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Eugene, OR Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing zone
NR Natural Resource zone
Replanting deadline
90 days after clearing
Seed germination deadline
Before November 15
Plant list authority
Planning director-approved native list
Max fine
$1,000 per day violation continues
Code currency
Current through Ord. 20739, June 8, 2026

Summary

In Eugene's NR Natural Resource zone, EC 9.2530 requires all planting and replanting to use native species from a list the planning director keeps on file, sets a 90-day deadline to replant cleared land, and requires seeded areas to germinate before November 15. The Eugene Code is current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026.

(3) Planting and Replanting:

(a) Replanting of areas cleared of existing vegetation must be completed within 90 days following the removal or clearing, unless otherwise approved by the planning director or decision-maker.

(b) Planting and replanting with seed shall be timed so that germination occurs prior to November 15, unless the germination requirements of the seed require otherwise, in which case germination shall be accomplished at the earliest date practicable.

(c) Planting and replanting shall be done with native species from a list approved by the planning director and kept on file at the city.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 20739, passed June 8, 2026).

Full Breakdown

2500. 2520(1)(b) separately allows removing non-native or invasive species from that same approved list. 2530(3), 'must be completed within 90 days following the removal or clearing,' with seeded plantings timed so germination occurs before November 15. 1 contiguous acre on slopes over 5 percent needs either an April 15-October 15 work window or an approved erosion and sedimentation control plan. Because the NR zone is a mapped land-use designation covering wetlands, waterways and adopted habitat areas rather than every residential lot, these native-planting rules apply to development within the zone and the /WB wetland buffer and /WP waterside protection overlays, not citywide yards. 0270.

Violations & Fines

Under EC 9.0275(2), violating any Chapter 9 land use code provision, including the NR zone's native-planting standards, is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 for each day the violation continues, or up to 100 days in jail, or both. The city manager may also impose a separate administrative civil penalty under EC 9.0270 and EC Chapter 2, and can withhold permits or issue a stop-work order under EC 9.0230 until the violation is corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eugene require native plants in my yard?
No. Eugene's native-planting requirement in EC 9.2530 applies only to land in the NR Natural Resource zone and the /WB wetland buffer and /WP waterside protection overlays, which cover mapped wetlands, waterways and habitat areas, not ordinary residential lots. Outside those zones, the Eugene Code does not mandate native landscaping.
How long do I have to replant after clearing vegetation in the NR zone?
EC 9.2530(3)(a) gives you 90 days after the removal or clearing to replant, unless the planning director or decision-maker approves a different schedule. Seeded plantings must be timed so germination occurs before November 15 under EC 9.2530(3)(b), unless the seed's own germination requirements require otherwise.
Where does the approved native plant list come from?
EC 9.2520(1)(c) and EC 9.2530(1)(a) both require planting and replanting to use species from a list approved by the city, kept on file with the planning director and, for buffer plantings, matched to the site's topography, hydrology, soil and existing or historic native vegetation.
What happens if I clear native vegetation in the NR zone without authorization?
Unauthorized clearing violates EC 9.2530(2) vegetation removal standards and is punishable under EC 9.0275(2) by a fine up to $1,000 per day the violation continues, plus a possible administrative civil penalty under EC 9.0270, and the city can withhold permits or issue a stop-work order until it is corrected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Eugene

Animal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue PermitsSignificant Restrictions

All Eugene rules

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