Otherwise, it is the responsibility of the property owner/resident to make sure that vegetation is not blocking sidewalks, obstructing signs, or interfering with vehicle sight lines.

Problem areas may be reported to the City Engineering Department at 615-3000. Staff will follow up with property owners.

Here are diagrams (PDF) of shrubbery and tree clearance requirements according to City Ordinance. Shrubs should not encroach into the sidewalk area. Trees should have an 8 foot minimum clearance above the sidewalk. Keep vegetation trimmed to make Santa Clara a safer city.

Dried out weeds and other vegetation can quickly ignite in the hot summer months. In order to reduce fire danger, the Santa Clara Fire Department urges citizens to clear any dried vegetation that could pose a hazard. Weeds can be cut, pulled or mowed. Sprays are also available that can be applied during the winter and spring to prevent the weeds from growing.

If your property is considered a burrowing owl habitat and there are owls living there, care must be taken not to disturb the nesting sites. State law protects burrowing owls as an endangered species. Mowing is the preferred and recommended method for abating weeds on properties which contain burrowing owls, since this has the least impact on the owl habitat.

For questions or complaints regarding weeds, contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at 615-4970.

The longer graffiti is allowed to remain on a property, the more it invites additional markings and criminal activity in the area. Rapid removal is the key to controlling and eradicating graffiti. When graffiti is removed promptly, "taggers" are less likely to return to add more. Quick removal also prevents taggers from achieving their goal - widespread exposure of their markings.

Here are a few other ways to discourage graffiti on your property:

• Use dark colors of paint on buildings and surrounding fences.
• Plant trees, vines or shrubs to screen solid walls.
• Install motion sensitive lighting directed at vulnerable surfaces.
• Remove objects that could give taggers access to the roof and reduce access to any hidden area where taggers could hide.
• Generally, make everything on the property highly visible or highly inaccessible.

The Graffiti Hotline --241-9495 -- is an anonymous crime reporting/tip line designed to help Santa Clara decrease and discourage graffiti in the City.