Local zoning · Chino Hills

Chino Hills — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Chino Hills Development Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and tree/planting standards in each relevant zone. It interprets the City’s rules so applicants can plan landscape plans, parking-lot planting, perimeter buffers, and wall/fence treatments that satisfy the Code and the City’s Landscape Manual. Where the ordinance text or district application is not present in the retrieved materials, the entry states that explicitly.

Note: the City’s zoning framework and district names referenced below are defined in the Chino Hills Development Code; see the City’s zoning overview for context. (/us/california/chino-hills)

Key City requirements (at a glance)

  • Landscaping must be provided and maintained and follow the City of Chino Hills Landscape Manual (§ 16.06.110) .
  • Fences/walls/hedges have maximum heights by use and yard (front, side, rear) and special rules for retaining walls and ridgelines (§ 16.06.120) .
  • Parking areas must provide shade trees and minimum parking-lot landscaping; many commercial districts require at least 5% parking-lot landscaping and varying total-site landscape minimums (see Table 25‑1 and § 16.09.060) .
  • Large residential Planned Developments must provide a minimum 15 ft perimeter landscape buffer between the development perimeter wall and arterial/collector streets, established as a separate lot with minimum planting sizes and irrigation standards (§ 16.10.050 / residential design guidelines) .
  • Landscaping adjacent to natural open space must provide screening/berming, erosion control, fuel modification, and skyline enhancement as required (§ 16.50.050) .

(References to parking best-practices and parking-lot tree wells are discussed further under the C-N/C-G subsections and in the City’s design guidelines; see Chino Hills Parking.) (/us/california/chino-hills/parking)

How this page is organized

Below are district-by-district subsections that highlight purpose, typical uses (so you can judge when a landscaping/screening rule applies), and the most decision-relevant landscaping/screening standards for that district. Each requirement is tied to the controlling Development Code section(s).

R-A (Agriculture‑Ranch)

Purpose and typical uses

  • The R-A district is intended for agricultural and ranch uses and very low‑density development as listed in the Development Code (zoning districts list). § 16.04.010 defines the district list and abbreviations.

Key landscaping/screening rules that apply

  • General landscaping obligation applies: landscaping must meet the City Landscape Manual (§ 16.06.110) .
  • Fencing/walls: in agricultural and open space areas limited materials such as barbed wire are permitted only in undeveloped Agriculture‑Ranch or Open Space areas for cattle control; otherwise the general fence/wall height rules apply (§ 16.06.120(A)(3)). Where it commonly applies
  • Perimeter treatments adjacent to public streets and open space; fuel‑modification requirements when next to open space (see § 16.50.050).

R‑S (Low Density Residential) and Single‑Family Neighborhoods

Purpose and typical uses

  • Single‑family homes and low‑density residential development. See the district list in § 16.04.010.

Key landscaping/screening rules

  • Landscaping obligation and maintenance — § 16.06.110 applies to all districts.
  • Fences/walls and hedges: front yard maximum 4 ft (with limited exceptions to 6 ft where code criteria are met); side/rear yards up to 6 ft for single‑family residential (§ 16.06.120(A)(1)) .
  • For single‑family developments organized as a Planned Development, a 15 ft perimeter landscape buffer is required between a development perimeter wall and an arterial/collector when homes do not front the street; this buffer must be a separate lot and planted per the Code (shrub sizes, tree mix, irrigation) (§ 16.10.050(D)) .

Practical note

  • Hedges in front setbacks cannot exceed 4 ft; hedges elsewhere have no set maximum height but are still subject to visibility and safety limits (§ 16.06.120(A)(1)(c)) .

PD (Planned Development)

Purpose and typical uses

  • The PD district is used for master‑planned residential or mixed developments where tailored standards apply; many single‑family neighborhoods in Chino Hills are PDs (see residential design guidelines).

Key landscaping/screening rules

  • Perimeter landscape buffer: 15 ft min, separate lot, minimum shrub sizes (5 gal) with 60% full‑coverage at maturity, and a tree mix of 50% 15‑gal / 50% 24‑inch box specimens; irrigation required and turf limited to 10% of the buffer (§ 16.10.050(D)) .
  • Walls within PDs must be durable and decorative with finishes and pilasters; both sides should be treated where visible from streets or common areas (16.10.060 / related design guidance) .
  • Where the PD abuts open space, the open‑space transition planting, erosion control, and fuel modification specified in § 16.50.050 apply.

Where it applies

  • All PD projects and many large single‑family subdivisions — verify with the specific PD plan (design review typically enforces these standards). See Chino Hills Design Review. (/us/california/chino-hills/design-review)

RM‑1 / RM‑2 / Multi‑Family Residential

Purpose and typical uses

  • Medium/high density apartments and condos. (District abbreviations and list: § 16.04.010.)

Key landscaping/screening rules

  • Landscaping and maintenance per § 16.06.110 and specific multifamily standards (usable open space, screening of utilities) in the multifamily chapter; hedges and front yard fence openness standards differ for multi‑family (front fence above 3 ft must be open/transparent if >3 ft) (§ 16.06.120(A)(2)) .
  • Screening guidance: use dense planting to screen parking, loading, trash, and mechanical equipment (16.09.060).

C‑N / C‑G / Commercial Districts (selected: Neighborhood & General Commercial)

Purpose and typical uses

  • C‑N is Neighborhood Commercial; C‑G is General Commercial. These districts have specific development standards and landscaping minimums shown in the Commercial Zone Districts table (Table 25‑1).

Key landscaping/screening rules

  • Site landscaping: many commercial districts require at least 20% of the project area landscaped (varies by subdistrict); parking‑lot landscaping typically at least 5% of parking area (this landscaping may count toward total site landscaping) (Table 25‑1 / § 16.09.060). .
  • Parking‑lot trees must be planted in 5 ft square planting wells (guideline) and distributed through the lot; tree placement must avoid conflicts with lighting and utilities (16.09.060(2)) .
  • Screening: loading, trash, and mechanical equipment are to be screened with landscaping, berms, and low walls; roof‑mounted equipment must be integrated into the roofline or parapet to screen public view (16.09.060 Screening) .

Practical reference

  • For parking‑related rules, consult the Chino Hills Parking page and the Development Standards table for the specific commercial subdistrict before preparing plans. (/us/california/chino-hills/parking) (/us/california/chino-hills/development-standards)

OS‑1 / OS‑2 (Private and Public Open Space)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Open space for conservation, passive recreation, and private open‑space tracts. See Chapter 16.18.

Key landscaping/screening rules

  • Where development abuts open space, the code requires a transition zone that provides screening/berming, erosion control, fuel modification, and skyline enhancement; planting shall be consistent with the area character and the City Landscape Manual (§ 16.50.050) .

Decision‑relevant standards table

Requirement Typical value / rule Code Reference
Landscaping obligation (all zones) Landscaping provided and maintained per City Landscape Manual § 16.06.110
Perimeter PD landscape buffer Minimum 15 ft; separate lot; shrubs 5 gal min; shrubs cover 60% at maturity; tree mix 50% 15‑gal / 50% 24‑inch box; irrigation required; turf ≤ 10% of buffer § 16.10.050(D)
Residential fence heights (front) 4 ft max in front yard; 6 ft max allowed in some circumstances (§C(3) exceptions) § 16.06.120(A)(1)(a)
Residential sides/rear fence heights 6 ft maximum § 16.06.120(A)(1)(b)
Non‑residential front fence height / transparency 6 ft max; front fences must be open/transparent (tubular steel) where required § 16.06.120(A)(3)(a)
Parking‑lot landscaping At least 5% of parking area (count toward overall site landscaping) Table 25‑1 / § 16.09.060
Open space transition requirements Screening/berms, erosion control, fuel modification, skyline enhancement § 16.50.050
Retaining walls on ridgelines/Carbon Canyon Walls on prominent knolls/ridgelines limited to 4 ft; variance can allow up to 5 ft visible from street or 8 ft not visible § 16.06.120(B)(1)

Checklist

  • Prepare a landscape plan consistent with the City of Chino Hills Landscape Manual and show irrigation, plant sizes, and maintenance provisions (§ 16.06.110) .
  • Show parking‑lot landscaping and count it toward total site landscaping where allowed; include shade tree wells and spacing (Table 25‑1, § 16.09.060) .
  • For PD/residential developments, provide a 15 ft perimeter landscape buffer as a separate lot with plant palette, shrub‑coverage calcs, tree mix, and separate irrigation valves (§ 16.10.050(D)) .
  • For walls/fences, dimension fence/wall heights from highest point to lowest grade on the property and ensure materials/finish meet decorative/durability rules; note front/side/rear maxima by district (§ 16.06.120) .
  • Show screening for mechanical equipment, trash, loading, and cart corrals using a combination of planting, berms, and walls as required by the design guidelines (16.09.060).
  • If the project abuts open space or ridgelines, include erosion control, fuel modification, and skyline enhancement measures per § 16.50.050 and coordinate with the Fire Authority.
  • Confirm if the site lies inside any overlays (e.g., Fire Safety (FR1/FR2), Scenic Resources) that modify landscape/fuel‑management rules — these are listed under the zoning districts table (§ 16.04.010); verify overlay rules with the City.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Fire‑safety/fuel modification near open space The Code requires fuel modification and coordination with the Fire Authority for open‑space edges — this can change plant lists and required clearances (§ 16.50.050). Confirm fuel‑mod zones with the Fire Authority and whether additional hardscape/non‑combustible treatments are required. Verify with jurisdiction.
Retaining/crib wall heights on ridgelines/Carbon Canyon Special, lower wall heights apply on prominent knolls and Carbon Canyon; variance allowances exist but are discretionary (§ 16.06.120(B)(1)). Confirm whether the parcel sits in the defined ridgeline/Carbon Canyon area (verify with City maps) and whether a minor variance will be required.
Perimeter buffer lot status in PDs The perimeter landscape buffer must be a separate lot and not counted as part of adjacent residential lots (§ 16.10.050(D)). Verify lotting/conveyance of the buffer in project legal documents and conditions of approval; confirm maintenance responsibility.
Chain‑link / temporary fencing exceptions Chain‑link may be allowed only if pre‑existing prior to Nov 24, 2015, or for agricultural/open space uses — otherwise prohibited in street‑facing yards (§ 16.06.120(A)(3)). Check existing fence legal‑nonconforming status and whether the planned fence/wall needs design review.
ADU landscaping requirements The Code excerpts retrieved do not state ADU‑specific landscape/screening rules. Not found in retrieved materials — verify ADU landscape requirements with the City and with state ADU law where applicable.

Plain‑English Summary

Chino Hills requires a formal landscape plan for most projects: adhere to the City Landscape Manual, meet minimum site and parking‑lot planting percentages, provide 15‑ft perimeter buffers for many planned residential developments (as a separate lot and planted to specific sizes), and follow explicit fence/wall height and material rules; special open‑space edges must be planted/bermed for erosion control and fuel modification. See the cited Code sections when preparing plans and coordinate early with Design Review and the Fire Authority. (Verify parcel‑specific overlay rules with the City.)

Source References

  • § 16.06.110 — Landscaping requirement; City Landscape Manual.
  • § 16.06.120 — Fences, walls, hedges; maximum heights and materials; retaining wall rules.
  • § 16.09.060 — Landscaping guidelines (parking lot shade trees, screening mechanicals, distribution).
  • Table 25‑1 (Commercial Zone Districts—Development Standards) — Landscaping percentages and parking‑lot landscaping minima.
  • § 16.10.050(D) — Residential design guidelines: PD perimeter landscape buffer (15 ft, shrub/tree sizes, irrigation).
  • § 16.50.050 — Landscaping adjacent to open space: screening, erosion control, fuel modification, skyline enhancement.
  • Zoning districts list and overlay names (FR1/FR2, SR, BR, GH, etc.) — § 16.04.010.

Additional links you may need while preparing plans (internal references)

  • Chino Hills zoning & planning overview (/us/california/chino-hills) — use for general context.
  • Chino Hills Zoning (/us/california/chino-hills/zoning) — zoning map/district lookup.
  • Chino Hills Development Standards (/us/california/chino-hills/development-standards) — consult for dimensional standards and tables.
  • Chino Hills Parking (/us/california/chino-hills/parking) — parking and parking‑lot landscaping guidance.
  • Chino Hills Design Review (/us/california/chino-hills/design-review) — design review process that enforces screening and landscape design.
  • Chino Hills Overlay Districts (/us/california/chino-hills/overlay-districts) — check overlays (fire and scenic) for additional requirements.
  • Chino Hills ADUs (/us/california/chino-hills/adu) — verify ADU landscape requirements and state ADU law interactions.
  • California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes) — for building‑code items (e.g., guardrails) that can influence wall/fence design (refer to Building Code separately).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 9.91.040) High relevance
  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 16.54) High relevance
  • CBC § 8 (Section 16.10.050) High relevance
  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 9.10.100) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Chino Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 16.02) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping standards apply to a new commercial shopping center in Chino Hills?

Commercial projects are subject to project‑area landscaping minima (many commercial subdistricts require at least 20% landscape area) and at least 5% of parking area as parking‑lot landscaping. Show tree wells, shade trees, and parking landscape calculations in the plan; these standards are summarized in Table 25‑1 and the landscaping guidelines in § 16.09.060.

Do single‑family subdivisions in Chino Hills need a landscaped buffer along arterials?

Yes — single‑family detached residential developments organized as developments or PDs must provide a minimum 15 ft perimeter landscape buffer between the development perimeter wall and any arterial/collector street when houses do not front the street; that buffer must be a separate lot, planted to specified shrub sizes and tree mix, and have separate irrigation (§ 16.10.050(D)).

How tall can my fence or wall be along the street front of my single‑family lot?

Front yard fences/walls in single‑family zones are limited to 4 ft maximum, except limited circumstances permit 6 ft where the Code’s detailed criteria are met. Side and rear yard fences are generally limited to 6 ft (§ 16.06.120(A)(1)).

Are mechanical units and trash enclosures required to be screened with plants or walls?

Yes — the Development Code’s landscaping guidelines require dense landscaping or a combination of landscaping, berming, and walls to screen unattractive features, including mechanical equipment and trash enclosures; roof‑mounted equipment should be integrated into the design or screened by parapets (§ 16.09.060 Screening) .

What special rules apply when a project borders open space or a ridgeline?

When development abuts open space the transition zone must provide screening/berming, erosion control, fuel modification, and skyline enhancement; grading and retaining wall rules are stricter on prominent knolls/ridgelines and in Carbon Canyon (e.g., 4 ft wall limit and variance paths for higher walls) (§ 16.50.050, § 16.06.120(B)). Coordinate with the Fire Authority for fuel‑mod plans.

Does the Code specify minimum tree sizes for parking areas?

The landscaping guidelines require shade trees in parking areas and show a 5 ft square minimum planting well for parking lot trees; tree size/spacing and distribution expectations are in § 16.09.060 and project tables.

Can I use chain‑link fencing for the side or rear of a commercial property?

Chain‑link and similar wire fencing is not permitted in front or street‑facing yards. Chain‑link that existed prior to November 24, 2015, may be legal nonconforming; limited uses in undeveloped agriculture/open space are allowed for livestock. Check § 16.06.120(A)(3) for specifics.

Are turf limits or drought‑tolerant plant requirements specified for landscape buffers?

Yes — within the PD perimeter buffer turf, if provided, must be drought tolerant and shall not exceed 10% of the total planting area for that buffer; irrigation must be provided with separate valves for turf and shrub beds (§ 16.10.050(D)).

If my lot is on a knoll, are there different retaining wall rules?

Yes — walls on prominent knolls and ridgelines (and in the Carbon Canyon area as defined by the Code) have a lower allowable height (typically 4 ft) with limited variance allowances for higher walls where not visible from public streets (§ 16.06.120(B)(1)).

Does the City set the plant palette and maintenance standards?

The Development Code requires compliance with the City of Chino Hills Landscape Manual for specific plant lists, planting detail, and maintenance obligations; the Code requires landscaping be provided and maintained per that manual (§ 16.06.110) — include a landscape maintenance plan in your submittal. ---

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