The Weed Abatement Program exists to address enforcement and fire safety issues in Rio Vista and is not provided as a service. Property owners need to follow and meet the standards as set forth in the Rio Vista Municipal (Section 8.24), through work performed by themselves or a hired contractor. The properties that do not comply with the standards will be subject to City enforcement and may abated by a City contractor at the owner’s expense.
The weed abatement standards are not a one-time observance. A property owner will likely need to have their property addressed more than once during the year in order to meet the standards. Although required throughout the year, it is extremely critical that properties be maintained during peak fire season, usually from April through November.
DEFINITIONS
Abatement: The removal of combustible growth and material from property, including the investigation, inspection, preparation, service and/or publication or administrative notices and other related clerical costs, actual removal of weeds and/or rubbish whether performed by the Fire Department or a contractor.
Combustible growth:
Annual grasses, weeds, vines, ferns or other vegetation that will support fire and its growth, intensity and spread that is not decorative or cultivated.
Cost of Abatement: Any and all costs incurred by the Fire Department to enforce the weed ordinance including, but not limited to, investigation, inspection, preparation, service and/or publication or administrative notices and other related clerical costs, actual removal of weeds whether performed by the Fire Department or contractor.
Cutting: The use of rotating blades to reduce the height of combustible growth. Disking: The turning of soil and combustible growth (rototilling).
Peak Fire Season:
The time of the year where California sees increased fire activity.
Firebreak: An area without combustible material that will support or communicate fire.
Rubbish: Waste, litter. Trash, refuse, debris, wood and dirt, that when becomes dry, may pose a fire hazard.
Vegetation: Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.
Weeds: All vegetation growing upon streets or private property in this jurisdiction.
STANDARDS FOR MAINTENANCE
As per the Rio Vista Municipal Code (Section 8.24.040), the following are the standards for weed abatement in Rio Vista:
All dry grass, brush, vines or other dry vegetation shall be cleared and maintained to (6) inches in height and a minimum of 30-feet from structures or property lines. Properties greater than 5 acres, of continuous vegetation, may be required to have a fire break every 5 acres (or every 1,150 yards). Local conditions may require the clearances to be increased from 30ft, as determined by the Fire Chief / Fire Marshal.
METHODS OF ABATEMENT
Disking: The discs shall be set at an angle sufficient to cut the sod loose and adequately bury the dead growth of weeds, grass, or noxious vegetation existing at the time.
Mowing: Mowing shall be done each time the dead growth exceeds six (6) inches in height.
INSPECTION PROCESS (RVMC 8.24.060)
1. First Notice / First
Inspection -no fee
charged if noncom
pliant (courtesy
notice mailed).
2. Second Notice
Second Inspection
– (14-days follow
ing the first notice)
$95 inspection fee
charged for second
inspection if non
compliance still
exists. Second
notice
to be mailed and
posted in accordance
with the RVMC.
3. Final Inspection
– Contractor contact
ed to abate -fee
charged for total
cost of abatement.
Failure to pay fees or abatement costs, may result in the City Attorney’s Office seeking a property lien through Solano County for cost recovery.
For questions concerning weed abatement please contact: (707) 374-2233
