Invasive Plant Rules in Santa Rosa, CA (2026)
2 verified invasive plant rules for Santa Rosa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Prohibited Species
Any covered landscape project in Santa Rosa, new or rehabilitated construction needing a building or grading permit, plan check, design review or utilities certificate, is barred from using invasive plants listed by the California Invasive Plant Council. The ban sits inside the City's landscape design plan standard, Code Section 14-30.040.
Santa Rosa Bans Cal-IPC Invasive Plants in Landscaping
Some RestrictionsSanta Rosa City Code § 14-30.040(B)(2)(g)
Invasive plants as listed by the California Invasive Plant Council are prohibited.
Tree-of-Heaven Removal
Santa Rosa's tree ordinance singles out ailanthus, the invasive tree-of-heaven, for special treatment: Section 17-24.030(A)(5) lists it among species exempt from the citywide tree permit, so owners can cut it down without applying to the Director of Community Development, the same as other nuisance trees like silver maple and poplar.
Santa Rosa Exempts Tree-of-Heaven From Permit
Few RestrictionsSanta Rosa City Code § 17-24.030(A)(5)
Exempt Trees. The following species of tree and any additional species, as determined by resolution of the City Council from time to time, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter (except for those that may exist as street trees) and a permit is not required for their alteration, removal or relocation: acacia, silver maple, poplar, ailanthus, hawthorn, fruitless mulberry, ligustrum, pyrac...
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Rosa city rules.
Invasive Plant Rules in Sonoma County →