Onondaga County, NY Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

In 2015, a NYS Regulation 6 NYCRR Part 575 became effective which prohibits or regulates the possession, transport, importation, sale, purchase and introduction of select invasive species. The purpose of this regulation is to help control invasive species by reducing new infestations and spread of existing populations. This regulation includes plants, animals, invertebrates, fungi, algae, and cyanobacteria. This regulation became effective March 10, 2015. Regulated Plant & Animal Species that Require Labels Six plants and seven animals are considered regulated under Part 575 as of March 10, 2015. These plants and animals must be labeled in at least 14 point font with the warning: "Invasive Species - Harmful to the Environment". Businesses selling any of these species (i.e. nursery or landscaping businesses; pet stores) are required to label regulated species. The list of species required to display this information can be found below. Aquatic Invasive Species at Boat Launching and Fishing Sites Boats, trailers, waders and other fishing equipment can spread invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned after use. Regulations prohibit boats from launching from or leaving DEC launch sites without first draining the boat and cleaning the boat, trailer and equipment of visible plant and animal material. Material that is removed from a watercraft should be disposed of in an invasive species disposal station or garbage can. The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Spread Prevention regulation, or 6 NYCRR Part 576 , is a statewide regulations that requires reasonable precautions, such as cleaning, draining and treating, and drying are taken to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species prior to placing watercraft or floating docks into public waterbodies. Penalties for Part 576 Regulations For any first violation, a written warning may be issued along with educational materials. For a second offense, a fine of up to $150 may be issued. For a third offense, a fine of up to $250 may be issued. For a fourth offense, a fine of up to $1,000 may be issued.