The purpose of weed abatement is to prevent fire hazards created by vegetative growth and the accumulation of combustible debris through voluntary compliance.  Per County Ordinance 4286, property owners in San Joaquin County are required to abate weeds and rubbish during fire season to make their properties, and adjacent public rights-of-way, "Fire Safe".  French Camp McKinley Fire District personnel conduct inspections thorughout the District during fire season to ensure compliance with the ordinance.

The general process is as follows:

1. Complaint received
2. District sends first notice (14 days to abate)
3. District inspects at 14 days and sends final notice if still not abated (14 more days to abate)
4. District inspects at 14 days and forwards complaint to Fire Warden's Office if still not abated
5. Fire Warden's Office arranges forced abatement of weeds and rubbish
6. Fire Warden's Office creates Statement(s) of Expense; the costs of abating the weeds and rubbish then constitute a lien against the property until paid.

Documents

All weed abatement violations must be visible from the street.  Due to laws prohibiting illegal searches, District personnel will not look over fences, climb fences, enter a backyard or enter a residence to confirm weed abatement complaints.