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Yard Maintenance
Overgrown weeds, bushes, trees, grass and vegetation are fire and safety hazards.  Yard maintenance is the responsibility of every property owner and includes the maintenance of any right of way abutting the property.  Grass must be maintained at six inches or less.  All shrubs in the right of way and on the right of way must be maintained.  The branches of any tree extending over any public sidewalk, street, and any other public way should be trimmed so that they do not obstruct vision or the travel of motorist and people, all dead trees and vegetation must be removed and disposed of properly. 

Fences
Fences and screening walls must be sound and made from the same materials.  They also must be weather tight and free from deterioration and blight.  Fences in residential zones cannot be higher than three and a half feet in the required front yard.  This rule also applies to fences on street corners or areas adjacent to driveways.  A wrongly placed fence could prevent a car driver from observing an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Outside Storage
Outside storage that can be seen from beyond the bounds of the property line is not allowed.  Generally, any equipment, building or landscaping materials; parts/auto parts; appliances; or any scrap items may not be visible.  No inoperable vehicles may be visible from beyond the property boundaries.

Open and Vacant Buildings and Structures
The property owner is responsible for maintaining building, structures and grounds of property, windows, doors, and other openings must be kept secure so the  cannot be opened from the outside.  A property owner is required to board up a building/structure if it becomes vacant and is not secure.  Accessory buildings/structures on the property; such as storage sheds and garages, also must be secured to city specifications.

Parking
There are limits to the amount of yard area that can be used for a drive way or parking.  Parking vehicles anywhere other than these designated areas may be a violation. For further information call the Code Enforcement Division 510-621-1279.

Junk, Litter And Debris
Junk, litter and debris cannot be left in the yard.  It must be disposed of properly.  This includes junk auto parts, appliances, furniture, building and landscaping material; and tires; litter such as discarded paper, cardboard, plastics, etc; debris such as tree trimmings and fallen tree limbs; or any other items that have been discarded.  Persons seen dumping trash, junk, or littering in public or private places can be prosecuted.  For further information call the Code Enforcement Sergeant at 510-621-1279.