Council orders weed abatement, authorizes city removal if owners do not comply

The Roseville City Council on April 16 adopted a resolution ordering the destruction or removal of weeds, rubbish and other combustible growth within the city and authorizing the city to abate properties that do not comply with notices.

Fire Chief Ryan Harrigan and Division Chief Michael Bradley presented the annual weed abatement program and described the city’s process: identifying vacant or undeveloped parcels, notifying property owners, prioritizing high‑risk areas (30‑foot fire breaks around city and private vacant parcels) and timing work to align with seasonal grass die‑back. The city uses a mix of city staff, contractors and a managed goat grazing program that typically runs May–October.

Chief Harrigan told the council the city usually achieves good voluntary compliance after notification and only infrequently performs abatement and charges property owners. During public comment residents asked whether the abatement program covers urban neighborhoods as well as rural areas; Bradley said abatements are citywide where vegetation is visible from public streets or on city‑owned open space.

Council adopted the resolution (read into the record as Resolution No. 20586) by motion; a roll call recorded unanimous approval: Vice Mayor Albert, Council member Heldeschel, Council member Madonza, Council member Coochie, and Mayor Bernasconi voting yes.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the summer abatement schedule with a target to have weeds abated by July 1 in priority areas and will accept reports through the MyRoseville app and usual department contacts for resident concerns.