Sonoma, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

020(B): Sonoma Creek, Nathanson Creek, and Fryer Creek. 020(D)(1) sets the buffer at a minimum 30 feet from the top of bank for primary, secondary, and tertiary creeks and wetland features, and widens it to 50 feet specifically along Sonoma Creek, with additional width possible where sensitive resources such as vernal pools or listed species are present. 020(D)(3) prohibits three things together: grading or filling, planting of exotic, nonnative, or nonriparian plant species, and removal of native vegetation. An applicant proposing any development on a parcel that adjoins or includes one of the three creeks must first submit a site-specific streambed analysis by a qualified hydrologist or engineer under subsection (C) to establish the precise top-of-bank line before the setback and its planting restrictions can be applied.

Where creek-bank stabilization becomes necessary because of erosion, subsection (D)(13) directs the city toward creek rehabilitation using native, low-impact methods such as jute netting and willow staking rather than concrete channels, reinforcing the same preference for native over introduced plant material. 060, supported by findings that the creek bank is historically stable and that riparian resources will not be diminished.