San Jose does not have a specific ordinance banning bamboo. However, bamboo that encroaches on neighboring properties or public areas may be considered a nuisance under SJMC Chapter 9.12. Property owners are responsible for controlling spread.
San Jose does not have a municipal code section specifically prohibiting or restricting bamboo planting. Running bamboo species are legal to plant on private property. However, if bamboo rhizomes spread onto neighboring properties or into public rights-of-way, the growth may be considered a nuisance under San Jose Municipal Code Chapter 9.12 (Public Nuisances). California Civil Code §3479 also defines anything that is injurious to health or obstructs the free use of property as a nuisance. Property owners who plant running bamboo are responsible for controlling its spread. The Santa Clara Valley Water District recommends against planting running bamboo near waterways due to its potential to clog drainage systems. Best practice is to install HDPE rhizome barriers at least 30 inches deep.
No bamboo-specific penalties. Nuisance vegetation may result in abatement orders and costs billed to property owner.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
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