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
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 five 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 2025 County Weed Abatement Assessment report, approved by City Council on July 15, 2025, assessed a total of 204 non-compliant lots or parcels of land for a total cost of $185,246.65. This amount included initial inspections, enforcement actions, actual abatement, and rollover fees from previous years.
The City Council is the final arbiter of all appeals. On February 10, 2026, 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 24, 2026, to address objections regarding the inclusion of certain properties in the 2026 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 24th hearing, the City Council directed staff to undertake the following actions:
* Conduct a thorough review of all property owner appeals to ensure each contested case was carefully evaluated.
* Continue working with the County to improve community engagement and the notification process.
The Fire Department, Community Develo...
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