Local zoning · Bradbury

Bradbury — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the Bradbury Development Code (often cited as Title IX) regulates landscaping, fences, walls, hedges, screening, and related tree protections. It focuses on what the ordinance actually requires in different districts and situations, and where special overlays add rules. For broader context on how landscaping and screening interact with zoning, see the citywide Bradbury Zoning, Bradbury Land Use, and Bradbury Development Standards pages.

What counts as “landscaping,” fences, and walls

The Code defines a landscaped area as any area where landscaping must be continuously maintained, and landscaping can include a combination of trees, shrubs, groundcover, rock/stone, and some structural features like fountains, walls, fences, and benches .
A yard wall is a more solid, view-obscuring structure with less than 40% open area; a fence is more open. Any fence that is covered by view-obscuring material is treated as a wall under this chapter .

Citywide fence, wall, hedge, and screening controls

Height at street-facing yards: Hedges, yard walls, and retaining walls in a yard abutting a public or private street are limited to 3 ft, while fences may be up to 6 ft; a fence may sit atop a wall only if the wall itself is no more than 3 ft, and the total is no more than 6 ft .
Height in required rear yard: 6 ft max for fences, hedges, yard walls, and retaining walls .
Court fences: Sports courts may be enclosed to 12 ft, but not within the required side yard nor within 25 ft of a street or alley; windscreens have their own limits (generally 6 ft unless the court is 25 ft or more from all property lines) .
Long street-facing walls: Any fence/yard wall longer than 60 ft along a street must be either permanently covered with continuous vegetation, or include periodic 48 in by 48 in indentations every 50 ft measured from the right-of-way edge, to break up uninterrupted massing .
Sight triangles: At intersections of streets/driveways/paths, maintain 20-ft sight triangles with no obstructions higher than 3 ft (including trees, shrubs, hedges, fences, walls) to preserve visibility and safety .
Retaining walls: Height is measured by exposed vertical surface and follows the same location-based limits above; structural design must meet the building code, but the zoning height rules still apply .
Special materials: Wrought iron fences cannot have sharp finials/spikes and must limit vertical bar spacing to 6 in; smooth wire only as topping for 5‑ft+ fences, and barbed wire only with a conditional use permit; electrically charged fences must be set back and signed per §9.100.070(d) .
Permits for fences/walls: A building permit is required to build, enlarge, relocate or structurally alter any fence, yard wall, or retaining wall; applications are reviewed for conformity with Chapter 9.100 .
Nonconforming fences/walls: Pre-existing legal fences/walls may be treated as nonconforming but must meet any safety requirements immediately; otherwise they follow the city’s Bradbury Nonconforming Uses framework .
Landscaping around sports courts: A landscape plan is required for the area between a court and neighboring properties, reinforcing buffering/screening intent .

Water-efficient landscaping and public frontage

Parkway areas between the road and lot line must be built or landscaped in a manner approved by the City and must comply with the City of Bradbury Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 9.121). Multiple districts also cap hardscape in yards abutting rights‑of‑way (see table) .

Construction-period screening and maintenance

When a City permit is required, the site must maintain screening and order:

Construction materials/equipment must be screened from public view; construction fencing may be required and must be maintained; green, opaque screening is preferred and must be kept clean/secure; any graffiti must be removed within 24 hours .
Portable toilets must be screened from public view and sited to meet setbacks and orientation rules; exceptions are by City Manager approval .
Existing landscaping visible from public view and existing trees must be maintained; a tree protection plan is required when construction occurs within a tree’s canopy dripline .

Tree preservation, removal, and restoration

Bradbury distinguishes native, prominent, significant, and nuisance trees and requires specific approvals:

Removing or topping prominent/significant trees requires Planning Commission approval and a tree preservation and landscaping plan as part of Bradbury Design Review .
Nuisance trees may be removed only with a permit; criteria include root-related damage, interference with public facilities or adjacent property, or health/fire hazards; native trees cannot be deemed “nuisance trees.” There is no waiting period for nuisance tree removal permits. Public utilities are exempt for safety/reliability reasons .
Illegally removed or damaged trees must be restored by replanting a tree of equal size/significance/prominence; if not completed, the City may perform restoration and lien the cost to the property or responsible person .

Mechanical equipment screening

For principal structures in agricultural/residential districts, roof and exterior mechanical equipment should not be exposed unless necessary; if necessary, it must be screened or concealed by parapets so it is not visible from adjacent properties or public vantage points. The approving body may require proof of necessity .

Overlay rule that affects landscaping and screening

In an overlay identified by the City, the first 10 ft measured from the back of curb inward must remain clear and unobstructed of development features, including gates, walls, fences, hedges, and raised planted areas. Applicants must submit a “clear area plan,” and design is at the discretion of the Planning Commission/City Council to ensure aesthetics and pedestrian/cyclist safety. Mature trees may be retained; minor features like mailboxes are allowed . See Bradbury Overlay Districts.

District-by-district standards that touch landscaping and screening

Below is what the retrieved Code establishes for the listed districts. For other districts or more complete descriptions of uses and purposes, see Bradbury Zoning.

A-1 (Agricultural/Residential)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- The yard abutting a right‑of‑way may have hardscape covering no more than 30%; improvements must align with City Design Guidelines and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance .
- Mechanical equipment on roofs/exteriors should be avoided; if necessary, it must be screened from public/adjacent view .
- Citywide fence/wall/hedge rules in Chapter 9.100 apply (heights, sight triangles, long-wall vegetation/indentations) .
Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

A-2 (Agricultural/Residential)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- The yard abutting a right‑of‑way may have hardscape covering no more than 25%; improvements must align with Design Guidelines and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance .
- Mechanical equipment should be screened if placement on the roof/exterior is necessary .
- Citywide fence/wall/hedge rules in Chapter 9.100 apply; Planning Commission may modify fence/gate heights in A‑1, A‑2, A‑5 if findings are made per §9.97.130; some additional height allowances exist for properties in A‑5 and a specific segment on Gardi Street .
Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

A-5 (Agricultural/Residential)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- Entrance gates and columns may exceed adjacent fence height by up to 2 ft if at least 25 ft from the nearest property line or street easement (A‑5 only) .
- Fences in A‑5 may be allowed up to 8 ft in certain circumstances; Planning Commission may also modify fence/gate height standards in A‑1, A‑2, A‑5 with findings per §9.97.130 .
- Citywide fence/wall/hedge rules in Chapter 9.100 apply (heights, sight triangles, long-wall vegetation/indentations) .
Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

R‑7,500 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose: Not found in retrieved materials.
Typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key landscaping/screening standards:
- The yard abutting a right‑of‑way may have hardscape covering no more than 40%; improvements must align with Design Guidelines and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance .
- Citywide fence/wall/hedge rules in Chapter 9.100 apply (heights, sight triangles, long-wall vegetation/indentations) .
Where it applies: Verify with the zoning map.

Decision standards at a glance

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Hedge/wall height at street‑facing yard	Max 3 ft	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.040(1)
Fence height at street‑facing yard	Max 6 ft (total incl. any wall base)	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.040(1)
Fence/hedge/wall height in required rear yard	Max 6 ft	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.040(2)
Long wall treatment along street	Vegetate continuously or add 48 in x 48 in indentations every 50 ft	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.070(b)
Sight triangle clearance	No obstructions > 3 ft within 20‑ft triangles	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.070(f)
Sports court fence height	Up to 12 ft; setbacks apply	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.040(3)
Sports court windscreens	Generally ≤ 6 ft unless 25 ft from all property lines	Citywide	Sec. 9.100.040(4)
“Clear area” overlay	First 10 ft from back of curb: no gates, walls, fences, hedges, raised planters	Overlay area in §9.82	Sec. 9.82.030(a)–(d)
Hardscape in yard abutting right‑of‑way	25% (A‑2)	A‑2	A‑2 dev. stds (item 8)
Hardscape in yard abutting right‑of‑way	30% (A‑1)	A‑1	A‑1 dev. stds (item 8)
Hardscape in yard abutting right‑of‑way	40% (R‑7,500)	R‑7,500	R‑7,500 dev. stds (item 8)
Roof/exterior equipment	Must be screened if placement is necessary	A‑1, A‑2	A‑1/A‑2 roof standards (item 7)
Tree removal (prominent/significant)	PC approval; submit tree preservation & landscaping plan	Citywide	Sec. 9.118.040(a)
Nuisance tree removal	Permit required; no waiting period; utilities exempt	Citywide	Nuisance tree def. and removal; Sec. 9.118.070, .080

Note: District-specific entrance gate heights and fence/gate height modifications are available in A‑1, A‑2, A‑5, with additional allowances in A‑5; relief may also be sought through Bradbury Variances and Exceptions where applicable .

Checklist

Identify your base zoning district and whether any overlay applies; confirm if the clear area rule applies to your frontage overlay .
Calculate hardscape coverage in the yard abutting the right‑of‑way using the district cap (25% A‑2, 30% A‑1, 40% R‑7,500) and align details with City Design Guidelines and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Chapter 9.121) .
Design fences, walls, and hedges to meet height and sight triangle limits; apply long‑wall vegetation/indentation rules for street‑facing spans over 60 ft .
If adding a sports court, include a landscape plan between the court and adjacent properties; respect fence/windscreen limits and setbacks .
For mechanical equipment on roofs/exteriors, screen it from public and upslope neighbor views; be prepared to justify necessity at review .
If trees may be removed or affected, classify them (native, significant, prominent, nuisance) and obtain the required approvals/permits; prepare a tree preservation and landscaping plan for design review as needed .
During construction, screen equipment/materials and portable toilets; maintain existing visible landscaping and implement a tree protection plan where work is within the dripline .
Obtain a building permit before constructing or modifying any fence, yard wall, or retaining wall .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Fence vs. wall classification	A slatted fence with screening may be treated as a “wall,” triggering the stricter 3‑ft limit at street yards	Confirm your design’s openness; “any fence covered with view‑obscuring material is a wall” per the definition of yard wall
Measuring height on slopes	Height is measured from the most exposed side; on slopes, the effective height can be greater than expected	Use the Code’s measurement rule and consider grading for sight triangles
Long, continuous frontage walls	Long blank walls require vegetation or indentations	Show continuous planting or 48x48‑in indentations every 50 ft in plans
Overlay “clear area” frontage	Some frontages prohibit gates/walls/hedges/raised planters in the first 10 ft from curb	Check if your parcel is in the overlay; include a “clear area plan” if applicable
Tree category and permit path	“Prominent/significant” vs “nuisance” trees have different processes	Document tree species/DBH; coordinate with Planning for removal/topping approvals or nuisance permits
A‑zone gate and fence exceptions	A‑5 allows taller gates/columns; PC can modify A‑1/A‑2/A‑5 heights with findings	If seeking extra height, prepare findings or consider a variance path if needed
Construction screening	Temporary lack of screening can trigger enforcement	Include screening details and maintenance notes in your schedule/specs

Plain-English Summary

Bradbury keeps frontages open and green: low walls/hedges (3 ft) and modest fences (6 ft) at the street, clear sight triangles at corners, and limits on hardscape in the front yard depending on your zone. Long street walls must have vegetation or notches. If you add a court, you’ll landscape the edges. Roof/exterior equipment must be screened. Tree work is tightly regulated—plan early and get the right approvals. During construction, keep things screened and your street‑visible landscaping tidy.

Source References

Bradbury Development Code, fence/wall/hedge standards and definitions: Sec. 9.100.040–.090; yard wall definition; measurement; special materials; sight triangles; permits; nonconforming fences .
A‑1 and A‑2 development standards: hardscape limits for yards abutting rights‑of‑way; screening of roof/exterior equipment; parkway improvements/WEL ordinance linkage .
R‑7,500 development standards: hardscape limit for yards abutting rights‑of‑way; parkway improvements/WEL ordinance linkage .
Overlay “clear area” limitation in first 10 ft from back of curb and clear area plan requirement: Sec. 9.82.030 .
Tree preservation and landscaping approval; definitions of native/significant/prominent/nuisance trees; nuisance tree permits; restoration for illegal removals; public utility exemptions: Ch. 9.118, incl. Sec. 9.118.040, .070, .080 .
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance: Ch. 9.121 (title/purpose), and cross‑references in district standards to comply with it .
Construction‑period screening and site maintenance: screening of materials/equipment; construction fencing; portable toilet screening; tree protection plan at plan check when work is within dripline .
Variances and conditions of approval may address landscaping, fences, and walls: variance conditions may regulate yards, fences, walls, landscaping; variance findings path .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.050.040) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (title is) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (section 9.127.080) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.020.040) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (title is) High relevance
Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.06.090.060) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Bradbury code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum fence height in a Bradbury front yard?

In a yard abutting a street, a fence can be up to 6 ft tall, but a wall/hedge/retaining wall is limited to 3 ft. If a fence sits atop a wall, the wall itself must be 3 ft or less and the combined height no more than 6 ft. Sight triangles near intersections also cap heights to 3 ft within 20 ft triangles for safety. See Sec. 9.100.040(1) and 9.100.070(f) .

How much of my front yard can be hardscape in Bradbury?

It depends on your district: the yard abutting the right‑of‑way is capped at 25% hardscape in A‑2, 30% in A‑1, and 40% in R‑7,500. Improvements must align with City Design Guidelines and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. See each district’s development standards (item 8) .

Do I need to screen rooftop mechanical equipment?

Yes. In A‑1 and A‑2 districts, rooftop/exterior equipment should not be used unless necessary; if necessary, it must be screened or parapeted so it’s not visible from adjacent properties or public views. The review body may require proof that it’s necessary. See roof standards (item 7) in A‑1 and A‑2 .

Can I remove a nuisance tree without a delay?

You still need a permit, but there is no waiting period for nuisance tree removal once criteria are met (e.g., root damage, safety hazard). Public utilities are exempt from these provisions. Prominent/significant trees require Planning Commission approval. See Ch. 9.118 (nuisance tree provisions and approvals) .

What are the rules for long frontage walls or fences?

Any fence or yard wall longer than 60 ft along a street must either be permanently covered by continuous vegetation or include 48 in by 48 in indentations every 50 ft from the right‑of‑way edge. This breaks up mass and improves streetscape quality. See Sec. 9.100.070(b) .

Is there an overlay that limits front yard features near the curb?

Yes. In an identified overlay, the first 10 ft from the back of curb must remain clear of gates, walls, fences, hedges, and raised planted areas. A “clear area plan” is required and is reviewed for aesthetics and safety. See Sec. 9.82.030 .

Do construction sites need visual screening?

Yes. Sites with City permits must screen construction materials/equipment from public view and maintain any construction fencing in good condition; portable toilets must be screened and properly located. A tree protection plan is required if work occurs within a tree’s dripline. See construction maintenance standards .

Can I build an 8‑ft fence in Bradbury?

Generally, the limit is 6 ft, but there are exceptions. Certain locations (e.g., rear yards on the south side of Gardi Street and properties in A‑5) may allow up to 8 ft; the Planning Commission may also modify fence/gate heights in A‑1, A‑2, and A‑5 with required findings. See Sec. 9.100.040(7) and related provisions .

What landscaping is required around a new sports court?

You must submit a landscape plan for the areas between the court and adjacent properties, and comply with fence/windscreen limits and setbacks for courts. See Sec. 9.100.090(b) and Sec. 9.100.040(3)–(4) .

Do I need a permit for a new wall or to modify an existing fence?

Yes. A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, relocate, or structurally alter any fence, yard wall, or retaining wall. The Building Inspector must find the proposal conforms with Chapter 9.100 before issuing a permit. See Sec. 9.100.070(h) .

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