California's noxious weed list (Food & Ag Code §5004) applies in San Diego County. The San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner enforces state plant quarantines and monitors invasive pests. Arundo donax (giant reed), pampas grass, and ice plant are significant invasives in the region.
The San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds and plant quarantines. State-listed noxious weeds subject to eradication or containment include giant reed (Arundo donax), pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.), yellow starthistle, and others on the California Department of Food and Agriculture pest rating list. The San Diego region faces particular challenges from: Arundo donax in riparian areas (the county runs active removal programs along waterways), ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.) along coastal areas, tamarisk (salt cedar) in desert regions, and various Mediterranean grasses. Under the county's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, new landscaping over 500 square feet must comply with state MWELO standards, which discourage high-water-use species and encourage native and drought-tolerant plantings. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains the definitive list of invasive plants for the San Diego bioregion.
Failing to control state-listed noxious weeds after notice may result in county-performed abatement billed to the property owner. MWELO non-compliance can delay project approvals.
San Marcos, CA
Barking dog complaints in San Marcos are handled by the San Diego Humane Society, which provides animal control services for the city. Persistent barking tha...
San Marcos, CA
San Marcos does not have a local ban on gas-powered leaf blowers beyond state law. California Assembly Bill 1346 banned the sale of new gas-powered small off...
San Marcos, CA
Amplified music and loudspeakers in San Marcos must comply with the city's noise ordinance under Chapter 10.24. Music and amplified sound that disturbs the p...
San Marcos, CA
San Marcos regulates construction noise in residential areas through Chapter 10.24 and the California Building Code as adopted in Title 17. Construction acti...
San Marcos, CA
San Marcos restricts parking of heavy-duty commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods. Commercial vehicles may only park temporarily in residential are...
San Marcos, CA
San Marcos enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential swimming pools and spas must have a safety barrier at least 60 inches...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how San Marcos's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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