Invasive Plant Rules in Allentown, PA

If you live in Allentown or are thinking about moving there, invasive plant rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Allentown has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of invasive plant rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Bamboo Restrictions

Planting, growing or maintaining running bamboo anywhere in Allentown is prohibited unless it predates the 2017 ordinance and the owner keeps every root system at least 20 feet from property lines, easements and rights-of-way behind a buried, high-density polyethylene barrier. Letting bamboo spread onto a neighbor's property is also banned.

Key details: Governing section: Code § 393-9C (added 2017). Adopting ordinance: Ordinance No. 15396, 9-20-2017. Root setback: 20 feet from lines/easements/right-of-way. Barrier depth: At least 30 inches deep. Barrier thickness: 40 mils, high-density polypropylene/polyethylene.

A running bamboo violation is cited under the general Chapter 393 penalty schedule: violation tickets run $25 or $100 for a first or second offense within 12 months, $150 or $250 for a third offense, and $300 or $500 for a fourth offense (§ 393-20A). A person who doesn't pay or request a hearing within 10 days faces an added $50 penalty for days 11 through 20, and unresolved tickets can escalate to a citation.

Compared to other cities, Allentown takes a harder line on bamboo restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Prohibited Species

Any landscaping the City's zoning code requires, from street trees to buffer plantings, must skip invasive or potentially invasive species entirely under § 660-71's installation standards, which also set minimum plant sizes and require nationally accepted nursery practices.

Key details: Governing section: § 660-71.C(5)(b), Zoning Ordinance. Rule: Required plantings cannot be invasive species. Applies to: All chapter-required landscaping, incl. street trees. Sizing standard: Table 660-8 minimum plant sizes. CO tie-in: Landscaping must install before occupancy certificate.

Installing an invasive or potentially invasive species as part of required landscaping violates § 660-71.C(5)(b) and can block issuance of a certificate of occupancy until the material is corrected. The City can also require replacement under the maintenance standards of § 660-72 and, for continued noncompliance, pursue civil enforcement under § 660-123: a judgment of up to $500 plus court costs and attorney fees, per day.

The Bottom Line

Allentown's invasive plant rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Allentown is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Allentown can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.