Local zoning · Campbell

Campbell — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What minimum percentage of my site must be landscaped in Campbell?

Campbell's Zoning Code sets district‑specific minimums in § 21.26.020 : typical values are 12% for PO/NC/PF , 10% for GC/RD and many mixed‑use districts, 8% for LI , and 20% for MDR/MHDR/HDR multi‑family districts; confirm which district applies to your parcel.

Q: Do I have to screen my AC unit or rooftop equipment from the street?

Yes — roof or ground‑mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from public view ; acceptable methods include architectural elements, fences, and landscaping. Setbacks of 3 ft from property lines apply to ground‑mounted units. See § 21.18.020 .

Q: Are trees protected and do I need a permit to remove one on my property?

Protected trees are defined in Chapter 21.32 ; on many non‑SFR properties any tree with at least one trunk 12 inches or greater in diameter (measured 4 ft above grade) is protected, and removal requires a tree removal permit unless an exemption applies. See § 21.32.050 and § 21.32.060 .

Q: Can the city waive the required screen wall between uses?

Yes — the decision‑making body may waive or change the required screen wall/fence if the development plan demonstrates other means of integrating adjacent uses or an existing wall meets intent. This waiver is discretionary and evaluated under § 21.18.120.A.4 .

Landscaping and Screening under the Campbell 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 Campbell's Zoning Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and tree protection for development and reuse projects. It interprets the controlling local ordinance language (Title 21 zoning chapters) so applicants and reviewers can find the standards that govern percent landscaping, planter widths, screening between uses, permitted fence heights, refuse screening, and protected trees. For background on where these rules sit in the process, see the city's zoning & planning overview and the city zoning pages.

Key rules (plain list)

Minimum site-wide landscape percentages by district are codified at § 21.26.020.
Screening and buffering between different uses (including the 6‑ft opaque wall/fence standard) are in § 21.18.120.
Refuse/recycling enclosure and screening rules are in § 21.18.110.
General landscape content, water‑efficiency, and planting/maintenance requirements are in Chapter 21.26 (purpose at § 21.26.010 and general rules in § 21.26.030).
Tree protection (what trees are “protected” and when a removal permit is required) is in Chapter 21.32, especially § 21.32.050 and exemptions in § 21.32.060.
Screening of mechanical equipment, utilities, and aboveground equipment is required by § 21.18.020 and related utility undergrounding/screening rules.
Landscaping and screening are explicitly considered in site and architectural review per § 21.42.040 and § 21.42.050; see the city's design review process for how those standards are applied.

Below is a district-by-district breakdown of the most decision-relevant rules and where they are written.

General Commercial / Office / Industrial districts (bold: NC, GC, PO, RD, LI)

Purpose & typical uses: these districts cover neighborhood commercial, general commercial, professional office, research & development, and light industrial uses (the Code groups these district designations in the commercial/office/industrial article and associates development standards with them). See the general commercial development standards table in § 21.10.050 for how these districts are handled in development standards.
Landscaping requirement: minimum landscaping by district is set in § 21.26.020: NC/PO/PF = 12% (net site area); GC = 10%; RD = 10%; LI = 8%. Continuous street‑front landscaping of 10 ft is required for many of these districts (exceptions for driveways).
Planter strips: a minimum 5‑ft planter strip along abutting property lines is required in most commercial and office districts per § 21.26.020.
Screening between commercial/industrial and adjacent residential: where these uses adjoin a residential zoning district, an opaque screen — plant material plus a solid masonry wall or wooden fence of not less than six feet in height is required along parcel boundaries; a taller fence may be allowed under the fence rules in § 21.18.060. See § 21.18.120.
Where this applies: site development plans and permit applications must show landscape areas, screening, and refuse enclosures (see information required on site plans in § 21.14.040).

Multi‑family residential districts (bold: MDR, MHDR, HDR)

Purpose & typical uses: multi‑unit residential housing types (the Code identifies these districts and applies the multi‑family development standards separately in Chapter 21.07 where applicable). Refer to Chapter 21.07 and development standards tables for dimensional rules. Not all multi‑family projects follow the same rules—projects subject to Chapter 21.07 may have separate standards. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping requirement: 20% of net site area required for developments in MDR, MHDR, HDR per § 21.26.020.
Screening: when a multi‑family zoning district adjoins a single‑family residential zoning district, the 6‑ft opaque wall/fence + planting requirement applies per § 21.18.120.
Additional site standards (trees/AC units/etc.) referenced in housing site standards § 21.25.060 (for example, some multi‑family proposals may be allowed a 7‑ft fence where a 6‑ft fence would otherwise apply).

Mixed‑Use districts (list: GC/LI, PO‑MU, NC‑MU, MHD‑MU, CB‑MU, GC‑MU, HD‑MU, CC‑MU, TO‑MU)

Landscaping percentage: generally 10% of net site area for the mixed‑use districts listed in § 21.26.020, except where multi‑family design standards (Chapter 21.07) override.
Street frontage landscaping: continuous 10‑ft landscape strips along public street frontages are required for many commercial and mixed‑use developments; driveways are excluded.
Screening and architectural compatibility: screening must be architecturally compatible with on‑site development (materials, colors, style) and may be modified or waived by the decision‑making body when integration is adequate (§ 21.18.120).

Public Facilities and Special Purpose (bold: PF, OS, etc.)

Landscaping: PF and related special purpose districts follow the 12% landscaping minimum for PO/NC/PF in § 21.26.020; special purpose district development standards (including setbacks and how landscaping interacts with other district limits) are in § 21.10.050 and the related special purpose tables.

Decision‑relevant table (quick reference)

Topic / District	Key numeric standard or rule	Code Reference
PO / NC / PF — min landscaping	12% of net site area; 10 ft continuous street‑front landscape; 5 ft planter strip	§ 21.26.020
GC — min landscaping	10% of net site area; 10 ft street frontage; 5 ft planter strip	§ 21.26.020
RD — min landscaping	10% of net site area; 5 ft planter strip	§ 21.26.020
LI — min landscaping	8% of net site area; 10 ft street frontage; 5 ft planter strip	§ 21.26.020
Screening between commercial/industrial & residential	Opaque plantings + solid masonry wall or wooden fence ≥ 6 ft; taller allowed per fence rules	§ 21.18.120; see § 21.18.060 for taller fences
Refuse enclosures	6‑ft masonry wall, solid gate, concrete floor; not in required yards; screened from street	§ 21.18.110
Mechanical/equipment screening	Roof/ground mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from public view; setbacks apply	§ 21.18.020
Protected trees	Trees meeting species/size criteria on most non‑SFR sites (≥ 12‑inch trunk) are protected	§ 21.32.050 and exemptions § 21.32.060

How the rules get applied in review

Site & architectural reviewers evaluate the location, height, materials of walls/fences/hedges and whether landscaping conceals utilities, storage, etc. § 21.42.040 (considerations relating to landscaping). For administrative findings and conditions the Community Development Director/Planning Commission may impose landscape/screening conditions under the conditional use/site review process.
Utility/aboveground equipment also has specific screening and undergrounding rules (see the site development utility section). Verify exemptions and applicability with the Community Development Director as exemptions exist for certain single‑family streets and other conditions (see § 21.18.?? and related utility provisions).

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

The code repeatedly requires that screening be architecturally compatible and include landscaping as appropriate; this is a discretionary standard applied at review (§ 21.18.120, § 21.42.040). Expect the reviewer to want planting plans tied to any required wall.
The 6‑ft baseline wall/fence requirement for interface with residential is common, but the approval authority can waive/modify it if the project demonstrates other integration measures; that avenue is available but discretionary (§ 21.18.120.A.4).
Tree removal rules are separate from general landscaping minima. Trees meeting the protected‑tree thresholds cannot be removed without a tree removal permit — check Chapter 21.32 and get an arborist report when trees are near proposed work.

Checklist

Submit a landscape plan showing percent landscaping calculated as net site area per § 21.26.020 (district‑specific).
Provide continuous street‑front landscaping (10 ft) where required and 5‑ft planter strips along abutting property lines where the Code requires. § 21.26.020.
Where your property adjoins residential or single‑family zones, include an opaque screen (planting + masonry/wood wall) ≥ 6 ft along the boundary, or document a justification for a waiver. § 21.18.120.
Locate and design refuse/recycling enclosures per § 21.18.110 (6‑ft masonry, concrete floor, gate; not within required yards).
Show screening for rooftop/ground mechanical equipment (methods include architecture, fences, landscaping) and keep required equipment setbacks. § 21.18.020.
Identify all protected trees on the site and include an arborist report if removal or major trimming is proposed. § 21.32.050.
Confirm fence height needs with § 21.18.060 and special allowances (for some housing projects § 21.25.060.C permits 7 ft).
Coordinate with the Site & Architectural Review or Administrative Review process — landscaping and screening are review criteria under § 21.42.040 and § 21.42.050. See the city's design review page.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a tree is “protected”	Protected trees cannot be removed without a permit; mis‑classification can delay projects	Verify species and size thresholds against § 21.32.050; if in doubt obtain an arborist report and consult the Community Development Director.
Net site area calculation	Landscaping % is tied to net site area; different interpretations change required planting	Confirm the Code's definition (see Chapter 21 definitions and § 21.26.020 calculation approach) and get staff confirmation. Not found in retrieved materials: exact formula language — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Applicability of the 6‑ft screen	Code requires a 6‑ft opaque screen at many use interfaces, but waivers are possible	If proposing an alternative, show design evidence demonstrating compatibility and check waiver criteria in § 21.18.120.A.4.
Fence/wall height exceptions	Taller fences may be allowed but are regulated under a different section	Review § 21.18.060 for fence/wall rules and § 21.25.060 for project‑specific allowances (e.g., housing projects).
Water‑efficiency requirements	Landscape plans must comply with the state's MWELO and the Code references water efficiency	The Code references water‑efficient rules in § 21.26.030.F; include irrigation design and MWELO compliance. If you need the exact MWELO text, consult state resources.
When screening can be waived	Waiver is discretionary — relying on a waiver is risky	If intending to seek a waiver, document why integration avoids conflicts and confirm the decision body that will act on the waiver per § 21.18.120.A.4.

Plain‑English summary

Campbell requires a minimum percentage of landscaping by zoning district (commonly 8–20%), continuous street‑front planting, 5‑ft planter strips along property lines in many districts, and BARRIER + plant screening (generally 6 ft) when commercial/industrial or multi‑family uses touch single‑family neighborhoods; protected trees cannot be removed without approval. See the listed code sections when preparing landscape plans and screening details.

Source References

Campbell Zoning Code — Chapter 21.26 (Landscaping requirements): § 21.26.010, § 21.26.020, § 21.26.030.
Campbell Zoning Code — Chapter 21.18 (Site development standards), Screening and buffering: § 21.18.020, § 21.18.060, § 21.18.110, § 21.18.120.
Campbell Zoning Code — Chapter 21.42 (Site and architectural review), review considerations including landscaping: § 21.42.040, § 21.42.050.
Campbell Zoning Code — Chapter 21.32 (Tree protection), Protected trees and exemptions: § 21.32.010, § 21.32.050, § 21.32.060.
Development tables and district development standards (e.g., setbacks and where landscaping interacts with other site standards): § 21.10.050 and associated tables.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Campbell Zoning Code (Chapter 6.04) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CBC § 1 (Section 21.18.060) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (section occurs) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (Chapter 21.71) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Campbell Zoning Code (Section 21.020.030) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Campbell code library

Frequently asked questions

What minimum percentage of my site must be landscaped in Campbell?

Campbell's Zoning Code sets district‑specific minimums in § 21.26.020: typical values are 12% for PO/NC/PF, 10% for GC/RD and many mixed‑use districts, 8% for LI, and 20% for MDR/MHDR/HDR multi‑family districts; confirm which district applies to your parcel.

Do I have to screen my AC unit or rooftop equipment from the street?

Yes — roof or ground‑mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from public view; acceptable methods include architectural elements, fences, and landscaping. Setbacks of 3 ft from property lines apply to ground‑mounted units. See § 21.18.020.

If my commercial lot borders a single‑family lot, how high must the fence be?

When a commercial or industrial development adjoins a residential zoning district (or multi‑family adjoins single‑family), an opaque screen (planting plus a solid masonry wall or wooden fence) of not less than six feet in height is required; taller walls may be allowed consistent with the fence rules. See § 21.18.120 and § 21.18.060.

Are there standards for refuse enclosures and screening?

Yes — refuse/recycling enclosures must have a concrete floor, be surrounded by a minimum 6‑ft high masonry wall with a solid gate, be located outside required yards, and be screened from the public street right‑of‑way. See § 21.18.110.

Are trees protected and do I need a permit to remove one on my property?

Protected trees are defined in Chapter 21.32; on many non‑SFR properties any tree with at least one trunk 12 inches or greater in diameter (measured 4 ft above grade) is protected, and removal requires a tree removal permit unless an exemption applies. See § 21.32.050 and § 21.32.060.

Can the city waive the required screen wall between uses?

Yes — the decision‑making body may waive or change the required screen wall/fence if the development plan demonstrates other means of integrating adjacent uses or an existing wall meets intent. This waiver is discretionary and evaluated under § 21.18.120.A.4.

Do landscape plans need to be water‑efficient?

Yes — the landscaping chapter requires compliance with water‑efficient landscape practices and references the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; the Code's water efficiency requirement is part of the general landscape rules (see § 21.26.030.F). For the state's MWELO text, reference state materials in addition to the Code.

Will site & architectural review look at my walls, hedges, and screen plantings?

Yes — the Site & Architectural Review criteria explicitly direct reviewers to consider the location, height and material of walls, fences, hedges and screen plantings to ensure harmony and conceal unsightly elements. See § 21.42.040.

If I have an ADU, do these landscaping/screening rules apply?

Landscaping and screening standards are part of the zoning/subdivision development standards and apply where the project triggers site review or falls under district requirements — check the ADU procedural and development rules and coordinate with applicable landscape requirements; when in doubt verify with staff. Not found in retrieved materials: an explicit cross‑reference tying ADU‑specific exemptions to landscaping in Title 21. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Who enforces utility screening and undergrounding requirements?

The site development and utility sections require that new/modified onsite utilities be undergrounded and aboveground equipment be screened; the Community Development Director enforces applicability and exemptions for undergrounding (see the utility screening/exemption language). See § 21.18 (utility/aboveground equipment screening).

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