The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code §5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures department enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds. State-listed noxious weeds (such as giant reed/Arundo donax, pampas grass/Cortaderia spp., and yellow starthistle) are subject to eradication or containment orders. The county runs active eradication programs for species like the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing disease. Under LA County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.52.2200), new landscaping projects over 500 square feet must comply with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which discourages high-water-use turf and encourages drought-tolerant, native plantings. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains a comprehensive inventory of invasive plants relevant to LA County ecosystems.
Failure to control state-listed noxious weeds after notice may result in county-performed abatement with costs charged to the property owner. MWELO landscape violations can delay project approvals.
Altadena, CA
LA County allows backyard chickens in R-1 zones in unincorporated areas (including Altadena) subject to coop setbacks under LA County Code Title 10 and Title...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs running at large in any public place or private property other than the owner's, unless restrained by a chain...
Altadena, CA
Trimming protected oak trees (≥8 in DBH) requires an Oak Tree Permit if the work enters the protected zone or removes >25% of crown. Street trees in the publ...
Altadena, CA
In Altadena's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, grass and weeds must be kept under 3 inches under LA County Fire Code Title 32 defensible-space rules.
Altadena, CA
LA County Fire's Brush Clearance program also functions as the weed-abatement ordinance — vacant and improved lots must keep weeds and grasses cut to under 3...
Altadena, CA
Outdoor watering in Altadena (served by Lincoln Avenue Water Co., Las Flores Water Co., Rubio Cañon, and Kinneloa Irrigation District) is limited to 2 days p...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Altadena's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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