Page 8 - Dinuba Sentinel 3-21-19 E-edition

A8 | Thursday, March 21, 2019
Back Page The Dinuba Sentinel City to begin weed and
City code enforcement officers will be out in the next few weeks looking for properties like this that have combustible materials near buildings or structures. The accumulation of such materials are a violation to California Fire and city code.
Arts at the museum
Photos by Rick Curiel | The Sentinel On Saturday the Alta District Historical Society hosted Dinuba Festival of the Arts. The event showcased the arts of Dinuba High, including performances by the DHS Jazz Band, Madrigals, Drama Department and art exhibits by the Art Club. Another exihibit will be held in May, featuring talent show winners
Photo contributed
Sentinel staff report
Recent rainfall and longer periods of sunshine have made for substantial overgrowth across town. Now, the city of Dinuba is reminding citizens that now is the time for spring cleaning when it comes to weeds and rubbish.
The Dinuba Fire Department has announced it will begin its annual Weed Abatement process in April, and is asking citizens to clear any weeds, rubbish and any other flammable materials from their property lines.
The fire department is currently accessing properties within the city limits, and will be doing so over the next few weeks. Warning letters will be sent out to those properties that may be in violation of either city or state codes.
There will be three codes the fire department will be enforcing over the coming weeks.
California Fire Code 304 prohibits any combustible material from being within 10 feet of a building or structure. The code extensively deals with materials of both waste and vegetation.
California Fire Code 311 requires the owners of vacant lots or buildings to maintain their properties and safeguard them from becoming a fire hazard.
And Dinuba Municipal Code, Chapter 9.18 deals with the abatement of hazardous weeds
and rubbish, defining such materials as ‘public nuisance’ and ‘fire hazard’. The code gives the city authority to enforce such violations by way of an abatement process. That process consists of a notice to remove and, if not properly abated, could lead to fines or even a lien on the property.
Violations can be anything from tall weeds, grass and any form of litter. City enforcers will also be looking for such items as mattresses, couches and other forms of furniture.
A Notice to Abate letter will require property owners to clear
their property within 30 days of receiving the letter.
According to the Dinuba Fire Department, the process is actually continuous and ongoing throughout the year. However, in summer months after the seasonal rains, overgrown vegetation can lead to a hazardous situation on both vacant and occupied properties.
Last year the Dinuba Fire Department responded to a total of 40 calls for service regarding fires involving grass, brush, rubbish and trash. The department hopes to reduce those numbers by way of this year’s abatement process.
rubbish abatement process
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