Brentwood, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

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. Because Brentwood retains substantial agricultural production including cherries, corn, and peaches, noxious weed control directly protects adjacent working farms and is reinforced by the city's Right-to-Farm ordinance under Civil Code Section 3482.5. 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.