Pico Rivera, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Section 13.90.040(A)(6) of the Water Efficient Landscape ordinance directs that invasive plant species listed by the California Invasive Plant Council should be avoided, calling out parks, buffers, greenbelts, water bodies and open spaces as the areas most at risk of harm from their spread. The chapter defines "invasive species" in Section 13.90.020 as nonindigenous species that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. This is a design-review guideline rather than a flat citywide ban, and it attaches whenever a landscape documentation package is required, meaning new or rehabilitated landscapes of 500 square feet or more, or 2,500 square feet or more when rehabilitating, under Section 13.90.030, or one acre or more for existing landscapes and cemeteries preparing a water efficient landscape worksheet.

The 2025 zoning update reinforces the same policy with firmer language: Section 18.18.040 requires all qualifying development to landscape with Mediterranean or California native, non-invasive, and/or low-water use species, effectively excluding aggressive invasive exotics from approved plant palettes citywide rather than only near sensitive habitat. A licensed landscape architect prepares the landscape documentation package reviewed by the Community and Economic Development Department, and plant lists are checked against these criteria during plan check before a permit issues.