Local zoning · Carson

Carson — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What landscaping is required for parking lots in Carson?

Parking lots (except limited exceptions) must provide at least 5% interior landscaping and any parking visible from the street must include a 10‑ft landscaped strip parallel to the street (strip excluded from the 5% calculation). All landscaped areas must be irrigated and maintained. See § 9162.52 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Carson Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 / the Carson Municipal Code) requires for landscaping and screening (including fences, walls, curbs, planters, trees and irrigation). It pulls the city’s site‑development and special‑use rules together so applicants and reviewers know which local code provisions control. Where a requirement exists in the code I cite the controlling § and the retrieved ordinance excerpt; where the materials are silent I note that explicitly. For related topics see the city’s pages on parking, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs and the California Building Standards Code.

Key city-wide rules (synthesis)

Interior parking lots and any parking visible from a public right‑of‑way must provide a minimum of 5% interior landscaping (does not include narrow setback strips) and must be permanently irrigated; screening between parking and streets is required (landscaped strips and/or decorative walls, planters, mounding). See § 9162.52 for the parking/landscaping/screening framework.
Decorative screening walls in street setbacks are limited to 3½ ft in height in required setbacks; walls outside the setback (but visible from the street) may be up to 6 ft (unless in manufacturing zones where taller walls are allowed per the industrial standards). See § 9162.52 and § 9136.3.
Where a property abuts a residential use or district, a solid masonry wall at least 6 ft high is repeatedly required in several use‑specific standards (for example in vehicle service/CA‑zone rules). See § 9138.14(B)(1) and related CA/CG site standards.
Landscaping and irrigation plans on non‑single‑family development generally must be prepared and stamped by a licensed landscape architect and include a permanently installed irrigation system with automatic/electronic controllers timed for early‑morning irrigation. See § 9162.52(D.5), § 9168.2–.5 and related site standards.
The City enforces a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance with permit fees, plan checks and penalties — distinct standards and procedures are codified in § 9168 (the local water‑efficient landscape code).
Parkway trees in the public strip are required with many building permits and must be installed by the developer unless waived; parkway tree rules live in § 9161.10.

District-by-district requirements

Below are the Carson zoning districts and special zones where the ordinance contains explicit, landscaping/screening language. Each subsection states the purpose (as the code frames it), typical uses (as the code lists them), the landscaping/screening standards that apply, and the geographic/scope note.

CA Zone (Automobile Commercial) — CA

Purpose & typical uses: auto dealerships, vehicle sales/service, related commercial uses. See the CA use table and special rules in the CA chapter. The CA Zone permits dealership and service uses and contains specialized development rules for vehicle‑oriented sites.
Landscaping/screening standards that matter:
- Masonry wall ≥ 6 ft along lot lines adjacent to residential uses. § 9138.14(B)(1).
- Minimum 10% of site landscaped for many CA‑zone auto/service uses. § 9138.14(B)(2).
- Front/street side planter: min 10 ft inside width planter protected by a 6‑inch curb; other perimeter buffers min 5 ft. § 9138.14(B)(3–4).
- Screening of vehicles, storage and service areas from public view; decorative masonry or wrought‑iron with planting is required and chainlink is prohibited. See § 9138.14(B) and § 9136.3.
Where it applies: all parcels mapped CA in the zoning map and when a use falls under the CA use tables; CA also references special Site Plan and Design Review rules for dealerships (§ 9138.15(D)).

CG Zone (General Commercial) — CG

Purpose & typical uses: general commercial activities, limited outdoor storage only when specifically permitted. The CG Zone contains site standards tying screening requirements to proximity to public walkways and residential zones.
Landscaping/screening standards:
- Outdoor storage must be screened from any adjoining public street or walkway; interior parking landscaping and perimeter planters are required where applicable. § 9136.3 and § 9162.52 govern walls, fences and parking landscaping.
- The Director may require landscaped yards adjacent to street rights‑of‑way for utilities and substations in CG. See the use‑table notes referencing screening to the satisfaction of the Director.
Where it applies: all properties with the CG zone designation.

SU‑CEM Zone (Cemetery) — SU‑CEM

Purpose & typical uses: cemetery and cemetery accessory uses. The SU‑CEM section requires full‑site landscaping, continuous irrigation, and maintenance arrangements for perpetual care. § 9159.3(A–F).
Standards:
- Entire site (except paved/structures) to be covered with turf or other landscaping and provided with irrigation; maintenance plan and continuing care documentation required. § 9159.3(B,14; F).
Where it applies: properties designated SU‑CEM.

SU‑BP Zone (Blimp/Business Park special area) — SU‑BP

Purpose & typical uses: special redevelopment/airport‑related use area; site standards require landscape plans, irrigation, and screening as part of the development program. § SU‑BP (see Division).
Standards:
- Landscaping per approved plan; irrigation and maintenance required; landscaping used for screening and pedestrian amenities (e.g., fountains, art). § 9159.x and related site plan requirements.
Where it applies: the SU‑BP special zone parcels as described in the special requirements division.

SU‑COL Zone (College) — SU‑COL

Purpose & typical uses: public/private college campus and accessory uses; the City’s jurisdiction is limited but the code asks for landscaping and screening where feasible and for lighting to be directed away from residences. § 9159.3.
Standards:
- Landscaping plans for open areas submitted to approving authority; lighting directed away from nearby residences; where feasible the City requests review for campus projects. § 9159.3(C, E).
Where it applies: SU‑COL parcels (campus properties).

Mixed‑Use Residential (MUR) Overlay — MUR (overlay)

Purpose & typical uses: overlay that adjusts yard/setback/height rules for properties where mixed‑use/residential intensification is intended. MUR rules change required yards and require landscaping in setbacks, including specimen tree requirements for residential projects. § 9136.x and § 9126.91 (residential projects with affordable units).
Standards:
- Setback landscaping required in open setbacks; multi‑unit projects must provide specimen trees (e.g., one 30‑inch box tree per four units in some programs) and landscaping plans approved under site plan and design review. § 9136.9; § 9126.91.
Where it applies: parcels carrying the MUR overlay designation.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant numeric rules

Requirement / scenario	Rule (code)	Code Reference
Interior parking landscaping minimum	5% of parking area (except certain petroleum outlets)	§ 9162.52
Landscaped strip between parking & street	min 10 ft wide when adjacent to public street/walkway	§ 9162.52(B)(1)
Decorative wall height in required street setback	max 3½ ft in required setback	§ 9162.52(B)(3)(a)
Decorative wall height outside street setback	max 6 ft (in most commercial areas; taller in manufacturing zones)	§ 9162.52(B)(3)(b); § 9136.3
Masonry wall along lot line abutting residential use	min 6 ft (except in required front yards)	§ 9138.14(B)(1); § 9136.3
Planter dimensions for CA/auto uses	min 10 ft inside width; corner planter min 300 sq ft	§ 9138.14(B)(3–4)
Landscaping plans / irrigation	Plans often must be prepared by a licensed landscape architect; irrigation must be permanent and on an automatic timer	§ 9162.52(D.5); § 9168.2–.5
Parkway trees (public strip)	Parkway trees required with many building permits; developer installs unless waived	§ 9161.10
Water‑efficient landscape program	City has a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance with permit fees, plan checks and enforcement	§ 9168

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

For any non‑single‑family commercial or institutional project, prepare a full landscape plan stamped by a licensed landscape architect and show permanent irrigation controllers and curbing for planters — the city cites this requirement repeatedly (§ 9162.52, § 9138.14, § 9168).
When parking abuts a public street, provide the 10‑ft landscaped strip along the street (this strip is outside the 5% interior landscaping calculation) and show screening strategy (wall, mound, dense planting). § 9162.52(B)(1–2).
Walls and fences: design walls visible from the street to be architecturally compatible with the building and avoid chainlink or barbed wire; measure fence/wall height from the higher finished grade on either side. § 9136.3.
If a project is adjacent to residential zoning, expect a 6‑ft solid masonry wall requirement along the boundary unless parcel‑specific exceptions apply. § 9138.14(B)(1) and § 9136.3.
For truck terminals, yards and industrial uses the code explicitly allows and expects mitigation by walls, fences, buffer zones and landscaping; setbacks can be large (e.g., 25 ft abutting public rights‑of‑way in some truck terminal rules) and screening is required. § 9148.9.
Existing nonconforming walls located within industrial zones or within required setbacks may need Development Plan approval to remain; the Planning Commission can require landscape screening and may limit the length/height that can be retained. § 9182.29.

Checklist (what an applicant must prepare)

Landscape plan prepared and signed by a licensed landscape architect showing: plant palette, tree sizes (city frequently requires 24" box minimum for street trees; see CA zone and general guidelines), planter dimensions, irrigation layout and automatic controllers. § 9162.52; § 9138.14; § 9168.
Demonstrate min 5% interior parking landscaping and show 10‑ft landscaped strip where parking abuts the street (strip excluded from 5% calcs). § 9162.52.
If abutting residential, show 6‑ft masonry wall along property line, or state justification and alternative mitigation if requesting relief. § 9138.14(B)(1).
Show decorative wall heights and tapering at driveways to meet the 3½ ft street setback limit or 6 ft outside setbacks and visibility rules. § 9162.52(B)(3); § 9136.3.
Curbs or raised planter walls (min 6 in curb) between planting and paved areas where required. § 9162.52(D)(4).
Show parkway tree planting or fee/bonding if trees cannot be installed prior to occupancy (§ 9161.10).
If in an overlay or design area, include any Site Plan & Design Review submittal materials as required by § 9172.23; certain overlays may modify yard/landscape expectations (MUR, design overlays). § 9136.9; § 9172.23.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Nonconforming walls in industrial areas	Existing walls may be allowed to remain only after Development Plan review; the Planning Commission can require partial removal or added landscaping. § 9182.29.	Verify whether the wall is a legal nonconformity and whether Development Plan approval will be required.
Which grade to measure fence/wall height from	City measures fence height from the higher finished grade on either side — this can increase apparent wall height. § 9136.3.	Confirm existing and proposed finished grades and show height calculations on plans.
Applicability of CA vs CG standards to a given parcel	CA sections have auto‑specific requirements (10% landscaping, 10‑ft planters, 6‑ft masonry walls). If a use is allowed in multiple zones, the most restrictive applicable standards generally control. § 9156.5 (site standards default rule).	Verify parcel’s zone designation and whether CA‑zone auto rules (e.g., § 9138.14) apply.
Whether parkway trees or planter trees count toward interior %	The code excludes narrow setback/border plantings from the 5% interior parking landscaping calculation; the 10‑ft parking‑adjacent strip is explicitly excluded from the 5% calcs. § 9162.52.	Confirm which planting areas are counted in the 5% computation with Planning staff.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applicability	The City has a separate water‑efficient landscape code with permits and fees (CMC § 9168) that overlays these standards.	Check whether the project triggers the local water‑efficient landscape permit and related fee.

Plain-English Summary

Carson’s zoning code requires projects to use landscaping and walls to screen parking, storage, mechanical areas and industrial uses from streets and nearby homes; parking lots must provide interior landscaping (generally 5%) and street‑facing parking must have a 10‑ft landscaped strip or equivalent screen. Walls visible from streets are limited to 3½ ft in required setbacks (usually 6 ft elsewhere), and where land abuts residential parcels the code routinely requires 6‑ft masonry walls and planting. Expect to submit a landscape plan by a licensed landscape architect and to comply with the City’s water‑efficient landscape rules. See § 9162.52, § 9136.3, § 9138.14 and § 9168 for the controlling provisions.

Source References

Carson Municipal Code, Off‑Street Parking — Landscaping & Screening: § 9162.52.
Carson Municipal Code, Other Site Development Standards — Fences, Walls & Hedges: § 9136.3.
CA Zone (automobile/vehicle service) landscaping & screening requirements: § 9138.14(B).
Truck terminal/yard site development and screening standards: § 9148.9.
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (local landscape permit, fees, definitions): § 9168.2–.5.
Parkway tree installation & timing requirements: § 9161.10.
Nonconforming walls (industrial frontages) & Planning Commission review: § 9182.29.
General site planning / design & screening of mechanical equipment: § 9136.9.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CMC § 3261 (§ 3261) High relevance
Carson Zoning Code (Section to) High relevance
CMC § 9126.29 (Chapter shall) High relevance
CMC § 12 (§ 12) High relevance
CMC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Carson Zoning Code High relevance
CMC § 9172.23 High relevance
Carson Zoning Code Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
CMC § 2 (Chapter relating) Medium relevance
CMC § 1 (Section is) Medium relevance
CMC § 1200 (Chapter 71) Medium relevance
CMC § 9502 Medium relevance
CMC § 9132.2 Medium relevance
CMC § 7 (Section are) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Carson code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is required for parking lots in Carson?

Parking lots (except limited exceptions) must provide at least 5% interior landscaping and any parking visible from the street must include a 10‑ft landscaped strip parallel to the street (strip excluded from the 5% calculation). All landscaped areas must be irrigated and maintained. See § 9162.52.

Do I need a licensed landscape architect to prepare my Carson landscape plan?

Yes — for most non–single‑family developments the code requires landscaping and irrigation plans to be prepared and signed by a licensed landscape architect; the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance also governs plan submissions and fees. See § 9162.52(D.5) and § 9168.

How tall can my screening wall be along a street in Carson?

In a required street setback a decorative wall may not exceed 3½ ft; outside a required setback it may be up to 6 ft (with visibility limitations and tapering near driveways); industrial/manufacturing areas can allow taller walls as specified in the industrial provisions. See § 9162.52(B)(3) and § 9136.3.

If my commercial site borders a residential zone, what screening is required?

When a lot line adjoins a residential use/district the code typically requires a solid masonry wall at least 6 ft in height, plus additional planting or screening as needed to prevent visual impacts; specific uses (e.g., auto service) make this explicit. See § 9138.14(B)(1) and § 9136.3.

Do parkway trees count toward parking‑lot landscaping percentages?

Parkway strips and certain setback plantings are explicitly excluded from the 5% interior parking landscaping calculation; parkway tree requirements (public easement trees) are handled under separate provisions. See § 9162.52 (landscape calculation rules) and § 9161.10 (parkway trees).

Are chainlink fences allowed where visible from the street?

No. The code prohibits chainlink fencing and barbed/ concertina wire where visible from the public right‑of‑way; decorative masonry, slumpstone, stucco block or wrought iron with planting are the preferred materials. See § 9136.3 and CA/industrial rules.

What are the irrigation requirements for required landscaping?

All required landscaping (except single‑family yards) must have a permanently installed irrigation system with an electronically timed controller set for early‑morning operation; irrigation on slopes and clay soils has low‑output head requirements. See § 9162.52(D) and § 9168.

Can an existing nonconforming wall remain along a frontage?

Possibly — existing walls that encroach into required setbacks in industrial zones may remain subject to a Development Plan and Planning Commission findings; the Commission can require partial removal and added landscape screening. See § 9182.29.

Who enforces the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and are there fees?

The Code requires a landscape permit fee and plan‑checking fee (amounts set by City Council resolution). Violations of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance are infractions. See § 9168.3–.5.

If my site is in an overlay district, do overlay rules change landscaping requirements?

Yes — overlays and the Design Overlay (D) can change or add landscaping/screening expectations and often trigger Site Plan & Design Review (§ 9172.23). Always verify overlay provisions for the parcel (e.g., MUR, design overlays). See § 9136.9 and the overlay rules.

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