Sacramento Cracking Down On Tall Grass As Fire Danger Increases During Drought

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento property owners could face hundreds of dollars in fines for uncut weeds and grass on their property, as city leaders say high temperatures and the drought could put neighborhoods at greater risk.

A June 28 fire near Centerpark Way and Jacinto Avenue in South Sacramento was more than just a close call for Bertha Corona and her neighbors. The wind-whipped blaze raced through an adjacent lot filled with high grass, destroying two homes and damaging two others.

Lots with tall, dry weeds are a problem in Sacramento. City officials say they warn more than 7,000 property owners a year to clear out property filled with high weeds and debris. Those who don't can now expect to face a hefty penalty.

Property owners with weeds 12 inches or higher face up to a $1,000 fine, plus additional penalties if city workers are forced to clear out the dry grass.

"We felt it was important to get the attention of a lot of property owners to seem to not be responding very well to some of our typical notices to abate private property weeds," said Carl Simpson with the City of Sacramento.