The City of Manteca’s Annual Weed Abatement Program will kick off May 1

It is designed to enforce the City ordinance governing property owners’ responsibility to control weeds or other growth on their property to reduce fire hazards.

The Manteca Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for administering this program.

 It is currently responding to citizen complaints regarding properties violating the City’s weed ordinance, Chapter 8.16, which requires that grass and weeds be shorter than 6 inches in height.

 If a violation exists, the property owner will receive a written notice of violation requesting the property owner to cut the weeds or vegetation within 30 days of the written notice.

If the property owner fails to comply within the given time, the City will then proceed to hire an independent contractor to mow the property.

The owner will be responsible for the cost of the contractor’s work.

In addition to the abatement costs, the property owner will also receive a municipal infraction citation with a mandatory penalty of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $500 for each subsequent offense.

“The Manteca Fire Department has seen a reduction in weed abatement citations over the past two years. It is our goal to reduce fire hazards in Manteca through the abatement of this common nuisance.” Manteca Fire Chief Dave Marques said. “We’re grateful to achieve compliance from our residents without the need to issue citations whenever possible, ultimately creating a safer community for all.”

Rains this winter along with a mild start to spring has created a bumper crop of weeds.

If allowed to stay in place and dry out, they can create a serious fire hazards.

It is not unusual for grass fires to spread to homes in urbanized areas.

Three homes were lost west of Manteca three years ago.

A grass fire along Interstate 5 in 2019 fueled a grass fire that led to 36 homes being destroyed when winds quickly spreads the flames,

 City rules for weed control can be found in Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 and are available for viewing on the City’s website at www.manteca.gov

If you have questions about the Weed Abatement Program or want to report a property that is not being maintained, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (209) 456-8340