California's noxious weed list applies in Orange County. The OC Agricultural Commissioner enforces plant quarantines and pest regulations. The county's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires new landscaping to use drought-tolerant species.
The Orange County Agricultural Commissioner enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds and plant quarantines. State-listed noxious weeds (giant reed, pampas grass, yellow starthistle) are subject to eradication orders. The OC Agricultural Commissioner also enforces quarantines against specific pests and plant diseases, including the Asian citrus psyllid quarantine that restricts movement of citrus plants. Under Orange County's compliance with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), new landscaping projects over 500 square feet must meet water efficiency standards, limiting high-water-use turf and encouraging native and drought-tolerant plants. Orange County faces invasive species challenges including: Arundo donax in waterways, ice plant along coastal bluffs, and non-native grasses in wildland areas. The county's open space management programs include invasive species removal.
Violating plant quarantines can result in fines under the Food and Agriculture Code. MWELO non-compliance can delay project approvals and landscaping permits.
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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