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City identifies 85 properties for weed abatement notices ahead of fire season
Summary
City staff identified 85 properties for weed and vegetation abatement, mailed notices with a 15-day correction period and said compliance is the primary aim; if owners fail to act, the city may abate and bill costs to property owners.
City staff told the council they identified 85 properties for weed and vegetation abatement as part of an annual effort to reduce fire risk ahead of the summer season.
Staff said the fire department and city services divide the city into sectors each spring, survey properties and generate a master list of addresses that appear out of compliance with the city's weed-abatement rules. Letters were mailed to the identified property owners asking them to correct the problem; owners were given 15 days to comply before the city moves to abatement steps.
Ryan, city services staff, said the program is intended to achieve compliance rather than punish owners. "We really try to gear this program more towards compliance," Ryan said, adding that some properties showed compliance already on follow-up drives. If owners do not comply, the city may contract for cleanup or use city crews and then assess the cost to the property; unpaid charges could be placed on property tax rolls.
Staff said the work covers both large open fields and residential alleyways and that they are coordinating with Tulare County and neighboring Farmersville for operations where helpful. Railroad-owned parcels present additional outreach challenges, staff said.
Staff will resurvey the list over the coming weeks and take abatement actions only where property owners fail to address notices. The council did not take additional formal action other than to receive the update and encourage continued outreach.
