The Susanville Fire Department has officially announced that the deadline for local weed abatement is Monday, June 29, 2026. Property owners within the Susanville City Limits are required to clear all weeds and potential fire hazards prior to this date to assist in regional firefighting and wildfire prevention efforts.
The Susanville Fire Department maintains the final authority on determining whether a property 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, 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 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.
Specific Property Standards
The city has established detailed protocols for clearing residential and commercial areas:
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Building Clearance: A minimum 30-foot wide cleared space must be mowed or disked around all buildings.
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Perimeter Clearance: A minimum 50-foot wide space must be cleared around the property’s perimeter adjacent to streets or sidewalks.
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Cross-Breaks: Property owners must establish 30-foot wide cross-breaks every 50 feet maximum, unless the entire parcel is completely mowed or disked.
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Tree & Foliage Maintenance: Ground clearance must extend at least 30 feet beyond the foliage of any group of trees. Downward 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).
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Debris & Storage: All rubbish, trash, trimmings, rubble, or loose litter must be entirely removed from the property. Any stored wood, fuel, or lumber must be neatly stacked or hauled away. Additionally, 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.
Residents seeking further information or clarification regarding specific parcels—including pastures, greenbelts, or environmentally sensitive areas that require individual assessments—are urged to contact the Susanville Fire Department directly at 530-257-5152 or via email at [email protected]. Information can also be reviewed on-site at the station located at 1505 Main Street, Susanville, CA 96130.
