Weed Abatement
Weed Abatement Program
The City of Hemet Fire Prevention Bureau conducts annual weed and waste inspections throughout the City. These inspections ensure that owners maintain their property free of nuisance conditions, as the Hemet Municipal Code requires.
NOTICE TO ALL HEMET PROPERTY OWNERS
The City of Hemet will begin Spring Weed Abatement and Rubbish Removal Inspections on all Hemet properties starting on June 01, 2025.
PLEASE HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN BY REMOVING AND PROPERLY DISPOSING OF ALL WEEDS AND RUBBISH FROM YOUR PROPERTY.
COMPLIANCE
Property owners must follow and meet the City of Hemet Municipal Code standards personally or by hiring a private contractor. A city contractor will abate property that does not comply with standards at the owner's expense. This is not a free service, and owners are responsible for reimbursing the City’s costs to clean their property.
PROPERTY OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Weeding the subject property by mowing, discing, and performing any necessary handwork along fence lines, sidewalks, parkways, driveways, streets, or structures.
- Cleaning the subject property of all green waste, solid waste, trash, and debris.
- Vacant Lots
NON-COMPLAINT ABATEMENT NOTICE
Notice will be given if one or more of the following violations exist on the subject property (including, without limitation):
- Green Waste
- Overgrown, dead or decaying vegetation, tall green grass and weeds
- Solid Waste
- Trash, debris, junk, concrete, asphalt, construction materials, furniture, scrap metal, scrap lumber, machinery, appliance(s), inoperable vehicle(s), equipment, or any portion, piece or part thereof.
All weeds growing upon the city's parkways or private property constitute a seasonal and recurrent hazardous condition that must be abated under the provisions of California Government Code Sections 39560.
2025 WEED ABATEMENT TIMELINE
April 17, 2025: Sent a courtesy letter reminding property owners of the July 1, 2025, compliance deadline for weed abatement.
May 13, 2025: Council to adopt a resolution for weed abatement, declaring a hazardous condition.
May 14, 2025: This is the second letter to property owners who need weed abatement.
June 24, 2025: Public hearing on Weed Abatement
July 1, 2025: Deadline for abatement by the property owner
July 31, 2025: The City processes and sends invoices to property owners for services rendered by the contractor and requests full payment.
HEARING
For those who wish to dispute the notice, the weed abatement hearing will be held on June 24, 2025.
FAILURE TO COMPLY
For violation(s) not corrected by the Compliance Deadline Date, the City of Hemet will abate the violation(s) and assess all costs against the subject property. A Lien may be filed with the San Bernardino County Assessor against the subject property.
FAILURE TO ABATE
Failure to correct the violation(s) by the Compliance Deadline Date shall be deemed your denial of consent for the City or its agents to enter the property to abate the violation(s) for obtaining an abatement warrant from the court.
Note: Regrowth of seasonal or recurrent vegetation, such as weeds and grasses, due to intermittent or late rains may result in a need for multiple weedings of the subject property. Property maintenance should be done on a year-round basis. If you have any questions, please call the Chief Building Official/ Deputy Fire Marshal at (951)765-2480
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to clear my property?
You must maintain your property year-round. Hemet Municipal Code Sections 30-31 require property abatement throughout the calendar year.
Where can I find the ordinance?
You can view the full ordinance by clicking the link below
https://library.municode.com/ca/hemet/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH14BUBURE_ARTIXFIHARE
How do I find a weed abatement contractor?
You can search online for a reputable contractor or use a public list from the City of Hemet.
Please note that this list is not an endorsement by the City of Hemet in any manner and is only presented for public convenience.
I cleared my property earlier in the year, but it rained and grew back. Do I have to clean the property again?
Yes, you must clean the property again. The property owner’s responsible for maintaining abatement throughout the year, especially during Fire Season (typically from April through November).
How much does the City charge for abatement?
Costs vary and are set by contract. Hiring your contractor is often more affordable.
Can I burn cut vegetation?
No. The Air Quality Management District and the Fire Department do not allow open burning for fire clearance.
What if I don’t own the property listed in the notice?
If you receive a notice for a property you no longer own, contact the Chief Building Official/Deputy Fire Marshal at 951-765-2480
What if my property is in Escrow?
Even if your property is in escrow, you are still responsible for complying with local ordinances.
Who is responsible for weeds in easements?
As the property owner, you are responsible for maintaining the easements within your parcel boundaries.
What will happen if I choose not to clear the violation from my property?
If you don’t clear the violation, your property may face fines, forced abatement, and liens on your tax roll. Hiring a contractor is more cost-effective.
What do I do if some of the vegetation on the property is for protected habitat or erosion control?
Do not remove any protected habitat or erosion control vegetation. Please get in touch with our staff at 951-765-2480 to discuss your property and the appropriate way to comply with the City's ordinance.
Weed Abatement Map and Video
Weed Abatement Map Link:
https://hemet.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=6a5190ba3e0b41f89111a0171ac60e4a
Weed Abatement Video Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D8lukRZnxFjAnsheGK8td-WCaU6agrqQ/view?usp=drivesdk