San Jose, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Cal-IPC inventory
- Habitat Plan
- Santa Clara Valley
- Prohibited Examples
- Pampas grass, English ivy
- Riparian Policy
- Council Policy 6-34
Summary
San Jose follows the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) guidance and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan. Prohibited species for new landscaping include pampas grass, English ivy, and Scotch broom. The city's street tree list excludes invasive species.
“Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture.
Full Breakdown
San Jose references the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) inventory for invasive species guidance. The Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan, which San Jose participates in, identifies species that should not be planted in new development or restoration areas, including pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana), English ivy (Hedera helix), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), French broom (Genista monspessulana), and yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). San Jose's approved street tree list excludes invasive species. The city's Riparian Corridor Policy (Council Policy 6-34) prohibits invasive species planting within riparian setback areas. For commercial development, the San Jose Municipal Code requires landscaping plans that comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which encourages drought-tolerant native species over invasives.
Violations & Fines
No criminal penalties for residential planting. Development projects using prohibited species may have permits denied or landscaping plans rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What invasive plants are prohibited in San Jose?
Can I plant pampas grass in my yard in San Jose?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle prohibited species.