Weed & Rubbish Abatement

Weed Control Program Details 

Successful weed control requires the efforts, cooperation, and collaboration of city departments, residents, and other government agencies.

Weed control provides: 

• Fire safety
• Nice looking neighborhoods
• Clean streets
• Reduces street flooding
• Healthy living

More information about weeds and other invasive plants of California can be found on the website of the California Invasive Plant Council. 

Weeds growing along the curb line, in planter strips, and along sidewalk joints are a continual problem in every city including Eureka. In addition to making the city look unkempt and uncared for, allowing weeds to grow in street gutters and sidewalk areas creates additional hazards for homeowners and other residents.

Whose job is it?

Contrary to what many residents believe, the responsibility for maintaining sidewalks, park strips and gutters falls to the owner of the adjacent property according to both state and local laws. Maintenance responsibility includes repair or replacement of damaged or displaced concrete, abatement of weeds or debris, and trimming of shrubs to keep the area free of hazards. In an example of “many hands make light work”, keeping our sidewalks and gutters looking good and functioning right can only be done if each owner takes responsibility for the area adjacent to their property.

Why are weedy gutters and sidewalk obstructions a problem?

Weeds and debris that accumulate along curb lines create an obstruction can interrupt the normal flow of water into storm drains creating flooding and other problems. Allowing weeds to grow in sidewalk cracks, or hedges and other vegetation to encroach on the sidewalk from adjacent yards creates trip hazards which can hamper the ability of residents, especially those with disabilities, from safely moving about the community.

What needs to be done?

As fall approaches, residents are reminded to perform the following maintenance tasks adjacent to their property:

• Remove all weeds and accumulated debris from street gutters
• Remove weeds growing along joints or cracks in the sidewalks. Remember, our storm system drains directly to Humboldt Bay. Although commercial herbicides work, a mixture of vinegar and salt will successfully control weeds without impacting water quality or aquatic life.
• Trim back hedges and vegetation to ensure a minimum of six (6) feet of clear sidewalk area. Wheelchairs should be able to travel the sidewalk without detouring around vegetation and other obstructions.
• Regularly inspect sidewalks for defects such as decay or separation of concrete panels and make repairs as necessary.
• Contact the City of Eureka Public Works Department before beginning any repairs within the right-of-way including replacing sidewalk panels.

Our weed control program encompasses a proactive approach to maintain a controlled weed environment as well as responding to resident’s observations and concerns.  

Undeveloped Right-of-Ways

• City owned property, parks, and open space is maintained by the city. Our maintenance program is supported by Public Works and the Community Services Department with various field staff. 
• Property owners are responsible to provide clear and unobstructed access in adjacent alleys. We notify and enforce compliance of these issues.

Roadway or Median Islands

• We maintain and eradicate weeds located on roadways and median islands by utilizing mechanical and hand weeding and only use sprayed herbicides as a last measure and follow our City’s IPM measures in accordance with approval from the County Department of Health. 

Sidewalk Access Blocked

• Property owners are responsible to provide clear and unobstructed access to the sidewalks adjacent their property. We notify and enforce compliance of these issues.

Private Property

• Code Enforcement, 707-441-4255
• The Code Enforcement Division works in partnership with residents to promote and maintain a safe and desirable living environment by informing and enforcing the removal of hazardous weeds on private developed property.

Please note that rubbish and removal of rubbish follows a similar abatement approach.

For further information on the city’s weed abatement program, please see Chapter 94 of the city code in the tab below.