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Seasonality of Some Hazards Property owners are expected to maintain their properties hazard free throughout the year. Dense native brush, certain ornamental vegetation and neglected/dead landscaping can burn almost any time of the year, but new annual weeds and grass may not become a significant hazard until they start to dry in late spring at which point they become an increasingly dangerous fire hazard until they are cut or removed. Refer to the next section for more information on when property clearance should be performed. ACWM tractor discing operations begin as early as April 1 at which time annual weeds may still be green in some areas. This is because ACWM must take advantage of a very narrow window of opportunity to clear as many weeds as possible before the onset of the fire season. Specific Requirements Property must be maintained free of hazardous vegetation for a minimum of 100 feet from any home or other structure adjacent to the property and a minimum of 10 feet along roads. Clearance of hazardous vegetation up to 200 feet is required in many areas because of additional fire hazard conditions. These high fire hazard areas are usually in or near foothills or other areas with slopes and native brush. The entire 100 feet (or 200 feet in high fire hazard areas) does not have to be cleared down to bare ground in most cases. Refer to the following guidelines:
There may be additional requirements for improved properties. Contact the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Brush Clearance Unit at (626) 969-2375.
Tumbleweeds Over the years, the tumbleweed element of ACWM's weed abatement program has been successful at reducing one of the Antelope Valley's worst natural plagues. Each year, ACWM includes vacant properties in the program if there is a reasonable likelihood that that tumbleweeds will grow and mature on the property in amounts sufficient to cause such unsafe, destructive or nuisance conditions as:
Native Tree Protection Ordinances In many areas of the County, certain native trees like oaks, walnuts, and sycamores are protected by County or city ordinances. The table below shows a list of known native tree protection ordinances. There may be others so property owners planning to cut or trim native trees should check with their city first.
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