Weed Abatement
Information
Under Chapter 8.12 of the Winters Municipal Code, the Winters Fire Department enforces the Weed and Rubbish Abatement Law.
The Winters Fire Department has identified three dates for weeds that pose a fire hazard or are noxious or dangerous and/or rubbish. April 10, 2023, June 19, 2023, and dependent on weather conditions and regrowth, a potential third date of July 9, 2023.
Should your property be identified as a potential property with weeds that pose a fire hazard or are noxious or dangerous and/or rubbish, you will receive a courtesy letter from the Fire Department. To remove your property from consideration, please mow or disk grass or weeds and/or remove rubbish as directed in the weed abatement specifications below and submit proof to the Winters Fire Department. The department can be contacted by phone at 530-795-4131 or by email at wifd.records@wintersfire.org.
Property owners are asked to remove, mow or disk grass and weeds that are over six (6) inches high, down to two (2) inches or shorter and in accordance with the attached Weed Abatement Specifications. Additionally, dry vegetation and combustible rubbish should be removed to create a fire break. The combination of a fire break and removal of dry vegetation greatly increases fire safety for you and your community.
Mowing or cutting of grass/weeds should be done when the temperature is low and humidity is high, preferably before 10:00 a.m. Please be advised that mowing grass on windy days is not advisable at any time of the day.
Properties in non-compliance may be subject to a resolution declaring weeds a nuisance. Should a resolution be necessary, the City Clerk will notify property owners of a public hearing at a City Council meeting. Should the resolution be approved, the City Council would consider ordering immediate weed abatement to be performed by a contractor at the owners’ expense.
Weed Abatement Specifications
Contact Information:
Please contact the Winters Fire Department by email at wifd.records@wintersfire.org or by phone at (530) 795-4131 should you have any questions regarding this process.
Property Sold:
If you sold your property during this year; please instruct your title company to contact this office as to the new owner’s information. We will inform the new owner of this notice. You will be responsible for the work done prior to sale. The new owner will be responsible for work done after date of sale.
Fire Breaks:
Any firebreaks intended to be installed in lieu of standard abatement removal procedures must have prior Department approval.
Plowing/Disking:
All discing or rototilling shall be completed so that all weeds, grass, crops, or other vegetation or organic material shall be completely removed or turned under leaving mostly mineral earth so as not to be a fire hazard or public nuisance. If your parcel is greater than 10 acres, a 30-foot-wide firebreak with no vegetation must be maintained on agricultural lands that abut buildings, wooden fences, roads, etc. All agricultural stubble or residual growth must be abated as soon as possible after harvest.
Mowing / Scraping:
This method is acceptable for residential lots suitable for building when no other means of abatement is possible. Areas that are mowed shall be mowed to 2 inches or lower. No piles of vegetation may be allowed to stand on any part of the lot or street.
Spraying:
Spray application of approved chemicals is allowable. Dead or dry vegetation over 6 inches in height left behind shall be removed. When an excess amount of matted vegetation remains on the sprayed lot creating a fire hazard then that vegetation shall be removed.
Debris Removal:
Any flammable or combustible debris (i.e. scrap lumber, fallen trees, etc.), which would cause or increase the spread of fire or any debris that would hinder adequate abatement (i.e. concrete, rocks, junk, dirt mounds, etc.) shall be removed. Noxious vegetation, dry or wet, shall be removed.