Weed Abatement Deadlines Announced in Contra Costa County

As vegetation throughout the county starts to lose its moisture and is more prone to burn; parcels located throughout Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s jurisdiction that are not being maintained become more susceptible to exterior fire.  These fires are able to grow rapidly in size and intensity when hazardous vegetation and combustible debris are allowed to accumulate.

The basic objective of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Weed Abatement program is to eliminate the incidence of exterior fires that are attributed to hazardous vegetation such as cured grass, weeds, shrubs and combustible debris such as paper, cardboard, and plastics, where possible, and to reduce the severity of such fires where they cannot be totally eliminated.

It is a parcel owner’s responsibility to eliminate exterior fire hazards on their parcel; which may also endanger their neighbors and the community at large. Every parcel owner, regardless of property type – including residential, commercial, and vacant land — is ultimately responsible for managing the hazardous vegetation on their parcel and to ensure the hazardous vegetation meets Contra Costa County Fire Protection District’s Minimum Weed Abatement Standards.

The requirement to abate hazardous vegetation and combustible materials, from parcels, can be found in the California Health & Safety Code Section, Division 12, Part 5, and in Contra Costa County Ordinance 2023-07. “Weeds” means all wild plants growing on streets or private property in this jurisdiction. These include dry grass, tree litter, litter, or other flammable materials which are capable of being ignited and endangering the public safety by creating a fire hazard. Also includes brush that attain such a large growth as to become, when dry, a fire hazard to adjacent improved property.

Weed Abatement Standards

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has established Minimum Weed Abatement Standards for all parcels located within Fire District’s jurisdiction.  — Minimum Standards bulletin

Weed Abatement Extension Request

Extension request may only be requested when a parcel has been inspected by a Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Inspector and the parcel failed to meet the Fire District’s Minimum Weed Abatement Standards at the final inspection.

All Extension Requests shall be reviewed and may or may not be approved.

To request a weed abatement extension for a parcel, please email – [email protected]

Photo by Debbie Richey

Weed Abatement Contractor Lists

As a public service, the Fire District offers lists of some area contractors who perform vegetation management work, such as mowing, discing, and “weed-eating.” The Fire District does not endorse contractors nor imply approval of the quality of work performed.

To find a Weed Abatement contractor in your area – select the corresponding hyperlink: