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 2024 County Weed Abatement report, approved by the City Council on July 16, 2024, had a total of 205 non-compliant lots or parcels of land with an assessed cost of $57,398 to property owners. Of this amount, 161 parcels required only ongoing compliance inspections, totaling $15,360. Forty-one parcels failed the inspection and received a first administrative citation, amounting to $26,322. The County's contractor abated four parcels for $15,716.
The contract between the County and the Santa Clara City Code designates the City Council as the final arbiter of all appeals. On February 25, 2025, 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 March 25, 2025, to address objections regarding the inclusion of certain properties in the 2025 County Weed Abatement Commencement Report and to order the abatement of the nuisance caused by growing weeds.
In response to public input received at the March 25th hearing, the City ...
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