A “No trespassing/loitering” sign stands sentry at 1910 West Park Ave., a property that has been cited for failure to manage weed abatement. Photo via Google Maps
The Redlands City Council has taken action to address wildfire risks, voting unanimously to adopt a resolution that overruled objections to reducing weed growth on properties that fail to comply with fire safety ordinances.
On June 18 the council authorized city contractors to clear brush and vegetation from properties if owners fail to complete abatement by the June 28 deadline.
This move aims to reduce fire fuels throughout the city in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.
Beginning in March 2023 the city’s Community Risk Reduction staff inspected properties throughout the city to identify fire hazards, and discovered 48 parcels that required abatement.
At a June 4 council meeting, council members adopted a resolution declaring weeds a public nuisance.
Following the council’s approval, additional notices will be sent to property owners, providing a 10-day window to remove weeds that pose fire risks.
The city will assess liens on properties that fail to meet compliance.
During the meeting, Deputy Fire Marshal Justin Day spoke to the council regarding vegetation management, saying that property owners had received notices beginning in April to complete weed removal per the city’s ordinance by the June 28 deadline.
Major Eddie Tejeda inquired how often property owners received notices and information during the process.
According to Day, the city sends notices to property owners whenever the council considers a resolution.
“So we send them that initial notice, and then we send them a nuisance notice, and then we will, from here, abate that parcel if they do not respond to us,” Day said.
According to Fire Marshal Vince Anderson, by email, the city determines the cost of weed removal through an open-bid request-for-proposal process.
“Contractor bids are required to include cost per acre of mowing, per acre of disking, and per hour of handwork,” Anderson said.
When property owners cannot repay a lien imposed by the city, the County Assessor’s Office places the abatement cost on the parcel and adds a portion of the lien to the parcel’s quarterly tax bill, says Anderson.
“The city is continuing to apply for grants to assist property owners finance weed abatement and vegetation management services to promote collective community safety,” Anderson said.
Anderson says property owners who cannot remove vegetation due to health issues or financial difficulties may be able to seek assistance from nonprofits.
“The city has a strong working relationship with the Inland Caregivers Resource Center for these instances. This nonprofit organization coordinates referrals of qualifying property owners with landscapers who can offer reduced rates or pro bono services.”
Reach Staff Writer Israel J. Carreón Jr. at icarreon@redlandscommunitynews.com; messages may be left at 909-891-0817. Connect with him on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @icarreonjr.
