5.2. GENERAL STANDARDS AND EXCEPTIONS

5.2.0.A. Storage and Accumulation of Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish

It shall be unlawful for any person to store or keep, or permit others to store or keep, junk, garbage, and/or rubbish including, but not limited to, scrap metals or other scrap materials, on any lot or parcel, or any portion thereof, in any zone other than the M-2 zone subject to the requirements for that zone.

5.2.0.B.

[DELETED 07-16-2020] Refer to Section 3.9.3.L

5.2.1.A. Measuring Setbacks

Street right-of-way dimensions and width are described in the adopted County Improvement Standards. Setbacks in the Code are identified and measured, based on one of two approaches, depending on whether the street right-of-way or future street right-of-way includes or does not include a Public Utilities and Public Facilities (PUPF) easement. Prior to the adoption of the revised County Improvement Standards in 2009, buildings setbacks were historically measured from the back of the sidewalk. The revised County Improvement Standards include provisions for a PUPF easement overlaying the landscape buffer and sidewalk area, where the right-of-way is now measured from the back of the curb.

The Code reflects the existence of both methods for measuring setbacks from the public street rightof-way, as indicated in the Development Standard Tables for each zoning district. Developments that acquired right-of-way prior to adoption of the 2009 Improvement Standards shall follow the standards for setbacks without a PUPF easement, using setbacks measured from the back of the sidewalk. New or recent right-of-way acquisitions with setbacks that include a PUPF easement shall be measured from the back of curb. Where there is no street right-of-way, access easement, or future street right-of-way, as identified through an official control or private road, a setback is measured from the property line.

The descriptions and accompanying diagrams in Figures 5-1 through 5-8 define the front, side, and rear yard areas and the methods for measuring setbacks.

Figure 5-1: Typical Lot Identifying Yard Areas

1. Front Yard Setback. The front yard setback is the depth, measured perpendicularly from the nearest point of the front lot line, at the back of the sidewalk, to the nearest part of the main building. Where a PUPF is required, setbacks shall be measured from the back of the curb to the main building.

Figure 5-2: Single-Family Setback Measurement

Figure 5-3: Multifamily Setback Measurement

Figure 5-4: Commercial and Industrial Setback Measurement

Figure 5-5: Business Professional Office (BP) and Industrial Office Park (MP) Setback Measurement

2. Front Yard Setback on a Curved Street. For lots fronting on a curved streets or the curved portion of a cul-de-sac street, the setback is measured along a chord from the center point along an arc coincidental with the edge of the street right-of-way to the nearest part of the main building (as shown in 5-6 figure). Where a PUPF is required, setbacks shall be measured from the back of the curb.

Figure 5-6: Front Yard Setback along a Curved Street

3. Side Yard Setback. The side yard setback is the depth, measured perpendicularly, from the nearest point of the side lot line to the nearest part of the closest building.

4. Corner Street Side Yard Setback. The corner street setback is the depth, measured horizontally, from the nearest part of the closest building to the nearest point of the side lot line at the back of the sidewalk. Where a PUPF is required, setbacks shall be measured from the main building to the street right-of-way line, at the back of curb.

5. Rear Yard Setback. The rear yard setback is the depth, measured perpendicularly from the nearest point of the rear lot line to the nearest part of the main building. For irregularly shaped lots, the rear lot line is defined as the point where the width of the lot is a minimum of 10 feet (as shown in Figure 5-7).

Figure 5-8: Through Lots

Figure 5-7: Rear Yard Setback for Irregular Shaped Lots

5.2.1.B. Through Lots

A lot having a frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets. In such cases, the property owner may choose which frontage will be used to define the front lot line, and thus the front yard area. The primary buildings and any accessory structures shall be constructed so as not to encroach upon the required yards of any streets. Where a lot has a depth of 125 feet or more, the lot may be

treated as two lots with the rear line of each approximately equidistant from the front lot lines (as shown in figure 5-8), provided that all of the yard requirements are met.

5.2.1.C. Use of Setback Areas

Except as otherwise permitted in this Code, every part of a required setback shall be open from its lowest point to the sky (refer to Section 5.2.1.D for a description of allowed encroachments into setbacks). For nonresidential development, all setback areas visible from public streets and areas shall be landscaped, as required in Section 5.2.4.

5.2.1.D. Allowed Encroachments in Setbacks

Refer to the Development Standards tables, found under the applicable zoning district in this Chapter for allowed encroachments into setback areas. Where not otherwise provided in the Code, the following setback encroachment standards shall apply.

1. Cornices, sills, eaves, canopies, awnings, and similar features may encroach into any required yard area a distance not to exceed 24 inches.

2. Window bays, having a minimum of 50 percent glass, may encroach 24 inches into a required yard area when the finished floor of the window bay is at least 15 inches above the finished floor of the room. The roof overhang above the window bay may not encroach 24 inches into the yard area.

3. Accessory structures must maintain a minimum three foot setback from property lines for any portion of the structure, including the encroachment described by this Section, except for small accessory structures or sheds as noted in Table 5.10

4. Fire escapes, outdoor stairways, balconies, and mechanical equipment shall not encroach more than 36 inches into a yard or court. Ordinary projections of chimneys and flues may be permitted by the Chief Building Official where the same are so placed as not to obstruct the light and ventilation.

5. Except as otherwise restricted in this code, bus shelters may be located within the front or side yard setback of any lot, provided that the shelter complies with Section 3.9.3.N.

6. Lot Area or Setback Reduction for Dedications. Where a lot area or a lot width, depth, or setback has been reduced for an existing legally created lot by not more than 15 percent as a result of acquisition or dedication for an existing or future highway, road, drain, or other public purpose, as a result of a dedication pursuant to a result of a Rezoning, Variance, or Conditional Use Permit, the lot area or yard so reduced may be included in determining compliance with lot area or yard requirements in the same manner as if the acquisition or dedication has not taken place.

7. Lot Area and Width Reduction for Local Public Agency Uses. Contemporaneously with the hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for the establishment of any buildings or grounds owned and operated by a local public agency in any agricultural zoning district, interim agricultural zoning district, or agricultural-residential zoning district, the appropriate authority may permit such uses on a lot of less area or width than required in the zoning district, provided that the area and width of the lot is:

   • a. Adequate for the proposed use and sufficient to provide the required yards, parking areas, and landscaping.

   • b. Adequate under the circumstances of the particular case to prevent the proposed use from being detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood or to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the County.

5.2.1.E. Accessibility Accommodations - Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Reasonable Accommodations)

[AMENDED 09-09-2022]

1. During the building permit review process, staff may approve reduced setbacks for structures relating to disability access (as defined by the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act; referred to as a reasonable accommodation), such as ramps, handrails, or similar as follows:

   • a. Accessibility structures must be clearly labeled as such on building plans.

   • b. Staff may deny or approve modified reduced setbacks if it is determined that the structures can accommodate accessibility needs within or closer to standard requirements.

   • c. In no case shall reduced setbacks result in structures contrary to the public health, safety, or welfare, or be injurious to the property or improvements of adjacent properties.

   • d. In no case shall accessibility related structures encroach onto public utility, road, or other recorded easements.

2. Applicants are not required to provide documentation of disability nor are they required to remove the accessibility structures should an immediate need no longer be present.

5.2.1.F. Building Attachments and Additions

[AMENDED 06-22-2017][AMENDED 05-11- 2018][AMENDED 01-15-2021]

1. Attachments. For a structure to be considered attached to a primary dwelling it must share a wall with the primary dwelling that spans at least 30 percent of the subordinate structure.

2. Additions. For a structure to be considered an addition to a primary dwelling, the structure must meet standard 5.2.1.F.1, above, and the following:

   • a. There must be internal access to the primary dwelling.

   • b. If the addition includes conditioned space, that space must be accessed from conditioned space in the primary dwelling. (I.e., internal access must be from a family room or other living space, rather than a garage.)

   • c. The addition shall not include a kitchen or cooking facilities. (See Section 5.4.5.B for ADU and JADU standards.)

In addition to the height regulations in the Sections and development standard tables that follow, the uses that follow shall also be subject to the height provisions in Sections 5.2.2.A through D. The height provision for buildings or structures shall be interpreted so that both the limitation as to the number of stories and the limitation of the height in feet apply.

5.2.2.A. Height Limits in Aircraft Approach Zoning Districts

In any zoning district, no tree or other object of natural growth shall be allowed to grow and no building, appurtenance, tower, or other structure shall be erected or maintained to exceed the height limits developed for aircraft approach and take off areas that are designated on the Comprehensive Zoning Plan that is part of this Code.

5.2.2.B. Height Exceptions for Certain Structures

[AMENDED 01-12-2019]

Towers, penthouses, and other roof structures for the purpose of shelter for mechanical equipment, solar panels, wind turbines, cupolas, water tanks, church steeples, carillon towers, radio television antennas, and similar structures and necessary mechanical appurtenances may be erected on a building, or on the ground, to a height greater than the limit otherwise established within the zoning district, or for that use, provided that no such exception shall cover at any level more than 15 percent of the area of the lot, nor have an area at the base greater than 1,600 square feet. See Section 3.9.3.B for dish antenna regulations. All construction is subject to approval of the Chief Building Official.

Signs may not be placed on such structures at any height exceeding the height of an otherwise permitted building.

Fences or walls may be required and conditioned to exceed seven feet in height for a project, as determined by the appropriate authority hearing related planning matters on the same parcel of land.

5.2.2.C. Height Exceptions for Buildings in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Zoning Districts

[AMENDED 09-09-2022]

The Planning Commission may, after reviewing development plans which address 1) glare/reflected heat; 2) energy efficiency; 3) traffic impacts; and 4) effects on adjacent parcels relating to height, scale, and mass of the proposed building; grant a Special Development Permit to allow exceptions to height if the appropriate authority finds that any adverse effects caused by the factors in this paragraph have been adequately mitigated through design features incorporated into the proposed project:

1. All Residential Zoning Districts. Public buildings, hotels, apartment houses, schools, places of worship, hospitals, and other similar buildings may be erected to a height not to exceed 75 feet, provided that the required yards shall be increased one foot for each one foot of height of said building.

2. All Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts. The number of stories and the height limits for commercial or industrial buildings, hotels and apartment buildings may be increased to a maximum of 150 feet, provided that all buildings are set back from the ultimate right-of-way line of all abutting streets and freeways a distance at least equal to the height of the building. For any residential portion of a hotel or apartment house, all required yards and courts shall be increased one foot for each foot that such building exceeds 40 feet in height. In any case, the floor area to lot area ratio shall not exceed 2.5:1. Commercial buildings located in urban areas may have unlimited height with a Special Development Permit approved by the Planning Commission for projects located within a one-quarter mile of a transit station or stop along a light rail line, bus rapid transit line, or other trunk line providing high frequency bus service with 20 minute or better headways, which is either in existing service, under construction, or planned for service as identified in Regional Transit’s Short-Range Transit Plan Ten Year Capital Program of Projects.

5.2.2.D. Height Criteria

In evaluating Special Development Permits for height exception requests, the appropriate authority shall consider the following factors:

1. Use of all contiguous parcels

2. Elevation of the respective parcels

3. The height and number of stories of any structures or buildings on contiguous parcels

4. The beneficial or harmful effect of the height of the building on existing terrain and vegetation

5. The opportunity for a higher structure to overlook yard areas of contiguous parcels and invade the privacy of such yard areas

6. The impact of the proposed structure on traffic circulation

[AMENDED 09-09-2022]

In addition to the development standards and associated tables for each land use Section in this Chapter, the maximum density and intensity requirements may be increased for the following types of projects as outlined in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1

[AMENDED 07-11-2024]

5.2.4.A. Purpose

Landscape standards in this Section apply to all new development, buildings, or structures that may be erected or enlarged, and/or the maintenance of existing landscaping for all zoning districts in the unincorporated area of the County, unless otherwise noted in this Section. Landscape standards are provided to:

• Ensure the use of native and/or drought tolerant landscaping which is appropriate to the climate and conditions in the County, provide shade, screen loading and services facilities, help frame views and edges, and provide natural transitions that enhance the quality, walkability, safety and aesthetics of the surrounding built environment;

• Ensure the healthy establishment and appropriate long-term care and maintenance of all existing and new landscaping provided for all types of development;

• Promote sustainable landscaping practices that lower urban heat island temperatures, improve air quality, conserve water and energy, restore, and enhance environmentally sensitive areas; and emphasize the use of river friendly landscaping practices and stormwater best management practices.

• Set provisions for the removal and replacement of unhealthy trees and/or hazardous conditions and proper pruning of trees to remove hazardous obstructions; and

• Protect the function of trees for shading, carbon and particulate capture, water quality, energy conservation, and aesthetics while ensuring adequate clearance and visibility for safety, lighting of merchant signage, and balancing other needs and functions of the property.

5.2.4.B. Requirements for Institutional, Commercial, Industrial, and Multifamily Residential Use Categories

[AMENDED 09-09-2022]

1. General Requirements

• a. Unless otherwise indicated, the minimum container sizes for trees shall be 24-inch box for 35 percent of the trees, and the remainder shall be 15-gallon. The minimum container sizes for shrubs shall be five-gallon for 70 percent of the shrubs, and the remainder shall be one-gallon. The minimum container sizes for groundcovers shall be one-gallon. The required percentages may be considered for adjustment as part of the Design Review process.

• b. Unless otherwise indicated, tree plantings for all projects shall include 40 percent evergreen species. The required percentage may be considered for adjustment as part of the Design Review process.

• c. Varied tree and plant species shall be used throughout the site. No one species shall comprise more than 75 percent of trees, shrubs, or groundcovers proposed for the site.

• d. All landscape and streetscape improvements must meet the County’s Improvement Standards, unless otherwise approved by an adopted streetscape plan, corridor plan, or other special area zoning code; and shall be consistent with the current edition of the County’s Design Guidelines and the following standards.

• e. Use of irrigation may be waived in the event of mandatory water conservation measures by the water purveyor for the community in which the property is located. Trees and shrubs shall be watered in a manner to keep them alive.

2. Landscaping of Setback and Frontage Areas.

All areas between the edge of the street right-of-way and the building or parking lot, and visible from the public street, except for driveways and screen areas, shall be landscaped. See Section 5.2.4.F for parking lot landscaping requirements.

• a. Frontage Landscaping Adjacent to Parking Lots and Driveways

  • i. A planter at eight feet wide excluding curbing, shall be provided between the edge of parking areas and: 1) sidewalks, where sidewalks are detached from curb and gutter, or 2) street right-of-way where sidewalks are attached. In addition, where the ultimate rightof-way is located behind a public sidewalk or curb, any area within the street right-of-way shall be developed as a planter or landscaped area in conjunction with the required eight foot area in this subsection. The planter shall be designed to comply with parking lot shading and street tree requirements in this Chapter.

  • ii. Within this planter, trees approved by the Planning Director shall be planted no further than 30 feet on-center and at least four feet but not further than 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk. The planter shall also include shrubs, ground covers, and other natural

growth, or stormwater quality features and drainage treatments. Nothing in this Section shall preclude the installation of additional landscaping and the planting of additional trees so long as it is consistent with the visibility regulations for the County.

• iii. Bus shelters may be located within this planter if approved by the Director of the Department of Transportation or his or her designee and the regional transit agency, but shall not be placed so as to reduce the number of trees which are otherwise required by this Section.

• b. Frontage Landscaping Adjacent to Buildings. Within the area between the right-of-way and buildings, trees approved by the Planning Director shall be planted no further than 30 feet oncenter and at least four feet but not further than 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk. The planter shall also include shrubs, ground covers, and other natural growth, or stormwater quality features and drainage treatments. Nothing in this Section shall preclude the installation of additional landscaping and the planting of additional trees so long as it is consistent with the visibility regulations for the County.

• c. Landscaped Parkways. When required by the County’s Improvement Standards, a six to eightfoot landscaped parkway shall be provided between the curb (i.e., edge of the street right-ofway) and detached sidewalk.

  • i. Landscape parkways may include earth berms, hedges, fences, or walls, in combination with trees and plantings, and may be used for stormwater purposes.

  • ii. Alternative landscaping methods and landscape parkway requirements may be considered as part of the Design Review process.

• iii. Street Trees. Approved trees for planting in County right-of-way and public easements shall be subject to the County’s Improvement Standards. Trees not listed in the Improvement Standards, may be planted with the approval of Planning and Environmental Review for tree selections that can provide the greatest benefits (i.e., benefits to shading, health, air quality, water, and energy conservation) is recommended. The planting of street trees applies to new construction or major reconstruction.

• d. Clustering and Alternative Design. Alternative design approaches, such as clustering of trees, may also be approved during Design Review.

• e. Pedestrian Walks and Connections. Required landscape areas should include pedestrian walks and well-marked paths of travel and connections, steps, and similar hard surface areas, provided that such hard surface areas do not cover more than 25 percent of the required landscape areas. A barrier free, four-foot wide paved walk may be provided through the

required planter at street and driveway intersections to provide unencumbered access for people with disabilities from the sidewalk to the parking lot. Such walk shall be located so as to facilitate the most direct movement of persons using sidewalk curb ramps, if such are provided.

3. Landscape Screening Along Interior Property Lines.

• a. No landscape planter shall be required for Institutional, Commercial, or Industrial Uses when adjacent to Commercial, Industrial, Institutional or Agricultural uses.

• b. A minimum seven-foot wide continuous landscaped planter area shall be required for Institutional, Commercial, or Industrial uses when along property lines shared with any Agricultural-Residential or Residential zoning district.

• c. A minimum seven-foot wide continuous landscaped planter shall be required for Multifamily Residential Uses in all cases.

• d. Landscaping within this planter shall consist of screen trees approved by Planning and Environmental Review, spaced 30-feet on center, in combination with other plant materials to provide a dense visual screen. Trees shall be planted a minimum of five feet and no further than 10 feet from the required fencing. Fencing requirements for specific uses can be found in Section 5.2.5.

4. Landscape Screening from Public Right-of-Ways and Within Scenic Corridors.

• a. For industrial uses visible from a public right-of-way, not otherwise screened by required landscaping, a 10-foot wide landscaped area shall be provided adjacent to the right-of-way. Landscaping shall include a combination of trees and shrubs at sufficient intervals to achieve the desired screening. Trees shall be planted at least 30 feet on-center. The right-of-way elevation, relative to elevations in the adjoining property, shall be a consideration in selecting landscape plants which can accomplish appropriate visual screening.

hall be provided adjacent to the right-of-way. Landscaping shall include a combination of trees and shrubs at sufficient intervals to achieve the desired screening. Trees shall be planted at least 30 feet on-center. The right-of-way elevation, relative to elevations in the adjoining property, shall be a consideration in selecting landscape plants which can accomplish appropriate visual screening.

• b. For properties within a scenic corridor, contiguous to a freeway right-of-way, not otherwise screened, a 15-foot wide landscaped area shall be provided adjacent to all freeway rights-of-way in the scenic corridor. Landscaping shall include a combination of trees and shrubs at sufficient intervals to achieve appropriate screening. Trees shall be planted at least 30 feet on-center. The freeway elevation, relative to elevations in the adjoining property, and air quality benefits shall be a consideration in selecting landscape plants which can accomplish appropriate visual screening.

• c. Shrubs and other natural growth, combined with berms and other landscape features, at least three feet in height, shall be designed to enhance, soften, and visually screen loading and parking areas, trash enclosures, mechanical equipment, walls, and other unsightly uses visible to public right-of-way, except near street and driveway intersections where landscaping shall not exceed 2.5 feet in height in accordance with the visibility regulations of the Sacramento County Improvement Standards. Consideration shall be given to public safety as part of the design and maintenance of these areas.

• d. A five foot landscape planter shall be installed around the perimeter of trash enclosures if visible from public right-of-way.

5. Landscape Maintenance.

All landscaped areas shall be moved, trimmed, and/or maintained as often as necessary to prevent overgrowth and blight. No junk, debris, or other similar materials may be stored in landscaped areas. Refer to Section 5.2.4.G for additional standards on landscape care and maintenance.

6. Stormwater Quality Landscaping

• a. On-site stormwater quality landscaping, approved in setback areas or public right-of-way or integrated into the project may count toward required landscaping.

• b. Pervious pavement and permeable pavers may be a substitute for impermeable hard surfaces but may not substitute for required landscaped planting areas. Ornamental or landscape rock and gravel areas, artificial turf, or areas covered with other artificial materials may be combined with landscape areas, provided that they are approved through the Design Review process.

7. Access for People with Disabilities.

The design of landscaping shall provide for the access needs, safety, and comfort of persons with disabilities in conformance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

8. Tree Preservation.

Existing mature and native trees and shrubs shall be preserved and incorporated within the project site design to the extent feasible. Removal of protected trees shall be consistent with the County General Plan, the County Tree Ordinance, Section 5.2.4.H of this Code, and applicable projectspecific CEQA mitigation measures.

9. Sustainable Design.

Landscaping for projects shall be designed to integrate principles of sustainability to the greatest extent feasible. This includes principles of water conservation, the use of trees for energy conservation and to improve air quality, and the use of storm water control features for treatment and run-off reduction, with an emphasis on the use of drought-tolerant and/or native plants. Landscaping plans shall cohesively incorporate the following requirements and guidelines:

• a. The County of Sacramento Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

• b. The County-Wide Design Guidelines.

• c. The Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnerships River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines - Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional.

• d. The Stormwater Quality Design Manual for the Sacramento and South Placer Regions.

• e. The County of Sacramento Zoning Code, including this Section and the Parking Section 5.2.4.F.

• f. The integration of these practices shall not compromise requirements for landscaping as established by the Code and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.

10. Irrigation

• a. All landscaped areas shall be provided with a permanent or temporary irrigation system, demonstrated on site plans, to ensure the establishment and ongoing maintenance of landscaping. Alternative and innovative methods of irrigation such as use of cisterns for rainwater harvesting and other techniques that recycle water on-site, is encouraged when feasible.

• b. Drip irrigation systems are recommended for water conservation and run-off reduction for more efficient means of watering trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, and ornamental grasses than a conventional spray system. However, if proper maintenance of drip irrigation systems cannot be provided, a conventional spray or bubbler system is preferred.

• c. Turf and groundcover areas are more effectively irrigated with efficient, low angle spray heads. Head-to-head spray coverage is recommended. Avoid overspray onto sidewalks and adjacent properties.

• d. All trees, shrub and groundcover areas, and lawn areas shall be irrigated separately to allow individual control of the irrigation needs for these plant types. Tree irrigation systems shall include bubblers, drip, or similar application, located within a watering basin for each tree.

11. Design Review.

Preliminary Landscape Plans shall be required and reviewed as part of the Design Review process. For existing buildings and uses, additional landscaping may be required in order to meet the intent of these requirements.

5.2.4.C. Requirements for All Residential Use Categories, Except Multifamily and Mobile Home Parks

[AMENDED 09-09-2022]

The following landscape requirements address required front and side-street yard areas:

1. Trees.

The developer/home builder shall plant a minimum of one tree in the front yard of every built lot, except as follows:

• a. For small lot developments, provide one tree per lot in common open space or landscaped areas.

• b. Should a tree in the front yard interfere with solar panel placement, the tree may be placed in a side or rear yard if sufficient area is available.

• c. For lots of 7,500 square feet or more that meet or exceed the minimum street frontage requirements measured at the public rights-of-way line, a minimum of two trees shall be planted in the front yard.

• d. One street tree in planted landscape areas between the curb and sidewalk, in the front yard of the lot, may count toward the minimum street tree requirements for single-family or multifamily housing.

2.

[DELETED 09-09-2022]

3. Required Yard Area Hardscape Restrictions.

The maximum amount of paving and hardscape is regulated by Section 5.9.3.C.

4. Landscape and Maintenance Requirements.

Notwithstanding 5.9.3.C.a, the remaining unpaved or uncovered portion of the required setback area shall be landscaped, irrigated, and maintained.

• a. Landscaping may consist of a combination of grass, annuals, perennials, groundcover, shrubs, trees, edible gardens, and any other recognized landscape material as approved by the Planning Director.

• b. Landscape design elements such as rocks, planters, and mulch may be used, provided that living vegetation is the primary groundcover.

5. Irrigation.

An automatic irrigation system shall be installed in the front yard of new construction to provide consistent coverage of all planted areas. A home on a corner lot shall have an automatic irrigation system that covers the yard fronting both streets. Automatic controllers with rain shut-off valves or microclimate sensing capabilities provide greater water conservation.

6. Vehicle Parking Requirements.

Vehicles, including, but not limited to, automobiles, boats, campers, trailers and other recreational vehicles must be parked on a surfaced area in conformance to this Code (See Section 5.9.3.C. for parking standards) and may not be parked within the required landscaped area.

7. Landscape Alternatives.

In the case of a circular driveway that may exceed the maximum hardscape restriction for the yard area, off-setting landscaping may be provided in the area between the required yard area and the dwelling. Other options for landscaping the required yard areas, including the use of additional hardscape materials, artificial turf, or other landscape elements may be approved through the Design Review process.

8.

[DELETED 09-09-2022]

9. Landscaping Adjacent to Soundwalls.

• a. Earthmounds. When the sound and visual attenuation requires a wall exceeding six feet above the grade of the adjacent roadway, earthmounds or terraced landscaping shall be used such that no more than six feet of the wall is visible from the roadway. The mounds shall not exceed a 3:1 slope. The mounds may support the wall or be placed against the wall on the street side. Drainage shall be contained.

rthmounds. When the sound and visual attenuation requires a wall exceeding six feet above the grade of the adjacent roadway, earthmounds or terraced landscaping shall be used such that no more than six feet of the wall is visible from the roadway. The mounds shall not exceed a 3:1 slope. The mounds may support the wall or be placed against the wall on the street side. Drainage shall be contained.

• b. Landscaping. All setback areas shall be landscaped with groundcover, shrubs, vines, mounds and trees such that at least 50 percent of the wall shall be screened from the adjacent public

street within five years. Trees shall be placed so as to cover the 50 percent of the total landscaped area with a shade canopy within 15 years of planting. 30 percent of the trees shall be evergreen.

• c. Maintenance. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and a maintenance program shall be established to provide ongoing maintenance of the wall and landscaped area. The proposed maintenance program shall be submitted with the application and may consist of one, or a combination, of the following:

  • i. A homeowners association agreement;

  • ii. An assessment district, Lighting and Landscape Act District, or similar district;

  • iii. Other viable alternative presented in public hearing and found acceptable to the appropriate authority. The proposed maintenance program shall be submitted with the application.

5.2.4.D. Additional Requirements for Industrial Zoning Districts

[DELETED/STANDARDS CONSOLIDATED IN SECTION 5.2.4.B.4]

5.2.4.E. Additional Requirements for Commercial Zoning Districts

[DELETED/STANDARDS CONSOLIDATED IN SECTION 5.2.4.B.4]

5.2.4.F. Parking Lot Landscaping

[AMENDED 07-16-2020] [AMENDED 09-09-2022]

The landscape construction standards of Table 5.2 apply to parking lot areas in all zoning districts.

Table 5.2 Parking Lot Landscaping Construction Standards [1]

[1] Applicable to all use types in all zoning districts where there are more than five parking spaces on the entire site, except for existing parking lots where compliance with interior landscaping standards would result in the loss of existing required parking spaces.

[2] Shaded area calculated as total parking area (excluding drive aisles) covered with tree canopy within 15 years of securing a building permit.

5.2.4.G. Landscape Care and Maintenance

[AMENDED 04-07-2016]

This Section addresses the appropriate long-term care and maintenance of all landscaping provided for commercial, multifamily, industrial, and institutional developments. It is also intended to set provisions for the removal and replacement of unhealthy trees and or hazardous conditions and provide adequate clearance and visibility of merchant signage, when the aesthetics of the tree and shading requirements will not be reduced.

1. Care and Maintenance

• a. All required landscaping and irrigation shall be maintained for the life span of the project and in such a manner so as to not create hiding places or hinder visibility.

• b. All plant materials (trees, shrubs, and groundcovers) shall be maintained free from physical damage or injury arising from vehicle encroachment, lack of water, weather events, chemical damage, insects and other pests, and diseases. Plant materials showing such damage shall be replaced with the same or similar species. Planting areas shall be kept free from weeds, debris, and undesirable materials which may be detrimental to safety, drainage, or appearance.

• c. It is the responsibility of the property owners to seek professional advice and spray and treat trees, shrubs, and groundcover for diseases which can be successfully controlled if such untreated diseases are capable of destroying an infected tree or other trees within a project.

• d. Property owners may refer to the integrated pest management strategies in the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership’s River-friendly Landscape Guidelines and can cooperate with

the University of California Agricultural Extension Service and the County Agricultural Commission on methods and procedures by which infestations can be reduced or retarded.

2. Tree Pruning

• a. Prior to pruning, trenching, or grading within the drip line of any required tree, a County Tree Pruning Permit shall be approved by the Planning Director or his or her designee, and the County Tree Coordinator. Tree Pruning shall be performed by a person certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Tree Worker or Certified Arborist or by the American Society of Consulting Arborists as a Registered Consulting Arborist. A Tree Pruning Permit is issued for one or more trees at a single site and is valid for one year, and can be amended or extended by the Tree Coordinator. The Planning Director or his or her designee shall require the following information upon submitting the Tree Pruning Permit request:

  - i. A site plan indicating the type of tree, size, and location of the trees to be pruned; 
  
  - ii. Reasons for pruning; 
  
  - iii. Evidence that the pruning shall be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Tree Worker, or Registered Consulting Arborist. 
  
  - iv. Number of trees to be pruned. 
  

• b. Tree pruning shall be consistent with the most recent American National Standards Institute

  • (ANSI) Pruning Standards and is limited to any of the following:

    • i. Removal of dead wood and diseased, crowded, and weakly attached branches which create a hazard to private property and citizens;

• ii. Providing adequate clearance and visibility for safe use of parking stalls, travel ways, and walkways for the passage of persons and vehicles;

  - iii. Removing visibility obstructions to traffic signs; 
  
  - iv. Providing adequate visibility for security patrols; 
  
  - v. Repair of split trees and limbs in order to save the tree and its appearance; 
  
  - vi. Removing or pruning roots of trees which are causing damage to public or private property such as curbs, gutters, sidewalk, drainage lines, and parking lot surfaces; 
  
  - vii. Providing visibility for merchant signage and parking lot lighting only when the natural growth form of the tree is retained and the parking lot shading requirements will not be reduced. 
  

• c. Tree pruning is exempt from Zoning Code requirements for a Tree Pruning Permit if it is consistent with the specifications in Section 5.2.4.G.2., and meets all of the following requirements:

  • i. Less than 15 percent of the canopy of the tree is removed per year; and

  • ii. The diameter of the tree’s roots and branches being pruned are less than one quarter of the diameter of the tree’s trunk measured at 4.5 feet off the ground. For example, a permit would not be required to prune limbs less than one inch diameter for a tree with four inch trunk diameter; and

  • iii. The tree’s roots and branches being pruned are less than two inches diameter, and

  • iv. No heading, topping, or hat-racking shall occur.

• d. Pruning native oaks is subject to Title 19 of the SCC. This includes valley oak (Quercus lobata), interior live oak (Quercus wislizeni), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), or oracle oak (Quercus morehus).

5.2.4.H. Removal and Replacement of Landscaping

[AMENDED 04-07-2016]

1. All required plant material removed shall be replaced with the following replacement sizes: shrubs (five-gallon size), groundcover (flats). Replacement of trees shall be as specified in Section 5.2.4.I.

2. Tree removal shall be limited to trees which are in poor health, structurally distressed, or imminently hazardous to persons or property and shall be in compliance with the regulations and procedures for tree preservation and protection in Title 19 of the SCC. The removal of a tree shall be the final recourse upon determining that it is infeasible to save the tree by any other method (e.g., pruning, treatment of diseases, fertilizing). Prior to the removal of any tree, a Tree Removal Permit shall be approved by the Planning Director and the County Tree Coordinator or his/her designee.

3. The following information shall be required:

   • a. A statement of the health and condition of the trees to be removed by a Certified Arborist or licensed Landscape Architect;

   • b. Reasons for removal; and

   • c. Landscape Plan indicating size, quantity, species, and location of the trees to be removed and replaced.

4. Failure to obtain an approved tree removal permit prior to removing a tree shall require the owner of the project to replace the removed tree as stated in the Replanting Requirements in Section 5.2.4.I.

5.2.4.I. Replanting Requirements and Replacement Fee

[AMENDED 07-16-2020]

Replacement trees shall be required for trees removed with or without a Tree Removal Permit, as set forth below.

1. Trees removed with a Tree Removal Permit shall be replaced by 24-inch box specimen trees. A 15-gallon size tree may be used as a replacement tree with an additional replacement fee. The replacement fee is based on the difference of the wholesale value between a 24-inch box and a 15-gallon tree as set forth in a fee schedule approved by the Board of Supervisors. The replacement fee may be waived by the Planning Director if the loss of the tree resulted from causes completely out of the control of the property owner.

2. Trees removed without a Tree Removal Permit or severely and improperly trimmed with or without a Tree Pruning Permit shall be replaced and a replacement fee may be required. The replacement tree is based according to the size of the tree removed or damaged as indicated in Table 5.3.

Table 5.3 Size of Required Replacement Trees

3. A 15-gallon size tree may be used as a replacement with an additional replacement fee, as set forth in a fee schedule approved by the Board of Supervisors. Replacement fees shall be deposited into a Parking Lot Shade Tree Violation account. Fees shall be used for tree planting/tree care on public property and for public education on tree planting and care, as determined by the Board of Supervisors.

4. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). Prior to accepting an application for tree removal or pruning, the County Tree Coordinator, or his or her designee shall determine if there is an active MMRP that affects the proposal. If there is an active MMRP, an application will not be required and the applicant is to be referred to the County Division of Planning and Environmental Review.

All proposed walls and fences shall comply with the requirements of this section.

5.2.5.A. General Standards

[AMENDED 06-07-2018]

1. All Fences Adjacent to Drives and Street Intersections. When fences, walls, and/or landscape screening are adjacent to street intersections and points of ingress and egress the visibility requirements of the Sacramento County Improvement Standards shall be adhered to. Application of CPTED strategies shall be considered in the design of these features.

2. Perimeter Fences for Swimming Pools. Perimeter fences shall be required around private pools, not otherwise restricted from unauthorized access from the public, subject to the construction requirements contained in the California Building Code Section 3109.4.4.3.

3. Masonry Walls. A graffiti-resistant aesthetic surface treatment, appropriate to the location, shall be required. Long spans of masonry walls or fences shall provide breaks for pedestrian connections at least every 300 feet. Application of CPTED strategies shall be considered in the design of these features.

4. Freeway Fences. Solid fences to screen freeways and any required maintenance shall be the responsibility of the property owner in which the fence is located.

5. Vacant Property. A Temporary Use Permit is required from the Zoning Administrator for security fencing, including chain link, which may be erected on all property lines and to the edge of the sidewalk. The vacant property shall be maintained in a weed and litter free condition.

6. Permitted Materials. A fence may be constructed of permanent material, such as wood, chain link, stone, rock, concrete block, masonry brick, brick, decorative wrought iron or other material approved by the Planning Director.

7. Prohibited Materials. Fencing materials prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following. This Section shall only apply to fences located in the front yard, street side yard, and fences abutting any alley or other public right-of-way.

   • a. Cast-off, secondhand, or other items not originally intended to be used for constructing or maintaining a fence.

   • b. Plywood less than five-eighths inches thick, plywood not of a grade approved the Planning Director, particle board, paper, and visqueen plastic, plastic tarp, cloth, or similar material.

8. The use of barbed wire, concertina wire or electric fencing shall require a Minor Use Permit, unless such fencing is located in the Agricultural, M-1, or M-2 zoning districts, and located adjacent to property in either the agricultural or industrial zoning district, in which case its use shall be permitted, subject to the standards set forth in Section 3.9.3.X. The use of barbed wire and electric fencing is permitted in the AR-2, AR-5 and AR-10 zones if used for the keeping of animals.

9. Maintenance. All fences shall be properly maintained so as not to create a hazard, public nuisance, or blight.

10. Exceptions. Fences deviating from the standards in this Section are permitted with a Special Development Permit approved by the Zoning Administrator. Fence standards may be modified by a condition of approval by the appropriate authority as part of a separate entitlement.

5.2.5.B. Measuring Height.

Fence height for fences within five feet of a public right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF shall be measured from the grade of the right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF. Beyond five feet, fence height shall be measured from highest elevation of the ground on either side of the fence.

Single Family Residential and Duplex Fences.

[AMENDED 06-07-2018][AMENDED 01-12-2019]

The following text is erroneously not assigned it’s own subsection. All sections herein are a part of Section 5.2.5.B until the Code is amended.

1. Front Yards in All Zones Except AR and AG Zones.

• a. Fences in the front yard setback area shall be limited to:

  • i. Solid walls or fences as defined in Chapter 7 not exceeding three feet in height,

  • ii. Semi-open fencing, such as picket fencing, not exceeding four feet in height,

  • iii. Open fencing constructed of chain link or similar woven wire materials, or expanded metal fencing not exceeding four feet in height,

  • iv. Open fencing constructed of wrought iron or similar material not exceeding seven feet in height, or

  • v. Open fencing (other than chain link) over a solid fence, when the solid portion of the fence does not exceed three feet in height and the overall height does not exceed seven feet in height.

  • vi. Fencing exceeding height limits up to seven feet. Fences exceeding the heights described in i-iii of this section, up to seven feet, may be allowed with the issuance of a Minor Use Permit subject to the General Findings described in Section 6.4.2.C.2. In addition, the approving authority shall determine one of the following:

    1. For solid fence over three feet in height there shall be a preponderance of solid fencing over three feet in the neighborhood and/or the fence is located along an arterial or thoroughfare.

    2. For fences constructed of chain link or similar woven wire material or semi-open fencing exceeding four feet in height there shall be a preponderance of chain link or similar woven wire material or semi-open fencing over four feet in the neighborhood and/or the fence in located along an arterial or thoroughfare.

• b. The fence height provisions of 5.2.5.B.1.a.(i)-(v) shall apply in the required front yard setback areas.

• c. For lots on a curved street or curved portion of a cul-de-sac, refer to Section 5.2.1.A.2. to determine front yard setback areas for fences. Existing primary dwelling setbacks do not override the setback requirements for fences established in this Section.

• d. For lots without public street frontage, front yard setback areas, where fence height restrictions apply, shall be determined pursuant to Figure 5-10.

2. Front Yards in AG and AR Zones.

The maximum height is seven feet for open or solid fencing.

3. Side Street Yards.

Fences shall not exceed seven feet in height. Retaining wall and fence combinations that exceed seven feet in height may be permitted with the issuance of a Minor Use Permit. Fence height for fences within five feet of a public right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF shall be measured from the grade of the right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF. Beyond five feet, fence height shall be measured from highest elevation of the ground on either side of the fence.

4. Interior Yards in All Zones.

Fences shall not exceed seven feet, unless otherwise noted in Section 5.2.5.B.6., and may be located on a retaining wall not to exceed four feet in height. Fence height for interior property lines shall be measured from the highest elevation at the interior property line or at the finished grade of the rear or side yard setback, whichever is higher.

5. Corner Lot Exceptions to yard locations.

Regardless of which street frontage of the lot determines where the front lot line is, as defined in Chapter 7, Section 3, for purposes of measuring fence height, the frontage with the primary entrance to the main dwelling shall be considered the front yard and the other frontage(s) shall be considered the side street yard(s). In the case of a corner lot with a duplex, or two or more dwellings, where primary entrances face both frontages, both frontages shall be considered the front yard. Where a home demonstrates multiple established primary entrances on both frontages, both frontages shall be considered the front yard.

6.

Fences over seven feet in height are permitted when setback three feet from an interior property line after first securing an approved building permit. Fences over seven feet in height may be permitted on interior property lines with a Special Development Permit approved by the Zoning Administrator. Fence height may be modified by a condition of approval where the Zoning Administrator finds that due to site features different screening requirements are necessary.

5.2.5.C. Multifamily and Institutional Use Fences

1. Front and Side Street Yards.

• a. Multifamily Uses. Only open ornamental security fences may be located directly outside and adjacent to the back of the sidewalk. All other fences along a public right-of-way in the multifamily zoning district shall be subject to the requirements for sound walls in Section 5.2.5.E.

• b. Institutional Uses. Fences are not permitted, except that open ornamental fences such as wrought iron are permitted on the property line along a public right-of-way. Any fence located along a public right-of-way shall be placed behind sidewalks and required landscaping.

2. Adjacent to Residential and Agricultural-Residential Zoning Districts. Either a solid wood fence or masonry wall of at least six feet in height shall be provided along the interior property lines when located adjacent to residential and agricultural-residential zoning districts, except where pedestrian connections are need.

5.2.5.D. Commercial and Industrial Fences

1. Front and Side Street Yards. Fences are not permitted, except that open ornamental fences such as wrought iron are permitted on the property line along a public right-of-way. Any fence located along a public right-of-way shall be placed behind sidewalks and required landscaping.

2. Adjacent to Residential and Agricultural-Residential Zoning Districts. A masonry wall of at least six feet in height shall be provided along the interior property lines for all industrial, commercial, and mixed-use projects when located adjacent to residential and agriculturalresidential zoning districts, except where pedestrian connections are needed.

3. No fencing requirements for interior yards for commercial and industrial uses not located adjacent to Residential and Agricultural-Residential Zoning Districts.

4. Fencing in the M-1 and M-2 zones may have an additional three feet of wire fencing placed on top of a fence to a maximum overall height of nine feet. This is not permitted within the front and side street yards.

5. Screen Fences

• a. Outdoor storage of materials and equipment shall be located within the buildable portion of the lot, and screened from view with solid wood fencing, a masonry wall, or chain-link fencing with slats. Screen fencing shall also be located within the buildable portion of the lot, unless otherwise noted in this Code.

• b. Outdoor storage areas, abutting a public street frontage, shall be screened with a six-foot high fence, constructed of wood, brick, rock, or other masonry material and designed to shield stored materials from public view. Outdoor storage yards along a scenic corridor shall not be permitted, unless a Conditional Use Permit is issued by the appropriate authority.

• c. All company vehicles in the MP zone shall be located within the buildable portion of the lot and screened from view with fences, constructed of wood, brick, rock, or other masonry material.

• d. In the M-1 and M-2 zones, company vehicles, less than one ton, do not require screening and may be parked behind the required landscape area with or without security fencing, as set forth in this Section. Company vehicles, exceeding one ton that are permitted on

the public highways and used in the daily operation of the company may be parked within the buildable portion of the lot without screen fencing.

5.2.5.E. Sound Walls Adjacent to Streets

1. Whenever sound walls are required by a condition of approval to mitigate sound impacts adjacent to street, the following standards shall apply. These standards shall not preclude the use of other innovative methods of project design, utilizing greater setbacks, building design, mounding, terracing, or single-story structures. Application of CPTED strategies shall be considered in the design of these features.

   • a. Setbacks. Walls shall be located behind the sidewalk and required landscaping, unless otherwise approved, and have an average setback of 19 feet from the ultimate public street right-of-way, but can vary in setback to a minimum of 13 feet.

• b. Height. Maximum height of a wall shall not exceed six feet above the finished grade at the base of the wall on the roadway side, with the exception for earthmounds as described in Section 5.2.4.C.9, unless otherwise approved through a Use Permit, as described in this Section.

  • c. Type of Wall. Walls shall be constructed of graffiti resistant solid brick or masonry material that requires minimum maintenance and provides the required sound and visual attenuation. An aesthetic surface treatment appropriate to the location shall be required.

  • d. Landscaping. Provide landscaping and maintenance per Section 5.2.4.C.9.

5.2.5.F. Nonconforming Fences

1. Continuation and Maintenance. A non-conforming fence may be continued, and may be maintained, except as provided in Sections 5.2.5.F.2 – 5.

2. Maintenance or Repair of Existing Nonconforming Fence. Maintenance or repair, including structural repairs, may be made to any non-conforming fence or portions thereof if the repairs do not result in a different condition of conformity, or if the repairs bring the fence into compliance with this Section.

3. Reconstruction of Damaged Nonconforming Fences. A property owner may reconstruct a non-conforming fence damaged by fire or other calamity if the reconstructed fence is in conformity with this Section.

4. Removal of Worn Nonconforming Fence. If because of normal wear and tear a nonconforming fence is no longer fully upright or is no longer serviceable, the property owner either shall remove it or shall replace it with a new fence in conformity with this Chapter.

5. Non-conforming Commercial or Industrial Fences Adjacent to Residential and Agricultural-Residential Zoning Districts. In addition to Sections 5.2.5.F.1 through 5.2.5.F.4, existing wood fences and chain link fences with slats shall be maintained with metal posts, minimal gaps, no broken boards and no sections that lean. Non-conforming fencing shall be the responsibility of the commercial or industrial property owner where the fence is located and activities on the premises shall comply with the County’s Noise Ordinance.

[ADDED 07-16-2020]

5.2.6.A.

In agricultural, agricultural-residential, residential and recreational zoning districts, new freestanding flag poles shall be located outside of all easements and ROWs and be subject to the height and setback requirements for residential accessory structures found in Table 5.10 except that encroachment of up to 10 feet is allowed into front yard setbacks.

5.2.6.B.

In mixed use, commercial and industrial zoning districts, new freestanding flag poles shall be located outside of all easements and ROWs and be subject to the standard height and setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.