REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the Weed Abatement Report and Ordering the Cost of Abatement to be a Special Assessment on the Respective Properties Described Therein
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
On February 23, 1976, the City Council approved a partnership with the County of Santa Clara (County) to administer the City's Weed Abatement Program. Over the past four decades, the County has managed the program efficiently and effectively. The program plays a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with overgrown vegetation and the accumulation of combustible materials, which can pose fire hazards, while also maintaining community aesthetic standards to prevent urban blight. This agreement has significantly reduced program costs for the community through economies of scale.
The contract between the County and the Santa Clara City Code designates the City Council as the final arbiter of all appeals. On January 31, 2024, in accordance with Title 8, Chapter 15 of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC), the City Council held an initial public hearing and declared weeds a nuisance. A second public hearing was convened on February 20, 2024, to address objections regarding the inclusion of certain properties in the 2024 County Weed Abatement Commencement Report and to order the abatement of the nuisance caused by growing weeds. Fifteen property owners contested their inclusion in the report and the associated fees.
In response to the input at the February 20th public hearing, the City Council directed staff to conduct a thorough review of property owners' appeals, ensuring all contested cases are carefully examined, and evaluate programmatic options for next year. Staff surveyed cities that do not participate in the County Weed Abatement Program, evaluating options for programmatic improvements. The survey of cities that do not currently partici...
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