Frequently Asked Questions

"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 and Rescue primarily enforces weed abatement with the intent to reduce the risk of fire.

For a full definition and description, please refer to the Ashland Municipal Code Chapter 9.04.

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 and 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.

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.

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.

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 email the Weed Abatement Coordinator or call at 541-552-2246.

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.

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.

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.

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 and Rescue may exercise the right to grant an extension due to wet weather conditions, but this extension does not waive Ashland Fire and Rescue's ability to begin citations on June 16th of each year.

If you are unable to abate your weeds due to physical restrictions or lack of equipment, we provide a list of weed abatement contractors who 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 and Ground Maintenance.

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.

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 and 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.

Yes. Please email the Weed Abatement Coordinator or call at 541-552-2246. 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.