City of Kerman Weed Abatement Municipal Code

For the purpose of fire safety and to maintain a clean environment, the City of Kerman has a weed abatement program for which the Planning and Development Department is responsible. The following standards apply to all properties in the City of Kerman.

  • All property must be maintained free of weeds, rubbish, trash, litter, tires, tree stumps and other waste materials. This includes that part of property along adjacent sidewalks, streets, alleys and backyards and within the sidelines of the property thereof extended.
  • Weeds, dead growth, rubbish, trash, trimmings, litter or other waste materials that may provide a refuge for rodents or insects must be removed.
  • All rubble, junk, concrete, piles of dirt, etc. that could obstruct or impede vehicles and equipment used for abatement work or fire suppression must be removed.
  • Conditions of a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, pond or other artificially-confined body of water must be maintained in a manner which will not adversely affect the health or safety of the public nor provide a breeding place for mosquitoes.
  • Tumbleweeds must be hauled away.
  • Vacant property must be completely disced or mowed and maintained at a height of less than 4 inches.

Disking Standards for Parcels Under Five Acres

  • All disking work should be completed so that weeds, grass, crops, or other vegetation or organic material which could possibly burn, are substantially turned over so there is insufficient fuel to sustain or allow the spread of fire.
  • Along fence lines and other places where disking may not be possible, hand work including mowing, weed-eating, or hoeing may be utilized.
  • These areas must be free and clear of growth and dead vegetation.

Disking Standards for Parcels over Five Acres

  • In lieu of disking the entire parcel, firebreaks may be provided in such a manner that no single fire area shall exceed five acres.
  • Firebreaks shall be constructed in such a way as to be a continuous strip of land which is clear of all combustible weeds, grass, stubble, rubbish, or other material which would allow the travel of fire.
  • Firebreaks may include fire-resistive vegetation, such as irrigated crops, ice plant, green ivy, and other live plants recognized by the City as being fire-resistive.

Firebreaks

  • Provide 30 foot wide firebreaks around all combustible structures and storage areas.
  • Provide 30 foot wide firebreaks along each side of any roads accessible to the public and around all brush areas.
  • Provide 15 foot wide firebreaks along each side of fenced property lines, ditches, and creeks.
  • Any parcel which is adjacent to developed property must have 30 foot wide firebreaks along the fence/property line Graded fire roads (not less than 15 feet in width) may be done in lieu of 15 feet width of disked firebreaks where specifically pre-approved by the City.
  • Abandoned orchards, vineyards, etc., should be completely abated. No firebreaks are allowed

Non-irrigated pasture land being used for grazing must have 30 foot wide firebreaks with substantial cross-disking.

The quality of work will be judged by inspection by the Planning and Development Services Department 559-846-9386.

Kerman Municipal Code

Section 8.08.010 Declaration of dirt, weeds and rubbish as nuisance.

All weeds growing upon the streets, sidewalks or upon private property within the city, which bear seeds of a wingy or downy nature, or attain such large growth as to become a fire menace when dry, or which are otherwise noxious or dangerous; and all rubbish, refuse and dirt upon streets, parkways, sidewalks or private property within the city, are declared to be a public nuisance by the City Council of the City of Kerman and may be abated as provided in this Chapter.