearance: A minimum 50-foot wide space must be cleared around the property’s entire perimeter adjacent to public streets or sidewalks.
Cross-Breaks: Property owners must establish 30-foot wide cross-breaks every 50 feet maximum, unless the entire parcel is completely mowed or disked.
Tree & Foliage Maintenance: Ground clearance must extend at least 30 feet beyond the foliage of any group of trees. Downward or dead branches must be completely removed, and lower branches must be trimmed up to 6 feet from the ground (or 1/3 the height for smaller trees).
Debris & Storage: All rubbish, trash, trimmings, rubble, or loose litter must be entirely removed from the property. Stored wood, fuel, or lumber must be neatly stacked, and all weeds and grass must be cleared at least 10 feet away from any combustible storage setups.
CRUCIAL FIRE SAFETY NOTE: The Susanville Fire Department emphasizes that abatement by open burning is strictly prohibited within city limits.
Special Assessments & Contact Information
Certain properties, such as managed pastures, greenbelts, or environmentally sensitive areas, require individual assessments. Residents who believe their property falls under one of these unique categories are urged to contact the fire department directly for a professional on-site evaluation.
For questions regarding the Susanville Weed Abatement Program or specific parcel requirements, contact the Susanville Fire Department at 1.530.257.5152 or email [email protected].
