Yonkers's Invasive Plant Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles invasive plant rules a little differently. In Yonkers, New York, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Bamboo Restrictions

Yonkers outlaws planting running bamboo anywhere in the city and requires a $25 permit plus a confinement barrier for clumping bamboo. City Code § 82-1 makes owners keep any bamboo from spreading onto neighboring property, with a 30-day cure notice before a violation is charged.

Key details: Running bamboo: Planting banned citywide, no permit available. Clumping bamboo permit: $25, register with Housing & Buildings. Confinement barrier: 18 inches deep minimum. Cure period: 30 days after written notice. Penalty class: Class III offense.

Failing to comply with a bamboo removal notice within 30 days of mailing is a violation under § 82-1(E), and Chapter 82 violations are Class III offenses under § 82-2. The City can also take corrective action itself, at the owner's expense, if bamboo stalks interfere with utility lines and the owner does not act after notice.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Yonkers actively enforces its bamboo restrictions requirements.

Prohibited Species

Yonkers does not ban invasive plants citywide, but its Zoning Ordinance forbids planting them in specific development contexts. Steep-slope site plans must use native or non-invasive species in required vegetative buffers under § 43-105B(1)(r), and downtown parking lot landscaping must use noninvasive species under § 43-225.

Key details: Defined by: NYSDEC invasive-species list (§43-8). Steep-slope buffers: Invasive species barred, native/ornamental required. Downtown parking lots: Landscaping must use noninvasive species. Trigger for steep-slope rule: >5,000 sq ft, slope over 15%. Scope: Applies at site plan review, not citywide.

Because the restriction rides on site plan approval, the main consequence is a denied or conditioned permit: the Planning Board can refuse to approve a steep-slope site plan or downtown parking landscape plan that specifies invasive species. If a project proceeds without approved landscaping, that is a Class II offense under § 43-153, punishable by a $100 to $5,000 fine or up to 15 days in jail under § 1-21.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Yonkers gives residents more flexibility on prohibited species.

The Bottom Line

Yonkers'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 Yonkers is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Yonkers's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.