Chapter 6.12
WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT*

6.12.010    Weed and rubbish abatement—Statutory authority—Superintendent designated.

6.12.020    Burning—Permit required—Violation—Penalty.

*    Prior ordinance history: Ord. 740.

6.12.010 Weed and rubbish abatement—Statutory authority—Superintendent designated.

The abatement of weeds and rubbish within the city shall be carried out pursuant to Article 2 (Section 39560 et seq.) of Chapter 13, Part 2, Division 3 of Title III of the Government Code. The fire chief shall act as "superintendent" for purposes of such weed and rubbish abatement. (Ord. 1028 § 2 (part), 1985).

6.12.020 Burning—Permit required—Violation—Penalty.

(a)    It is unlawful to remove or clean such weeds, rubbish or other material from any property, lands or lots in the city or upon the street, parking or sidewalk in front of any such property, lands or lots by setting fire to, igniting or burning such weeds, rubbish or other material; provided, that the chief of the fire department, or his authorized deputy, may issue a written permit for the burning of weeds, rubbish or other material upon any portion of a lot or parcel of land if such weeds, rubbish or other material have been severed from the land and have been collected in one or more piles. The chief of the fire department, or his authorized deputy, may issue such written permit upon such terms as conform to the provisions of this section. It shall be the duty of such officer to incorporate in the permit such terms and conditions as in his opinion adequately safeguard the public safety and property. The permit shall be issued in duplicate and the officer shall keep one copy on file in his office. No person shall set fire to, ignite or burn such weeds, rubbish or other material upon the street, parking or sidewalk.

(b)    In those cases where the property, lands or lots are so situated or where the circumstances are such that it is impracticable to clear the same by hand or machinery, subject to the approval of the chief of the fire department or his authorized deputy, the provision of this chapter relating to the removal of weeds, rubbish or other material shall be deemed complied with if a firebreak is cleared of all vegetation, stubble, chaff and inflammable material for a distance not less than twenty-five feet from any building or structure and for a distance of not less than ten feet from the outer circumference of any tree, shrub, hedge or vegetation, or from any street, highway, way, road or sidewalk. Additional firebreaks may be required by the chief of the fire department or his authorized deputy when deemed necessary to safeguard property and prevent the spread of fire.

(c)    Any person, firm or corporation who or which violates any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction and upon conviction thereof is punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars.

(d)    It shall be the duty of the chief of the fire department to enforce the provisions of this section. (Ord. 1247 (part), 1999; Ord. 1160 § 12, 1993; Ord. 1028 § 2 (part), 1985).