City of Davis

Fire Safety Inspection

The purpose of the city's fire safety inspection program is to eliminate hazards which contribute to the risk of fire or injury in Davis. Each year the Davis Fire Department inspects all commercial businesses (excluding State and Federal property) and multi-family residences (apartments, etc.) within the City of Davis and adjoining Fire Districts served by the Davis Fire Department.

Goals of the annual Fire Safety Inspection Program are:

• To reduce the likelihood of fire emergencies.
• Prevent the loss of property and personal injury.
• Contribute to the safety of citizens.
• Control the cost of fire suppression and other emergency responses.

The City and Fire Districts are divided into 3 inspection areas, arranged to provide an approximately equal inspection load for each fire station. Headquarters station personnel (530 Fifth Street) inspects an area generally bounded by A Street, 7th Street, L Street and First Street. Station 33 personnel (425 Mace Boulevard) inspects addresses in the city generally east of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Yolo County-Solano County line. Station 32 personnel (1350 Arlington Boulevard) inspects addresses generally west of A Street and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Items the Engine Companies look for to increase fire safety:

1. Readily visible addresses.
2. Properly installed and currently serviced fire extinguishers.
3. Exits that are clear, visible and correctly marked.
4. Electrical hazards, i.e., unapproved extension cords and multi-plug adapters.
5. Sprinkler, standpipe and special extinguishing systems properly serviced and tested.
6. Fire alarm systems properly serviced and tested.
7. Other potential hazards such as proper storage of flammable materials.
8. Possession of a business license and knowledge of the city's smoking ordinance.

Weed Abatement Program

Davis Fire Department coordinates the city's weed abatement program each spring to reduce and remove weeds and brush growing upon private properties in the city to minimize fire hazards.

The California Government Code regulates weed and rubbish abatement. Title 4, Division 3, Part 2, Chapter 13, Article 2, Sections 39560-39588. (California Law)

Property owners are to remove any weeds from their parcels prior to the established deadline each year. If the owner has not completed the work by the deadline, the city's contractor will abate the weeds.

The property owner will then be billed for the abatement plus an administrative fee. Owners are also responsible for controlling re-growth throughout the year.

In June 2000 the Davis City Council adopted an "Urgency Grading and Disking Ordinance" (disking ordinance) prohibiting disking, tilling, or grading of property within the city except as set forth in the ordinance. This ordinance was established to protect natural resources within the city. Weed removal is restricted to methods approved by the city council.