Yavapai County Weed Ordinance
Published on April 04, 2025
As a result of the unseasonable amount of precipitation received this fall/winter, weeds/vegetation are expected to create a very dry and dangerous fire season this summer.
Did you know That Yavapai County has a Weed Ordinance?
Your County Board of Supervisors along with local forest and fire department officials have worked to create an ordinance in an effort to reduce the chance of wildland fires and the property damage that they cause.
The Ordinance:
VIOLATION CODE: 302.4
Short Description: Weeds
Full Description: All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds in excess of 6 inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than live trees or shrubs or native plants; this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. This term also includes dry vegetation, constituting a fire hazard as determined by the Zoning Inspector. All dry weeds greater than 6 inches, shall be cleared within 30 feet of any structure, property line, roadway, easement or right-of-way.
What is my responsibility as a property owner?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove all dead/dry trees and brush from the property. In addition, the weeds/grasses around the perimeter of the property need to be cut 30 feet from all property lines and 30 feet from all structures to a length no greater than 6 inches high.
If a property is reported and weeds are cut but the property is once again in violation, can it be reported again?
Yes, each violation is handled separately. Once a property has come back into compliance by removing the weeds, the case will be closed. If the weeds regrow, there is a chance that a complainant may report it again.
Can I simply spray the weeds?
No, once the spray has been applied let it work for 3-4 days and then cut/remove the weeds to reduce the fire hazard.
What happens if I don't cut my weeds?
Property owners who do not cut their weeds will remain in violation and face fines and sanctions levied against them and the property.