Lake Elsinore, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- LEMC § 19.08.070(C)
- Enforcement
- Community Development Director, plan check + inspections
- Reference lists
- Riverside County Landscaping Guide, Cal-IPC
- High-sensitivity zones
- Parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies
- Default penalty
- LEMC § 1.16.010, up to $1,000/6 months
Summary
In the City of Lake Elsinore, LEMC § 19.08.070(C) requires every landscape plan reviewed under the water efficient landscape ordinance to avoid invasive plant species, especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies and open spaces. The rule applies whenever a project needs a building or landscape permit, plan check, or design review.
C. Invasive species of plants, such as those indicated in the Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscapes and the California Invasive Plant Council, shall be avoided especially near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies, and open spaces because of their potential to cause harm to environmentally sensitive areas.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 19.08 (Water Efficient Landscape Requirements), adopted by Ordinance No. 1269 in 2010 and amended by Ordinance No. 1351 in 2016, governs planting and irrigation plans for new construction and rehabilitated landscapes on public agency, private development, single-family and multifamily projects, plus new and rehabilitated cemeteries, parks and schools (LEMC § 19.08.040). Under the planting plan requirements in § 19.08.070, applicants must submit documentation to the Community Development Director for review before any certificate of occupancy or final City approval issues (§ 19.08.050). Subsection C of § 19.08.070 specifically directs that invasive species, such as those listed in the Riverside County Guide to California Friendly Landscapes and by the California Invasive Plant Council, be avoided, with heightened concern near parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies and open spaces because of the risk to environmentally sensitive habitat, a concern sharpened in a city built around California's largest natural freshwater lake.
The same section also requires plants to be grouped by water-need classification under WUCOLS with no deviation permitted, mandates a minimum three-inch mulch layer on exposed nonturf areas, and limits front yards and parkways to no turf with only moderate-to-very-low water use trees, shrubs and ground covers. The Community Development Director or designee reviews planting plans alongside irrigation, soil management and grading plans (§ 19.08.060 through § 19.08.100) and may inspect the project site before, during and after installation to enforce the chapter (§ 19.08.110(C)). Historical sites, ecological restoration projects under three years, mined-land reclamation without permanent irrigation, and public botanical gardens are exempt (§ 19.08.040(G)).
Violations & Fines
Because Chapter 19.08 sets no separate fine schedule, a planting plan that includes prohibited invasive species can be rejected at plan check, and the City may withhold the certificate of occupancy until the plant palette is corrected under § 19.08.050(B). Any ongoing violation of the chapter otherwise falls under the citywide misdemeanor/infraction penalty at LEMC § 1.16.010: up to $1,000 and six months in jail, or infraction fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $500 for each further violation within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lake Elsinore ban specific invasive plant species by name?
Which projects must follow this rule?
What happens if a planting plan includes invasive species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake Elsinore
California rules heatmap·Compare Lake Elsinore to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Riverside County handle prohibited species.