Your Soledad Firefighters have begun this year’s weed abatement program.  The program’s purpose is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris through voluntary compliance.  Property owners are required to maintain their properties cleared of weeds, grass, vines, or other growth capable of being ignited and endangering their property and neighboring properties.  During the dry season months of May through September, Soledad Fire Department personnel will be conducting inspections throughout the City. If a property is found to be non-compliant a Notice to Abate the hazard will be issued to the property owner with additional steps to follow until abatement is completed.

• Once a notice is received by a resident, they will be given 3 weeks from the date on the notice to remove the overgrown vegetation before a reinspection occurs.
• After the reinspection, if the property fails a second time, a second abatement notice will be sent to the resident with another 3-week reinspection date.
• If a property fails the third weed abatement inspection, the violation will be forwarded to the city’s code enforcement.  The weed abatement will be handled by the City of Soledad, and the property owner will be charged a fee.

How to remove overgrown grass/weeds?

• MOWING:

Most residential properties will use this method. Dead weeds shall not exceed two (2) inches in height at the completion of the mowing. It shall be done each time the dead growth exceeds six (6) inches in height. Combustible material produced by mowing shall be removed from the property

• DISCING:

Larger properties and vacant lots might choose to use this method.  The discs shall be set at an angle sufficient to cut the sod loose and adequately bury the growth of weeds, grass or other vegetation. Discing shall include roto-tilling or cultivating.

• SCRAPING:

Larger properties and vacant lots might choose to use this method.  The blade shall be set at an angle sufficient to cut the growth of weeds, grass or other vegetation down to bare ground.

Any questions or concerns please contact Soledad Fire Department at 831-223-5100.