San Diego, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SDMC §142.0403(b)(1)-(2)
- Applies to
- Required new-development landscaping
- New planting
- Invasive species not permitted
- Existing invasive plants
- Must be fully removed
- Standard reference
- Land Development Manual Landscape Standards
Summary
San Diego's Land Development Code bars planting invasive plant species in any landscaping required for new development and requires existing invasive plants to be fully removed when they threaten to spread.
(1) Planting of invasive plant species, as described in the Landscape Standards of the Land Development Manual, is not permitted.
(2) All existing, invasive plant species, including vegetative parts and root systems, shall be completely removed from the premises when the combination of species type, location, and surrounding environmental conditions provides a means for the species to invade other areas of native plant material that are on or off of the premises.
(3) Plant material species shall be used that will continue to meet the requirements of this division after installation.
(4) Tree locations shall be measured horizontally from the centerline of the tree trunk at proposed grade.
(5) A minimum distance of 4 feet shall be provided between any canopy tree and building.
(6) A minimum root zone of 40 square feet in area shall be provided for all trees. The minimum dimension for this area shall be 5 feet. This minimum dimension and root zone area may be reduced with the use of structural soil or where the combination of soil conditions, root zone area, adjacent improvements, and selected tree species can be
Full Breakdown
Under SDMC §142.0403(b), landscaping installed to satisfy the city's Landscape Regulations (triggered by new multi-family, mixed-use, commercial, and industrial development per Table 142-04A) may not include invasive plant species as defined in the Landscape Standards of the Land Development Manual. Existing invasive plants, including roots and vegetative parts, must be completely removed from the premises whenever their species, location, and surrounding conditions let them spread into native plant areas on or off site. The rule applies to required landscaping, not every private yard citywide.
Violations & Fines
Development Services enforces compliance with required landscape plans during plan check and final inspection; failure to remove or avoid invasive species can hold up permit sign-off or draw a Code Enforcement notice under the Land Development Code's enforcement authority (SDMC §121.0202).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban invasive plants in every San Diego yard?
What counts as an invasive species under the rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle prohibited species.