Local zoning · Cerritos

Cerritos — Landscaping and Screening

Q: When do I need a building permit for a wall or fence?

If a new or replacement block wall is taller than 30 inches , the code typically requires written planning approval and a building permit. The walls and fences chapter spells out permit triggers and painting/stucco limitations. See § 22.70.450(2) .

Q: If my lot abuts a freeway, are there special landscaping/screening rules?

Yes — many ADPs and overlay texts require dense shrubs, trees, mounding or vertical screens along freeway frontages and call for special attention to softening the parcel along freeway frontage; those are spelled out in ADP policies (see ADP language in § 22.52 , § 22.51 , etc.). Verify which ADP applies.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Cerritos zoning and area development ordinances require for landscaping, screening, buffers, walls/fences, and trees. It is strictly drawn from the local zoning text (Title 22 and related code definitions) and cites the controlling code sections. Use this as a reference for design-level decisions; parcel- or project-specific interpretations require verification with the department of community development. See the city's rules on Cerritos Zoning and the Cerritos Development Standards for related processes.

Key city rules (high level)

Definition of landscaping: Landscaping includes trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, lawns and permitted structural/ornamental features; non‑organic materials may be used only as accents. See § 20.30.470.
Landscape plans & irrigation: Many zones and area development plans require a city‑approved landscape plan and an automatic/permanent irrigation plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect for precise plans and large developments (language appears across area plan site standards). See § 22.15.300 and multiple ADP site standards (examples cited below).
Minimum landscaped area varies by zone and area plan: common minima are 15% (commercial/auto/overlay zones), 15–20% (some commercial zones), 40% (certain residential area/ADP front yards), or higher depending on the precise plan. See § 22.15.300, § 22.26.700, § 22.34.140 and related ADP sections.
Walls & fences: Materials, heights, and permit/approval thresholds are regulated (e.g., block walls only in many subdivision perimeters; building permit required for walls taller than 30 inches; minimum/maximum heights on property‑line walls). See § 22.70.450 and multiple ADP/site sections (examples below).

Use the city rules on parking and design review together with these landscaping/screening standards when preparing a project; landscaping often ties to parking lot screening, frontage setbacks and precise plan/overlay approvals.

District-by-district breakdown (where the code gives different rules)

Note: the Cerritos code controls both base zones and multiple Area Development Plans (ADPs) / overlay zones. I summarize the landscaping/screening rules that are explicit in the local ordinance for the following frequently‑used districts/areas. Bolded district names and numeric standards are emphasized; each requirement is tied to the cited ordinance §.

R / Single‑Family (RS / R-1 style standards)

Purpose & where it applies: typical single‑family residential lot and subdivision rules appear in the RS provisions and in multiple ADPs. See site development standards for RS zones at § 22.22.700.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and customary accessory uses (per RS rules).
Landscaping & screening highlights:
- Front yard landscaping and front yard coverage requirements appear in multiple place‑specific standards; for many residential subdivisions a minimum of 40% of the front‑yard area must be landscaped (area/tract‑specific). See ADP excerpts that include "A minimum of forty percent of the front yard area shall be landscaped." § 22.34.140 and related ADP text.
- Hedges / landscape screens in the front yard are limited in height (for example, the maximum height within certain distances from the sidewalk or arc of the corner is 30 in. or 18 in. depending on context). See the front‑yard landscaping subsections (examples in RS/area plan provisions). § references vary by ADP — see area plan sections cited below.
- Walls/fences: decorative fences are allowed in front yards subject to material and setback limits; a building permit/planning approval is required for new or replacement block walls taller than 30 in.; property‑line (interior) walls in subdivisions are commonly required to be masonry block and are typically a minimum of 6 ft and maximum 8 ft (measured per local rules). See § 22.70.450 and perimeter wall rules in ADP/subdivision standards.
Dimensional highlights: front yard setbacks and yard percentages are set in RS/zone tables — consult the specific RS chapter for setbacks (example: § 22.22.700).

Link: For how landscaping interacts with setbacks and development standards, consult Cerritos Development Standards.

Multifamily / Planned Residential (various ADPs, R‑multi)

Purpose & where it applies: ADPs (area development plans) set high landscaping and screening standards for multifamily projects (see ADP chapters 22.34, 22.51, 22.52, 22.56, etc.). Examples are ADP‑10 through ADP‑21.
Typical permitted uses: multifamily residential, accessory open space and amenities per each ADP.
Landscaping & screening highlights:
- ADPs frequently require a landscape master plan and automatic irrigation; planting plans must show botanical names, sizes, spacing and lighting/irrigation and are typically to be prepared by a licensed landscape architect. See ADP plan language requiring licensed landscape architects and irrigation plans. § 22.34.140 and related ADP site standards.
- Greenbelts / specimen trees: ADPs often require a greenbelt system linking common areas and at least one specimen tree per dwelling unit in many ADPs (explicit tree counts appear in ADP site standards). See examples in ADP site standards. § 22.52.140, § 22.51.050.
- Walls and fences: exterior/perimeter walls must be compatible and are often required as decorative masonry; encroachment rules into setbacks for screen walls are spelled out in each ADP. See § 22.52.140(3) for ADP‑17 rules on perimeter walls and setbacks.

Link: If your project triggers design review as part of a precise plan, consult the city's Cerritos Design Review rules early.

MC‑2 / Auto‑oriented commercial (Cerritos Auto Square and overlay areas)

Purpose & where it applies: the Auto Square / MC‑2 overlay and similar commercial/automobile dealer areas include unique landscaping to balance display and screening. See § 22.15.300 (Auto Square site standards) and overlay sections.
Typical permitted uses: automobile sales, display, accessory services (subject to ADP and overlay conditions).
Landscaping & screening highlights:
- Minimum landscaping: 15% of the non‑building area (site) must be landscaped on many auto campus parcels; parking/driveway planter areas must include earth mounding 2–3 ft above curb height in some overlay sections to screen showrooms from streets/freeways. § 22.15.300(c–d) and overlay language.
- Signature tree requirement: palm trees are identified as signature trees for parts of the Auto Square; species selection remains subject to department approval. § 22.15.300(c).
- Screening for vehicle storage and refuse: vehicle storage areas and trash enclosures must be screened by masonry walls, landscaping, or earth mounds; trash enclosures often have a minimum 6‑ft masonry wall. § 22.15.310, overlay language.

Link: Auto‑oriented sites must also satisfy the city's Cerritos Parking standards for landscaped islands and planter size.

Community Commercial / CC and Neighborhood Commercial CN

Purpose & where it applies: CC is community‑scale commercial; CN is neighborhood commercial. See CC site development standards § 22.26.700 and CN ADP rules (e.g., § 22.55).
Landscaping & screening highlights:
- Minimum landscaped area: CC and CN commonly require at least 15% of the non‑building area landscaped (CC explicitly states 15% in the site standards). § 22.26.700(5).
- Street setbacks: Many CC rules require a 25 ft street setback that must be landscaped (see § 22.26.700(1)).
- Screening of loading and storage: loading docks and outdoor storage must be screened by view‑obscuring landscaping and/or decorative block walls (numerous site sections). § 22.26.700(4) and related site rules.

Area Development Plans & Overlays (ADPs 10–21 and other overlays)

Purpose & where it applies: ADPs are area‑specific zoning overlays that set custom landscaping/screening rules (examples: 22.39 (ADP‑15), 22.51, 22.52, 22.54, 22.56). Each ADP frequently requires higher landscaping percentages, greenbelts, decorative periphery walls and coordinated materials. See § 22.39.050, § 22.51.050, § 22.52.050, § 22.54.050, § 22.56.050.
Typical ADP requirements (common threads across ADPs):
- Landscape plans prepared by a licensed landscape architect and subject to city approval; irrigation and planting legends required. See ADP site standards (multiple ADP sections repeat this requirement). (See ADP site standards: e.g., § 22.34.140, § 22.52.140).
- Setback buffering along arterial streets and freeways, often with dense planting, mounding and decorative walls; ADPs specify where a sufficient landscape buffer is required. See § 22.51.050(7–8), § 22.52.040(7).

Link: If your site is inside an overlay, consult Cerritos Overlay Districts.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant items

Topic	Typical rule / metric	Code reference
Landscaping (definition)	Landscaping includes organic plant material; non‑organic accents allowed but not predominant	§ 20.30.470
Auto Square / MC‑2 min. landscape	15% of site not covered by buildings	§ 22.15.300(d)
CC zone landscaping	At least 15% of non‑building area	§ 22.26.700(5)
Residential front yard coverage (many ADPs)	40% of front yard (ADP / tract rules may require this)	ADP site standards (examples: § 22.34.140; see ADP text)
Landscape plans & irrigation	Landscape plan + automatic irrigation typically required; plans prepared by a licensed landscape architect for ADPs/precise plans	ADP and site standards (e.g., § 22.34.140, § 22.15.300)
Walls — permit trigger	Block walls/replacement walls > 30 in. often require a building permit / planning approval	§ 22.70.450(2)(a)
Perimeter block walls in subdivisions	Perimeter walls generally masonry block; interior property‑line walls commonly min 6 ft, max 8 ft (specific ADP/subdivision rules apply)	Perimeter wall rules in subdivision/ADP site standards (examples shown in ADP/subdivision text)
Trash / vehicle storage screening	Trash and outdoor storage must be shielded by masonry wall (often 6 ft) and gates	Site standards across zones (e.g., § 22.15.310; other site sections)

Practical guidance (plain English, applied)

Early in design, identify whether your property sits inside an ADP or overlay. ADP rules commonly override/augment base zone rules for landscaping, screening, plant species, and wall designs; ADP text names the required buffers and percentages (see the ADP chapters cited above). Verify ADP boundaries with the planner. Verify with the jurisdiction.
For commercial and large residential projects, budget and hire a licensed landscape architect up front: the code repeatedly requires planting plans, irrigation plans, planting legends and lighting plans prepared by a licensed professional for city approval. See ADP/site standards.
Expect the city to require automatic irrigation on all landscaped areas in ADPs and most commercial site standards — plan accordingly for water budgets and meters per the irrigation plan requirement. § 22.15.300(e) and multiple ADP rules require automatic irrigation.
Fences/walls: if a new block wall or replacement exceeds 30 in., you will need planning approval and a building permit; perimeter subdivision walls are typically masonry block, 6–8 ft tall (site‑specific). Make sure to check whether the wall faces an arterial — some ADPs require larger setbacks for perimeter walls. § 22.70.450 and ADP site text.
Parking lot landscapes and vehicular display areas can count toward the landscaping requirement only where the code allows; many zones exclude parking lot landscaping required under Chapter 22.74 from the minimum site landscaping percentage — check the exact cross reference for your zone. § 22.26.700(5) notes the parking‑area landscaping exclusion.

Checklist

Confirm whether the lot sits inside an Area Development Plan / overlay and pull the precise ADP chapter (e.g., § 22.34, § 22.51, § 22.52, § 22.56) that applies.
Determine the required minimum % landscaped for the parcel (ADP, CC, MC‑2, etc.) and whether parking landscaping counts. § 22.15.300 / § 22.26.700.
Prepare a city‑approved landscape plan (botanical names, sizes, spacing), irrigation plan (automatic), and lighting/photometric plan — typically by a licensed landscape architect. See ADP site standards.
Design walls and fences to meet material, height, setback and permit rules (§ 22.70.450 and ADP specifics).
Provide screening for trash, loading, and vehicle storage areas per the relevant site standard (often 6‑ft masonry walls plus landscaping). § 22.15.310 (example).
Coordinate planting/species selection with department approvals (many ADPs require pre‑approval of species, signature trees). § 22.15.300(c).
Confirm parking island sizes, tree spacing and species with the Cerritos Parking requirements and Chapter 22.74 references.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Different % requirements in multiple ADPs	ADPs and base zones each list minimum landscaped areas (15%, 20%, 40%, 60% in some ADPs) — they are not uniform	Verify which ADP or zoning chapter covers the parcel and cite that ADP's landscaping % (inspect § 22.34, § 22.15.300, § 22.26.700, § 22.52.140).
Wall height / measurement method	The code measures wall height from highest or lowest ground level on either side in different contexts; ADPs may change the allowed height	Confirm the measuring point and allowed max height in the controlling ADP or subdivision standard (see perimeter wall rules and § 22.70.450).
When a landscape architect is required	Some sections require a licensed landscape architect for a "precise plan" or ADP; small residential front‑yard changes may have different thresholds	Confirm whether your work is part of a precise plan, an ADP, or a minor alteration; the ADP/site standard will state the requirement (examples in § 22.34.140, § 22.15.300).
Parking landscaping exclusion	Some site standards exclude required parking‑area landscaping from the site landscaping percentage; others count it differently	Verify cross‑references in the controlling zone (e.g., CC references Chapter 22.74); ask planner whether parking lot planters count toward the minimum. § 22.26.700(5).

Plain‑English summary

Cerritos requires city‑approved landscape plans (often prepared by a licensed landscape architect), automatic irrigation, and specific percentages of landscape area that vary by zone and Area Development Plan; masonry block walls are the usual perimeter material with regulated heights and permit triggers; always check the parcel’s ADP/overlay and the referenced site standard before finalizing design. Key code anchors include § 20.30.470, § 22.15.300, and § 22.70.450.

Source References

Definition — Landscaping: § 20.30.470.
Auto Square / MC‑2 site standards (landscaping, irrigation, 15% min): § 22.15.300.
CC (community commercial) site landscaping and setbacks: § 22.26.700.
Area Development Plan examples and site development standards (landscape buffers, greenbelts, per‑ADP % requirements): § 22.34.140, § 22.51.050, § 22.52.140, § 22.56.050.
Walls and fences (permit/height/color/stucco rules): § 22.70.450 and perimeter wall rules in ADPs/subdivision standards (see ADP site text).

(If you need links to the exact ADP chapter for a specific parcel or the official downloadable ordinance PDF, I can fetch the precise chapter text and map the parcel to its ADP — say which address or APN and I’ll pull the exact controlling ADP language. Verify all parcel‑specific requirements with the department of community development.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (chapter of) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.48) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.74) Medium relevance
California Building Code Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 22.70) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 20.30.470) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Section 22.20.100.) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (Chapter 20.30) Medium relevance
Cerritos Zoning Code (section are) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Definition — Landscaping: **§ 20.30.470**. (§ 20.30.470)
Auto Square / MC‑2 site standards (landscaping, irrigation, 15% min): **§ 22.15.300**. (§ 22.15.300)
CC (community commercial) site landscaping and setbacks: **§ 22.26.700**. (§ 22.26.700)
Area Development Plan examples and site development standards (landscape buffers, greenbelts, per‑ADP % requirements): **§ 22.34.140**, **§ 22.51.050**, **§ 22.52.140**, **§ 22.56.050**. (§ 22.34.140)
Walls and fences (permit/height/color/stucco rules): **§ 22.70.450** and perimeter wall rules in ADPs/subdivision standards (see ADP site text). (§ 22.70.450)
Cerritos_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landscape plan for a small front‑yard change in Cerritos?

Generally yes if the work is in a regulated front yard area subject to planning approval or if it’s within an ADP/precise plan area that requires professional plans; many provisions require a professionally prepared plan and city approval and reference § 20.30.470 and the ADP site standards (example: ADP/area site standards require licensed landscape architect plans). Check the controlling ADP or zone — ADP/site standards such as § 22.34.140 and § 22.15.300 spell this out.

What landscaping percentage does my project need to meet in Cerritos?

It depends on the zone/ADP: typical values in the municipal code are 15% for many commercial/auto areas (§ 22.15.300, § 22.26.700), while some residential ADPs require 40% front‑yard coverage or even higher total open space percentages. Always confirm which ADP or zone text applies to your parcel (see the ADP chapters cited).

Are there species or tree requirements I must follow?

Yes — several ADPs and the Auto Square site standard call out signature trees or require species approval by the department of community development; planting lists and species selection are subject to approval and must be shown on the planting legend in the landscape plan. See ADP/site standards (e.g., § 22.15.300(c)).

How tall can a perimeter block wall be in a Cerritos subdivision?

Perimeter wall heights are controlled in subdivision/ADP standards: interior lot perimeter walls are commonly minimum 6 ft and maximum 8 ft (measured per the code’s prescribed ground level rule); perimeter subdivision walls adjacent to arterial streets often have a min 6 ft‑6 in. and max 8 ft standard with limited exceptions. Verify the applicable ADP/subdivision standard for your tract. See the perimeter wall rules and § 22.70.450 for permit triggers.

Do parking lot islands count toward the minimum landscaped percentage?

Sometimes. Several zone/site standards explicitly exclude parking‑area landscaping required under Chapter 22.74 from the required site landscaping percentage; others allow counted landscape if distributed per the site standard. Confirm in the controlling zone chapter (example: § 22.26.700(5) references Chapter 22.74 exclusions).

Does Cerritos require automatic irrigation for landscaped areas?

Yes for most ADPs and many commercial and subdivision site standards: automatic/permanent irrigation is repeatedly required for all landscaped areas in ADP/site standards (examples include § 22.15.300(e) and ADP site language). Include irrigation on the landscape plan.

When do I need a building permit for a wall or fence?

If a new or replacement block wall is taller than 30 inches, the code typically requires written planning approval and a building permit. The walls and fences chapter spells out permit triggers and painting/stucco limitations. See § 22.70.450(2).

If my lot abuts a freeway, are there special landscaping/screening rules?

Yes — many ADPs and overlay texts require dense shrubs, trees, mounding or vertical screens along freeway frontages and call for special attention to softening the parcel along freeway frontage; those are spelled out in ADP policies (see ADP language in § 22.52, § 22.51, etc.). Verify which ADP applies.

How do landscaping and screening interplay with design review?

Design review and the precise plan process coordinate landscaping, wall/fence appearance, and plant materials to achieve a unified theme; ADPs explicitly require coordinated treatment of landscaping, walls, lighting and architecture (see ADP policies). Expect design review to examine your landscape plan, plant palette and wall/fence materials. See ADP policies (e.g., § 22.39.050, § 22.51.050).

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