Bakersfield Municipal Code Ch. 8.28 Weeds and Debris

A. All weeds which are described in this section growing upon any private property or in any public street, sidewalk or alley within the city, are declared to be a public nuisance, subject to abatement and removal in accordance with the procedures specified in this chapter. This remedy is in addition to any other provided by law, including penalty provisions applicable for violations of provisions of this chapter.

B. The term “weeds” includes:

1. Weeds which bear seeds of a downy or wingy nature;

2. Sagebrush, chaparral, and any other brush or weeds which attain such large growth as to become, when
dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property;

3. Weeds which are otherwise noxious or dangerous;

4. Poison oak and poison ivy, when the conditions of growth are such as to constitute a menace to the
public health;

5. Dry grasses, stubble, brush, dead shrubs, dead trees, litter or other flammable material which endanger
the public safety by creating a fire hazard. (Ord. 3275 § 1, 1990; Ord. 3070 § 1, 1986; prior code § 8.80.010)

“Waste matter” means any unused or discarded matter having no substantial market value, which is exposed to the elements and is not enclosed in any structure or otherwise concealed from public view, and which by reason of its location and character, would materially hamper or interfere with the suppression or prevention of fire upon the premises. All waste matter described in this section is declared to be a public nuisance, subject to abatement and removal in accordance with the procedures specified in this chapter. This remedy is in addition to any other provided by law, including penalty provisions applicable for violations of provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 3275 § 2, 1990; Ord. 3070 § 1, 1986; prior code § 8.80.020)

A. It is unlawful for any person to maintain weeds and waste matter on public or private property in such a manner as constitutes a nuisance as defined in Sections 8.28.010 and 8.28.020 of this chapter.

B. Any person who violates any provisions of this section shall be punished as set forth in general penalty provisions Section 1.40.010.

C. Each day during which any violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. (Ord. 3431 § 3, 1992; Ord. 3275 § 3, 1990; Ord. 3070 § 1, 1986; prior code § 8.80.020)

Except as the chief of the Bakersfield city fire department or authorized representative (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the “chief”) determines otherwise, the abatement of each nuisance described in Sections 8.28.010 and 8.28.020 shall be accomplished by the complete removal of all weeds and waste matter, as defined. The chief may, at his or her discretion, determine and direct that the nuisance be abated by removal of less than all such weeds and waste matter. At his or her discretion, the chief may also dictate the manner by which such weeds are removed, including by mowing, discing or some other means. The chief may take action to abate the nuisance pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 8.80 of this code. (Ord. 4030 § 1, 2001; Ord. 3440 § 2, 1992; Ord. 3070 § 1, 1986; Ord. 2872 § 1, 1983)