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Brisbane — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page distills the landscaping and screening rules in the City of Brisbane’s Title 17 Zoning ordinance. It focuses on what the code requires citywide and how those rules vary by district and overlay. For related process and context, see the Brisbane zoning & planning overview, Brisbane Zoning, Brisbane Land Use, and Brisbane Development Standards.

Citywide backbone rules you’ll run into

  • Fences, hedges, and walls
    • Up to 6 ft allowed in required setbacks in any district; may be reduced to as low as 3 ft where the Public Works Director finds a visibility concern. Chain-link is prohibited in or adjoining residential districts, and razor/barbed wire is prohibited citywide, with narrow exceptions. In San Bruno Mountain HCP areas, fence design/location may be restricted to allow butterfly movement (§17.32.050.A.1–A.1.d, B.1–B.4 ).
    • Exceptions include: up to +2 ft lattice above 6 ft within side/rear setbacks in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-BA, NCRO-2; metal rail-and-picket or black/dark-green vinyl-coated chain-link up to 8 ft in C-1, TC-1, M-1; temporary chain-link construction fences up to 8 ft in all districts (§17.32.050.B.2–B.4 ).
  • Parking lot screening for housing development projects
    • Where uncovered parking abuts an R-1, R-2, or R-BA lot, provide 8 ft-tall screening along the interior lot line; if landscaping is the screen, min 3 ft width, compact evergreens to opaque. From public streets, provide 3 ft screening using approved walls, open metal fences plus planting, compact evergreens, or berms; chain‑link/vinyl fencing is prohibited for screening. Exception: uncovered tandem parking in a driveway in R-3 does not require screening (§17.45.030.H.2.i–H.2.e ). See also Brisbane Parking.
  • Accessory elements and utility/trash screening
    • Per objective standards for housing projects, perimeter fencing on public streets must be decorative iron/pre-painted welded steel/wood (no chain-link/vinyl/expanded metal). Screen rooftop equipment and exterior utility boxes/meters from view (§17.45.030.I.1–I.3 ).
    • Public utility facilities that aren’t underground must be screened with landscaping or fencing, with meter enclosures or screening as well (§17.32.030.C–D ).
    • Trash/recycling areas must be fully enclosed, min 6 ft tall, fully screened from street-level view, and designed for durability and stormwater control (§17.45.030.K.1–K.2 ).
  • Landscape plan content near sensitive habitats
    • Where a project is subject to the city’s water-conserving landscape rules (Chapter 15.70), a landscape plan must show protected trees/rare plants and use non‑invasive, water‑conserving, fire‑resistant plants that screen and blend structures with the landscape (HCP consultation where applicable) (§K.1–K.2 as retrieved ).
  • Ongoing obligations
    • Where landscaping is required, the owner must execute a landscape maintenance agreement with the City before permits issue (§17.32.250 ).
  • Design review
    • The City’s Brisbane Design Review findings emphasize landscaped screening of service/storage areas and the use of appropriate, water‑conserving planting (§17.42.040.I, L ).

District-by-district standards and practice

R-1 Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • At least 15% of the front setback landscaped on lots with ≥30 ft front lot line (§I.1 ).
    • On downslope lots, screen the rear of newly constructed main structures with trees/shrubs per an approved landscape plan (§I.2 ).
    • Irrigated landscapes must comply with the City’s water conservation ordinance (Chapter 15.70) (§I.3–I.4 ).
    • Fences/walls: general 6 ft rule; lattice exceptions; residential chain-link prohibition (§17.32.050.A–B ).
  • Where it applies: R-1 lots citywide. Verify on a parcel map via Brisbane Zoning.

R-2 Two-Family Residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Specific landscaping percentage: Not found in retrieved materials.
    • Parking next to an R-2 lot triggers 8 ft screening for housing projects (§17.45.030.H.2.i ).
    • Fence/wall rules and lattice exception apply (§17.32.050.B.2 ).
  • Where it applies: R-2 lots citywide. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-3 Multiple-Family Residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Exception: uncovered tandem parking in a driveway in R-3 does not require street screening (§17.45.030.H.2.e ).
    • Fence/wall rules and lattice exception apply (§17.32.050.B.2 ).
  • Where it applies: R-3 lots citywide. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-BA Brisbane Acres Residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Lattice exception applies in R-BA (§17.32.050.B.2 ).
    • Projects may intersect San Bruno Mountain habitat protections; additional landscape plan objectives may apply (HCP consultation) (§K.1–K.2 as retrieved ). Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Where it applies: Brisbane Acres. Consult Brisbane Overlay Districts if applicable.

PAOZ-1 Parkside Overlay (Park Place frontage)

  • Purpose: Implements the Parkside Precise Plan to enable residential uses in a portion of Crocker Industrial Park while preserving underlying trade-commercial zoning (§17.27.010.A–B ).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family (PAOZ‑1 only), multifamily, dwelling groups, ADUs/JADUs (§17.27.020 ). See Brisbane ADUs.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Fences/walls: 3 ft max in front yard; 6 ft on sides (§G.2 as retrieved for Parkside ).
    • At least 30% of lot area landscaped; comply with Parkside Precise Plan landscape standards and Chapter 15.70 (§H ).
  • Where it applies: Parkside subarea along the south side of Park Place (§17.27.010.B ).

PAOZ-2 Parkside Overlay (Park Lane frontage)

  • Purpose: Same as PAOZ-1 for west side of Park Lane (§17.27.010.B ).
  • Typical permitted uses: Multifamily, dwelling groups, ADUs/JADUs (§17.27.020 ).
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • At least 30% of lot area landscaped; Parkside Precise Plan standards apply (§H as retrieved for Parkside ).
  • Where it applies: Parkside subarea along west side of Park Lane (§17.27.010.B ).

SP-CRO Sierra Point Combined District

  • Purpose / typical uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • At least 25% of total lot area landscaped; additional requirements in Sierra Point design guidelines; Chapter 15.70 applies (§17.18.040.G.1–G.2 ).
  • Where it applies: Sierra Point.

Crocker Park District (Chapter 17.19)

  • Purpose: Regulates development in the Crocker Industrial Park.
  • Typical uses: The district accommodates a range of trade-commercial and related uses; examples noted in Chapter 17.19 include freight forwarders and research & development (including certain hazardous‑materials R&D subject to General Plan Policy 166.1) (§17.19 items as retrieved ).
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • At least 15% of gross lot area landscaped; plantings must be non‑invasive, water‑conserving, and context‑appropriate (§17.19.040.F.1–F.2 ).
    • Screen outside pallet/container storage (not in street setbacks), exterior equipment, and approved outdoor flammables with fencing, landscaping, painting, or combinations (§17.19.040.G.1–G.3 ).
  • Where it applies: Crocker Industrial Park.

M-1 Restricted Industrial District

  • Purpose: Industrial and employment uses.
  • Typical permitted uses: Includes gyms, data centers, food production, freight forwarding, light manufacturing, offices, R&D, warehousing (§17.20.010.A–J ).
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • At least 15% of gross lot area landscaped; use non‑invasive, water‑conserving, context‑appropriate planting; Chapter 15.70 applies (§17.20.030.F.1–F.3 ).
    • Conditional outside storage must be “properly screened” (§17.20.020.E ).
    • Fence exception allows certain 8 ft rail/picket or vinyl‑coated chain‑link (§17.32.050.B.3 ).
  • Where it applies: Industrial districts citywide.

R-MHP Residential Mobile Home Park District

  • Purpose: Regulates mobile home parks.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Buffer parks from adjacent arterial/collector roads with a combination of landscaping and/or screening; all fencing must meet §17.32.050 (§17.11 “G. Fencing and Screening” ).
    • Plant materials must be drought‑resistant and non‑invasive; landscape plans require director approval; Chapter 15.70 applies (§17.11 “I. Landscaping” ).
    • Trash/recycling receptacles must be completely screened from street‑level view (§17.11 “K. Trash Enclosures” ).
    • Fence heights may reach 8–10 ft along park perimeters per citywide exceptions (§17.32.050.B.5 ).
  • Where it applies: Mobile home parks citywide.

Quick-reference standards

Topic District/Applicability Requirement Code Reference
Fence/wall height in setbacks All districts Up to 6 ft; may be reduced to ≥3 ft for visibility; no chain‑link in/adjoining R districts; no barbed/razor wire §17.32.050.A.1–A.1.c
Lattice exception R-1, R-2, R-3, R-BA, NCRO‑2 + up to 2 ft lattice above 6 ft within side/rear setbacks §17.32.050.B.2
8 ft fence options C-1, TC-1, M-1 Metal rail/picket or vinyl‑coated chain‑link up to 8 ft §17.32.050.B.3
Parking screening from R-1/R-2/R-BA Housing projects 8 ft tall along interior lot lines; 3 ft from streets; specific materials; no chain‑link/vinyl §17.45.030.H.2.i–ii
R-3 tandem driveway screening R-3 No street screening required for uncovered tandem in driveway §17.45.030.H.2.e
Landscape % — PAOZ-1/PAOZ-2 Parkside overlays ≥30% lot area landscaped §17.27 (as retrieved)
Landscape % — SP-CRO Sierra Point ≥25% lot area landscaped §17.18.040.G.1
Landscape % — Crocker Park Crocker Industrial ≥15% gross lot area landscaped §17.19.040.F.1
Landscape % — M-1 Industrial ≥15% gross lot area landscaped §17.20.030.F.1
R-1 front setback landscaping R-1 ≥15% of front setback landscaped (frontage ≥30 ft) §I.1 (R‑1)
Utility & rooftop equipment screening Citywide/housing projects Screen non‑underground utilities and rooftop equipment from view §17.32.030.C–D ; §17.45.030.I.2
Trash enclosure screening Citywide/housing projects Fully enclosed, min 6 ft, screened from street-level view §17.45.030.K.1
Landscape maintenance Where landscaping required Record maintenance agreement before permits §17.32.250

Checklist

  • Confirm your base zoning, overlays, and adjacency to residential lots on the City zoning map; see Brisbane Zoning and Brisbane Overlay Districts.
  • Choose fence types and heights that comply with §17.32.050 (no chain‑link in/adjoining R districts; lattice exceptions; check 8 ft allowances in C-1/TC-1/M-1) .
  • Meet your district’s minimum landscaped area (e.g., 30% in PAOZ‑1/2; 25% in SP‑CRO; 15% in M‑1/Crocker Park; R-1 front setback 15%) and Chapter 15.70 water‑efficiency rules (§§ as above; Chapter 15.70 cross‑references in each section) .
  • If applicable, prepare a landscape plan addressing protected trees/rare plants, non‑invasive/water‑conserving/fire‑resistant species, and screening objectives; consult HCP operator when required (§K.1–K.2 as retrieved) .
  • Screen uncovered parking as required for housing projects (8 ft at residential lot lines; 3 ft at streets; approved materials; R‑3 driveway tandem exception) (§17.45.030.H.2) .
  • Fully screen rooftop equipment, exterior utilities, and trash/recycling areas (§17.45.030.I, K; §17.32.030.C–D) .
  • Execute the required landscaping maintenance agreement before permit issuance (§17.32.250) .
  • If your proposal deviates from standards, be prepared to seek an exception or modification through the appropriate process; see Brisbane Variances and Exceptions and §17.32.050.B.6 findings for fence/wall exceptions .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Chain‑link allowances Chain‑link is broadly restricted; limited allowances exist only in certain commercial/industrial districts Confirm your district; use decorative/open metal + planting when screening is required (§17.32.050; §17.45.030.H.2)
Adjacency triggers Parking screening height jumps to 8 ft when next to R‑1/R‑2/R‑BA Map adjoining zoning; design screening early (§17.45.030.H.2.i)
HCP-related plant restrictions Sensitive habitat areas require specific plant palettes and objectives Whether your site requires HCP consultation and non‑invasive/fire‑resistant plants (§K.1–K.2 as retrieved)
“Downslope lot” screening R‑1 rear screening applies only to downslope conditions Confirm slope and apply tree/shrub screening (§I.2 (R‑1))
Overlay interplay Parkside overlays override base standards on landscaping %, fences Confirm if PAOZ‑1/2 applies; use Parkside thresholds (§17.27.010, §17.27.040/050 as retrieved)
Equipment/trash visibility Unscreened utilities or trash enclosures draw corrections Incorporate screens/barriers in site plan (§17.32.030; §17.45.030.K)

Plain-English Summary

Brisbane’s zoning code sets clear expectations for how sites should be landscaped and what must be hidden from public view. Most districts set minimum landscaped areas, require screening of parking, rooftop and ground equipment, and trash enclosures, and limit fence types and heights. Overlays like Parkside and special districts like Sierra Point and Crocker Park have their own percentages and edge conditions—so start by checking your district and then match your planting, fences, and screens to the standards.

Source References

  • §17.32.050 Fences, hedges and walls: heights, materials, exceptions (including R‑district chain‑link prohibition; lattice/8 ft allowances)
  • §17.45.030 Objective housing design standards: parking screening, accessory elements, trash/recycling enclosures
  • §17.32.030 Public utilities: undergrounding and screening utilities/meters
  • §17.32.250 Landscaping maintenance agreement requirement
  • R‑1 landscaping (front 15%, downslope screening) as retrieved (§I.1–I.3)
  • Parkside Overlay (PAOZ‑1/PAOZ‑2) purposes and permitted uses; landscaping 30%; fences 3/6 ft
  • SP‑CRO (Sierra Point) landscaping 25%
  • Crocker Park district landscaping 15% and screening of storage/equipment/flam materials; related uses references in Ch. 17.19
  • M‑1 district landscaping 15%; conditional outside storage screening; permitted uses list
  • R‑MHP fencing/screening buffers; drought‑resistant, non‑invasive plantings; trash enclosure screening
  • Landscape plan objectives with HCP consultation (non‑invasive, water‑conserving, fire‑resistant, screen structures) as retrieved

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Title 17.) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Chapter 15.70) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Chapter 15.70) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Chapter 15.70) High relevance
  • CBC § 6.4 (§ 6.4) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Section 17.32.050.B.5.) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Section 17.32.050) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (title or) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Section 17.32.050.B.5.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.32.070 (Section 17.32.070) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Brisbane Zoning Code (Chapter 17.43.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are Brisbane’s citywide fence rules and materials limits?

Fences/walls up to 6 ft are generally allowed in required setbacks; the Public Works Director can require a reduction to as low as 3 ft for visibility. Chain‑link is prohibited in/adjoining residential districts; razor/barbed wire is prohibited. Lattice can add up to 2 ft above a 6 ft fence in specified residential districts (§17.32.050.A–B ).

How much of my lot must be landscaped in Parkside?

In both PAOZ‑1 and PAOZ‑2, at least 30% of the lot must be landscaped, consistent with the Parkside Precise Plan standards and the City’s water conservation ordinance (§17.27, as retrieved ).

What screening is required for parking next to homes?

For housing projects, uncovered parking next to R‑1/R‑2/R‑BA must be screened with an 8 ft barrier (fence or compact evergreens with min 3 ft width). From streets, provide a 3 ft high screen via approved walls, open metal fences plus planting, compact evergreens, or berms. Chain‑link/vinyl is not allowed for screening. Tandem driveway parking in R‑3 is exempt from street screening (§17.45.030.H.2 ).

Do I have to screen rooftop equipment and trash enclosures?

Yes. Rooftop equipment must be screened from view; trash/recycling areas must be fully enclosed, at least 6 ft tall, and screened from street‑level view (§17.45.030.I, K.1 ).

What are the landscaping minimums in industrial areas?

In M‑1 and Crocker Park, landscape at least 15% of the gross lot area with non‑invasive, water‑conserving, context‑appropriate plants; water‑efficiency rules apply (§17.20.030.F; §17.19.040.F ).

Are there special fence/screening rules for mobile home parks?

Yes. In R‑MHP, parks must be buffered from arterial/collector roads with landscaping/screening; plantings must be drought‑resistant and non‑invasive; trash enclosures must be fully screened. Perimeter fence heights may reach 8–10 ft under citywide exceptions (§17.11 “G,” “I,” “K”; §17.32.050.B.5 ).

Do residential front yards in R‑1 need landscaping?

Yes. Where the front lot line is 30 ft or more, at least 15% of the front setback must be landscaped. Downslope R‑1 lots require rear screening of new main structures with trees/shrubs (§I.1–I.2 (R‑1) ).

Are landscape maintenance agreements required?

Where landscaping is required as part of approval, owners must execute a landscape maintenance agreement with the City before permit issuance (§17.32.250 ).

What if I need a taller fence than the standard allows?

Some exceptions are available (e.g., treated/screened retaining walls; lattice additions; certain 8 ft fences in C‑1/TC‑1/M‑1). Otherwise, you must seek an exception with specific findings (§17.32.050.B.1–B.6 ). See Brisbane Variances and Exceptions.

Do landscaping rules mention water conservation or fire‑resistant plants?

Yes. Multiple sections cross‑reference the City’s water‑conservation ordinance and, where applicable, require non‑invasive, water‑conserving, and fire‑resistant plantings, especially near habitat areas (§17.18.040.G.2; §17.19.040.F.3; §17.20.030.F.3; HCP‑related objectives as retrieved) .

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