§ 4-1051. DEFINITIONS.

For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and phrases are defined and certain provisions shall be construed as set forth herein, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.

(a)

Abate. To bring entirely down, demolish, put an end to, do away with a nuisance.

(b)

Brush. Branches from trees, orchard clippings in piles, tree trimmings or other combustible vegetation in a dry state of condition capable of sustaining combustion (fire).

(c)

Combustible Vegetation. Cut or uncut brush, weeds, grass, vines, orchards, vineyards, or other vegetation that when dry becomes a fire hazard.

(d)

Fire Hazard. A thing or act which increases or could cause an increase of the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than that customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service regularly engaged in preventing, suppressing, or extinguishing fire or any act which could obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the fire department or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.

(e)

Lot. Lot means a designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by plat, subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be used, developed or built upon.

(f)

Public Right-of-Way. Public way is any street, alley, or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky that is deeded, dedicated, or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use, including sidewalks, planters, drainage ditches or other strips of public land fronting or adjoining a private parcel of land.

(g)

Rubbish. Magazines; books; trimmings from lawns, trees or flower gardens; pasteboard or cardboard boxes; rags; straw; sawdust; packing material; shavings; wood boxes; scrap lumber; and refuse that will ignite through contact with flames of ordinary temperatures.

(h)

Weeds. Weeds as used in this chapter means vegetation and/or combustible vegetation growing upon lots, private or public, improved or unimproved, and the adjoining public right-of-way in the unincorporated portions of San Joaquin County, including any fire protection district, and includes any of the following:

(1)

Vegetation which bears seeds of a downy or wingy nature.

(2)

Tumbleweed, sagebrush, chaparral, and any other brush or vegetation which attains such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent property or the property upon which the weeds exist.

(3)

Vegetation which is noxious or dangerous.

(4)

Dry grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material which endangers the public safety by creating a fire hazard.

(Ord. 4286 § 1 (part), 2006)