Local zoning · Chino

Chino — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What are the maximum fence/wall heights I can build on my lot?

General property‑line walls are capped at 6 ft ; front yard/street‑side fences are limited to 3 ft (with some 4 ft transparent fence allowances), and security/noise attenuation or other special situations may allow greater heights subject to Director approval. See Table 20.10‑1 and § 20.10.080 .

Q: Are there minimum parking‑lot landscaping or street‑front requirements?

Yes — street front landscape strips are typically 10 ft for public streets (Table 20.19‑5) and parking‑lot interior landscaping must meet percent‑of‑parking requirements (e.g., 5%–15% depending on site area) as set in Tables 20.19‑6 and 20.19‑7 under § 20.19.040 .

Landscaping and Screening under the Chino 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 Chino's Zoning Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, walls, fences and trees — including who must submit what, minimum planting and parking-lot landscaping metrics, and fence/wall height/material limits. All items below are drawn from the Chino Zoning Code (Title 20), especially the Landscaping chapter (Chapter 20.19) and the Walls & Fences standards; verify parcel‑specific details with the city. See the code for related topics such as parking, design review, overlay districts, and ADUs when a project triggers those reviews.

Key chapters and controlling sections

Landscaping (Model Water Efficient Landscape / MWELO implementation): § 20.19.010 – § 20.19.070 .
Landscape documentation & irrigation plan requirements (landscape package): § 20.19.030 .
Planting, tree counts, parking-lot landscape metrics and street-front requirements (tables): § 20.19.040 (Tables 20.19-3, 20.19-5, 20.19-6/7) .
Walls and fences (maximum heights, materials, locations, visibility): § 20.10.080 (Table 20.10-1) .
Single‑family design standards and required perimeter walls for multi‑unit projects: § 20.17.040.F (required walls/fences) .
Screening for industrial/ancillary facilities, loading areas, outdoor manufacturing: § 20.21.450.A, § 20.21.380.A, § 20.21.250 (vehicle sales buffers) .

District-by-district summary — what matters for landscaping & screening

Notes: The Zoning Code uses numeric zone labels (e.g., RD‑1, RD‑2, RD‑4.5, RD‑8) and broader categories (commercial, industrial, open space). The ordinance ties minimum landscape coverage, tree counts and fencing standards to zone type and land‑use intensity; applicants must check the official zoning map and precise chapter language for parcel-specific application. Verify with the Community Development Director for exceptions. Relevant landscaping metrics are in § 20.19.040 and fence/wall caps are in § 20.10.080.

RD‑1 and RD‑2 (single‑family low‑density)

Purpose / typical uses: Single‑family detached homes and accessory structures.
Landscape/coverage: Front‑yard minimum landscape coverage is high — 70% minimum landscape coverage for RD‑1 and RD‑2 as shown in the code's cross‑reference to Table 20.04‑3; turf, artificial turf and hardscape limits apply (e.g., turf max 25%, artificial turf max 30% of required landscaped area). See § 20.19.040 and Table 20.04‑3.
Trees: Minimum on‑site tree numbers scale by lot size (see Table 20.19‑3); single‑family lots commonly require 2–7 trees depending on lot area and 50% of required trees must be shade trees. See § 20.19.040 (Table 20.19‑3).
Fences/walls: Typical backyard/property‑line walls limited to 6 ft at property lines (exceptions possible); front‑yard walls/fences limited to 3–4 ft depending on transparency requirements and light meter test; see § 20.10.080 and § 20.17.040.F for required perimeter walls on multi‑unit residential.

RD‑4.5 and RD‑8 (small‑lot / medium density multi‑family)

Purpose / typical uses: Small‑lot single family and duplexes (RD‑4.5), higher small‑lot density and multi‑family (RD‑8).
Landscape/coverage: Minimum front yard landscape coverage is 60% for RD‑4.5 and 50% for RD‑8 per the Code’s landscape coverage tables (see Table 20.04‑3 referenced in § 20.19.040). Artificial turf, turf caps and water‑efficient plant mix requirements apply.
Trees & common open space: Multi‑family projects must meet higher tree and shade percentages (e.g., 40 trees per acre, 75% shade trees for multiple‑family) as stated in Table 20.19‑3. Interior planting/common spaces count toward required trees. See § 20.19.040.
Walls/fencing: New residential developments of two or more units must provide decorative 6‑ft masonry perimeter walls and interior 6‑ft walls connecting to dwellings; walls facing streets must be decorative. See § 20.17.040.F.4.

Commercial zones (examples: CR, CG and other commercial districts)

Purpose / typical uses: Retail, services, office, mixed commercial uses.
Street frontage & trees: Commercial projects must include street trees at approximately one every 30 feet (minimum 15‑gallon size) and 10‑ft minimum street‑front landscape strips for public streets; see Table 20.19‑5 and related standards in § 20.19.040.
Parking lot landscaping: Interior parking landscaping minimums vary by site size (e.g., 5%–15% of surface parking to be landscaped depending on project acreage) in Tables 20.19‑6/7 (see § 20.19.040).
Buffers & screening: Where commercial uses abut residential zones, a landscape buffer is required (see § 20.21.250 referencing § 20.06.040.B.2 for vehicle sales and similar uses). Loading and service areas must be screened from public view by walls, landscaping or buildings (§ 20.21.450, § 20.21.380).

Industrial zones

Purpose / typical uses: Warehousing, light and heavy industrial activities.
Trees & landscape minimum: Industrial projects generally require a minimum of 20 trees per gross acre, but the Director may alter this where building heights, setbacks or special features make adjustments appropriate (§ 20.19.040).
Screening & required setbacks: Outdoor manufacturing, ancillary equipment, loading docks and tractor/trailer parking must be screened from public view by decorative screen walls, berms, buildings or landscaping (§ 20.21.450, § 20.21.380) and loading faces are given large setback expectations where they front streets.
Fence/wall heights: Property line walls usually limited to 6 ft; in industrial zones security fences or screen walls up to 6 ft may be allowed within certain front‑yard conditions (see § 20.10.080 and Table 20.10‑1).

Open Space / Special districts (e.g., OS‑1, OS‑2, Central Avenue Specific Plan)

Purpose: Preserve open space, parklands, special corridor development. Certain exemptions (historic sites, ecological restoration) from Chapter 20.19 are listed. The Central Avenue Specific Plan supplements the Title 20 standards and may impose separate landscape/design rules (see § 20.09.070). See § 20.19.020 for applicability exceptions and § 20.09.070 for Central Avenue plan direction.

Decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic	Key metric / requirement	Code Reference
Landscape chapter purpose (water efficiency)	Implements State MWELO; MWELO controls if conflict	§ 20.19.010
Applicability (when plans required)	New landscapes ≥ 500 sq ft or rehab ≥ 2,500 sq ft require documentation package	§ 20.19.020
Landscape documentation package	Must be prepared/sealed by CA landscape architect; includes design plan, irrigation plan, ETWU/MAWA worksheet	§ 20.19.030
Minimum on‑site tree counts (res.)	See Table 20.19‑3: single‑family lots range 2–7 trees by lot size; multi‑family 40/acre (75% shade)	§ 20.19.040 (Table 20.19‑3)
Street frontage landscaping	10 ft minimum street frontage landscape strip for public streets	Table 20.19‑5 / § 20.19.040
Parking lot interior landscaping	5%–15% of parking area (by project size) for residential/commercial; industrial 5%–10% by parking area	Tables 20.19‑6 / 20.19‑7, § 20.19.040
Fence/wall heights (typical)	Property line walls 6 ft; front yard 3 ft (limited transparency exceptions); security/noise exceptions allow greater heights with Director approval	§ 20.10.080 (Table 20.10‑1)
Required walls for multi‑unit res.	Decorative 6‑ft masonry perimeter walls required for new residential developments of ≥2 units	§ 20.17.040.F.4
Screening for loading/outdoor storage	Must be completely screened by walls, berms or buildings; screen walls must match building materials	§ 20.21.450.A, § 20.21.380.A

How the process affects applications (plain guidance)

If your project creates or alters landscaped areas ≥ 500 sq ft (new) or ≥ 2,500 sq ft (rehab) you must submit a complete landscape documentation package sealed by a California landscape architect showing the water‑use calculations (ETWU/MAWA), irrigation design, plant lists and details — see § 20.19.020 and § 20.19.030.
Walls, fences and pool enclosures are subject to the maximum height table in § 20.10.080; long, visible walls must include pilasters/offsets and decorative treatment; some higher wall heights are possible with Director approval or where required for noise/security — see § 20.10.080 and § 20.17.040.F.

Checklist

Determine zone for parcel (consult official zoning map) and applicable specific plans/overlays; confirm RD/C/industrial classification. Verify with the Community Development Director.
If new/rehab landscape area ≥ 500/2,500 sq ft, prepare Landscape Documentation Package sealed by a CA landscape architect (water conservation statement, ETWU/MAWA worksheet, planting/irrigation plans) — § 20.19.020, § 20.19.030.
Design to meet tree counts and species mix in Table 20.19‑3 (residential) or 20 trees/acre for commercial/industrial exceptions — § 20.19.040.
Provide required street‑front and parking‑lot landscaping (Table 20.19‑5, 20.19‑6/7) and landscape islands with trees per parking row — § 20.19.040.
Specify automatic irrigation system details and flow/pressure data on irrigation plan; include recycled/graywater features if used — § 20.19.030.
Show walls/fences on plans and confirm heights/materials comply with Table 20.10‑1; apply for zoning clearance if altering/constructing walls/fences — § 20.10.080, § 20.23.120.
If your project includes loading docks, outdoor storage, vehicle uses adjacent to residential or tall equipment, include screening details (wall/landscape/building screening) and a line‑site analysis where required — § 20.21.450, § 20.21.380.
Coordinate with parking standards and design review if the project triggers those reviews.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Fence/wall height exceptions	Director can allow >6 ft for security/noise — this is discretionary and can delay approvals	Confirm whether Director approval or noise/ security studies are required for >6 ft; cite § 20.10.080.
Visibility (corner cutoffs) with mature landscaping	Mature trees or dense hedges can block sight lines and violate visibility rules at intersections	Verify compliance with corner cutoff standards and tree trimming height (trunks trimmed 8 ft min); see § 20.10.080 (Protection of visibility).
Turf / artificial turf allowances	The Code caps turf and artificial turf in required landscaped areas — incorrect calculations can lead to rework	Check turf percentages and artificial turf installation standards in § 20.19.040.B and in the artificial turf subsection.
Tree siting vs. utilities/infrastructure	Wrong species or too‑large trees near sidewalks/utilities cause future damage and code noncompliance	Confirm tree species selection against City‑approved list, spacing, root impacts and WUCOLS guidance; see § 20.19.040 and plant matrix rules.
MWELO vs local code changes	State MWELO may control where it conflicts with local ordinance	If state MWELO is updated, the state standard supersedes the local chapter per § 20.19.010; confirm current MWELO compliance.
Parcel‑specific buffers (commercial next to residential)	Vehicle sales and other intensive uses have additional buffer requirements that vary by use	Verify whether § 20.21.250 and cross‑references (e.g., § 20.06.040.B.2) apply and whether Planning Commission conditions will add requirements.

Plain‑English summary

Chino requires water‑efficient, professionally documented landscaping for most new or substantially rehabilitated projects; it sets minimum tree counts, street‑front and parking‑lot planting percentages, and clear limits and design rules for walls and fences (standard property‑line walls are generally up to 6 ft, front yard fences are low and transparent). Screening (loading docks, outdoor storage, tall equipment) must hide nuisance uses with walls, landscaping or building placement and some flexibility is available by Director or Commission approval — always submit the landscape package and fence details to avoid delays. Key mandates are in Chapter 20.19 and the walls/fences table in § 20.10.080.

Source References

Chino Zoning Code — Landscaping purpose and MWELO adoption: § 20.19.010
Chino Zoning Code — Landscape applicability (when documentation is required): § 20.19.020
Chino Zoning Code — Landscape documentation package & irrigation plan requirements: § 20.19.030
Chino Zoning Code — Trees, on‑site planting, street frontage & parking lot landscape tables (Tables 20.19‑3, 20.19‑5, 20.19‑6/7): § 20.19.040 (Tables)
Chino Zoning Code — Walls & Fences standards and Table 20.10‑1 (max heights, materials, visibility): § 20.10.080 (Table 20.10‑1)
Chino Zoning Code — Single‑family / multi‑unit design standards and required perimeter walls: § 20.17.040.F
Chino Zoning Code — Screening of ancillary industrial facilities, loading and outdoor manufacturing: § 20.21.450.A, § 20.21.380.A
Chino Zoning Code — Vehicle sales landscaping / buffer: § 20.21.250 (and cross‑ref § 20.06.040.B.2)

(Where the code text names tables and subsections above, see the cited sections in the Chino Zoning Code excerpts; verify parcel specifics with the Community Development Department.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Chino Zoning Code High relevance
Chino Zoning Code (Chapter 20.19.020) High relevance
Chino Zoning Code High relevance
Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Chino Zoning Code Medium relevance
Chino Zoning Code Medium relevance
Chino Zoning Code (section applies) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Chino code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers a formal landscape documentation package in Chino?

If a project is a new construction with aggregate landscape area ≥ 500 sq ft, or a landscape rehabilitation of 2,500 sq ft or more requiring permits or plan check, it requires a landscape documentation package sealed by a California registered landscape architect (water conservation statement, ETWU/MAWA worksheet, design and irrigation plans) per § 20.19.020 and § 20.19.030.

How many trees do I have to plant for a new single‑family subdivision in Chino?

Tree requirements follow Table 20.19‑3: single‑family lots require between 2 and 7 trees depending on lot size (larger lots require more), and 50% of required trees must be shade trees; multi‑family and planned developments have higher per‑acre requirements. See § 20.19.040 (Table 20.19‑3).

What are the maximum fence/wall heights I can build on my lot?

General property‑line walls are capped at 6 ft; front yard/street‑side fences are limited to 3 ft (with some 4 ft transparent fence allowances), and security/noise attenuation or other special situations may allow greater heights subject to Director approval. See Table 20.10‑1 and § 20.10.080.

Do I need to screen my loading dock or outdoor storage with landscaping?

Yes — loading docks, tractor/trailer parking and outdoor manufacturing/storage must be screened from public streets and neighboring properties by buildings, decorative screen walls, berms or landscaping; screen walls must be compatible with adjacent buildings and provide complete visual screening as required in § 20.21.450.A and § 20.21.380.A.

Are there minimum parking‑lot landscaping or street‑front requirements?

Yes — street front landscape strips are typically 10 ft for public streets (Table 20.19‑5) and parking‑lot interior landscaping must meet percent‑of‑parking requirements (e.g., 5%–15% depending on site area) as set in Tables 20.19‑6 and 20.19‑7 under § 20.19.040.

Can I use artificial turf in front yards in Chino?

Artificial turf is permitted but limited: artificial turf cannot exceed 30% of required landscape area in some residential contexts and must meet the installation and performance rules in § 20.19.040; the code also encourages low‑water plant materials in required landscapes. Verify the exact percent and installation standards for your zone.

If my commercial site borders housing, do I need a buffer?

Yes — certain commercial uses (notably vehicle sales and other intense uses) must provide a landscape buffer when adjacent to residential zones (see § 20.21.250 and cross‑references to § 20.06.040.B.2). The buffer standard and its elements (trees, shrubs, berms, walls) are set by code and may be augmented by Director or Commission conditions.

What information must be on the irrigation plan?

Irrigation plans must show dedicated landscape meters (when required), location and size of controllers, valves, emission device rates (GPM/IPH), station flow, design pressure, recycled water usage if any, and flow sensors for non‑residential or large residential landscapes; see the irrigation sub‑requirements of § 20.19.030.

Do long, visible perimeter walls have design requirements?

Yes — long runs (50+ ft) adjacent to public rights‑of‑way must include decorative pilasters or jogs (3–4 ft offsets) and pilasters of minimum 24 in. square on street frontages; new perimeter walls must include pilasters and decorative caps as specified in the walls/fences standards. See § 20.10.080 for materials and pilaster requirements.

When does state MWELO override Chino’s landscaping rules?

The local landscape chapter expressly adopts and implements the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; when there's a conflict, the state MWELO controls. See § 20.19.010 for the local code’s adoption and precedence wording.

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