Whittier, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 13.43, Water Efficient Landscaping
- Applies to
- New landscapes 500+ sq ft, rehabs 2,500+ sq ft
- Standard
- Invasive species use 'strongly discouraged'
- Reference lists
- Cal-IPC, USDA noxious weeds database
- Chapter penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 13.43.060
Summary
Whittier's water-efficient landscaping ordinance defines invasive plant species and tells landscape designers on covered projects to avoid them. Municipal Code Section 13.43.100(A)(1)(g) says using species listed by the California Invasive Plant Council is strongly discouraged in any landscape design plan submitted for a covered new-construction or rehabilitation project.
"Invasive plant species" means species of plants not historically found in California that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources. Invasive species may be regulated by county agricultural agencies as noxious species. Lists of invasive plants are maintained at the California Invasive Plant Inventory and USDA invasive and noxious weeds database. ... g.The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged.
Full Breakdown
020(A)). 030 defines an 'invasive plant species' as one 'not historically found in California that spreads outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economic resources,' noting that county agricultural agencies may separately regulate such species as noxious weeds and pointing designers to the California Invasive Plant Inventory and the USDA invasive and noxious weeds database for current lists. ' That wording is advisory rather than a flat prohibition: the plan itself must still meet the chapter's water-budget and hydrozone standards, and reviewers can flag an invasive-species planting list during landscape documentation review, but the section does not independently bar issuance of a permit. 070, and the Building and Safety Division of Community Development Services reviews plant lists against this criterion alongside the mandatory water-budget calculations.
Violations & Fines
Section 13.43.100(A)(1)(g) itself carries no independent fine because it is phrased as discouragement, not a mandate. Other requirements of Chapter 13.43, including the water budget and design-plan submission duties, are enforceable: Section 13.43.060 makes any violation of the chapter by a project applicant a misdemeanor, prosecutable under Chapters 1.08 and 1.09, and lets the city instead seek a civil injunction or abatement order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whittier ban invasive plants outright?
Which projects have to follow this rule?
Who decides which species count as invasive?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
California rules heatmap·Compare Whittier to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle prohibited species.