Full Notification

City of Petaluma, California

Press Release

Fire Department, 198 D Street, Petaluma, CA  94952

(707) 778-4390 / Fax (707) 931-0668 /  E-mail: [email protected]

Seasonal Weed Abatement Requirements

Petaluma CA–Despite getting much needed rain this winter, California is still in a drought.  Droughts increase the risk of wildfires so being prepared is critical. The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau and the City of Petaluma Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division is reminding residents to remove dead vegetation around their properties to create a “defensible space” that will improve their home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Weed Abatement insures that firefighters can effectively stop fires from spreading from open space areas to homes and other structures.

Each year, Petaluma’s Weed Abatement Program begins with the Petaluma City Council, through resolution, declaring weeds to be a public nuisance, and the public is duly noticed. Weed Abatement notices are mailed to property owners with properties which, if not abated, can pose a fire hazard during the dry season. 

Inspections are conducted throughout the dry season, and the property must be maintained in order to remain in compliance. Even if a property owner abates their property early in the season, there is potential for re-growth, which must be abated again. If at any time the property is determined to be a hazard, the property may be abated by the City without additional notice.

There are two different departments that manage the program:

• The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau handles complaints and abatement for undeveloped commercial and residential properties, city owned parcels, and all open space areas.  Undeveloped property usually refers to commercial or residentially zoned parcels that do not have any structures built upon them.  For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/firedept/pdf/weed-abatement-guidelines.pdf , or call  (707) 778-4389
• The Petaluma Code Enforcement division handles complaints and abatement for all developed commercial and residential properties.  Developed property usually refers to any commercial or residentially zoned properties with existing structures built upon them.  For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/police/ce.html , or call (707) 778-4469.

Please help us keep Petaluma fire-safe with the abatement of weeds and by following theses fire prevention tips:

• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks that start fires. Use caution.
• Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass.
• Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters.
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson.
• Keep all weeds and grasses below 6 inches in height in residential areas.
• Remove all dead vegetation from your property, including dead or diseased trees.