Chief Skeels report noted that about 40 parcels were not cleared by the first deadline and the owners notified by certified mail. “Most of these were cleared within two weeks,” and others had followed suit by the July 16 meeting.Of the parcels that remained to be cleared, four are located in the 400 block of North 14th Street and one at the intersection of 10th Street and La VueltaOwners who did not comply were notified of the public hearing where the council approved the city weed abatement; none showed up to protest.Dry grass, weeds, leaves and brush as well as rubbish, litter or other flammable materials are considered a fire hazard. Not only are such properties vulnerable if a fire occurs nearby, but can be targeted by arsonists, as has been the case in several recent small fires that were quickly put out.
Fire hazard: City Council approves weed abatement effort
July 20, 2001
Santa Paula News
Property owners are taking weed abatement more seriously, the City Council learned at the July 16 when a fire department official said there are less than a handful of properties out of compliance.
Several lots were cleared after the July 6 written report of SPFD Chief Paul Skeels, not an uncommon occurrence.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesProperty owners are taking weed abatement more seriously, the City Council learned at the July 16 when a fire department official said there are less than a handful of properties out of compliance.Several lots were cleared after the July 6 written report of SPFD Chief Paul Skeels, not an uncommon occurrence.Clearing weeds from property is the best defense against fires, and each year across the state weed abatement is serious business that can bring a hefty fine - even a lien on a property - if not accomplished.The city of Santa Paula has an outside contractor clear properties if the deadline is not met and tacks a $300 administration fee on top of the cost to the property owner; unpaid fees are slapped on the property tax rolls - including a $35 lien professing cost - and can lead to an owner losing the property if the bill isn’t paid.
