Chapter 19.728 — Development Standards—Fences, Walls, Hedges, and Berms

• A. No fence shall be constructed within the mixed-use zones until the plans and design for such fence have been approved pursuant to the zoning compliance review procedure (Section 19.128.090 ). In addition, a fence may require a building permit from the Building Division.

• B. All fences, whether required or not, shall be located and limited in accordance with provisions of this Division.

• C. Fences are required under various provisions of this Division and other laws, including, but not limited to, the screening and protection of parking areas, storage areas, swimming and therapeutic pools, and utility facilities. Such required fences together with the facilities and activities required to be enclosed shall be located so as not to conflict with open space and yard setback requirements.

• D. Conflict with State Law. In the case of fencing requirements pursuant to state law which unavoidably conflict with the requirements of this Division, the state requirements shall prevail.

• E. As defined in Section 19.104.080 , the term "fence" as used in this Division means fence, freestanding wall, hedge, or berm unless otherwise specifically stated.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. General. A solid wall, fence, hedge, or berm no more than two (2) feet in height may be permitted anywhere on a lot. A non-view obscuring fence, such as wrought iron, may be permitted as follows:

  1. A maximum of 4.5-foot high fence may be permitted anywhere on a lot.

  2. A maximum of a 6-foot high decorative fence may be permitted along any street frontage at a distance equal to or greater than the required parking setback for the Mixed-Use Zone (Section 19.720.010 Setbacks). This provision shall not supersede the requirements in Chapter 19.732 .

• B. Interior Lots. On interior lots, a fence, wall, or hedge not exceeding 8 feet above the adjacent natural grade may be located anywhere on the lot behind the required front yard setback line.

• C. Corner Lots. On corner lots, a fence, wall, or hedge not exceeding 8 feet in height above the adjacent natural grade may be located anywhere on the lot behind the required front yard setback line and behind the required corner side yard setback line.

• D. Retaining Wall below Natural Grade. Where a retaining wall protects a cut below the natural grade and is located on the line separating lots or parcels, the retaining wall may be topped by a wall, fence, or hedge of the same height that would otherwise be permitted at the location if no retaining wall existed.

• E. Retaining Wall Containing Fill. Where a retaining wall contains a fill, the height of the retaining wall built to retain the fill shall be considered as contributing to the permissible height of a wall, fence, or hedge, provided that in any event, a protective fence or wall not more than 3 feet in height may be erected at the top of the retaining wall. Any portion of a fence above the maximum height shall be an open-work fence. An openwork fence means a fence in which the component solid portions are evenly distributed and constitute not more than 60 percent of total surface area of the face of the fence.

• F. Open Space. No wall, fence, or hedge exceeding 2 feet in height may be located in open space required between buildings when the buildings are situated front to front, front to rear, or front to end.

• G. Freeway Right-of-Way Adjacent. A wall or fence not exceeding 8 feet in height may be constructed along that portion of a lot or parcel that abuts a freeway right-of-way, provided that:

  1. The wall or fence does not extend into any front yard.

  2. A wall or fence exceeding 6 feet in height shall be subject to discretionary approval, which shall consider the effect of such wall or fence on other property in the vicinity.

  3. Walls used for sound attenuation purposes along arterial roadways shall be attractive and subject to discretionary approval.

• H. Adjacent Residential Zones. Any other provision of this Chapter notwithstanding, a wall, fence, or hedge that is provided along a common property line separating property used for commercial purposes from a single-family zoned property or any PUD established exclusively for residential use, and that is permitted or required to maintain a height of 6 feet, may be extended to a height not to exceed 8 feet.

• I. Railroad or Flood Control Channel Adjacent. When commercial property has a common property line with a single-family zoned property or any PUD established exclusively for residential use, and that is a right-of-way for a railroad or flood control channel, City Council may waive the requirement for a zone separation wall or fence.

• J. Setback Area. Notwithstanding the above requirements, no fence, wall, or hedge shall be permitted within any required street-fronting setback area for any commercial or residential/commercial mixed-use development, with the exception of any fence or wall required for any outdoor dining area.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. All fences in every mixed-use zone, whether required or not, shall:

  1. Utilize no salvaged materials unless reconditioned or refinished.

  2. Be suitably finished on both sides.

  3. Utilize colors and materials that are compatible with the property and neighborhood.

  4. All fences shall be maintained in good repair and appearance.

• B. Perimeter walls shall incorporate various textures, staggered setbacks, and variations in height in conjunction with landscaping to provide visual interest and to soften the appearance of perimeter walls. Perimeter walls shall incorporate wall inserts and/or decorative columns or pilasters to provide visual relief. The maximum unbroken length of a perimeter wall shall be 50 feet.

• C. All non-transparent perimeter walls and/or fences shall be architecturally treated on both sides and shall incorporate landscaping whenever possible.

• D. Wall design and selection of materials shall consider maintenance issues, especially graffiti removal and long-term maintenance.

• E. Wall caps are to be incorporated as a horizontal design element at the top of walls and should not exceed 4 inches vertically.

• F. Visually penetrable materials (e.g., wrought iron or tubular steel) shall be used in areas of high activity (i.e., pools, playgrounds) and areas adjacent to street frontage.

• G. Screen walls, sound walls, and retaining walls shall be used to mitigate noise generators and provide privacy for residents.

• H. Sight-obscuring screening shall be provided for all garbage and trash collection areas, approved outdoor storage, and parking lots abutting a single-family residential development. Such screening shall be 6 feet in height.

• I. Chain Link and Wire Fencing. Except within the COMU zone and as permitted within this section, there shall be no use of chain link or wire fencing in a location between a street and any

buildings on a property or which otherwise faces a street property line within public view.

1. Chain link fencing may be used within such areas for approved temporary uses and for the purpose of temporarily securing vacant or vacated properties and construction sites.

2. For site screening purposes, a chain link gate with screening slats may be used across driveways within such areas.

3. For temporary site screening purposes for a period of 3 years or less, a chain link fence with screening slats may be used around soil remediation equipment.

• J. Vision Clearance Area. Any fence within the required vision clearance area adjacent to any driveway or alley where it intersects with a public street, as defined under Section 19.728.020 , shall not be a view-obscuring fence.

• K. Any masonry wall shall be of a minimum 6-inch-wide block construction. In addition, the wall shall be of ornamental masonry in earthtone colors compatible with the structures on the property. Standard grey or pink block shall not be considered as ornamental masonry and may not be used except to match existing adjacent walls.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Any parallel fences constructed with less than 3 feet separation shall be considered double fences. It is the intent of the City to discourage double fences whenever possible in order to avoid areas in which children and animals may become lodged, areas which may encourage rodent infestation, and areas which may accumulate litter and debris.

• B. In instances where double fences are unavoidable, the gap between the fences shall be completely sealed with flashing, cement cap, or other material in a manner acceptable to the Planning and Building Divisions.

• C. Where a new fence is required along a property line and an existing fence or wall is located on the opposite side of the property line, the Director may suspend the requirement for the new fence provided that the existing fence can substantially satisfy all requirements of this Division and/or any conditions of an approval. Such suspension shall become null and void once the adjacent wall or fence is removed or found unacceptable by the Director and the requirement for the new fence shall be completed at such time.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

A. General Requirements.

1. Definition. For the purpose of this section, security gates shall be defined as any gate, door, or other barrier that limits or restricts public access to or from a property. This definition does not include any barrier securing a pool area, an individual garage, private patio, yard, or living area, or such storage room, recreation rooms, or similar areas not intended for general public access.

2. Proposed residential developments in the mixed-use zones shall indicate during the site plan process prospective plans for future security gates and fencing installation.

3. Security gates shall conform to all other provisions of this chapter, except where such provisions may conflict with the requirements of this section.

• B. Pedestrian Access. For any security gate that restricts pedestrian access to dwelling units of any residential development in the mixed-use zones, an intercom or telephone system shall be provided at the gate for each dwelling unit with restricted access as a condition of approval of the security gate.

• C. Vehicular Access. For any security gate that restricts vehicular access onto any multifamily residential development in the mixed-use zones, the following requirements shall apply;

  1. All vehicular security gates shall be constructed of material that is not view-obscuring.

  2. All vehicular security gates shall be automatically operated by remote control devices. Furthermore, such vehicular gates shall not be permitted to swing in or out.

  3. Pedestrian Access. A separate pedestrian walkway leading from the public sidewalk into a development shall be provided for any development with a security gate across a vehicular access driveway.

  4. Gate Width. Vehicular entry gates shall open a minimum 20 feet to completely clear the minimum driveway width. Additional width may be required by the City for access or circulation purposes.

  5. Gate Setback.

     • a. For any development located on a street with a traffic count of 2,000 cars or fewer per day, a security gate across a vehicular driveway shall be set back from the street property line a minimum of 15 feet, except that, for an existing development, the setback may be reduced to a minimum 12 feet if it is deemed necessary.

     • b. For any development located on a street with a traffic count of more than 2,000 cars per day, a security gate across a vehicular driveway shall be set back from the street property line a minimum of 40 feet.

  6. Vehicular Turnaround. A turnaround area outside of the gate shall be required for any development of 2 or more units which is located on a street with a traffic count of more than 2,000 cars per day or for any development of more than 20 dwelling units.

7. Trash Pickup. A means of entry, to be approved by the City-franchised trash disposal service, shall be provided which automatically opens the vehicular gate(s) for trash pickup. Furthermore, all 3 cubic yard trash bins shall remain within City-approved trash storage facilities for removal by the franchise service at the location of the trash storage area.

• D. Emergency Response Access. Prior to the issuance of any permits, fence plans with security gates shall be reviewed and approved by the City Fire and Police Departments as to any required compliance with the following standards.

  1. To facilitate access by Fire Department personnel, a key switch box, or other approved device, shall be provided for all pedestrian and vehicular security gates.

  2. To facilitate access by City law enforcement officers, a keypad, or other approved device, shall be provided for all pedestrian and vehicular security gates. Furthermore, vehicular gates must provide egress for law enforcement vehicles.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

Chapter 19.732. Development Standards—Landscaping

• A. Minimum Landscaped Area. 15 percent of the total net developable site area shall be landscaped. Required setbacks shall be included as part of the calculation of the minimum landscaped area.

• B. Landscaping Required in Setbacks. A minimum of 50 percent of the surface area of the required setbacks shall be landscaped in all mixed-use zones, with the exception of the required front and corner side yard setbacks in the EMU and COMU zones. In the EMU zones, a maximum of 60 percent and a minimum of 20 percent of the surface area of the required setbacks shall be landscaped. In the COMU zone, a minimum of 15 percent of the surface area of the required setbacks shall be landscaped. Any non-landscaped area within a required setback shall be paved per the requirements in subsection C .

• C. Paved Areas in Setbacks. Areas not landscaped shall be paved with high-quality materials such as pavers, stone or cobblestone, patterned or scored colored concrete, or similar durable materials. Plain and colored concrete and plain asphalt are prohibited.

• D. Ground Cover. All landscaped areas shall be covered with turf, non-deciduous groundcover, or other types of plantings. All plant spacing shall be as indicated on the landscape plans. Substitute landscaping such as crushed rock, redwood chips, pebbles, and stone may not be used in lieu of live plant materials, although limited use may be approved by the Community and Economic Development Director during the site plan review process.

• E. Vision Clearance at Street Intersections Paving and Landscaping. The area comprising an open and unobstructed triangular area for vision clearance shall be paved and landscaped in accordance with Chapter 19.732 and other applicable landscaping standards required for mixed-use zones, except that no trees, shrubs, fences, or other physical obstructions higher than 3 feet above existing grade shall be permitted.

• F. Landscaping designs shall include one (1) or more of the following planting design concepts:

  1. Specimen trees (48-inch box or more) in informal groupings or rows at major focal points.

  2. Use of planting to create shadow and patterns against walls.

  3. Use of planting to soften building lines and emphasize the positive features of the sit.

  4. Use of flowering vines on walls, arbors, or trellises.

  5. Trees to create canopy and shade, especially in parking areas and passive open space areas.

  6. Berms, plantings, and walls to screen parking lots, trash enclosures, storage areas, utility boxes, etc.

• G. Plant materials shall be placed so that they do not interfere with the lighting of the premises or restrict access to emergency apparatus such as re-hydrants or re-alarm boxes. Trees or large shrubs shall not be planted under overhead lines or over underground utilities if their growth might interfere with such public utilities. Trees and large shrubs shall be placed as follows:

  1. A minimum of 8 feet between the center of trees and the edge of a driveway, a water meter, gas meter, and sewer laterals.

2. A minimum of 20 feet between the center of trees and the beginning of curb returns at intersections to keep trees out of the line-of-sight triangle at intersections.

   3. A minimum of 15 feet between the center of trees and large shrubs to utility poles and streetlights.

   4. A minimum of 8 feet between the center of trees or large shrubs and fire hydrants and Fire Department sprinkler and standpipe connections.

• H. Each project developed within mixed-use zones shall comply with the most recently adopted Orange County Fire Authority Guidelines for access, water, and Architectural Guidelines.

• I. Parking Lot Landscaping Improvements.

  1. Landscaped Buffers Along Streets. Within the required setback areas for parking (see Section 19.720.010 ), one of the following, or a combination thereof, shall be provided except at driveway and walkway openings and as required for vision clearance by Section 19.736.020 :

     • a. Ornamental masonry wall or hedge, 2 feet high, at the perimeter of the parking area facing a street;

     • b. Landscaped berm, 10 feet wide and 2 feet high.

  2. Landscaped Buffers Along Alleys. Except for driveways and walkways, a landscaped planter shall be provided along all parking areas adjacent to an alley pursuant to Section 19.536.070.E.2.

  3. Interior Landscaping.

     • a. Mixed-Use Zones. Within the parking area of any parking lot with 10 or more parking spaces, landscaping with trees and some combination of shrubs, vines, and ground cover shall be provided pursuant to Section 19.536.070.E.3. Such landscaping shall be reasonably distributed throughout the area in order to avoid a monotonous appearance and to enhance the visual attractiveness of the area, especially those portions in public view.

• J. Landscape Buffer Adjacent to RS Zones. Other than a single-family use, any parking area in the mixed-use zones located adjacent to a RS zone shall be provided with a landscape buffer consisting of trees and some combination of shrubs, vines and ground cover pursuant to Section 19.436.080.E.4.

• K. Landscape Buffer Adjacent to Residential Structures. Where required under Section 19.436.080.E.1, a landscaped buffer shall be provided between a residential structure and an adjacent parking area, loading area, driveway, or other area provided for vehicular circulation. Such landscaped area may include walkways, uncovered porches, and exterior stairways and balconies, provided at least 60 percent of the total required buffer area is occupied by plant materials.

• L. Pedestrian-Oriented Plazas. A minimum of 25 percent of the pedestrian-oriented plaza shall be landscaped with live plant materials. Pedestrian-oriented plazas shall feature landscape amenities including but not limited to landscape planters, low hedges, and shade-providing trees, water features, or unique features that enhance the appearance, desirability, and usability of the plaza.

• M. Artificial Plants Prohibited. Artificial plants, with the exception of artificial turf, are prohibited.

• N. Artificial Turf. Artificial turf requires an Artificial Turf permit approval prior to installation. Artificial turf, where permitted, shall comply with the following criteria:

  1. Artificial turf shall not be located in front yards, corner side yards, or portions of side yards visible from a public right-of-way.

  2. Artificial turf shall have a minimum eight-year no fade warranty.

  3. Artificial turf shall be installed by a licensed professional and shall be installed pursuant to manufacturer's requirements.

  4. Artificial turf shall be installed and maintained to effectively simulate the appearance of a well-maintained lawn. The turf shall be maintained in a green fadeless condition and shall

be maintained free of weeds, debris, tears, holes, and impressions.

5. The use of indoor or outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting as a replacement of artificial turf or natural turf is prohibited.

6. A minimum of 15% of the overall area to be turfed shall include living plant material (i.e., flower beds, tree wells, etc.) within the overall landscape design.

7. Artificial turf shall be separated from flowerbeds by a concrete mow strip, bender board, or other barrier acceptable to the city in order to prevent intrusion of living plant material into the artificial turf.

• O. Trees.

  1. Tree Location. No trees shall be planted under any eave, balcony, or overhang.

  2. Root Barriers Required. Trees in landscape planters measuring 10 feet or less in width or depth shall be provided with tree root barriers.

  3. Tree Staking. All trees shall be double-staked.

  4. Visibility. All trees whether singularly placed or placed on clusters shall not inhibit standard visibility parameters.

  5. Required Site Trees. One tree shall be provided for every 1,000 square feet of site area. Trees shall conform to the matrix of plant materials established by the Urban Forestry Master Plan. Minimum tree size at planting shall be 24-inch box.

  6. Street Trees. Street trees shall be provided per City standards.

• P. Drought-Tolerant Species. A minimum of 75 percent of non-turf landscaped areas shall be planted with native or drought-tolerant planting materials, as widely recognized within the horticultural industry or as recommended by a California-licensed Landscape Architect, to bring interest and beauty to the landscape, support biodiversity, and reduce the need for pesticides and excessive irrigation. Landscape selection shall be in compliance with the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. A landscape and irrigation plan for any newly established landscape area shall be submitted for Landscape Plan review and approval.

• B. The landscape and irrigation plan shall clearly identify the following criteria:

  1. Property lines and property address.

  2. Streets, driveways, walkways, recreational areas, and other paved areas.

  3. Pools, water features, fences, and retaining walls.

  4. Existing and proposed buildings and structures.

  5. Landscaping materials, trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, turf, and other vegetation. Planting symbols shall be clearly drawn and plants labeled by botanical name, common name, container size, spacing, and quantities of each group of plants indicated.

  6. An approximate calculation of the total landscape area.

• C. A landscape and irrigation plan with new landscaped areas of 500 square feet or more, or 2,500 square feet of rehabilitated landscape area shall be prepared and/or certified by a licensed landscape architect or contractor, certified irrigation designer, or other licensed or certified professional in a related field.

• D. Minimum acceptable plant sizes shall be as follows:

  1. Trees shall be a minimum 24-inch box size.

  2. Shrubs and vines shall not be less than 5-gallon size, and a minimum of 15-gallon minimum size, where required for screening. The minimum planter width for shrubs is 3 feet.

  3. Groundcover be not be less than 1-gallon size.

  4. Street trees be planted at one (1) tree per 25 linear feet of frontage.

• E. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be approved prior to the issuance of permits for such work or prior to the issuance of any permits (i.e., building permits) for any associated work approved by an action of the Community and Economic Development Director.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. All landscaping shall be permanently maintained in a clean, healthy, and attractive condition. This includes pruning, weeding, removal of litter, fertilizing, replacement of plants when necessary, and the appropriate watering of all landscaping.

• B. Curbs Required. All landscape planters shall be separated from all parking and loading spaces, parking aisles, and driveways with a minimum 6-inch-high concrete curb unless a reduced curb is required as part of the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). In addition, for any such landscape area adjacent to a public sidewalk, in which the grade of the planter is higher than the sidewalk and which is planted with ground cover other than a hydroseeded or sodded lawn, a minimum 6-inch-high concrete curb shall be provided alongside the public sidewalk to preclude soil erosion across such sidewalk.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. All required landscaping shall be provided with a permanent underground irrigation system. The irrigation system shall consist of piped water lines terminating in an appropriate number of sprinklers or other outlets to insure complete coverage of water for plants within the landscaped areas.

• B. Sprinkler heads and risers shall be protected from car bumpers. "Pop-up" heads shall be used near curbs and sidewalks. The landscape irrigation system shall be designed to prevent run-off and overspray.

• C. Any permanent, underground irrigation system, whether required or not, shall comply with the following criteria:

  1. Permits are required prior to installation of any permanent, underground irrigation system.

     • a. Off-Site Work. Irrigation systems exclusively in City rights-of-way require permits issued by the Construction Services Division of Public Works. Any system within City rights-of-way shall meet the minimum requirements outlined under Engineering Standard No. ISP-1.

     • b. On-Site Work. On-site and combination on-site and off-site installations shall comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Permit fees shall be in accordance with the applicable sections of the City Code.

  2. Backflow Prevention Devices. All irrigation systems shall be protected by an approved type and size of backflow prevention devices, as required by the Public Works Department, to be painted green and screened by landscaping with a 3-foot-wide clearance.

  3. After installation, the system shall be flushed thoroughly to remove dirt and debris prior to installation of the sprinkler heads.

  4. Irrigation systems shall be maintained in good working order.

• D. In addition to the requirements of subsection B of this section, any required permanent underground irrigation system for a development with 500 square feet or more in landscape area shall comply with the following criteria:

  1. Each irrigation system shall be equipped with an automatic controller with a mechanical or solid-state timer capable of operating valve stations to set days and length of time.

  2. Each irrigation system shall be equipped with a rain sensing override device which automatically shuts off the irrigation system when it rains.

  3. Whenever possible, landscape irrigation shall be scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. to avoid irrigation during times of high wind or high temperature.

  4. For larger developments, the following criteria may be required when considered appropriate under a department policy of either the Planning Division or Public Works Department.

     • a. A soil moisture sensing device may be required where appropriate to measure soil moisture and maintain efficient irrigation schedules.

• b. A separate landscape water meter may be required.

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)