Council approves weed‑abatement order and discusses expanding fuel‑reduction tools including goat grazing

The San Clemente City Council voted unanimously April 15 to adopt the annual weed abatement order that directs removal of weeds, rubbish and refuse from vacant, non‑occupied developed parcels and finds the action categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

During the public hearing, resident Tom Streeter urged the council to expand the program and consider a phased ordinance requiring more defensible space, telling the council, “We need to start addressing this.” Councilmembers and staff discussed homeowner association roles and the limits of current ordinances; one councilmember noted many homeowners associations already clear an initial zone but lack resources or technical guidance to clear additional open space.

Councilmembers discussed non‑mechanical tools to reduce fuel loads, including expanded use of goats to clear steep or inaccessible areas. City Manager Andy Hall and Public Works Director Dave Ravensworth said staff is compiling options: the city expects increased weed‑abatement contract costs in some hazard zones and is pursuing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan grant (staff estimated roughly $236,000) to support larger vegetation management projects that could involve private‑public coordination, targeted goat grazing, and other measures.

The council asked staff to agendize a future discussion on broadening program options and coordinating with homeowner associations. Staff indicated any expansion would require outreach, cost‑share discussions with affected HOAs, and updates to contract specifications. The adopted order is the existing yearly enforcement vehicle; any program expansion would be considered separately.