Invasive Plant Rules in Norman, OK: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Norman 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. Norman has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of invasive plant rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Prohibited Species

Norman's Appendix D Plant List flags Tree-of-Heaven and Paper Mulberry as invasive species that fail the city's cultural-characteristic test for trees and shrubs. Because Residential Code Section R328.1 requires every new single-family and two-family lot to plant trees selected only from the list's Section B, these two invasive species cannot be used to satisfy that mandatory requirement.

Key details: Governing section: Residential Code § R328.1, added 2008. Invasive species named: Tree-of-Heaven, Paper Mulberry. Applies to: New single/two-family lots in urban plats. Minimum tree size: 2-inch caliper, 6 inches above grade. Approved list: Appendix D, Section B only.

The City withholds the certificate of occupancy for a new single-family or two-family home until compliant trees, drawn from Appendix D Section B and carrying their species identification tags, are planted and verified. If weather or planting conditions make immediate installation impractical, the applicant can instead submit the installer's paid receipt naming the species purchased and a projected planting date to the City to obtain occupancy sign-off.

Tree-of-Heaven Removal

Norman's Appendix D Plant List names Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven, an 'Invasive species' that 'will survive any condition' and does not meet the city's cultural-characteristic requirements for trees. Because Residential Code Section R328.1 requires new-home trees to come only from the list's Section B, Tree-of-Heaven cannot satisfy that mandatory planting requirement.

Key details: Species: Ailanthus altissima, Tree-of-Heaven. Code flag: "Invasive species. Will survive any condition". Mature size: 30-60' height, 30-40' spread. Disqualified from: Mandatory tree, Residential Code § R328.1. Approved alternative list: Appendix D, Section B species.

A new single-family or two-family residence will not receive its certificate of occupancy until the required tree is planted, tagged, and confirmed to come from Appendix D Section B rather than Section A. Planting Tree-of-Heaven toward that requirement does not satisfy R328.1, and the applicant must instead choose a qualifying species or submit an installer's receipt with a projected planting date to close out the permit.

The Bottom Line

Norman'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 Norman is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Norman's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.