Brentwood, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Noxious Weeds
- FAC 5004 regulation
- Priority Species
- Yellow starthistle and puncturevine
- Authority
- County Ag Commissioner can enter, abate
- Right to Farm
- Supports ag-adjacent weed control
- Herbicides
- Restricted types need licensed applicator
Summary
Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner maintains the noxious weed list under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004. Brentwood property owners must control listed species including yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and puncturevine, and the county may enter and abate infestations at the owner's expense.
5004. “Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 556, Sec. 1.
Full Breakdown
California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004 empowers the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner to declare and enforce control of noxious weeds. Species of particular concern in the Brentwood area include yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus), medusahead, puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris), and pepperweed, many of which colonize the fertile soils of the Delta agricultural fringe. Property owners are responsible for controlling listed weeds on their parcels using mechanical, chemical, or biological methods consistent with county integrated pest management guidance. 5. Inspectors may enter any parcel to confirm compliance and, if the owner fails to act within the notice period, arrange for county-contracted abatement recorded as a lien.
Herbicide use must comply with Department of Pesticide Regulation rules and Contra Costa Health restrictions; any restricted-use pesticide application requires a licensed applicator and advance notification. Homeowners can use county cost-share programs for certain invasive species treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify a noxious weed?
Can I use Roundup to control weeds?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brentwood
How Brentwood compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Brentwood to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle weed ordinances.