Local zoning · Belmont

Belmont — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Belmont local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Belmont’s zoning rules for landscaping and screening live in Title 17 of the Zoning Ordinance and are applied through district-specific standards and citywide requirements triggered by design review, parking, and site design approvals under the broader Belmont Zoning and Belmont Development Standards. In practice, this means minimum landscaped area percentages, parking-lot planting and screening, fence and wall height limits, and targeted rules for downtown and special uses. This page synthesizes only what the local ordinance says about landscaping and screening, and how it plays out across Belmont’s districts.

Citywide baseline standards that interact with districts

Projects under Design Review must provide landscape design features covering at least 10% of the gross site area, use at least 75% species from the City’s preferred list for substantial plan changes, meet WELO requirements, include a vegetation management plan if in high fire hazard zones, and install automatic irrigation for larger systems. Landscape plans are generally required to be prepared by a licensed landscape architect and must show existing/proposed trees, planting palettes, materials, and colors; irrigation plans are required unless waived for small scope. Maintenance and tree protection during construction are required.
Parking lots and structures: minimum tree size 15-gallon, minimum tree planter dimension 5 ft, curbed planters with stormwater pass-through, visibility clearances (interior plants ≤ 30 inches; tree canopy clearance 8 ft), and required screening heights: 3 ft along streets and 6 ft along interior lines abutting residential (reduced to 3 ft within the front setback). A parking structure without ground-floor activation must have a 10 ft landscaped buffer at street frontages; rooftop parking must include perimeter planters.
Fences, walls, hedges citywide (general rule): up to 6 ft high, but within a front setback and within 40 ft of a street intersection the height limit is 3.5 ft.
Screening of equipment and service areas: rooftop equipment must be fully screened from public viewpoints, and exterior trash/utility equipment must be screened using materials coordinated with the building or perimeter fencing/landscape.
Use Permit conditions may add buffer strips, screen walls/fences/hedges, and landscaping beyond base standards when necessary for compatibility.

District-by-district application

R-1 Single-Family Residential District

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- Fences/walls/hedges must follow the citywide limits: 6 ft max; within a front setback and 40 ft of an intersection, 3.5 ft max (R‑1 cross-references the general fence rule).
- Single-family and duplex Design Review standards call for native plants appropriate to site microclimate and “appropriate landscape screening of proposed accessory and support structures.”
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction (zoning map not included in retrieved materials).

HRO Hillside Residential and Open Space Districts (HRO-1/2/3)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- Fences/walls/hedges up to 6 ft; within 25 ft of a corner at a street intersection, the height limit is 3.5 ft (note this intersection distance differs from the general citywide rule).
Where it applies: Hillside areas mapped as HRO; verify boundaries via Belmont Overlay Districts.

Commercial (C) Districts (any “C” district)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- Outdoor storage in any C District must be enclosed by solid walls or fences at least 6 ft high; parking/loading screening is governed by Section 8 (see Parking section below).
- Parking lot screening heights and materials apply citywide (3 ft/6 ft; walls/fences/planting as allowed), and typical commercial projects will be reviewed under Section 13.3 landscape standards.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

PS Public and Semi-Public District

Purpose: Applies to public/community facilities (e.g., parks, community centers, library, public schools, utilities).
Typical permitted uses: Community centers, cultural facilities, government buildings, parks/recreation, and public utilities.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- Minimum 20% of the site must be planting area, in addition to Section 13.3 landscaping requirements. Service areas, docks, and loading must be located away from streets or residential areas and screened to the extent feasible.
Where it applies: City-owned and community-serving parcels as mapped; verify exact locations.

M-1 Limited Manufacturing District

Purpose: Provide for light industrial uses that are unobtrusive and not detrimental to nearby commercial/residential uses.
Typical permitted uses: Includes uses permitted in the C‑4 Service Commercial District and certain industrial activities (e.g., lumber yard, planing mill, utilities), per ordinance list.
Key landscaping/screening standards: District-specific landscaping metrics not found; projects remain subject to Section 8 parking-landscape/screening and Section 13.3 Design Review landscape standards when applicable. Not found in retrieved materials for additional M‑1-specific landscaping.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Design Control District (Central/Downtown)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials; Section 22 provides design controls for the “Design Control District” within the Central District.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- At least 15% of gross site area landscaped with live plant materials; add +2% per story above one story. A required landscaped front band must contain at least 5 sq ft per front foot of street frontage.
- Street trees: generally 1 per 40 ft of frontage, 15‑gallon minimum, placed about 4 ft from face of curb, with City-standard grates.
- Parking lots must be “intensively landscaped” to screen vehicles from view (trees/shrubs inside lots; berms/land sculpting for screening).
Where it applies: The Central District mapped as the Design Control District; verify boundaries with the City.

Use-specific standards: Automobile Service Stations

Minimum 12.5% site area landscaped; required planters (e.g., 5‑ft wide at sidewalk edges), six-inch curbs, and a planting mix emphasizing screening. Parkways require groundcover and street trees; permanent underground irrigation is required.
Where an auto service station abuts residentially zoned/developed property, install a 6‑ft high masonry wall/fence (reduced to 3 ft within street setbacks).

Parking lot and structure landscaping/screening (applies across districts)

Minimum tree size 15‑gallon; minimum tree well/planter 5‑ft interior dimension; curbed planters designed to pass stormwater; keep interior plant heights ≤ 30 inches and maintain tree canopy clearance at 8 ft over drive aisles.
Screening heights: 3 ft along streets; 6 ft where a lot abuts a residential district on interior lines, reduced to 3 ft within the front setback. Allowed materials include finished low walls and open metal fences paired with plants; chain‑link and vinyl are prohibited as screening materials.
For parking structures: provide a 10‑ft landscaped buffer at street frontages (if not otherwise activated/screened) and install 24‑inch-minimum rooftop perimeter planters around the top deck when uncovered parking is on the roof.

Quick-reference tables

Minimum landscaping and screening triggers

Standard	Metric	Applies To	Code Reference
Baseline landscape area (Design Review)	10% of gross site area	Projects subject to Section 13 Design Review	Section 13.3.1(a)
Public/Semi-Public minimum planting area	20% of site	PS District	Section 5C.7(a)
Downtown/Design Control District landscaping	15% of site + +2%/story above one story	Design Control District (Central)	Section 22.5(a)
Downtown required front landscape band	5 sq ft/front ft	Design Control District (Central)	Section 22.5(c)
Service station landscaped area	12.5% of site	Automobile service stations	Section 19(h)(1)
Parking structure street buffer	10 ft landscape strip	Any district	Section 8.2.3.11(a)

Parking lot screening and planting quick rules

Topic	Standard	Code Reference
Street-facing screening height	3 ft	Section 8.2.3.12(a)
Interior lot line screening next to residential	6 ft (3 ft within front setback)	Section 8.2.3.12(a)
Allowed screening materials	Finished low walls; open metal fences with planting; no chain-link or vinyl	Section 8.2.3.12(b)
Tree size minimum	15‑gallon container	Section 8.2.3(4)
Min. tree planter size	5 ft interior dimension	Section 8.2.3(5)
Visibility/clearance	Interior plants ≤ 30 in; tree canopy ≥ 8 ft	Section 8.2.3(i)

Practical notes and comparisons

Downtown vs. standard projects: Downtown projects in the Design Control District carry a higher on-site landscape load (15% + story adders) and mandatory street trees, versus the 10% baseline landscape area typical under Section 13.3 citywide.
Residential corner lots: Intersection sight-distance rules differ—general rule is 3.5 ft max height within 40 ft of an intersection, but HRO tightens the corner area to 25 ft. Plan fence/hedge heights carefully by district.
Commercial yards: Outdoor storage in any C district must be fully enclosed by solid walls/fences ≥6 ft, in addition to parking-screening rules.
Equipment/trash: Don’t skip screens—both rooftop and ground equipment must be screened using coordinated materials or landscaping.

Checklist

Confirm your zoning and any overlays via Belmont Zoning and Belmont Overlay Districts. Note if you’re in the Design Control District or HRO.
Determine if your project triggers Design Review; if so, plan for at least 10% landscaped area (unless a district sets a higher minimum) and assemble a licensed landscape architect if your landscaped area exceeds 500 sq ft.
Prepare a complete landscape plan (existing/proposed trees; species/drought tolerance; materials/colors) and irrigation plan; commit to maintenance and tree-protection measures.
If downtown (Design Control District): meet the 15% + 2%/story rule; design the required front landscape band; add street trees per frontage.
For parking lots/structures: meet planter dimensions, tree size, visibility, and screening heights; add a 10‑ft landscaped buffer for unactivated parking structures and rooftop planters on top decks.
For residential fences/hedges: check height and corner‑clearance limits for your district (general 40 ft vs. 25 ft in HRO).
For commercial sites: fully enclose outdoor storage with a 6‑ft solid wall/fence and screen loading/parking per Section 8.
For service stations: provide 12.5% site landscaping, planters/curbs/irrigation, and a 6‑ft residential edge wall (3 ft in street setbacks).
Screen rooftop and ground equipment with coordinated architecture/landscaping.
Anticipate conditions: Use Permits may add buffers, hedges, or extra landscaping to address compatibility.
For any variance from these standards, see Belmont Variances and Exceptions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Design Control District boundaries	Downtown standards are more stringent (landscape %, street trees)	Confirm parcel location with Planning; Section 22 standards apply only within the Design Control District.
Corner height limits vary by district	HRO uses a 25‑ft corner area vs. 40‑ft citywide; over-height fences/hedges can trigger enforcement	Check your base/overlay district and apply the correct corner clearance rule.
“To the extent feasible” screening language for parking	Subjective feasibility can change with site constraints	Discuss screening approach early in Design Review; document constraints.
Preferred species list not in code text	Required for ≥75% of planting on substantial plan changes	Obtain the current list from the City/MPWD; align with WELO and vegetation management.
Service station “Board of Design” reference	Submittal authority titles can change over time	Confirm current reviewing body and submittal format with the City.
Commercial outdoor storage definition scope	Determines what must be fully enclosed	Confirm if your materials qualify as “storage” and required enclosure design.

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building or modifying a site in Belmont, expect to plant. Most projects under design review must landscape at least 10% of the site, with larger requirements downtown and in the Public/Semi‑Public district. Parking lots need real trees and planters and must be screened from the street and neighbors. Fences and hedges are usually capped at 6 ft, but must drop to about 3.5 ft near corners. Enclose outdoor storage in commercial areas, and always hide rooftop/ground equipment. When in doubt, Planning can condition extra buffers or hedges to make your project fit its context.

Source References

Section 13.3 Landscape Standards; 13.3.2–13.3.4 landscape plans, irrigation, maintenance, and tree protection; Design Review thresholds table for landscaping modifications.
Section 8.2.3 Parking lot landscaping and screening; parking structure buffers and rooftop planters.
Section 9.7.1(f) fences, walls, hedges citywide; Section 4.2.9 R‑1 cross-reference to fence rules; Section 4.7.8 HRO fence/wall/hedge limits.
Section 22.5/22.10 Design Control District landscaping, street trees, and downtown parking-lot landscaping screenings.
Section 19(h),(i) Automobile Service Stations landscaping, curbing/irrigation, and perimeter screening walls.
Section 13.6.2–13.6.3 equipment and refuse screening.
Section 10.7.5(b)(2) Use Permit conditions may require buffers/screening/landscaping.
Section 5C Public and Semi‑Public District: purpose/uses, 20% planting, and screening of service areas.
Section 9.7.3(d) C District outdoor storage enclosure requirement.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Belmont Zoning Code (Section 22.5) High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code (Section 22.5) High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code (Section 10.5.3.) High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code (Section 13.2) High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code High relevance
Belmont Zoning Code (§37) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Belmont code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping percentage is required for a typical commercial remodel in Belmont?

If your project triggers Design Review, provide at least 10% landscaped area unless a district standard sets more. Downtown projects in the Design Control District require at least 15% plus 2% per story above one.

How tall can my front-yard fence or hedge be on a corner lot?

Generally, fences/hedges are limited to 3.5 ft in the front setback within 40 ft of an intersection. In HRO districts, the corner area shortens to 25 ft, keeping the 3.5 ft height. Elsewhere, 6 ft is allowed.

What are Belmont’s rules for screening parking lots from the street?

Parking lots must be screened to 3 ft along streets and 6 ft where they abut residential along interior lot lines (3 ft within the front setback). Screening can be finished low walls or open metal fences with plants; chain‑link and vinyl are not allowed.

Do I need to landscape around a new parking garage?

Yes. If the garage lacks ground-floor activation/screening at street frontage, provide a 10‑ft landscaped strip at the street. Uncovered rooftop parking needs 24‑inch‑minimum perimeter planters.

What does Belmont require in a landscape plan submittal?

Show existing/proposed trees (species, size, condition), all proposed planting areas, materials/colors for non-plant features, and an irrigation plan unless waived for small scope. Maintenance and tree protection are required.

Are there special downtown street-tree requirements?

Yes. Generally one street tree per 40 ft of frontage, minimum 15‑gallon size, sited about 4 ft from the face of curb with City-standard grates, subject to approval.

What if my commercial site has outdoor storage?

In any C District, outdoor storage must be enclosed by solid walls or fences at least 6 ft high, and you must meet parking/loading screening rules in Section 8.

What landscaping is required for an auto service station?

At least 12.5% of the site landscaped, with planters/curbs, permanent irrigation, and a 6‑ft masonry wall if abutting residential (reduced to 3 ft in street setbacks).

Can conditions of approval add extra hedges or walls?

Yes. Use Permit approvals can require additional buffer strips, screen walls/fences/hedges, and landscaping to ensure compatibility.

Do rooftop HVAC units need to be hidden?

Yes. Rooftop equipment must be fully screened from public vantage points; ground equipment and refuse areas must also be screened with coordinated materials/landscaping.

Ask about any Belmont property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Belmont zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial