The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code §5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures department enforces California Food and Agriculture Code provisions regarding noxious weeds. State-listed noxious weeds (such as giant reed/Arundo donax, pampas grass/Cortaderia spp., and yellow starthistle) are subject to eradication or containment orders. The county runs active eradication programs for species like the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing disease. Under LA County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.52.2200), new landscaping projects over 500 square feet must comply with the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which discourages high-water-use turf and encourages drought-tolerant, native plantings. The California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) maintains a comprehensive inventory of invasive plants relevant to LA County ecosystems.
Failure to control state-listed noxious weeds after notice may result in county-performed abatement with costs charged to the property owner. MWELO landscape violations can delay project approvals.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Santa Monica's prohibited species rules stack up against other locations.
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