Local zoning · Brea

Brea — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Brea’s zoning code (Title 20) sets specific, district-based rules for how landscaping, screening, fences, walls, and trees are selected, placed, and maintained. The standards range from citywide definitions and fence-height rules in residential districts to numeric streetscape and parking-lot planting ratios in commercial and industrial districts, plus enhanced hillside planting, screening, and fuel-modification requirements in the HR Hillside Residential zone. Many projects also intersect with Brea Development Standards, Brea Parking, and—when plans are reviewed—Brea Design Review.

Citywide terms and how the code measures things

The code defines a “landscaping screen” as a compact, irrigated, evergreen shrub screen at least 6 ft high, using species from the city’s acceptable list (minimum sizes per the city’s list). This is the baseline plant-based barrier wherever a landscaping screen is specified .
Fence/wall height is measured from finished grade at the base; where grade is altered, the “finished grade” is the midpoint between the highest existing and highest finished grade at the fence line. This rule repeats across districts to avoid “gaming” grade to gain height .

District-by-district standards (landscaping & screening)

R-1 (5,000) Single Family Residential (Chapter 20.212)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses are regulated by Chapter 20.11; confirm with Brea Zoning) .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Fence/wall heights: general max 7 ft. In required front yard or within 10 ft of a reversed corner’s street side, solid elements max 36 in; “open work” fences (≥90% open) max 4.5 ft. Maintain 6 in setback from any property line adjacent to a public right‑of‑way; obey corner cut‑off visibility rules (§20.08.060) .
- Rear-yard storage: stored materials (e.g., trash containers, tools, inoperable vehicles, boats) in rear yards must be “substantially screened” with a combination of fencing and landscaping or enclosed in openwork structures; total storage area limited to ≤50% of rear yard area .
- Maintenance: owners must maintain on‑site and contiguous right‑of‑way landscaping in a healthy, weed‑free condition .
Where it applies: All land in the R-1 (5,000) zone per Chapter 20.212 .

R-2 Multiple Family Residential (Chapter 20.216)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses in Chapter 20.11) .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Fence/wall heights: same residential pattern—general max 7 ft; front/side street solid max 36 in; “open work” max 4.5 ft; 6 in setback from right‑of‑way; corner cut‑off applies (§20.08.060) .
Where it applies: All land in the R-2 zone per Chapter 20.216 .

R-3 Multiple Family Residential (Chapter 20.220)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses in Chapter 20.11) .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Fence/wall heights: general max 7 ft; front/side street solid max 36 in; “open work” max 4.5 ft; 6 in setback from right‑of‑way; corner cut‑off applies (§20.08.060) .
Where it applies: All land in the R-3 zone per Chapter 20.220 .

HR Hillside Residential (Chapter 20.206)

Purpose: Establish hillside-specific standards to preserve visual quality; blend development with landforms; protect resources and safety .
Applicability: Properties designated HR on the General Plan and within the HR zoning district; many projects require an Hillside Development Permit with a landscape/irrigation plan and design guidelines submittal .
Fencing, privacy walls, and placement:
- Visible fences/walls near public roads/major public spaces must be decorative masonry or approved natural-appearance materials and colored to blend with surroundings; place at top of slope; general max 7 ft; solid in front yard ≤30 in; “open work” ≤54 in; and provide a minimum 20 ft setback from any fence/wall to the face of curb if adjacent to public right‑of‑way; corner cut‑off applies (§20.08.060) .
Landscape standards and screening:
- A formal landscape & irrigation plan is required; must address slope stability, fire safety, and tree retention/removal; installation must be effectively established for one year (bonding may be required) .
- Screen downslope elevations of buildings using shrubs/trees so portions below the lowest floor aren’t visible from adjacent properties or rights‑of‑way; ensure side/rear yard privacy via landscaping while keeping front yards/entries mostly visible for security .
- On‑lot tree program: minimum 2 trees in each rear yard; corner lots with uphill road visibility add 1 tree along the street side; sizes: 24‑inch box where rear yard depth ≤15 ft, 36‑inch box where >15 ft; keep trunks ≥5 ft from walls; consider soil compaction/drainage for pit depth .
- Fuel modification zones: required where development is exposed to hazardous fire areas; width determined by Fire Chief considering slope, fuel loading, access, water, and on‑site protection; provide for continued maintenance .
- Custom lots: maintain ≥20 ft landscape setback between the developed pad and natural vegetation; fences/walls ≤7 ft and comply with hillside fence rules; opaque walls only on flat pads .
Where it applies: All land in the HR zone (city and sphere-of-influence properties mapped HR) .

C-P Commercial, Administrative, and Professional (Chapter 20.224)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses in Chapter 20.11) .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Required walls along common property lines as specified in setbacks; masonry if ≥6 ft; no wood/corrugated sheet for required walls under 6 ft; permitted fences/walls up to 7 ft with front/side-street limits identical to residential (solid ≤36 in; open work ≤4.5 ft) .
Where it applies: All land in the C-P zone per Chapter 20.224 .

C-N Neighborhood Commercial (Chapter 20.228)

Purpose: Provide for small neighborhood shopping centers serving nearby residents .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Landscaping and maintenance: the C‑G landscaping standards apply, including minimum landscaped coverage, boundary strips, tree counts, parking-lot trees, irrigation, and maintenance requirements (see C‑G below) .
- Storage/trash: all storage and trash must be screened by a masonry wall so it is not visible from adjacent property or streets .
Where it applies: All land in the C-N zone per Chapter 20.228 .

C-C Central Commercial (Chapter 20.232)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses in Chapter 20.11) .
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Landscaping and maintenance: references the C‑G landscaping standards (see below) for minimum landscaped area, streetscape strips, trees, parking-lot planting, irrigation, and maintenance .
- Storage/trash: must be screened by a masonry wall or otherwise not visible from adjacent property/streets .
Where it applies: All land in the C-C zone per Chapter 20.232 .

C-G General Commercial (Chapter 20.236)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials (uses in Chapter 20.11).
Core landscaping/screening framework (applies directly in C‑G and by cross‑reference in C‑N and C‑C):
- Minimum landscaped coverage: 15% of net site area; provide irrigation; landscape all unpaved, non‑work areas; at least 50% of required trees must be ≥3 in caliper at 2 ft above ground .
- Boundary planting: along streets, ≥8 ft‑wide continuous landscape strip with 1 tree per 25 linear ft; along all interior property lines, ≥5 ft continuous strip with 1 tree per 30 ft; around building perimeters, ≥5 ft continuous strip; trees may be clustered; boundary trees are in addition to groundcover and shrubs .
- Parking areas (see also Brea Parking): separate paving from landscaping with a 4 in curb/wall (max 3 ft 6 in high); screen parking from adjacent access streets, freeways, and other properties using berms/shrub masses/trees; provide 1 tree per 5 stalls within the lot (boundary trees don’t count) .
- Maintenance: owners must continually maintain on‑site and contiguous right‑of‑way landscaping; remove/replace dead material within 30 days of notice; keep irrigation functional; stake/tie trees properly; install root barriers for street/sidewalk trees (Director review) .
- Roof equipment: must be architecturally compatible and visually screened from adjacent property and rights‑of‑way .
Where it applies: All land in the C-G zone, and by cross-reference in C-N and C-C .

C-RC Commercial Recreation (Chapter 20.244)

Purpose: Provide for commercial recreation uses in appropriate areas .
Landscaping/yards: maintain a 35 ft front yard with the front 15 ft landscaped; 15 ft landscaped side yard on corner lots; 100 ft yard where abutting a residential zone (screening/landscaping implied by required landscaped portions) .
Where it applies: All land in C-RC per Chapter 20.244 .

C-M Commercial/Industrial (Chapter 20.240)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping/screening rules:
- Required walls: follow M‑P/M‑1 standards for where and how walls are required; masonry for ≥6 ft; no wood/corrugated sheet for required walls under 6 ft; permitted fences/walls up to 7 ft with front/side‑street limits like other zones .
- Outdoor storage/activities: must be fully enclosed by buildings or by a 7 ft masonry wall; alternatively, allow a combination of ≥8 ft landscaping screen plus a ≥6 ft fence to screen stockpiles; no storage higher than 6 ft; keep combustible storage ≥20 ft from interior lot lines .
- Trash: enclose trash by a concrete block/masonry wall and hide from public view; place for service access .
- Metal buildings: only under strict conditions and must be screened with walls/fencing/landscaping if near public streets .
- Yards fronting streets and near residential: see M‑P yards, which set landscaped yard depths along streets and near residential (below) .
Where it applies: All land in the C-M zone per Chapter 20.240.

M-P Planned Industrial (Chapter 20.248)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Yards and landscaping pattern:
- Along arterials or local streets that are a boundary with residential: provide a 50 ft yard with the nearest 20 ft landscaped; on local streets not bordering residential: 20 ft yard with nearest 10 ft landscaped; where abutting residential: 100 ft yard plus a 7 ft masonry wall at the property line; same if siding/rearing on an alley that is a boundary with residential (100 ft yard; 7 ft wall) .
- Walls/fences/landscaping maintenance: follow M‑1 standards at §20.252.040.E (see next) .
Where it applies: All land in the M-P zone per Chapter 20.248.

M-1 Light Industrial (Chapter 20.252)

Purpose and typical permitted uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Core landscaping/screening framework:
- Parking/loading areas must be screened or modulated from view of access streets, freeways, and adjacent residential by linear shrub masses or grouped major/smaller scale trees; provide a 5 ft building perimeter landscape strip (except where walls abut existing buildings); provide 1 tree per 5 stalls within parking areas; submit detailed landscape plan (with irrigation) for approval; maintain landscaping continuously and replace dead materials within 30 days of notice .
- Fence/wall rules: same pattern—required walls masonry if ≥6 ft; permitted walls/fences up to 7 ft; front/side‑street limits 36 in solid or 4.5 ft “open work”; height measured from finished grade; state or agency-required fence heights can supersede .
- Additional industrial façade and screening provisions (e.g., trash, mechanical) appear across §20.252.040 and related sections; mechanical/metal building screening and distance rules are emphasized citywide in industrial contexts .
Where it applies: All land in the M-1 zone per Chapter 20.252 .

Mixed-Use districts (MU‑I / MU‑II / MU‑III) with standalone residential

Landscaping and wall/fence standards cross-reference:
- Tables for standalone residential in MU‑I/MU‑II/MU‑III direct landscaping to §20.236.040.M (the C‑G standards) and walls/fences to §20.236.040.E and §20.220.040.F, tying MU projects to the same tree counts, planting widths, and fence rules noted above .

Citywide tree protection (Chapter 20.74)

Tree permit required for removal/relocation of protected trees; reviewed by the Community Development Director (or Planning Commission if part of a Commission project). Findings address health, hazard, interference with utilities or development, or defensible space improvements. Conditions may be imposed; enforcement includes civil penalties for violations .

Equipment-specific screening example (residential antennas)

In residential zones, where a permitted communication antenna must be in a front yard, the code requires screening using fencing plus trees/shrubs of specified minimum sizes (e.g., trees at least 24-in box, shrubs 5‑gal containers), arranged on three sides to substantially screen the install from public view, while respecting emergency access and placement rules .

Most-used numeric standards at a glance

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Solid fence/wall in a required front yard (most residential/commercial)	Max 36 in height	R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑P, C‑N, C‑C, C‑G, C‑M, M‑1 (see each district)	§20.212.040.G; §20.216.040.F; §20.220.040.F; §20.224.040.E; §20.240.060.D; §20.252.040.E
“Open work” fence in front yard (≥90% open)	Max 4.5 ft height	Same set as above	Same sections as above
General fence/wall height	Max 7 ft	Most zones, including HR	§20.212.040.G; §20.216.040.F; §20.220.040.F; §20.206.150.G.3
Setback of fences/walls from public ROW line	≥6 in	R‑1, R‑2, R‑3	§20.212.040.G; §20.216.040.F; §20.220.040.F
HR fence/wall at public ROW	≥20 ft from face of curb; decorative materials; top‑of‑slope placement	HR	§20.206.150.G.1–2 & 7
Min landscaped coverage (site)	15% of net site	C‑G (applies to C‑N/C‑C via cross‑reference)	§20.236.040.M.1
Streetscape landscape strip	≥8 ft wide + 1 tree/25 lf street frontage	C‑G (and by reference C‑N/C‑C)	§20.236.040.M.2.a
Interior property-line strip	≥5 ft wide + 1 tree/30 lf	C‑G (and by reference C‑N/C‑C)	§20.236.040.M.2.c
Building perimeter strip	≥5 ft wide	C‑G; M‑1	§20.236.040.M.2.b; §20.252.040.5.b
Parking-lot trees	1 tree/5 stalls (interior, not boundary trees)	C‑G; M‑1	§20.236.040.M.3.c; §20.252.040.5.c
HR on-lot trees (rear yard)	≥2 trees per rear yard; corner lots add 1 tree street side; size 24"–36" box	HR	§20.206.160.N
Industrial/commercial outdoor storage	Fully enclosed by buildings or 7 ft wall; or ≥8 ft landscaping screen + ≥6 ft fence; no stacks >6 ft	C‑M	§20.240.060.J

Checklist

Confirm your parcel’s base zone and overlays on the city map, then apply the matching rules above (start at Brea Zoning and Brea Overlay Districts).
For residential fences/walls, keep front-yard solids ≤36 in, open-work ≤4.5 ft, and overall ≤7 ft; set fences/walls ≥6 in off ROW lines; maintain corner visibility triangles (§20.08.060) .
In the HR zone, submit a landscape/irrigation plan; use decorative/top‑of‑slope walls with ≥20 ft curb offset; implement on‑lot tree counts/sizes; screen downslope elevations; provide fuel‑mod zones per Fire Chief; keep front entries visible for safety .
For commercial/general commercial (C‑G, and C‑N/C‑C by reference): deliver ≥15% site landscaping; install 8 ft street strips with 1 tree/25 lf; 5 ft interior and building-perimeter strips; 1 tree/5 stalls inside lots; curb/berm edges; provide irrigation and maintenance program; screen roof equipment .
For industrial (M‑1/M‑P/C‑M): meet landscaped yard depths on street/residential edges; screen parking from streets/freeways/residential; supply 1 tree/5 stalls; enclose outdoor storage with 7 ft masonry wall or ≥8 ft landscaping + ≥6 ft fence; screen trash/mechanical; keep combustible storage ≥20 ft from interior lot lines .
If removing or relocating a protected tree, obtain a tree permit; be prepared to provide arborist information and meet replacement/relocation conditions .
If your project is subject to plan or precise development review, include detailed landscaping, fence wall heights, irrigation, and maintenance notes per the submittal lists; some conditions may be added through Brea Design Review processes .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Cross-referencing standards	C‑N and C‑C import C‑G landscaping; MU districts cross-reference multiple sections	Confirm which cross‑refs control your specific project and whether any plan conditions supersede them .
“Finished grade” for fence height	Measurement depends on final and existing grade midpoint	Confirm grading plans and how height will be measured during inspection in your zone section .
HR fuel‑mod width	Determined by Fire Chief; not a fixed number in code	Coordinate early with Fire Dept during HR landscape plan review .
Tree species list for “landscaping screen”	City’s acceptable species list is referenced, not embedded	Obtain current list from Planning; the list was not in retrieved materials (Not found in retrieved materials) .
Parking-lot tree counting	Boundary trees don’t count toward interior tree requirement	Lay out planters inside aisles to reach 1 per 5 stalls; see Brea Parking and §20.236.040.M.3.c .
Mixed-use fence standards	MU tables cite both commercial and R‑3 fence sections	Apply the stricter height/visibility rule where they differ; verify with the jurisdiction for MU sites .

Plain-English Summary

If you put in a fence or plantings in Brea, expect strict height limits in front yards (3 ft for solid, 4.5 ft for see‑through) and a 7 ft maximum elsewhere. Commercial and industrial sites must landscape streets and edges and plant trees inside parking lots (generally 1 tree per 5 spaces) and screen parking from the street. Hillside homes have extra steps: submit a landscaping/irrigation plan, keep walls decorative and 20 ft back from the curb, add on‑lot trees, and use plantings to hide downslope elevations. Storage, trash, and roof equipment must be screened. Some projects need a tree permit before removing protected trees.

Source References

Title 20 Zoning Code — definitions (“landscaping,” “landscaping screen”): §20.00.070 (City of Brea eCode360: https://ecode360.com/BR6949)
R‑1 property standards (fences/walls/maintenance; rear‑yard storage screening): §20.212.040.G; §20.212.040 (rear‑yard screening)
R‑2 property standards (fences/walls rules): §20.216.040.F
R‑3 property standards (fences/walls rules): §20.220.040.F
HR hillside fencing/privacy walls and setbacks: §20.206.150.G
HR landscape standards, screening, on‑lot trees, fuel‑mod: §20.206.160 (incl. M, N, K)
C‑G landscaping framework (15% coverage; strips; trees; parking trees; maintenance; roof equipment screening): §20.236.040.L–M
C‑N/C‑C adoption of C‑G landscaping; storage/trash screening: §20.228.040–050; §20.232.040–050
C‑P walls/fences/landscaping and materials: §20.224.040.E
C‑M walls/fences; outdoor storage and screening; trash; metal buildings: §20.240.060.D–K, L
M‑P landscaped yards near streets/residential; wall requirement; reference to M‑1 landscaping/walls: §20.248.040.D–E
M‑1 landscaping required; parking screening; building perimeter strip; 1 tree/5 stalls; wall/fence rules: §20.252.040
C‑RC landscaped portions of required yards: §20.244.040.D
Mixed‑Use tables referencing C‑G landscaping and R‑3/C‑G wall/fence standards: §20.258.020 tables (MU‑I/MU‑II/MU‑III)
Tree permits (protected trees): Chapter 20.74 (selected §§ including §20.74.060–070)
Example equipment screening in residential (antennas): §20.64.040

Sources

Retrieved passages

Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.206.160) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.08.020) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.220.040) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.236.040) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.248.040.D.) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.212.040) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.236.040) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.236.040.M.) High relevance
CFC § 20.206.160 (§ 20.206.160) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.240.060) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.08.060) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.08.020) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.244.010) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.228.020.) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.08.060) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.260.010) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.206.150) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.263.040) High relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.408.070.) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (§ 20.206.060.C.3) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code (Section 20.08.035F) Medium relevance
Brea Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Brea code library

Frequently asked questions

What are Brea’s standard front-yard fence height limits?

Most zones cap solid fences/walls in required front yards at 36 inches and see‑through “open work” fences (≥90% open) at 4.5 feet; the overall fence/wall maximum is 7 feet, measured from finished grade. Corner visibility rules apply (§20.212.040.G; §20.216.040.F; §20.220.040.F) .

Do commercial projects in Brea have a minimum landscaped area?

Yes. In the C‑G zone—and by reference in C‑N and C‑C—at least 15% of the net site must be landscaped, with required street-edge and interior strips, tree counts, and parking-lot trees (§20.236.040.M; §20.228.040; §20.232.040) .

How must parking lots be landscaped and screened?

Provide 1 tree per 5 stalls inside the lot (boundary trees don’t count), curb or wall edges at least 4 inches high, and use berms/shrubs/trees to screen the lot from streets, freeways, and adjacent properties (§20.236.040.M.3; §20.252.040.5) .

What extra landscaping rules apply in Brea’s hillside neighborhoods?

In the HR zone, you need an approved landscape/irrigation plan; screen downslope facades with planting; add on‑lot rear‑yard trees; use decorative masonry walls at the top of slope and keep them 20 ft back from the curb where adjacent to public rights‑of‑way; and establish fuel‑mod zones per the Fire Chief (§20.206.150.G; §20.206.160) .

How is outdoor storage supposed to be screened in commercial/industrial zones?

In C‑M, outdoor storage/activities must be enclosed by buildings or a 7 ft masonry wall, or by an 8 ft landscaping screen plus a 6 ft fence; items can’t be stacked above 6 ft (§20.240.060.J) .

Do I need a permit to remove a mature tree?

Possibly. Protected tree removals/relocations need a tree permit with arborist documentation and findings (e.g., health, hazards, defensible space). Conditions may apply and violations carry penalties (Chapter 20.74) .

Are roof-mounted mechanical units required to be screened?

Yes. In C‑G and many commercial contexts, roof equipment must be architecturally compatible and visually screened from adjacent properties and rights‑of‑way (§20.236.040.L) .

How close can a fence be to the public right‑of‑way line?

In standard residential districts, keep fences/walls at least 6 inches back from the property line adjacent to the public right‑of‑way (§20.212.040.G; §20.216.040.F; §20.220.040.F). In HR, any wall/fence adjacent to a public right‑of‑way must be at least 20 ft from the curb (§20.206.150.G.7) .

What if my project is mixed-use?

Mixed‑use standards for standalone residential reference the C‑G landscaping rules and the R‑3/C‑G fence standards. Apply those cross‑referenced sections unless a project‑specific approval sets stricter conditions (§20.258.020 tables) .

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