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Portland, OR Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
PCC Chapter 29.20, Outdoor Maintenance
What's required
Full eradication: roots, shoots, and seeds
Applies to
All improved and unimproved property
Enforcement
City abatement plus civil penalty lien
List authority
City Administrator's Nuisance Plants List

Summary

Portland property owners must eradicate every species on the City's Nuisance Plants List, roots, shoots, and seeds included, under the outdoor maintenance requirements of City Code Chapter 29.20.

G. Nuisance plants. Eradication, as defined in Subsection 29.10.020 V., is required of all plants identified on the Nuisance Plants List. The City Administrator will adopt administrative rules detailing implementation and enforcement of this provision.

H. Trash and debris. Remove, and keep removed, unless specifically authorized by ordinance to do otherwise:

1. All garbage, offal, dead animals, animal and human waste, and waste materials (All garbage must be stored as specified in Section 29.30.140);

2. Accumulations of litter, glass, scrap materials (such as wood, metal, paper, and plastics), junk, combustible materials, stagnant water, or trash;

3. All dead bushes, dead trees, and stumps with the exception of such material that:

a. Is being maintained as part of a naturescaped property;

b. Does not result in a nuisance as otherwise defined in this chapter; and

c. Is located on a property that is otherwise substantially in compliance with this Chapter;

4. All trees that are dead, dying or dangerous and are determined by the City Forester or a private certified arborist to require removal in order to safeguard people or property per the provisions in Portland City Code Title 11;

5. Accumulations of dead organic matter and yard debris, with the exception of small accumulations of such material in a maintained compost area on the property and only if such material does not result in a nuisance, such as creating rat harborage, as otherwise defined in this chapter; and

Full Breakdown

Portland's property maintenance code requires every owner to eradicate, not just cut back, but remove root, shoot, and seed, any plant identified on the City's Nuisance Plants List, a subset of the official Portland Plant List. The duty applies citywide to improved and unimproved lots alike, alongside neighboring maintenance duties like keeping lawn grass under 10 inches and clearing thickets that harbor rats or hide criminal activity. The City Administrator adopts administrative rules spelling out how the list is implemented and enforced, so owners should check the current Nuisance Plants List rather than assume a species is exempt.

Violations & Fines

Portland Permitting & Development can inspect, issue a notice of violation, and if the owner doesn't comply, the City abates the nuisance itself and bills costs plus civil penalties as a lien against the property (PCC § 29.60, § 29.70.020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a nuisance plant in Portland?
Any species on the City's official Nuisance Plants List, part of the Portland Plant List. The City Administrator sets and updates the list by administrative rule, so check the current list for named species.
What happens if I don't remove a listed plant?
Portland Permitting & Development can issue a notice of violation; if you don't comply, the City can abate the nuisance itself and bill the costs plus civil penalties as a lien on your property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Portland

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