Monterey County, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited on
- Major landscape projects, 2,500+ sq ft
- Invasive list sources
- CalIPC, USDA weeds database, County Landscape Manual
- Existing invasive removal
- 'Highly encouraged,' not mandatory
- Plan preparer
- Licensed architect, contractor, or authorized designer
- Reviewing office
- Chief of Planning
- Scope
- Unincorporated County, coastal and non-coastal districts
Summary
Planting Plans for major landscape projects (2,500+ square feet) in unincorporated Monterey County must strictly exclude invasive plants: Chapter 16.63 bars species listed on the California Invasive Plant Inventory, the USDA invasive/noxious weeds database, or the county's own Landscape Manual, and it encourages removing invasive plants already growing on the site.
"Invasive plant" means a species of plants not historically found in California that spreads outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources and is listed as an invasive plant in either the California Invasive Plant Inventory; USDA invasive, noxious weeds database; or the Landscape Manual. ... Invasive plants are strictly prohibited and eradication of invasive plants in the landscape area is highly encouraged.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
020(W), defines an "Invasive plant" as a species not historically found in California that spreads outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources, and that is listed in the California Invasive Plant Inventory maintained by the California Invasive Plant Council, the USDA invasive/noxious weeds database, or the county's Landscape Manual. 030(C), whenever new construction, new landscaping, or rehabilitation reaches that threshold tied to a grading permit, building permit, or design approval. 070(B)(6)-(10)). 060(C). Minor landscape projects at or under the 2,500-square-foot threshold are not required to submit a full Planting Plan and are not separately bound by this specific clause. The chapter applies only in unincorporated Monterey County, in coastal and non-coastal zoning districts alike.
Violations & Fines
A major landscape Planting Plan that includes a listed invasive species does not meet § 16.63.070, and the Chief of Planning can deny the major landscape package pending resubmittal under § 16.63.060(A)(1). Installing prohibited invasive plants anyway makes the landscaping unlawful under § 16.63.180(B), enforceable through Monterey County Code Chapters 1.20 and 1.22, including administrative citations and required corrective action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plants count as "invasive" under Monterey County's landscape rules?
Do I have to remove invasive plants already growing on my property?
Does a small backyard landscaping job have to follow this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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