REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Adoption of a Resolution Ordering the Abatement of a Nuisance Consisting of Growing Weeds in Association with the County Weed Abatement Program for 2022-2023
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
On January 31, 2023, the Council adopted a resolution declaring weeds a nuisance in accordance with Chapter 8.15 of the City Municipal Code, setting February 21, 2023 as the Public Hearing for citizens to bring forward their concerns or objections to the Weed Abatement Program.
The City of Santa Clara contracts with the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner's Office Weed Abatement Program to manage the inspection and abatement of noncompliant parcels within the City of Santa Clara. A list of City parcels in the program is published annually by the County in the form of the 2023 Weed Abatement Commencement Report. A copy of this report is available in the City of Santa Clara City Clerk's Office as well as on the City website.
DISCUSSION
The objective of the City's Weed Abatement program is to eliminate fires whenever possible, and to reduce the severity of such fires where they cannot be eliminated. Each year, improperly managed vegetation is the cause of destructive fires that adversely impact communities throughout the State. In cooperation with the City of Santa Clara, the Santa Clara County Agricultural Commissioner's Office has developed regulations governing hazardous vegetation which can be found on the County's website.
The abatement process is most often initiated by members of the community, or by City staff proactively making referrals. Once inspection personnel verify that a hazard exists, the hazardous condition is documented, and the noncompliant parcel recorded. Following the inspection, the property owner is responsible for removing the hazard(s). If the property owner does not voluntarily abate the noted hazard(s) within t...
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