Hey, Petaluma! Less Than 2 Weeks To Get Rid Of Dead Vegetation

With increasing fire danger, the Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau in conjunction with the Petaluma Police Department’s Code Enforcement Division would like to remind residents to remove dead vegetation to create a “defensible space” to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire.

Weed Abatement insures that property owners maintain a “defensible space” around their properties that would allow firefighters to effectively stop fires from spreading from open space areas to homes and other structures. 

Each year, the program begins with the Petaluma City Council, through resolution, declaring weeds to be a public nuisance, and the public is duly noticed.

Weed Abatement notices are mailed to properties where a problem is anticipated or where the property, if not abated, can pose a threat during the dry season.

The City of Petaluma requires weed abatement compliance by May 31. 

It is important to know that inspections are conducted throughout the dry season, and the property must be maintained in order to remain in compliance.

Even if a property owner abates their property early in the season, there is potential for re-growth. If at any time the property is determined to be a hazard, the property may be abated without additional notice. 

There are two different departments that manage the program:
 
• The Petaluma Fire Prevention Bureau handles complaints and abatement for undeveloped commercial and residential properties, city owned parcels, and all open space areas. Undeveloped property usually refers to commercial or residentially zoned parcels that do not have any structures built upon them. For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/firedept/pdf/weed-abatement-guidelines.pdf , or call (707) 778-4389 

• The Petaluma Code Enforcement division handles complaints and abatement for all developed commercial and residential properties. Developed property usually refers to any commercial or residentially zoned properties with existing structures built upon them. For additional information, or to report a problem, please visit http://cityofpetaluma.net/police/ce.html , or call (707) 778-4469.

 Please help us keep Petaluma fire-safe with the abatement of weeds and by following theses fire prevention tips:
 
• Don’t mow or trim dry grass on hot or windy days. 
• Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass. 
• Make sure all portable gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters. 
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson. 
• Keep all weeds and grasses below 6 inches in height in residential areas. 
• Remove all dead vegetation from your property, including dead or diseased trees.