Dear Cambrians, 

We hope this message finds you well. As the summer season approaches, we remind all residents of the upcoming weed abatement deadline. Please be advised that no extensions will be granted for this requirement.

The deadline for completing all weed abatement on your property is July 15, 2024. This annual requirement is an effort to reduce the fire hazard caused by the accumulation of combustible materials on vacant parcels. Keep in mind that the forest helps define Cambria, and it is important that we reduce the fire hazard without destroying its ability to regenerate. Make every effort to protect seedlings, young native trees, ferns, and bushes by marking them before cutting.

Key Points to Note:

• Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by July 15, 2024. To clarify, even if your lot was cleared earlier this year, you will most likely have re-growth. If so, your property may have to be weed abated again to pass inspection. 
• No Extensions: No extensions will be granted beyond this date. Additionally, no matter what you may have been told by any contractor, there are no such things as “extensions” beyond the deadline of the 15th. 
• Compliance: Properties that do not meet the requirements will be subject to penalties and abatement by the district’s contractor, Paradise Tree Service, at the property owner's expense. The cost for abatement for each parcel includes the contractor’s service charge, plus a $100.00 administrative charge if paid within 90 days of receiving a bill, or a $200.00 administrative charge if paid later. The CCSD is not responsible for the contractor’s charges. 

Steps to Ensure Compliance:

1. Inspect Your Property: Regularly check for overgrown weeds. In this respect, it should be noted that the definition of “weeds” in Health and Safety Code Section 14875 includes “Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.”  
2. Remove Weeds: Safely and properly remove all weeds, especially those that are dry and pose a fire risk. 
3. Disposal: Follow the local guidelines for the disposal of yard waste and weeds.
4. Sign up for Cambria CSD Fire Department Updates: To receive updates from the Cambria CSD Fire Department on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP) or any Fire Department-related news, click the "join our mailing list" icon at the bottom of any page and subscribe to Cambria CSD Fire Department News & Updates and follow the Cambria CSD Fire Department on Instagram and Facebook. For more information on the 2024 Fire Hazard Fuel Reduction Program (FHFRP), please click here.
5. Meet the Deadline: All weed abatement must be completed by July 15, 2024.

We appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Maintaining our community’s safety and well-being is a shared responsibility, and your prompt attention to weed abatement is crucial.

If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Cambria CSD Fire Department at (805) 927-6240.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Matthew McElhenie