According to the SPFD notice, dry grass, weeds, leaves and brush as well as litter or other flammable material constitute a fire hazard, and must be cleared.Property owners that missed the June 10th deadline were notified by mail that they had 10 days to comply; in addition, the Santa Paula Fire Department now posts notices on the property itself as well as on the City Hall notice board.If a property owner does not comply with weed abatement notices, the city contracts with Commercial Grounds Maintenance to clear the property. After the property is cleared, the owner is liable for the contractor’s cost as well as a $300 city administration fee as well as a $35 county fee for putting a lien on the subject property. Such a lien is attached to the property tax bill and if it remains unpaid, the owner could lose the property.Fire departments all over the state are being extra vigilant in watching out for fire hazards and urging property owners to make sure they safeguard their property by keeping their property cleared of all dry brush and other flammable material.
Fire danger awareness brings high compliance rate
August 21, 2002
Santa Paula City Council
The City Council learned from a fire department official that weed abatement almost hit 100 percent compliance during this high-risk fire year.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City Council learned from a fire department official that weed abatement almost hit 100 percent compliance during this high-risk fire year.At the Aug. 5th meeting, Santa Paula Fire Department Acting Fire Chief Rick Araiza said that all but two of the approximately 60 parcel owners had cleared the brush from their land within 10 days after being notified that they had missed the June 1st deadline.“We were hoping to have 100 percent compliance,” but two parcels remained uncleared, said AFC Araiza. One property owner said he would have his parcel cleared but attempts to contact the other property owner have been unsuccessful.