Springfield, OR Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)

Springfield does not ban invasive plants citywide by statute; instead it regulates them through development review. Under SDC § 5.12.130, to satisfy the approval criteria of § 5.12.125 and mitigate impacts on surrounding properties, the Director shall impose Tentative Plan approval conditions, and all conditions must be satisfied before the Plat can be approved. Among the listed conditions in subsection (I), aimed at retention and protection of existing physical features such as significant clusters of trees and shrubs and riparian areas shown on the WQLW Map, item (4) specifically authorizes 'removal of invasive plant species, based upon the Invasive Plants List on file in the Development Services Department.' That list implements the definition at SDC § 6.1.110: 'Invasive Plants' are non-native plants that spread quickly, are highly competitive and difficult to control or eliminate, introduced intentionally or accidentally and spread by seed, birds, wind or vegetatively, capable of destroying native plants, choking waterways, degrading recreational areas and necessitating costly maintenance.

The same definition confirms the City considers these species undesirable for landscaping citywide, giving Development Services discretion to require their removal whenever a Subdivision or Partition Tentative Plan touches a natural resource feature. Because the list itself is kept on file administratively rather than printed in the code, applicants and property owners must check with Development Services for the current species covered. The rule applies at the point of development approval, not as a standing prohibition on private landowners who are not subdividing or partitioning land.