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Q: When do inspections begin?
A: Inspections are conducted year-round.
Q: What is the deadline for weed abatement?
A: The deadline for mowing/trimming weeds is June 1, 2009; however, due to the delay in the mailer we will allow abatement to be performed by July, 1, 2009
Q: Whom do I contact to help us with clearing?
A: We suggest tree services, mowing services or weed control services, which are listed in various yellow pages under these headings. We recommend getting three bids and making sure contractors are licensed and provide proof of Workers Compensation and general liability insurance.
Q: How do I know if the plant species is native?
A: Generally, if it is irrigated and living it is ornamental, if it is not irrigated and living it is native.
Q: Must I remove all native species?
A: No. As noted in the Vegetation Management Standards, you may leave isolated single specimens. We suggest clearing around the plant at least two times (2x) the height of the plant.
Q: My neighbor has combustible vegetation within 100' of my house. How do I clear on their property?
A: In the interest of maintaining good neighbor relations, we suggest asking permission to clear on this adjacent property.
Q: What if my neighbor will not allow me to clear on their property?
A: Ultimately, this neighbor will be required to clear or will incur forced abatement and/or criminal citation, as described in your letter.
Q: What roads are subject to the 20' clearance of combustible native vegetation requirements on either side?
A: Any road or driveway that provides access to a structure is defined as a fire apparatus access roadway and subject to these clearing requirements.
Q: What does it mean to maintain horizontal clearance of vegetation alongside my roadway?
A: Any road must be maintained to its improved (graded or paved) width; nothing may encroach upon the roadway or driveway which reduces its original width.
Q: What roads are subject to the 13'6" vertical clearance requirements, and what is included in this requirement.
A: All roads and driveways as defined above. This pertains to any and all obstructions within 13'6" of the ground that are directly overhead of the roadway surface.
Q: I have fruit trees nearing harvest and cutting the trees back will impact my harvest. How to I comply with the horizontal and vertical clearance requirements?
A: Limbs may be temporarily propped up with lumber materials (which do not encroach on the road) but ultimately the 13'6" clearances must be maintained.
Q: How do I cut vegetation on hillsides when it exists to prevent erosion?
A: As noted in the Vegetation Management Standards, use any cutting or trimming method which leaves the root structure intact (usually 2-3 inches above the ground).
Q: Can I burn cut vegetation?
A: No. Open burning for fire clearance is not allowed by the Air Pollution Control District or this agency.
Q: Can I bury cut vegetation?
A: Yes. We suggest crushing with a bulldozer or similar piece of heavy machinery and burying with at least 1 foot of earth.
Q: Can I pile cut vegetation on site?
A: No. Cut vegetation must be removed, crushed and buried, or chipped and spread. If material is to be chipped, it must be spread to a depth no greater than 6".
Q: What does it mean to remove limbs within 6' of the ground?
A: Remove any branches that are within 6' of the ground and any ground litter under trees. It does not mean to cut trees to 6' tall.
Q: How do I properly clear groves around structures?
A: Within 100' of any structure, mature trees must be maintained as described in the Vegetation Management Standards. This will require removing limbs within 6' of the ground and removing ground litter from under trees.
Q: When may a property owner keep cut/dumped combustible materials on their property?
A: Dumps are not permissible by this Code. ONLY legitimate agricultural operations may leave only cut agricultural materials temporarily to allow for proper curing prior to burning. A 50' clearance, down to bare mineral earth, must be maintained around such piles.
Q: Do I have to clear in wetlands?
A: Yes. Clear any underbrush, down & dead vegetation, arundo donax (bamboo-type vegetation), invasive, exotic, or non-native species within 100' of structures. Refer to the Vegetation Management Standards for environmental concerns in wetland or sensitive habitat areas prior to clearing.
Q: Are there any grants to assist with clearing?
A: Possibly, check with FPS Gregg Holdridge.
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