California's noxious weed list (Food & Ag Code §5004) applies in San Diego County. The San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner enforces state plant quarantines and monitors invasive pests. Arundo donax (giant reed), pampas grass, and ice plant are significant invasives in the region.
The San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds and plant quarantines. State-listed noxious weeds subject to eradication or containment include giant reed (Arundo donax), pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.), yellow starthistle, and others on the California Department of Food and Agriculture pest rating list. The San Diego region faces particular challenges from: Arundo donax in riparian areas (the county runs active removal programs along waterways), ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.) along coastal areas, tamarisk (salt cedar) in desert regions, and various Mediterranean grasses. Under the county's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, new landscaping over 500 square feet must comply with state MWELO standards, which discourage high-water-use species and encourage native and drought-tolerant plantings. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains the definitive list of invasive plants for the San Diego bioregion.
Failing to control state-listed noxious weeds after notice may result in county-performed abatement billed to the property owner. MWELO non-compliance can delay project approvals.
San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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San Diego County, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how Bostonia's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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