Oakland Municipal Code Ch. 18.04 Prohibition of the City's Use and Purchase of Neonicotinoid Pesticides

"IPM" means the City of Oakland's Integrated Pest Management Policy, enacted by Resolution Number 73963 C.M.S. and all subsequent amendments.

"Neonicotinoid" means a class of nicotine-like pesticides, which include acetamiprid, imidacloprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam.

"Nursery Stock" means young plants grown at a nursery.

"Pollinator" means an insect that carries pollen from one plant or part of a plant to another.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)

The City of Oakland (City) shall not use any neonicotinoid or neonicotinoid-like, systemic, persistent pesticides for any purpose, other than treatment of an animal by a veterinarian in accordance with the City's IPM Policy, on property owned or operated by the City, including public rights-of-way. This prohibition applies, at a minimum, to seed dressings, soil treatments, foliar sprays, and other types of applications.

Further, the City shall not purchase neonicotinoids and other neonicotinoid-like, systemic, persistent pesticides other than for veterinarian purposes in accordance with the City's IPM Policy.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)

The City will strive to use only pollinator-friendly methods of pest control on any City-owned or operated property.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)

The City Administrator or designee shall ensure that the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation, and other relevant City agencies, departments, and offices as established in Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 2.29 will seek to collaborate with Oakland community and conservation organizations, such as the Pollinator Posse, to prioritize planting and maintaining pollinator attracting plants on City-owned or operated properties.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)

The City Administrator or designee shall post information on the City's website to educate the public regarding the effects of pesticides that contain neonicotinoids on bee and other pollinator populations and promote the use of other less-harmful pesticide products and/or alternative pest control practices, as well as planting bee-friendly plants. Residents should be advised that the City recommends avoiding spraying insecticides on plants and flowers on private property.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)

The City Administrator is authorized to promulgate any rules and regulations or administrative instruction, necessary to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 13544, § 1, 6-18-2019)