WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the “Weed Abatement Program?”
In an effort to reduce vegetation fires in the Burney Fire Protection District, a Weed Abatement Program was designed. To implement this program, the District is surveyed each year by the Fire Prevention Officer. Those properties not in compliance are notified either by the posting of a pink sign on the property, done in the spring, or by letter. In either case, the property owner has thirty (30) days to abate the property or a citation is issued.
2. What authority does the District have to enforce the Weed Abatement Program?
Section 1103.2.4 Amended – Combustible Vegetation. Section 1103.2.4 of the Uniform Fire Code is hereby amended by adding the following:
In the event that abatement is not performed as required in Section 1103.2.4 herein, the Chief may give notice to the owner of the property upon which such condition exists to correct such condition. The Chief may cause the same to be done and in accordance with public nuisance abatement procedures, make the expense of such correction a lien upon the property upon which such condition exists.
3. Why did I receive a weed abatement notice?
CFC 1103.2.4 Amended states: “All weeds, dry grasses, dead shrubs, dead trees, rubbish, or any other material growing upon the streets, parking area, sidewalks, or upon private property within the city, which bears weeds of winged or downy nature or which by reason of their size, manner of growth, and location constitute a fire hazard to any building, improvements, crops or other property, and weed grasses which, when dry, will in reasonable probability constitute such a fire hazard are a public nuisance.”
In the event that abatement is not performed as required in Section 1103.2.4 herein, the Chief may give notice to the owner of the property upon which such condition exists to correct such condition. The Chief may cause the same to be done and in accordance with public nuisance abatement procedures, make the expense of such correction a lien upon the property upon which such condition exists.
4. Am I responsible for someone else dumping on my property?
Yes, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance and weed abatement of their own property at all times.
5. The property is no longer mine, what do I do with the notice?
Change in ownership of the property is not always recorded immediately. Therefore, the notice might go to the previous owner. In this case, inform the Fire Prevention Officer of the change in ownership by calling 530-335-2212.
6. Can I appeal the weed abatement notice?
Yes, a written appeal can be made by the owner or person occupying or controlling such lot or premises. The appeal must be submitted to the District Administrative Office, located at 37072 Main Street, Burney, CA 96013. The appeal will be presented at a regular Fire Board meeting and a decision will be rendered.
7. If I have several acres, do I have to abate the entire parcel?
A parcel of undeveloped land, less than five (5) acres, must be completely disked. Any parcel of land larger than five (5) acres must be disked around the perimeter and firebreaks disked to create areas no larger than 2 ½ acres. Minimum size of the firebreak will be sixty (60) feet. Parcels presenting fire hazards greater than the normal need for abatement will be disked according to the discretion of the Fire Prevention