Ventura County, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Geographic scope
- HCWC overlay parcels only
- Prohibited act
- Intentional planting of invasive species
- Exempt
- Commercial crops and nursery stock
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county land
Summary
In the county's Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors overlay zone, intentionally planting invasive plant species is prohibited unless the plants are a commercial agricultural crop or nursery stock.
Unless otherwise exempt pursuant to Section 8109-4.8.3.2, the following are prohibited in the Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors overlay zone:
a.The intentional planting of invasive plants, unless planted as a commercial agricultural crop or grown as commercial nursery stock.b.The installation of new wildlife impermeable fencing that forms an enclosed area on a lot that has no existing, lawfully established principal use.c.The installation of new wildlife impermeable fencing around the perimeter of a lot that forms an enclosed area, unless exempt pursuant to Section 8109-4.8.3.7.d.Any new fence post, corner post, or gate upright with open, vertical pipes on lots zoned as Open Space (OS) or Agricultural Exclusive (AE) that could trap small birds or other animals. All such fence posts and gate uprights shall be entirely filled with concrete, sand, gravel, or other material, or covered with commercial caps. (Ord. No. 4537, § 5, 3-12-2019)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
Section 8109-4.8.3.3(a) bars the intentional planting of invasive plants within parcels carrying the HCWC overlay suffix, which protects wildlife movement corridors identified on the County zoning map. The ban exempts plants grown as a commercial agricultural crop or as commercial nursery stock, and other general exemptions in Section 8109-4.8.3.2 (such as federally/state-required plantings) also apply. Land outside the HCWC overlay, and all ten incorporated cities, are not covered by this prohibition.
Violations & Fines
Planting a prohibited invasive species inside the HCWC overlay is a zoning violation the County can cite through Code Compliance, potentially requiring removal or restoration as a condition of any related discretionary permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban apply to all of unincorporated Ventura County?
Can a farm still grow non-native crops inside the overlay?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ventura County
California rules heatmap·Compare Ventura County to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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