Local zoning · Chico
Chico — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Chico local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 1, 2026
Overview
This page distills what the City of Chico zoning regulations require for landscaping, screening, fences/walls, and tree protection. It is based on the Chico Municipal Code provisions that make up the zoning and development rules (not building code or permit checklists). For upstream topics you will commonly need, see the Chico pages on Zoning, Development Standards, and Parking. Design review interacts closely with landscaping and screening, see Design Review.
What the code requires (top-line)
- The City’s landscaping chapter establishes purpose and mandatory scope for non–single-family projects, requires landscape plans, irrigation, planting mixes (native/drought-tolerant emphasis), and maintenance obligations (see § 19.68.010–040) .
- Screening and fencing rules set height limits, sight-distance restrictions, and mandatory screening between commercial/industrial/multi‑family uses and residential zones (notably a 6‑ft landscape buffer and 6–7 ft fence/wall requirements) in § 19.60.060 and the zone tables .
- Tree protection and replacement/mitigation (tree inventories, protection during construction, replacement ratios) are in § 19.68.060 and tied to the City tree inventory rules (CMC 16.66.070) .
- Where industrial/commercial uses abut residential zones the code requires landscape buffers and screening as a minimum; many zone tables carry a note requiring a minimum 6‑ft landscape buffer on shared property lines with residential uses (see Tables and notes in the commercial/manufacturing sections) .
District-by-district practical breakdown
Below are the Chico zoning districts most relevant to landscaping and screening, with the local district names in bold, the code sections where related standards live, and the elements you will actually be held to.
Note: these are summaries of zoning / development standards that affect landscaping/screening. For the complete use lists and full dimensional tables consult the referenced code sections and the City's Zoning & Planning overview.
RS (Suburban Residential) and R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)
- Purpose & typical uses: standard single‑family neighborhoods; domestic yards, accessory structures, small home gardens. See the general residential development tables for dimensional rules cited in the code tables (various Table references) .
- Landscaping & screening: Single‑family projects are generally exempt from the full landscape plan submittal requirement for larger projects, but required setback areas are expected to be landscaped where not occupied by sidewalk/driveway (see § 19.68.040). Tree protection measures apply citywide where trees are inventoried under CMC 16.66.070 and § 19.68.060 applies where trees are affected by development .
- Fences: Front‑yard fences limited to 3 ft (may be increased via administrative/use permit up to 6 ft under constrained circumstances); rear and side yard heights controlled (typically 7 ft rear/side, with permitting routes to increase in limited cases) — see § 19.60.060 .
- Where it applies: city residential zones and projects abutting commercial/industrial sites; use tables and notes reference landscaping requirements (see the zone tables) .
R-2 / R‑3 / Multi‑Family Residential (as listed in the municipal tables)
- Purpose & typical uses: duplexes, small multi‑family developments, and higher‑density residential buildings.
- Landscaping & screening: Multi‑family projects must provide landscape buffers and are subject to the full landscape plan rules (conceptual plan at entitlement and final landscape package at building permit per § 19.68.030) . Multi‑family developments are required to install perimeter fencing along side and rear property lines and to provide screening where they adjoin lower‑intensity residential zones; screening height and design are governed by § 19.60.060 and site review provisions .
- Key dimensional note: Where multi‑family adjoins an R district, many commercial/manufacturing zone tables require side/rear setbacks and a 6‑ft landscape buffer (see zone table notes) .
CN (Neighborhood Commercial) and CC / CS / CR (Commercial categories)
- Purpose & typical uses: retail, small offices, community commercial centers.
- Landscaping & screening: The commercial zone development standards point to the landscaping chapter for required installation in setbacks, parking lot landscape, and screening of service/equipment areas (§ 19.44.030 and § 19.68.040) .
- Buffering: When commercial sites adjoin residential, the tables frequently require 10–20 ft side/rear setbacks and reference the landscape standards (see Tables and Table notes) and require a 6‑ft landscape buffer where abutting residential zones .
- Where it applies: along mixed‑use corridors and neighborhood nodes; design review and parking landscape rules apply (see Design Review and Parking).
ML / MG / IOMU (Manufacturing / Industrial / Industrial‑Office Mixed Use)
- Purpose & typical uses: light and general manufacturing, industrial parks, some mixed industrial‑office use.
- Landscaping & screening: Industrial zones must comply with Chapter 19.68 for landscaping; where industrial uses abut residential uses the code requires screening (fences/walls) and a minimum 6‑foot landscape buffer along rear/side property lines abutting residential zones (Table notes and § 19.46.030/040) .
- Operations screening: Outdoor operations, loading, and storage must be screened by structures, fencing/walls and landscaping (§ 19.46.040) .
Overlay districts and special areas (Downtown creeks, state highway frontage)
- Purpose & typical uses: overlay rules modify setbacks/landscaping in areas like creek corridors and state highway frontages.
- Landscaping & screening: Special creekside and state highway setback rules require landscaped setbacks with specific elements (berming, mounding, irrigation, shrubs/trees) and explicit landscaping in those setbacks (§ 19.60.050 references creek requirements; state highway setbacks are described in nearby tables and text) .
- Where to check: consult the Overlay Districts page plus the specific code sections called out in the zone tables.
Quick reference table — decision‑relevant standards
| Requirement / Topic | What the City requires | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who must submit a landscape plan | All projects except single‑family residential must submit conceptual and final landscape plans; final plans required for building permit | § 19.68.020–030 |
| Landscape in setbacks | Setback areas must generally be landscaped unless occupied by sidewalk/driveway or Director waives | § 19.68.040 |
| Drought/native species emphasis | At least 90% of non‑turf plants in non‑turf areas must be drought‑tolerant/native | § 19.68.030 |
| Turf limits | Turf/water areas limited to 25% of irrigated area or 500 sq ft (greater of) | § 19.68.030 |
| Irrigation system | Permanent automatic irrigation with controller, rain sensor; hydrozones required | § 19.68.030(C) |
| Tree inventory & protection | Tree inventory required with land use entitlement; protection measures and replacement may be required | § 19.68.060 and CMC 16.66.070 |
| Screening between zones | Multi‑family/commercial/industrial adjoining residential must provide 6‑ft landscape buffer and a 6–7 ft solid fence/wall | § 19.60.060 and zone table notes (6‑ft buffer) |
| Fence heights (residential) | Front yard 3 ft (possible permits to increase); rear/side typically 7 ft (8 ft with admin permit in limited cases) | § 19.60.060(A) |
| Fence heights (non‑res) | Non‑res fences up to 10 ft allowed where not adjacent to residential and no sight‑distance issues | § 19.60.060(A)(2) |
| Parking lot landscaping | Parking areas must include landscaped islands and shade trees per parking chapter | § 19.68.040 and Chapter 19.70 (Parking) |
Checklist
- Prepare a Conceptual Landscape Plan at entitlement stage and a Final Landscape Package for building permit as required for non‑single‑family projects (§ 19.68.030) .
- Show hydrozones, permanent automatic irrigation details (controllers, rain sensors), and soil prep notes (§ 19.68.030(C)) .
- Demonstrate plant list meeting the 90% drought‑tolerant/native requirement and turf area limits (§ 19.68.030(B)) .
- If project abuts a residential zone, include a 6‑ft landscape buffer along the shared side/rear property line and screening fence/wall details (§ 19.60.060 and zone notes) .
- For tree impacts include a tree inventory per CMC 16.66.070 and tree protection/replacement measures (§ 19.68.060) .
- For multi‑family, commercial, or industrial sites show equipment and service area screening and any required perimeter fencing (§ 19.60.060(H)) .
- Verify whether your project needs Design Review or Architectural Review Board approval (landscaping and fencing may be reviewed there) — see § 19.18 references in the code .
- Coordinate parking lot landscaping with Parking standards and mixing limits for tree species when 25+ stalls are proposed (§ 19.68.030(B)(5)) .
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Fence height vs. sight distance | The Director can reduce/deny higher fences in sight‑distance areas; corner lot sight triangles are strictly enforced | Check § 19.60.060 for sight distance restrictions and consult Public Works for curb elevations and sight‑triangle measurements |
| “6‑ft landscape buffer” application | The 6‑ft buffer appears in many zone table notes but may be triggered differently across zones | Confirm the exact buffer application for your parcel via the applicable zone table and the related zone section (e.g., Table 4‑9 / § 19.46.030 for manufacturing) |
| Tree replacement ratios | Replacement may be more than one‑for‑one depending on size and condition — the Director has discretion | Provide a tree inventory per § 19.68.060 and consult the City Urban Forest Manager or CMC 16.66.070 for replacement formulae |
| Turf cap calculations | Turf cap is a percentage of irrigated area or a flat square‑foot trigger (two ways to compute) | Verify the site irrigated area calculation and exclusions in § 19.68.030(B)(8) before plan submittal |
| Conflicts with Design Review or Historic rules | ARHPB/Design Review can require different/more restrictive landscaping on historic or downtown parcels | Check if your project is subject to Historic Preservation or ARHPB review and the cited review chapters in the code |
| Fence materials and prohibited types | Barbed wire/razor wire are banned except in limited non‑residential circumstances | If you propose security fencing check § 19.60.060(F) and whether a Use Permit is required |
Plain-English Summary
If you’re developing anything other than a single‑family house in Chico, you must show a landscape plan that uses mostly drought‑tolerant/native plants, provides irrigation, protects significant trees, and screens parking, equipment and non‑residential uses from homes — and if your site touches a residential zone you will usually need a 6‑ft landscape buffer plus a solid fence or wall and maintenance commitments. See the code chapters on landscaping, fencing, and tree protection for details (§ 19.68.010–060, § 19.60.060) .
Information Gaps
- Specific numeric species lists, exact replacement ratios for trees, and fee formulas for bonds/performance guarantees are referenced but the detailed tables/appendices were not included in the retrieved material — Verify with the City (Urban Forest Manager / Planning) for calibrated replacement calculations and required performance bond amounts (not found in retrieved materials). .
- Some zone tables were partially excerpted in the materials; parcel‑specific setback and landscape triggers should be verified directly against the full Table entries in the Chico Municipal Code (zone‑specific tables) — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Source References
- Chico Municipal Code, Chapter 19.68 (Landscaping Standards): § 19.68.010–060 (purpose, applicability, plan submittal, installation, irrigation, tree preservation)
- Chico Municipal Code, § 19.60.060 (Fencing and screening) (fence heights, screening between different land uses, prohibited materials)
- Commercial/Office zone standards and Table references, § 19.44.030 and Table 4‑7 (development features referencing landscaping)
- Manufacturing/Industrial zone and performance standards, § 19.46.030–040 (landscaping and screening requirements, 6‑ft buffer note)
- Setback and special state highway/creekside landscaping references (various table notes and state‑highway setback text) — see § 19.60.040 and related table notes in the zoning tables (excerpted)
(These references are drawn from the retrieved Chico zoning code materials provided for this research. For parcel‑specific interpretation, verify with City Planning.)
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Chico Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (§42) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (Chapter 19.70) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (Section 19.76.020) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (Section 19.76.020) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (Section 19.76.020) High relevance
- Chico Zoning Code (§30) High relevance
Cited sections
- Chico Municipal Code, Chapter **19.68 (Landscaping Standards)**: **§ 19.68.010–060** (purpose, applicability, plan submittal, installation, irrigation, tree preservation) (§ 19.68.010)
- Chico Municipal Code, **§ 19.60.060 (Fencing and screening)** (fence heights, screening between different land uses, prohibited materials) (§ 19.60.060)
- Commercial/Office zone standards and Table references, **§ 19.44.030** and Table 4‑7 (development features referencing landscaping) (§ 19.44.030)
- Manufacturing/Industrial zone and performance standards, **§ 19.46.030–040** (landscaping and screening requirements, 6‑ft buffer note) (§ 19.46.030)
- Setback and special state highway/creekside landscaping references (various table notes and state‑highway setback text) — see **§ 19.60.040** and related table notes in the zoning tables (excerpted) (§ 19.60.040)
- Chico_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What landscaping submittals do I need for a commercial project in Chico?
You must provide a Conceptual Landscape Plan with your land use entitlement and a Final Landscape Package with your building permit application; plans must follow the City's Instructions for Preparing Landscape Plans and be prepared by persons authorized by California to prepare such plans (§ 19.68.030–040) .
Do I have to use drought‑tolerant plants in Chico landscape plans?
Yes — the code requires emphasis on drought‑tolerant/native species: at least 90% of plants in non‑turf areas must be suited to Chico’s climate (with narrow exceptions) and hydrozones must group plants by water needs (§ 19.68.030(B)) .
If my commercial site borders houses, how tall can the fence or wall be?
Where commercial, multi‑family, or industrial sites adjoin a residential zoning district the code requires a screening fence or wall (solid wood or decorative masonry) and typically a 6‑ft landscape buffer; fence heights are governed by § 19.60.060 and the screening standards (7 ft typical in rear/side yards; design details to be approved by the Director or ARHPB) .
Are parking lots required to have trees in Chico?
Yes — parking areas must provide landscaping in accordance with Chapter 19.68 and parking chapter requirements; for projects with 25+ stalls species diversity requirements apply for parking shade trees (no single species more than ~1/3) (§ 19.68.040 and Chapter 19.70) .
What are the rules if my project requires removal of existing trees?
You must submit a tree inventory with your entitlement application (CMC 16.66.070 referenced by § 19.68.060). The Director may require relocation or replacement (sometimes greater than one‑for‑one), protection fencing around driplines during construction, and mitigation plans prepared by an arborist where grading occurs near trees (§ 19.68.060) .
Can I use rock or artificial groundcover instead of plants?
Ground cover must be live plant material; non‑plant surfacing (gravel, colored rock, bark) may be used temporarily until living cover is established or in limited areas with site/architectural review approval (§ 19.68.030(B)(7)) .
Is an automatic irrigation system required?
Yes — all required landscaped areas must have a permanent, automatic irrigation system that supports hydrozones, includes appropriate controllers and rain sensors, and prevents low‑head drainage as specified in § 19.68.030(C)) .
Do design review or historic preservation processes change landscaping requirements?
They can. Projects subject to the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board or site design review may see modifications to required landscaping, coverage, or screening to meet design or historic preservation objectives (see references to site design/architectural review in the landscaping and district sections) .
What is the “6‑ft landscape buffer” and when is it required?
Many zone table notes explicitly require a minimum 6‑ft landscape buffer along the rear or side property line where a non‑residential or higher‑intensity site abuts a residential use or district; check the applicable zone table (for example in manufacturing or commercial zone tables) and the screening rules in § 19.60.060 .
If my parcel is next to State Route 99, are there extra landscaping rules?
Yes — properties adjoining specified state highways have special setback and landscaping requirements (parking lot/structural setbacks and landscaping that may include berming, mounding, irrigation, shrubs/trees), described in the zoning text for State Highway setbacks (see the highway setback description and cross‑reference Chapter 19.68) .
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