West Sacramento, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Rule
- Invasive species barred in city ROW/easements
- Citation
- WSMC § 13.04.1120(E)(1)(g)
- Elsewhere in city
- Strongly discouraged, not banned
- Enforced by
- Community Development Dept. permit review
Summary
West Sacramento's landscaping ordinance prohibits invasive plant species in city rights-of-way and easements, and strongly discourages them everywhere else in new or rehabilitated landscape projects.
The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged. The use of invasive plant species within city right-of-way or easements will not be permitted.
h. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
2. Water Features.
a. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
b. Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.
c. Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
3. Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments.
a. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.
b. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see subsection D).
c.
Full Breakdown
Section 13.04.1120 of the West Sacramento Municipal Code, part of the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, sets the standard for new and rehabilitated landscape projects reviewed through the city's landscape documentation package process. It flatly bars invasive species, the kind flagged by the California Invasive Plant Council, from any planting within city rights-of-way or easements, and discourages using them on private property landscapes citywide. The rule applies to landscape plans submitted to the Community Development Department for new construction and rehabilitated landscapes in the City of West Sacramento, Yolo County.
Violations & Fines
Landscape documentation packages that specify invasive species in a city right-of-way or easement are rejected during permit review and must be revised before a permit issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant invasive species in my West Sacramento yard?
Who decides what counts as an invasive species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare West Sacramento to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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