Frequently Asked Questions


Weed Abatement, Noxious Vegetation and Prohibited Flammable Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is “Weed Abatement”?

“Weed Abatement” is the cutting/removal of vegetation, grass, shrubbery, and round wood that is less than ¼ inch in diameter and more than four inches high and/or all vegetation listed on the noxious weed list promulgated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Plant Division. Although the Ashland Municipal Code allows weed abatement to be enforced for several reasons throughout the year, Ashland Fire & Rescue primarily enforces weed abatement with the intent to reduce the risk of fire.

For a full definition and description, please refer to the
 
What is the purpose of weed abatement?

The purpose of weed abatement is to reduce the risk of damage to property and persons by fire due to weeds, and to reduce hazards to public health, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife by controlling the growth of weeds and noxious vegetation.  Ashland Fire & Rescue intends to prioritize enforcement and abatement under this ordinance based upon the degree of fire risk caused by the violation and the availability of resources.
 
Who is required to abate their weeds?

All owners of any lot or parcel of land within the city limits of Ashland.
It shall be the duty of an owner to continue to cut and remove the weeds throughout the summer season, or any other time of year when deemed a fire, health, or traffic hazard.
 
I came home and found a Weed Abatement Notice posted on my door/property. What do I need to do?

If you found a paper Notice posted at your address then please email or call the phone number on the Notice form, as soon as possible, to let the Weed Abatement Coordinator know it has been received (It saves money and time not having to mail a certified letter) and, as a legal document, it contains time-sensitive requirements to avoid further legal action. The Coordinator will be able to answer any of your questions or concerns about what is required at that time.
It is important to make contact with the Weed Abatement Coordinator if unable to comply in a timely manner, in order to prevent further legal action being taken against the property or property owner.
 
I received a Weed Abatement Notice. What does that mean?

 
The Weed Abatement Notice is a legal notification that you have a set amount of time (usually 10 days unless otherwise specified on the form) to abate the referenced hazard on your property. If the hazard is not abated within that time and you have not contacted the Weed Abatement Coordinator to obtain an extension of time to perform the work, then your property will be considered Out-of-Compliance and the City may begin abatement and citation proceedings to bring your property back into compliance with the Municipal Code.
If you have any questions as to why you received a Notice or have concerns about how to comply, please contact the Weed Abatement Coordinator at 541-552-2246 or cutweeds@ashland.or.us as soon as possible.
 
What happens if I don’t abate my weeds?

Should you choose to not comply with AMC 9.04.020, the City of Ashland may abate the hazard and bill you for the actual cost of abatement including the removal of flammable vegetation plus the administrative costs to process the abatement.  You may also receive a citation for failure to abate the weeds retroactive to June 16th. The citation may be up to $500 for each and every day that the violation occurred.
 
What is the amount of a weed abatement citation?

The citation may be up to $500 for each and every day that the violation occurred and may be applied retroactively to June 16th. A Weed Abatement violation is subject to Section 1.08.020 of the Ashland Municipal Code and is a Class I violation. 
 
Can people receive grants to help abate weeds?

Unfortunately, no grants have been made available for the purpose of weed abatement at this time.  For the removal of vegetation other than the abatement of weeds, feel free to check out grant possibilities through our Firewise program.
 
When is the weed abatement due date?

Section 9.04.020 requires the removal of weeds to take place prior to June 15th of each year regardless of weather conditions.  Ashland Fire & Rescue may exercise the right to grant an extension due to wet weather conditions, but this extension does not waive Ashland Fire & Rescue’s ability to begin citations on June 16th of each year.
 
Is there someone who can help me abate my weeds?

If you are unable to abate your weeds due to physical restrictions or lack of equipment, we provide a list of weed abatement contractors that have a current business license with the city to help make the selection process easier.  The list provided is compiled for your convenience and is only for reference.  It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any business.  For additional references not found on our list, consult the local yellow pages or an internet search for: Landscape Contractors, Landscape Maintenance, or Lawn & Ground Maintenance.
 
Click HERE to see our most current list of contractors.
 
What happens if I’m out of town during the June 15th deadline?

If you are planning on being out of town during the week of the deadline, we suggest abating your weeds prior to your departure to avoid receiving a notice.  We understand extenuating circumstances may prevent you from abating prior to your departure and in such event, please contact the Weed Abatement Coordinator at 541-552-2246 to discuss the possibility of an extension.
 
I no longer own the property. Why was I sent a weed abatement notice?

At times, the records are not always up to date. The Weed Abatement Notice is sent to the last known owner listed with Jackson County's Assessor's Office. Please let the Weed Abatement Coordinator of Ashland Fire & Rescue know immediately by calling 541-552-2246.
It is also advised that you contact the Jackson County Assessor’s Office directly, 541-774-6059 to confirm their records are up to date to help prevent any further legal notices regarding said property being issued under your name. 
 
Can I get an extension to cut my weeds?

Yes. Call or email the contact info listed on the Weed Abatement Notice, 541-552-2246 or cutweeds@ashland.or.us . Extensions will be considered on a case by case basis, provided the parcel is not an immediate threat (fire hazard) to the surrounding area. Please include the parcel address and ID number the Notice is referring to, in addition to your name and contact information, in any messages.

 

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