City of Riverside
PUBLIC WORKS
DEPARTMENT
3900 Main Street
Riverside, CA
92522-3415

Weed Abatement & Brush Fire Protection

In an effort to minimize the damage caused by uncontrollable fires, Staff from the Code Compliance Division will be surveying the City to identify parcels where weed abatement is likely to be necessary. The program makes the owners of private property aware of the need to cut dead, dry vegetation that would aid the spread of a fire.

Property owners are given notices to cut and remove weeds and vegetation and an opportunity to perform the work themselves. If the resident fails to do so, the City may have a contractor perform the work. The cost of the work (contractor's cost plus an administrative fee to cover the City's cost of inspection and contract administration) will be assessed against the property.

In addition to the City's efforts, there are many things that residents can do to make their homes less vulnerable to damage from a brush fire.

Please take time to follow the steps below:

• Clear dry grass, brush and leaves, near structures.
• Use ice plants and other fire-resistant plants to landscape.
• Clear all debris from the roof, gutters and spouts.
• Remove dead limbs located over roofs and all limbs within 10 feet of chimneys.
• Prune the lower limbs within six feet of ground on all trees 18 feet high or taller to keep ground fires from spreading to trees.
• Relocate firewood at least 30 feet from all structures and 10 feet from all vegetation.
• Keep plants, shrubs and trees away from power lines.
• Keep gas and propane tanks at least 30 feet from all structures.
• Replace shake roofs with fire-resistant roofing.
• Cover chimneys and stovepipes with nonflammable screens with 2 inch (or less) mesh.
• Make sure the number of your house is clearly visible at the curbside.