San Diego County, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated San Diego County
- Triggers requirement
- 500+ sq ft new landscaped area
- Rule
- No invasive species in transitional areas
- Ongoing duty
- Eradicate invasives during maintenance
- Enforced by
- Planning & Development Services
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, landscape plans for qualifying new construction must keep invasive plant species out of transitional planting areas entirely, not just limit them.
The plan shall provide that plants in a transitional area consist of a combination of site adaptive and compatible native and non-native species. The plan shall also provide that no invasive plant species shall be introduced or tolerated in a transitional area. The irrigation in a transitional area shall be designed so that no overspray or runoff shall enter an adjacent area that is not irrigated.
(16) The plan shall demonstrate compliance with best management practices required by sections
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
Any project subject to the County's Water Efficient Landscape ordinance, generally new construction with 500+ square feet of landscaped area, modified landscapes of 2,500+ square feet, or covered single-family homes, must submit a landscaping and irrigation plan. That plan must keep transitional-area plantings to compatible native and non-native species and flatly bars introducing or tolerating any invasive plant species there. Owners must later maintain the site to eradicate invasive species that appear in those transitional areas.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Planning & Development Services through the chapter's water-use authorization and maintenance-schedule requirements; noncompliant landscape plans aren't approved, and violations of the chapter can draw an administrative citation under County Code § 18.101 et seq.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this ban invasive plants everywhere on my property?
What counts as an invasive plant species?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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