DATE: September 24, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Strengthening San Diego County's Weed Abatement Ordinance

SUMMARY:
Reference
The devastation that resulted from the Pines Fire was a painful reminder of the risk homeowners face when heavy brush buildup is dangerously close to a residence. Adequately cleared brush around a home creates defensible space, which can save a home during a raging brush fire and it can prevent a house fire from spreading into the wildland area.

The County of San Diego has a weed abatement ordinance which requires a 100 foot clearance of brush from residential structures. Unfortunately, the current ordinance does not address situations when there is a need for brush clearance beyond a property line.

This action directs the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board with an amended Weed Abatement Ordinance that allows the enforcement of the 100 foot brush clearance beyond a property line. This action also directs the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board with options for enforcing the County's Weed Abatement Ordinance.

Recommendations
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB

1. Direct Chief Administrative Officer, while working with County Counsel, to draft an amendment to the County's Weed Abatement Ordinance so that enforcement of the 100 foot brush clearance goes beyond a
   property line, and return to the Board within 60 days.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to develop options for enforcing the County's Weed Abatement Ordinance and return to the Board within 60 days

Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact will result from these actions.

BACKGROUND
The devastation that resulted from the Pines Fire was a painful reminder of the risk homeowners face when heavy brush buildup is dangerously close to a residence. Thirty seven homes were destroyed during the Pines Fire, many of which had hazardous vegetation in close proximity to the structure. Adequately cleared brush around a home creates defensible space, which can save a home during a raging brush fire and can prevent a
house fire from spreading into the wildland area.

The County of San Diego has a weed abatement ordinance which requires a 100 foot clearance of brush from residential structures. The intent of the ordinance is to ensure that property owners take the necessary precautions to create defensible space. Unfortunately, the current ordinance does not address situations when there is a need for brush clearance beyond a property line. Often, homes are built close to adjacent property lines and the 100 foot clearance extends into the neighbor's property, making it impossible for the homeowner to create adequate defensible space.

Out of control fires do not stop at property lines. Lives and property are jeopardized when fires can easily spread to and from homes. Action is needed by the County to amend our Weed Abatement Ordinance so that the County and CDF have the ability to enforce brush clearance beyond a property line.

This action directs the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board with an amended Weed Abatement Ordinance that allows the enforcement of the 100 foot brush clearance beyond a property line. This action also directs the Chief Administrative Officer to return to the Board with options for enforcing the County's Weed Abatement Ordinance. I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District