Local zoning · Berkeley
Berkeley — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Berkeley local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: June 29, 2026
Overview
This page distills what the City of Berkeley’s zoning code — the City of Berkeley Zoning Ordinance (Title 23) — requires for landscaping and screening. Most rules live in citywide development standards and the parking chapter, and a few districts add extra buffers at sensitive edges. Use this as a plain‑English map to the code; it does not cover the California Building Standards Code.
What the code regulates citywide
- Usable open space landscaping minimums for residential projects
- Screening of parking areas and required landscape buffers at lot edges
- Screening at non‑residential edges next to homes
- Fences/walls: when allowed, heights, and prohibited materials
- Targeted standards for certain uses (e.g., wireless facilities)
- Small but important details: screening of garbage cans and utility meters, walkway landscape separation
All of the above apply in addition to your base district standards under Berkeley Zoning, Berkeley Land Use, and Berkeley Development Standards.
Core citywide standards you’ll use most
- Usable open space in residential projects: at least 40% of required usable open space must be landscaped; landscaped area excludes parking, driveways, and other paved surfaces. Multiple‑dwelling projects must include automatic irrigation/drainage in those landscaped areas (see 23.304.090.B.7).
- Screening of site features in residential districts: garbage cans and multi‑unit utility meters must be “effectively screened” from the street and neighbors (see 23.304.100.B–C).
- Parking lot screening:
- Residential districts: for 2+ spaces (or any space in a required rear setback), provide a continuous view‑obscuring wood fence, masonry wall, or evergreen hedge 4–6 ft tall.
- Commercial and manufacturing districts: for 2+ spaces, screen with a wall/fence/evergreen hedge in a landscape strip: adjacent to the right‑of‑way use 3–4 ft height; at sides/rear use 4–6 ft.
- Required landscape buffers at paved areas (parking/driveways): in residential, 2–4 ft strips; in commercial/manufacturing, 2–4 ft strips depending on space count; see Table 23.322‑9.
- Exception along Third Street (former Southern Pacific Railroad): in the C‑W, M, MM, and MU‑LI districts, screening and landscape buffers are not required for that frontage.
- Non‑residential next to residential (edge mitigation): on a lot in a non‑residential district that abuts or confronts a residential lot, provide a solid 6 ft wall or fence at the shared lot line; shield exterior lighting; direct exhaust air away and mitigate odors (see 23.304.130.C). The ZAB may reduce/waive with a Use Permit if the requirement is unnecessary in that case (23.304.130.D).
- Fences and walls (all districts):
- By right: up to 6 ft in height (or 4 ft in ES‑R); taller fences within required lot‑line setbacks need an AUP (see Table 23.304‑8).
- Residential districts: barbed/razor wire, jagged glass, or sharp metal components are prohibited; legacy prohibited materials must be removed per Table 23.304‑9.
- Non‑residential districts: barbed/razor wire only if the lowest strand is >5 ft above grade and at least 6 in inside the property line; not allowed where abutting a residential district (23.304.080.D).
- Wireless facilities: maintain and enhance landscaping used for screening, and plant additional landscaping as needed to block views — sizes approved through Berkeley Design Review (Telecom chapter landscaping standards).
District-by-district notes (how landscaping/screening applies)
Below are the districts where Berkeley’s landscaping/screening rules differ in practice or have unique add‑ons. Where a district is not listed, apply the “Core citywide standards” above and your base district development standards.
Residential districts (R‑1, R‑1A, ES‑R, R‑2, R‑2A, R‑3, R‑4, R‑5, R‑S, R‑S MU)
Purpose and uses: residential neighborhoods at varying densities. Key citywide standards that matter here:
- The 40% landscaped usable open space rule applies to residential projects (23.304.090.B.7).
- Screen garbage cans/utility meters from public view (23.304.100.B–C).
- Parking screening triggers at 2+ spaces (height 4–6 ft) and landscape buffer strips per Table 23.322‑8/‑9 apply to on‑site parking (23.322.G–H).
- Fences: by right up to 6 ft (or 4 ft in ES‑R) unless taller fencing is permitted via AUP; prohibited materials rules apply (23.304.080).
Where it applies:
- Citywide across Berkeley’s residential map; check your base district under Berkeley Zoning. For residential high‑density areas like R‑5, consult your height/setback tables; they reference the same usable open space section (e.g., R‑4/R‑5 tables cross‑reference 23.304.090 and 23.304.040).
Special residential edge case:
- R‑S and R‑S MU are Southside districts where base residential standards still point to the same usable open space/screening chapters; use the citywide standards cited above for landscaping/screening.
MU‑R Mixed Use–Residential
- Purpose/uses: mixed use with both residential and light industrial/manufacturing adjacencies.
- Unique buffer: if a project causes a lot with a manufacturing use to abut the side/rear of a residential lot, install an 8 ft minimum fence with sound‑absorbent material between the uses; an AUP may approve an alternative buffer (23.304.080.E.2).
- If two abutting lots both have residential uses, any fence over 6 ft must be set back from the line as specified (8 ft from the adjacent main building, or 4 ft from the property line in some cases) (23.304.080.E.1).
- Parking screening/landscape buffers: apply Table 23.322‑8/‑9 as with other districts (23.322.G–H).
- Where it applies: designated mixed‑use areas; confirm on the zoning map.
MU‑LI Mixed Use–Light Industrial; M Manufacturing; MM Mixed Manufacturing
- Purpose/uses: employment/production districts with some mixed‑use options (MU‑LI).
- Unique frontage exception: no parking screening or landscape buffer required along Third Street frontage (former Southern Pacific Railroad) in C‑W, M, MM, and MU‑LI (23.322.G.3).
- Otherwise, apply parking screening heights and buffer strips per Table 23.322‑8/‑9 (23.322.G–H).
- Non‑residential edges next to homes: provide the 6 ft lot‑line wall/fence and lighting/exhaust controls (23.304.130.C).
- Fences: non‑residential barbed/razor‑wire allowed only with the height/placement limits; not allowed on lot lines abutting residential districts (23.304.080.D).
Commercial corridors and centers (C‑C Corridor Commercial; C‑U University Avenue; C‑N Neighborhood; C‑E Elmwood; C‑NS North Shattuck; C‑SA South Area; C‑T Telegraph; C‑SO Solano; C‑W West Berkeley; C‑AC Adeline Corridor; C‑DMU Downtown Mixed Use)
- Purpose/uses: commercial and mixed‑use districts across Berkeley’s corridors and centers.
- Front setback landscaping nuance in C‑U: where a front setback is required for residential‑only projects, it must be landscaped to enhance the streetscape and provide first‑floor privacy (Table 23.204‑13 note 2).
- Edges next to homes in any non‑residential district: provide the 6 ft lot‑line wall/fence, shield lighting, and orient/mitigate exhaust (23.304.130.C).
- Parking screening and buffers: use Table 23.322‑8/‑9 (heights 3–4 ft front; 4–6 ft sides/rear; required landscape strips) (23.322.G–H).
- West Berkeley’s C‑W (Third Street frontage): screening/landscape buffer exception per 23.322.G.3.
- Where they apply: by district name (e.g., Elmwood for C‑E, Telegraph for C‑T, Solano for C‑SO, West Berkeley for C‑W, Adeline Corridor for C‑AC, University Avenue for C‑U, Downtown for C‑DMU).
Quick-reference standards table
| Topic | Standard | Where it applies | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaped portion of required usable open space | At least 40% landscaped; excludes parking/driveways/paved walkways; irrigation/drainage required for multi‑dwelling | All residential projects with usable open space | 23.304.090.B.7 |
| Parking screening (Residential districts) | 2+ spaces (or any space in required rear setback): continuous view‑obscuring fence/wall/evergreen hedge, 4–6 ft high | R‑districts | Table 23.322‑8; 23.322.G |
| Parking screening (Commercial/Manufacturing) | 2+ spaces: wall/fence/evergreen hedge in landscape strip; 3–4 ft along ROW/front; 4–6 ft sides/rear | C‑ and M/MU districts | Table 23.322‑8; 23.322.G |
| Landscape buffers at paved areas | 2–4 ft strips (by district and space count) between parking/driveways and lot lines/ROW | All districts | Table 23.322‑9; 23.322.H |
| Non‑residential abutting residential | Solid 6 ft wall/fence at the shared lot line; shield lighting; orient/mitigate exhaust | Any non‑residential lot abutting/confronting a residential lot | 23.304.130.C–D |
| MU‑R manufacturing/residential buffer | 8 ft minimum fence with sound‑absorbent material, or ZO‑approved alternative | MU‑R side/rear where manufacturing abuts residential | 23.304.080.E.2 |
| Fences by right | Up to 6 ft (all districts except ES‑R); ES‑R up to 4 ft; taller needs AUP within required setbacks | Citywide | Table 23.304‑8 |
| Prohibited fence materials (Residential) | No barbed/razor wire, jagged glass/metal; removal schedule for legacy features | Residential districts | 23.304.080.C; Table 23.304‑9 |
| Barbed/razor wire (Non‑residential) | Allowed only if >5 ft above grade and ≥6 in inside property line; not at residential abutting lines | Non‑residential districts | 23.304.080.D |
| Third Street exception | No parking screening/landscape buffer required along Third Street (SPRR) | C‑W, M, MM, MU‑LI | 23.322.G.3 |
| Wireless facilities | Maintain/enhance landscape screening; add landscaping to block sightlines as feasible (sizes via Design Review) | Wireless telecom facilities | Telecom landscaping standards |
| C‑U front setback landscaping | Required front setback for res‑only projects must enhance streetscape and first‑floor privacy | C‑U | Table 23.204‑13 note 2 |
Applying overlays and process tools
- Edges and design conditions in overlay areas can add project‑specific landscaping conditions through Berkeley Design Review. Telecom fencing/landscaping design is explicitly subject to Design Review.
- If a standard creates a hardship, you may seek relief under Berkeley Variances and Exceptions (case‑by‑case; findings apply). Not found in retrieved materials for landscaping‑specific variances.
- Nonconforming situations involving relocated parking must still meet parking landscaping/screening (23.324.060.A.2.b.ii).
- Some corridors and plan areas (e.g., C‑AC South Shattuck subarea) reference the same residential edge protections in 23.304.130; confirm any plan‑area modifications under Berkeley Overlay Districts.
Checklist
- Identify your base district and any applicable plan/overlay area on the zoning map.
- If non‑residential abuts or confronts a residential lot, include a solid 6 ft wall/fence at the lot line; shield lighting; orient/mitigate exhaust (23.304.130.C).
- Provide parking screening per Table 23.322‑8 and a landscape buffer per Table 23.322‑9; note the Third Street exception if in C‑W/M/MM/MU‑LI (23.322.G–H).
- For residential projects, landscape at least 40% of required usable open space; exclude paved areas; add irrigation/drainage for multi‑dwelling projects (23.304.090.B.7).
- In residential districts, screen garbage cans and multi‑unit utility meters from public/street view (23.304.100.B–C).
- Confirm fence heights and materials; avoid prohibited materials in residential districts; seek AUP for taller fences as needed (23.304.080).
- In MU‑R where manufacturing abuts residential, include the 8 ft sound‑absorbent fence or an approved alternative (23.304.080.E.2).
- For wireless facilities, retain/add landscaping to screen views; coordinate sizes/details through Design Review (Telecom landscaping standards).
- If relocating required parking due to safety work, keep parking landscaping/screening compliant (23.324.060.A.2.b.ii).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen hedge specs (height at planting, spacing, species) | Screening effectiveness depends on maturity and density | Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the jurisdiction |
| Tree preservation/street tree rules | May affect what can be planted/removed in frontage | Not found in retrieved materials |
| Historic resources/design districts | Additional compatibility standards can influence fences/walls/planting | Check Berkeley Historic Preservation and plan overlays; verify case‑specific conditions |
| “Confronting” definition (for 23.304.130) | Triggers 6 ft wall/fence at non‑residential edges | Confirm interpretation under Berkeley Zoning; verify with the jurisdiction |
| Telecom landscape sizes | Sizes are by Design Review, not fixed in code | Coordinate early with Design Review staff; see Telecom landscaping standards |
| Barbed/razor wire near mixed edges | Misplacement can violate residential adjacency rule | Use 23.304.080.D clearances and avoid on lines abutting residential districts |
| Plan‑area exceptions | Some corridors point back to 23.304.130 or tweak setbacks for privacy/shade | See district tables and plan sections (e.g., C‑AC South Shattuck; C‑U frontage landscaping) |
Plain-English Summary
Berkeley expects you to soften and screen the hard edges of development: landscape a chunk of your usable open space, hide dumpsters and meters, put low screens and green buffers around parking, and build a solid 6‑foot wall where commercial/industrial sites meet homes. A few districts add special buffers (MU‑R needs an 8‑foot sound‑attenuating fence between manufacturing and residences), and some corridors have tailored frontage landscaping rules — but most projects succeed by following the parking screening tables and the residential edge protections.
Information Gaps
- District “purpose” statements and “typical permitted uses” beyond what is implied by district names are Not found in retrieved materials.
- Street tree requirements, planting palettes, and minimum plant sizes (outside telecom/design‑review cases) Not found in retrieved materials.
- Any citywide tree preservation ordinance referenced by Title 23 Not found in retrieved materials.
Source References
- 23.304.090.B.7 (Usable open space landscaping minimums)
- 23.304.100.B–C (Screening of garbage cans and utility meters)
- 23.322.G–H; Tables 23.322‑8 and 23.322‑9 (Parking screening and landscape buffers)
- 23.304.130.C–D (Non‑residential districts abutting residential — 6 ft wall/fence, lighting, exhaust)
- 23.304.080; Tables 23.304‑8 and 23.304‑9; 23.304.080.D (Fences: permits, prohibited materials, barbed/razor wire)
- MU‑R buffers and fence set‑backs (23.304.080.E.1–2)
- C‑U frontage landscaping (Table 23.204‑13 note 2)
- Third Street exception (C‑W, M, MM, MU‑LI) (23.322.G.3)
- Wireless facility landscaping/screening; design‑reviewed sizes (Telecom landscaping standards)
- Nonconforming/relocated parking must satisfy parking landscaping/screening (23.324.060.A.2.b.ii)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Berkeley Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (section apply) Medium relevance
- CBC § 23.304.070 (section applies) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Section 815.6.) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Section 65850) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (section applies) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (section apply) Medium relevance
- CGBSC § 504.4.8 (Chapter 6) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Title 23A) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Title 23) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code High relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Section 23.304.130) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Section 23.304.130) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (Section 23.406.040) Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Berkeley Zoning Code (section apply) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- 23.304.090.B.7 (Usable open space landscaping minimums)
- 23.304.100.B–C (Screening of garbage cans and utility meters)
- 23.322.G–H; Tables 23.322‑8 and 23.322‑9 (Parking screening and landscape buffers)
- 23.304.130.C–D (Non‑residential districts abutting residential — 6 ft wall/fence, lighting, exhaust)
- 23.304.080; Tables 23.304‑8 and 23.304‑9; 23.304.080.D (Fences: permits, prohibited materials, barbed/razor wire)
- MU‑R buffers and fence set‑backs (23.304.080.E.1–2)
- C‑U frontage landscaping (Table 23.204‑13 note 2)
- Third Street exception (C‑W, M, MM, MU‑LI) (23.322.G.3)
- Wireless facility landscaping/screening; design‑reviewed sizes (Telecom landscaping standards)
- Nonconforming/relocated parking must satisfy parking landscaping/screening (23.324.060.A.2.b.ii)
- Berkeley_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to build a wall where my commercial lot touches a home in Berkeley?
Yes. If your non‑residential lot abuts or confronts a residential lot, you must erect a solid wall or fence measuring 6 feet at the shared lot line, shield lighting to avoid glare, and orient/mitigate exhaust away from residences (23.304.130.C–D).
How tall must a parking lot screen be in Berkeley?
In residential districts, 2+ spaces (or any space in a required rear setback) must be screened by a continuous view‑obscuring fence/wall/evergreen hedge 4–6 ft high. In commercial/manufacturing districts, use 3–4 ft along streets and 4–6 ft on sides/rear (Table 23.322‑8).
What landscape buffer width is required along the edge of my parking or driveway?
Provide a landscaped strip between paving and lot lines/ROW: typically 2–4 ft depending on district and the number of spaces (Table 23.322‑9).
Are barbed or razor‑wire fences allowed in Berkeley?
Not in residential districts. In non‑residential districts they’re allowed only if the lowest strand is over 5 ft above grade and at least 6 inches inside the property line — and not where the lot line abuts a residential district (23.304.080.D).
I’m in MU‑R and adding manufacturing next to a home — what buffer is required?
Provide at minimum an 8‑foot fence with sound‑absorbent material between the manufacturing and residential uses, or seek approval for an alternative buffer (23.304.080.E.2).
What part of my required usable open space must be landscaped?
At least 40% must be landscaped; it can’t include parking, driveways, or other paved areas. Multi‑dwelling projects must also include irrigation/drainage for those landscaped areas (23.304.090.B.7).
Do dumpsters and utility meters need to be hidden?
Yes. In residential districts, garbage cans and multi‑unit utility meters must be effectively screened from the street and surrounding properties (23.304.100.B–C).
Is there any place where parking lot screening isn’t required?
Yes. Along Third Street (former Southern Pacific Railroad), parking screening and landscape buffers are not required in the C‑W, M, MM, and MU‑LI districts (23.322.G.3).
Does University Avenue have special frontage landscaping rules?
For residential‑only projects in the C‑U district, required front setbacks must be landscaped to enhance the streetscape and provide first‑floor privacy (Table 23.204‑13 note 2).
Who decides planting sizes for telecom facility screening?
Plant sizes and any replacement landscaping used for telecom screening are approved through Design Review; additional landscaping may be required to block views toward nearby residences (Telecom landscaping standards).
More in Berkeley code
Ask about any Berkeley property
Get a cited, plain-English answer on Berkeley zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.
Start Free Trial