Philadelphia regulates landscaping through its zoning code Section 14-705, which establishes on-site landscape requirements. The city's landscape standards reference approved street tree species and discourage invasive non-native plants. Pennsylvania's Noxious Weed Control Law identifies prohibited plant species statewide.
Philadelphia's Zoning Code Section 14-705 establishes on-site landscape and tree requirements for development projects, specifying minimum canopy coverage and planting standards. The city maintains a list of approved street tree species through the Parks and Recreation Department. Pennsylvania's Noxious Weed Control Law (3 Pa.C.S. Chapter 15) identifies noxious weeds that must be controlled, including Canada thistle, multiflora rose, and purple loosestrife. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) maintains an invasive plant list that includes species like Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Japanese knotweed, English ivy, and Norway maple. While not all invasive species are legally prohibited for planting, new development projects in Philadelphia must comply with landscape standards that encourage native species. The Philadelphia Horticultural Society and Penn State Extension provide guidance on invasive species identification and management.
Violations of the Noxious Weed Control Law can result in enforcement by the county noxious weed program. Non-compliance with zoning landscape requirements during development may result in permit denial or stop-work orders from L&I.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia caps amplified music and other sound by decibels above background at the property boundary: 3 dB near hospitals/schools/houses of worship, 5 dB ...
Philadelphia, PA
On-street parking in Philadelphia is governed by Title 12 of The Philadelphia Code and enforced by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), with restriction...
Philadelphia, PA
No zoning permit is needed for a fence at or below the Zoning Code limits; exceeding them requires a permit and a ZBA appeal. A building permit is required f...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia requires all dogs in public to be on a leash no longer than six feet, held by a person able to control the animal, under Phila. Code §10-104. Of...
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia generally prohibits keeping chickens, poultry, and livestock; farm animals (other than pigs) are allowed only on parcels of three or more acres,...
Philadelphia, PA
No Philadelphia-specific ordinance directly imposes wildland-style defensible-space or brush-clearance requirements; the dense urban setting means there is n...
See how Philadelphia's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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