Local zoning · Buena Park

Buena Park — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Buena Park zoning ordinance requires for landscaping and screening (buffers, planting, fences, walls, trash screening, and related plan submittals) in each local zone. It interprets the code language in plain English and points you to the exact controlling sections so you can verify parcel‑specific requirements. For general context about the City's planning framework, see the Buena Park zoning & planning overview and the Buena Park Zoning pages.

When the ordinance ties landscaping to other topics, those cross‑references matter: landscape requirements interact frequently with the City's rules for development standards, parking, design review, overlay districts, and accessory units such as ADUs. Building permits for walls/fences may also invoke the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

How Buena Park's code structures landscaping & screening (quick map)

  • Landscape chapters and fence/wall chapters appear across Division 4 and elsewhere — the most used sections for landscaping & screening are § 19.532.010, § 19.632.010–.040, and the fence/wall chapters (e.g., § 19.528.x, § 19.328.x, § 19.428.x). These control where landscaping is required, minimum buffer widths, required planting sizes, parking‑lot planting, and fence heights/design. See the ordinance excerpts at the end for the exact § references.

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, key landscaping/screening standards, where it applies)

Note: Buena Park uses zone labels such as RS, RM, CO, CS, CG, CR, CM, MR, ML, MH, MU, and OR in the zoning code. The paragraphs below focus on landscaping and screening provisions that the ordinance ties to each zone. Verify parcel specifics with the City. (Also see the City's Land Use and Development Standards pages for broader zone summaries.)

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family detached homes; landscaping requirements for yards that abut streets and general front/side/rear yards. (See residential landscaping chapters for RS rules.) Not found: a separate "purpose" paragraph within the retrieved materials; use is inferred from chapter titles. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Required street‑facing yards must be permanently landscaped; for single‑family, portions behind permitted solid fences (≥6 ft) are treated specially. § 19.632.010(A).
    • At least 50% of each required yard abutting a street must be landscaped for single‑family RS yards; hardscape of walkways/driveways is allowed provided hardscape ≤ 50% of the area. § 19.332.010(B).
    • Fence and wall height/location/design requirements for RS zones: maximums and vision clearance rules are in § 19.328.020–.030 (e.g., typical interior side/rear fences up to 7 ft; front yard and setback‑adjacent limits vary).
  • Where it applies: all lots mapped RS; see RM/RS overlap rules for multifamily conversions. § 19.332.010.

RM (Multi‑Family Residential, incl. RMH mobilehome)

  • Purpose / typical uses: multifamily housing, mobilehome parks (see RMH rules).
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Required landscaping in public‑facing yards, parkways, and common open spaces; landscaping maintenance obligations for multifamily sites. § 19.1112.070 (landscape maintenance) and related right‑of‑way / street tree rules.
    • In RM zones, fences for most developments are limited to 7 ft (exceptions and street‑facing setbacks apply). § 19.428.020 defines RM fence heights and required approval for fences and gates.
    • Where a parking area abuts an RS zone, RM parking must provide a minimum 6‑ft ornamental block wall plus a 5‑ft planter (trees/shrubs) between the parking and the RS property line. § 19.636.070.d / § 19.632.010 excerpts.
  • Where it applies: all RM and RMH zoned properties; mobilehome parks have extra enclosure and landscaping rules. § 19.428 et seq.

CO / CS / CG / CR / CM (Commercial zones)

  • Purpose / typical uses: various commercial uses (office, neighborhood, general, regional commercial, commercial manufacturing mix). See the zoning code for use lists. Not found: single "purpose" paragraphs in retrieved snippets — verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Any permanent nonresidential use on a lot in a commercial or industrial zone that abuts residential zoning must provide a landscaped buffer of at least 10 ft with trees planted at minimum 15‑gallon size and spacing no greater than 20 ft center‑to‑center; plus the fence required by § 19.528.040. § 19.532.010(D).
    • Parking lot landscaping: where parking is provided, perimeter buffers (ornamental masonry wall/hedge 2 ft high or berm 10 ft wide and 2 ft high) and interior planting for lots with 10 or more spaces are required. § 19.532.010(E).
    • Required fences: where a commercial lot abuts a residential zone, an ornamental solid masonry fence 6–7 ft high is required (front‑yard height limited by the abutting residential zone). § 19.528.040(B).
  • Where it applies: all properties in commercial and industrial zones; see special CR provisions in Chapter 19.556 for CR‑specific incentives/standards. § 19.532.010(E)(3); § 19.528.040.

MR / ML / MH (Manufacturing / Industrial / Higher‑intensity zones)

  • Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, light industrial, and heavy industrial uses.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • The general rule that "Except for property in the MR, ML, and MH Zones, all portions of a developed site not occupied by other permitted facilities shall be permanently landscaped" shows that MR/ML/MH have narrower landscape obligations — these zones are exempt from some blanket landscaped‑area rules. § 19.532.010(B).
    • However, buffers where industrial/commercial abut residential still apply (see the 10‑ft tree buffer and masonry fence rules). § 19.532.010(D) and § 19.528.040.
  • Where it applies: MR/ML/MH parcels (industrial areas); review site‑specific code sections for exceptions. § 19.532.010(B).

MU (Mixed‑Use) and COMU

  • Purpose / typical uses: combined commercial/residential development with design standards to ensure compatibility.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Mixed‑use zones require fences/walls to be finished on both sides, compatible materials, and landscaped treatment of walls/perimeters; maximum unbroken perimeter lengths and wall cap design guidance are provided. § 19.728.030.
    • Chain link/wire fencing is expressly restricted between buildings and the street in most mixed‑use contexts. § 19.728.030(I).
  • Where it applies: MU and COMU zoned commercially mixed parcels. § 19.728 series.

OR (Open/Recreation and similar open space zones)

  • Purpose / typical uses: parks, golf courses, open space.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Special protections apply to views and fences; for example, in the OR zone no fence may obstruct the view of a golf course from abutting residential property (§ 19.628.040), and fence heights/materials for open space are subject to special rules.
  • Where it applies: OR zoned parcels; consult the OR chapter for exceptions. § 19.628.040.

Key decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic Requirement / Standard Code Reference
Landscaped buffer between commercial/industrial & residential Minimum 10 ft planter; trees 15‑gallon minimum; spacing ≤ 20 ft; continuous screen within 5 years; also requires masonry fence per fence rules § 19.532.010(D)
Parking lot perimeter buffer options Ornamental masonry wall/hedge 2 ft high OR berm 10 ft wide × 2 ft high (except at openings/vision areas) § 19.532.010(E)(1)
Parking lot interior planting Parking lots with 10 or more spaces require interior landscaping with trees + shrubs/groundcover; reasonably distributed § 19.532.010(E)(3)
Landscape plan submittal Except for a single‑family dwelling: submit a landscape & irrigation plan; plans over 2,500 sq ft must be prepared/certified by licensed professional (landscape architect/certified irrigation designer) § 19.632.020(A)–(C)
Minimum plant sizes (examples) Trees not less than 15‑gallon; 25% of trees at 24‑inch box where specified; shrubs 5‑gallon minimum (15‑gallon if required for screening); planter width min 3 ft § 19.432.020(D)
Trash/storage screening Sight‑obscuring screening for garbage/trash/approved outdoor storage and parking lots abutting single‑family development: 6 ft high § 19.728.030(H) / similar trash chapters § 19.624.010
Fence height (general) Residential zones: maximum generally 7 ft (interior/rear); front‑yard limits vary (see Table 19.328.020). Commercial/industrial: fences > 7 ft require site plan review. § 19.328.020; § 19.528.020

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • If you are proposing a non‑single‑family project, plan early to produce a landscape and irrigation plan. The plan must show property lines, paving, pools, fences/walls, planting lists (botanical names), container sizes, spacing, and total landscape area; projects with >2,500 sq ft of new landscaping require a licensed landscape professional to sign off. § 19.632.020.
  • If your site is commercial/industrial and touches residential parcels, budget for both a masonry fence and a 10‑ft planted buffer with minimum‑sized trees (15‑gallon) spaced to the mature canopy, so the screen becomes continuous within 5 years. § 19.532.010(D) and § 19.528.040.
  • Parking lot designers: provide the perimeter buffer treatment and interior planting islands for lots with 10+ spaces; separated landscape planters must have 6‑inch curbs and be distributed to avoid a monotonous look. § 19.532.010(E) and related curb rules.
  • Fences/walls interact with vision clearance and building permits. Fences over 6 ft may trigger a building permit (Title 24) and some zones require design approval or site plan review before construction. § 19.528.010; § 19.328.020; § 19.428.010.

Checklist

  • Determine your property's zoning (see Buena Park Zoning) and whether it abuts any residential zone.
  • Prepare a landscape & irrigation plan (unless single‑family): include plant list (botanical names), sizes, spacing, and total area. § 19.632.020.
  • Confirm minimum plant sizes and required percentages (trees/shrubs/groundcover) and whether a licensed professional must certify. § 19.432.020(D).
  • For commercial/industrial abutting residential: provide a 10‑ft planter with 15‑gal trees spaced per mature spread (≤20 ft c‑to‑c) and a masonry fence 6–7 ft high. § 19.532.010(D); § 19.528.040(B).
  • For parking lots with 10+ spaces: layout interior islands and perimeter buffers per § 19.532.010(E) and include 6‑inch curbs where required.
  • Check fence/wall materials and heights versus the applicable chapter for your zone (§ 19.328.x, 19.428.x, 19.528.x, 19.728.x). Obtain zoning approval (and building permit if required).
  • Provide 6‑ft sight‑obscuring screening for trash collection & outdoor storage where required; design trash enclosures to meet the trash chapter standards. § 19.624.010; § 19.728.030(H).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Plant species and root behavior Code allows Director to disallow species with detrimental traits; certain tree species can damage footings or nearby walls Confirm species approval with Planning Director; document root habit and spacing on landscape plan. § 19.532.010(D)(2)
Threshold for licensed design/certification Different chapters list 2,500 sq ft or 500 sq ft thresholds in places (project chapter vs. older chapter differences) Verify which chapter applies to your project and whether the landscape plan must be signed by a licensed landscape architect or certified irrigation designer. § 19.632.020(C); § 19.432.020(C).
Fence height vs building permit Fences > 6 ft often trigger a building permit and some zones require site plan review for fences > 7 ft Confirm building permit requirements with Building Division and whether site plan review or Director approval is required. § 19.528.010; § 19.428.010.
Conflicting zone exemptions (MR/ML/MH) The MR/ML/MH zones are partially exempt from "all portions of site landscaped" rule, which may be interpreted differently for specific uses Verify whether your MR/ML/MH parcel is subject to the exemption or to a use‑specific landscaping rule. § 19.532.010(B).
Trash screening locations Multiple chapters reference trash screening (trash enclosures, sight‑obscuring screening); site layout could affect which standard applies Confirm which trash/storage section governs your use (e.g., § 19.624.010 for outdoor trash facilities) and provide a 6‑ft sight screen where required.

Plain‑English summary (for a homeowner)

Buena Park requires permanent landscaping in street yards and most developed sites, stronger buffering where commercial or industrial sites meet homes (a 10‑ft planted strip plus a masonry fence), interior planting for larger parking lots (10+ spaces), and specific fence height and design rules — submit a landscape and irrigation plan unless you’re working on a single‑family lot. See the cited code sections for exact sizes and approvals. § 19.532.010; § 19.632.020; § 19.528.040.

Source References

  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.532.010 (Where required; landscaped buffers; parking lot landscape requirements)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.632.010–.040 (Landscape plan approval, maintenance, irrigation)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.528.010–.050 (Fences, walls, hedges — commercial/industrial requirements)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.328.020–.030 (RS zone fence height/table 19.328.020)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.428.010–.050 (RM zone fence & enclosure requirements)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.432.020(D) (Plant sizes and some planting thresholds)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.624.010 (Trash storage facilities)
  • Buena Park Zoning Code — § 19.728.030(H) (Mixed‑use fence/trash screening; 6‑ft trash screening)
  • City design and procedure references: site plan review and zoning compliance procedures referenced throughout (e.g., § 19.128.040; § 19.128.090) — verify process under Buena Park Design Review. Not all of these process sections were extracted in full in the retrieved files; verify with the City.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.632.020.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (Chapter 19.532.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.432.020.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (Chapter 19.332.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (section applies) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.632.030.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.428.040.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.728.040.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.328.030.) High relevance
  • Buena Park Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping plan do I need for a Buena Park commercial project?

You must submit a landscape and irrigation plan for any newly established landscape area except single‑family dwellings; plans over 2,500 sq ft (new) require preparation/certification by a licensed landscape architect or certified irrigation designer. See § 19.632.020(A)–(C) for the plan contents and certification thresholds.

How wide must a buffer be between a commercial site and neighboring houses?

For a commercial or industrial lot abutting a residential zone you must provide a landscaped buffer at least 10 ft wide, with the major component being trees planted at 15‑gallon minimum and spaced no more than 20 ft apart (or per mature spread). The screen must become continuous within five years. § 19.532.010(D).

Do parking lots need trees or planters in Buena Park?

Yes. Parking lots with 10 or more spaces require interior landscaping (trees plus shrubs, vines, groundcover), and parking perimeter setbacks require either a 2‑ft masonry wall/hedge or a 10‑ft × 2‑ft berm (except at openings and vision clearance areas). § 19.532.010(E).

What fence heights are allowed in residential yards?

Residential zones generally allow fences up to 7 ft (interior side/rear), with lower limits near streets and special vision‑clearance rules for driveways/alleys; consult Table 19.328.020 and § 19.328.020–.030 for exact front/setback conditions. § 19.328.020.

If my commercial lot touches a house, do I need a masonry wall?

Yes — where a commercial or industrial lot abuts a residential zone, the code requires an ornamental solid masonry fence along the abutting property line, generally 6–7 ft in height (front‑yard height limited by the abutting residential zone). § 19.528.040(B).

Are trash enclosures required to be screened?

Yes — sight‑obscuring screening is required for all garbage/trash collection areas and for outdoor storage, and the code indicates such screening should be 6 ft high; specific trash enclosure construction details are in § 19.624.010 and related mixed‑use provisions. § 19.624.010; § 19.728.030(H).

Will a new fence trigger a building permit?

Possibly — fences over 6 ft and most masonry/block walls usually require a building permit per the Building Division and may require design/site plan approval under the zoning compliance or site plan review procedures. Check § 19.528.010 and the Building Division; work that conflicts with state law defers to the state. § 19.528.010.

What plant sizes must I use for screening?

The code references minimum sizes where screening is required: trees 15‑gallon minimum (with a portion at 24‑inch box where specified), shrubs 5‑gallon minimum (15‑gallon if required for screening), and minimum planter widths (e.g., 3 ft). See § 19.432.020(D) and the landscape plan content rules § 19.632.020.

Do MR / ML / MH zones have the same landscaping obligations?

No — the code explicitly exempts property in MR, ML, and MH from the blanket rule that all undeveloped portions of a site must be landscaped; still, where industrial/commercial abut residential zones, the buffer/fence rules apply. § 19.532.010(B), (D).

If I want a decorative front fence, what rules apply?

Front yard fences must meet the fence height and design criteria in the applicable zone chapter (e.g., RS chapter § 19.328.020), comply with vision clearance, and, in many cases, use non‑cinderblock finishes and incorporate landscaping. § 19.328.020; § 19.328.030. ---

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