Local zoning · Claremont

Claremont — Landscaping and Screening

Q: How tall can my fence be on a typical single‑family lot in Claremont?

Fences in front and street‑side setback areas are limited to 3 ft (gates also 3 ft with driveway gate clearance rules); fences in interior side and rear setbacks may be up to 6 ft ; measurement rules and higher special approvals are in § 16.133.020 .

Q: Are there required walls between single‑family and commercial/industrial properties?

Yes — a solid masonry wall not less than six feet nor more than eight feet is required along any property line separating a Single‑Family Residential District from a Multiple Family, Commercial or Industrial District; special front/street‑side exceptions apply — § 16.133.020.C.1 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Claremont Municipal Code requires for landscaping, screening, trees, fences, and walls — including where those requirements vary by district and when design review or special permits are triggered. It covers the City’s Water Efficient Landscape rules, visual screening rules for equipment and trash enclosures, and the local fence/wall height and measurement rules; it does not cover Title 24 building-code technical requirements (see California Building Standards Code). For proposals that touch parking or parking-lot planting requirements, check the City's parking chapter and related development standards early in project design.

Claremont planning and zoning rules referenced below come from Title 16 (Zoning/Development) of the Claremont Municipal Code; see the City overview for context.

(Internal links used where topics first appear: Claremont zoning & planning overview, parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

What the code requires (high‑level)

Screening of service equipment, outside storage and loading docks is required on new developments; the Director approves screening design, and it must be in place prior to certificate of occupancy — § 16.142.020 .
Large landscape projects must comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape rules; many projects (commercial and developer projects with ≥2,500 sf landscaped area, and larger residential homeowner projects ≥5,000 sf) must submit a landscape documentation package and meet MAWA / guidance — § 16.131.020 and related definitions in Chapter 16.131 .
Yard and street-visible landscaping maintenance, turf limits, and minimum visible landscaping requirements are enforced; turf limitations and yard-maintenance rules appear in Chapter 16.130 (yard landscaping rules) — § 16.130.030 .
Fences and walls: height measurement rules and permitted heights in front vs. side/rear yards; masonry boundary wall requirements between single-family and non-single-family districts; exceptions (CUP, special permits, or Architectural Commission) are in § 16.133.020 and related subsections (and minor-exceptions authority in § 16.312.010) — § 16.133.020, § 16.312.010 .
The Architectural and Preservation Commission / Director review criteria require tree preservation and retention of significant mature trees to the greatest extent possible as part of design review — § 16.300.060 (design‑review criteria, tree preservation) .

Below are district‑specific summaries and the most decision‑relevant rules in a single table.

District-by-district (where landscaping/screening rules matter)

Note: the City uses specific district codes in Title 16 (examples below). All district names below are shown in bold and tied to the Code sections cited.

RR (Rural Residential) — where rural yards, animal keeping and large lots drive landscaping/fencing choices

Purpose & where it applies: RR districts are large‑lot residential zones intended to retain rural character; see the RR standards and architectural/landscape rules in Chapter 16.007. § 16.007.040 .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, hobby animal keeping (with review), limited agricultural/plant nursery uses — § 16.007.020–030 .
Key landscaping/screening rules: fences and walls up to six feet are allowed in side/rear setbacks; fences on rear property lines adjacent to certain roads have special setback language; metal fences in the RR district must be a dark matte color — see § 16.133.020 and §16.007.* standards for street‑adjacent fences .
Applicability guidance: large outdoor storage, barns, or equestrian facilities often require conditional or special permits that will include perimeter fencing/landscape plan review — see § 16.007 and cross‑references to Chapters 16.130–16.151 .

AV (Arbol Verde / single‑family neighborhoods variants such as AV1) — typical single‑family residential districts

Purpose & where it applies: AV districts regulate single‑family neighborhoods (some subtypes like AV1 exist) and have design/landscape standards; see Chapter 16.019 and the development standards tables. § 16.019.070 (development standards and landscaping references) .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory uses (ADUs subject to Chapter 16.333) — see local code.
Key landscaping/screening rules: yard landscaping visible from the street must be planted or covered with permeable materials; the code encourages retention of existing trees and requires planting/parkway improvements and street trees per Director determination — § 16.130.030 and the design review criteria § 16.300.060 .
Applicability guidance: homeowner landscape projects that create ≥5,000 sf of landscaped area are subject to the Water Efficient Landscape documentation and submittal requirements — § 16.131.020 .

P/RC (Parks / Recreation / Community) — public sites, parks, and recreation facilities

Purpose & where it applies: P/RC is for public uses and properties (parks, public facilities). Development standards are in § 16.072.040 (height, setbacks, and fence heights) .
Typical permitted uses: parks, restroom buildings, fenced staging areas, parking and park amenities — § 16.075.010 / § 16.078.010 references .
Key landscaping/screening rules: park setback areas are required to be landscaped; maximum wall / fence height = eight feet in the district unless other rules apply — § 16.072.040 .
Applicability guidance: public projects are still subject to the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance when they meet the applicability thresholds in § 16.131.020 .

CV (Claremont Village / Commercial Village) — downtown / village commercial area

Purpose & where it applies: CV district (Village Commercial) development must conform to the Village Design Plan; landscaping and screening are used to preserve village character — see § 16.051.040 and the Village Design Plan rules .
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, civic uses consistent with the Village Design Plan; projects are reviewed by the Architectural Commission for conformance to site design and screening objectives — § 16.300 criteria apply. .
Key landscaping/screening rules: visual screening for mechanical equipment, trash enclosures and parking‑lot planting are emphasized; trash enclosures required for new developments (except single‑family) — § 16.142.010–020 .
Applicability guidance: the Village Design Plan overlay triggers closer Architectural Commission review; see design review and Village plan citations. .

Quick reference: decision‑relevant standards and where to look

Topic / standard	What to expect in Claremont	Code reference
Screening of mechanical equipment/loading docks	Must be screened from public view on new developments; Director approves design; screening before CO	§ 16.142.020
Trash enclosures	Required for all new developments except single‑family; built to City specs	§ 16.142.010
Fence height (front / street side)	3 ft max (front / street side setback) for fences/features; gates also 3 ft with driveway gate clearances	§ 16.133.020.B.2
Fence height (side / rear)	6 ft max in interior rear/side setbacks (exceptions via CUP / Architectural Commission)	§ 16.133.020.B.1–3
Measurement of fence height	Measured from average existing grade within 5 ft (higher side if between two properties); absolute limit generally 10 ft from lower side (exceptions possible)	§ 16.133.020.A
Masonry district‑boundary wall	Solid masonry wall 6–8 ft required between single‑family and MF/commercial/industrial (special rules in front setbacks)	§ 16.133.020.C.1
Pool enclosures	Minimum 5 ft height and specific gate self‑closing/self‑latching specs; opening limits	§ 16.133.030
Water‑efficient landscapes applicability	Developer/agency projects ≥2,500 sf; homeowner projects ≥5,000 sf are subject to the local Water Efficient Landscape rules and documentation	§ 16.131.020
Yard landscaping visible from street	Must be vegetative or permeable material; turf limits (max 30% in some developments) and maintenance rules; synthetic turf allowances with conditions	§ 16.130.030 and related subsections § 16.130
Tree preservation (design review)	Design review criteria explicitly require preservation/retention of significant mature trees unless unhealthy or economically infeasible	§ 16.300.060

Practical guidance / how to approach a Claremont landscape or screening project

Start with the district: identify whether the property is RR, AV, CV, P/RC, etc., because fence height rules and required setbacks (that affect where you can plant or place screens) vary by district — see the district chapters cited above (for example § 16.007.040 for RR) .
For any new development or addition that changes site features (landscape, walls, screening), anticipate either Director review or Architectural and Preservation Commission review under the City’s design review rules; tree preservation is an express review standard — § 16.300.020 / § 16.300.060 .
If your landscape area meets the thresholds in § 16.131.020, prepare the Water Efficient Landscape documentation package (drawings, irrigation and MAWA calculations, plant lists) before installation — § 16.131.030 implementation rules require submittal prior to installation .
If screening equipment (transformers, AC units, receptacles), design the screen so it will be accepted by the Director and won’t block maintenance access or required clearances; the Code allows the Director to accept alternative methods to reduce visual impact — § 16.142.020 .
Fences: measure fence height per § 16.133.020.A (from average grade); keep front/street side fences low (3 ft) and side/rear at or under 6 ft unless you have CUP/Architectural Commission approval for taller fencing — § 16.133.020 and § 16.312.010 .
For parking-lot landscaping and parking setbacks, check the district development standards and Chapter 16.136 for parking-lot design (planting islands, 5% interior landscaping typical language appears in the parking rules) — see the parking chapter references and district setback rules (e.g., § 16.054.020 for B/IP setbacks) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Confirm zoning district for the parcel (e.g., RR, AV, CV, P/RC) and read the district development standards in the Code (see district sections cited above). Verify lot‑specific setbacks and special frontage conditions.
If adding or changing landscaping: determine applicability under § 16.131.020 for Water Efficient Landscape documentation and prepare the landscape documentation package if required.
For any new mechanical equipment, trash enclosures, loading docks, or outside storage: include screening details on plans per § 16.142.020 and § 16.142.010.
For fences/walls: dimension fence height from average grade per § 16.133.020.A; show location relative to front/street side setbacks to confirm 3 ft vs 6 ft allowance and note any required masonry district boundary walls.
If proposing fences >6 ft (or >3 ft in front setbacks beyond minor‑exception allowance), prepare to seek a Conditional Use Permit / Special Use & Development Permit or an Architectural Commission approval as applicable; reference § 16.312.010 for minor exceptions.
Address tree preservation in the project narrative and include protection plan for significant mature trees to satisfy design review criteria § 16.300.060.
For parking or parking‑lot landscaping, include planting islands and irrigation; confirm compliance with the parking chapter and any district parkway/landscaping setback rules (see Chapter 16.136 and related district sections).
Confirm fire/brush‑clearance/defensible space requirements with fire authority as separate code rules may affect plant choices and placement (see references to Fire Code and WUI guidance).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exemptions / differences for small homeowner landscaping	Water‑efficient landscape thresholds vary (homeowner projects ≥5,000 sf are treated differently than developer projects) — plan submittal triggers differ	Verify project landscaped area and whether § 16.131.020 triggers documentation; confirm which documentation the Director requires
Fence height at slope/grade changes	Fence height is measured from average grade within 5 ft or from higher side; sloped lots can create apparent discrepancies	Verify measurement methodology per § 16.133.020.A and show existing grade survey on plans
Tree significance and “economically infeasible” removals	Design review favors tree retention; “economically infeasible” is not a numeric threshold	Prepare arborist report and cost analyses; confirm findings with Planning Director/Commission per § 16.300.060
Parking-lot planting / exact § reference	The Code references Chapter 16.136 for parking standards but specific planting rules cross-link to multiple sections	Confirm parking‑lot planting requirements with staff and cite the exact Chapter/§ used in plan checks (Chapter 16.136 references)
ADU landscaping interaction	State ADU law limits local landscaping/open‑space conditions in some cases (state controls); local code references accessory second units but may not override state law	If project is an ADU, verify state ADU rules and local interaction; local Code references accessory second units (Chapter 16.333) and state ADU law may preempt certain local open‑space/landscaping limits — Verify with jurisdiction and see ADU link. Not found in retrieved materials for a specific Claremont ADU landscaping exemption.

Plain‑English summary

If you’re designing landscaping, a fence, or screening equipment in Claremont: keep front/street‑side fences low (about 3 ft), keep side/rear fences to 6 ft unless you get a permit, submit a water‑efficient landscape package if your landscaped area is large (developer projects ≥2,500 sf; homeowner projects ≥5,000 sf), design screening for mechanicals and trash to be hidden from public view, and plan to preserve mature trees as part of design review. Key rules are in § 16.133.020, § 16.142.020, § 16.131.020, and the design review criteria § 16.300.060 — and the Director/Architectural Commission has discretion on details.

Source References

§ 16.133.020 (Fences and architectural landscape features — height, measurement, front vs side/rear rules, boundary masonry walls)
§ 16.133.030 (Outdoor recreation/athletic courts; pool enclosure standards)
§ 16.142.000–020 (Visual Screening intent; trash enclosures; screening mechanical equipment/storage/loading)
§ 16.131.010–030 (Water Efficient Landscape purpose, applicability, implementation procedures)
§ 16.130.030 (Yard landscaping requirements; visible‑from‑street planting, turf limits and maintenance)
§ 16.300.020; § 16.300.060 (Design review applicability and review criteria including Tree Preservation)
§ 16.072.040 (Development standards for P/RC — fence/wall height, setbacks)
§ 16.007.040 (Standards for RR district; fences and setback notes)
§ 16.054.020 (B/IP District setbacks and landscaped setback requirement references)
§ 16.312.000–040 (Minor exception/minor‑exception permit scope including minor increases in fence heights)
State & referenced: 2025 California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (fire/defensible‑space references that inform local brush‑clearance and plant selection)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.072.040.) High relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (chapter to) High relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Chapter 16.051.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.312.020.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.051.040.) Medium relevance
CFC § 300.040 Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Chapter 16.142.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code High relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (chapter for) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.131.020.) Medium relevance
CFC § 16.010.030 (chapter and) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Section 2.2) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.300.080.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Title 6) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Title 6) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (Chapter 16.131.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (§ 16.130.040.) Medium relevance
Claremont Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Claremont code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an approved landscape plan to install new landscaping in Claremont?

If your project is a public agency or nonresidential developer project with a landscaped area ≥2,500 sq ft, or a residential developer/complex with ≥2,500 sq ft, or a homeowner project with ≥5,000 sq ft of new landscape, then yes — you must submit the landscape documentation package required under the Water Efficient Landscape requirements, § 16.131.020 .

How tall can my fence be on a typical single‑family lot in Claremont?

Fences in front and street‑side setback areas are limited to 3 ft (gates also 3 ft with driveway gate clearance rules); fences in interior side and rear setbacks may be up to 6 ft; measurement rules and higher special approvals are in § 16.133.020 .

How is fence height measured on a sloping lot?

Fence height is measured from the average elevation of the existing grade within five feet of the fence, or from the higher side when the fence is between two properties; no fence shall exceed 10 ft measured from grade on the lower side except by special approval — see § 16.133.020.A .

Do I have to screen my AC unit or trash enclosure from the street?

Yes. For new developments, mechanical equipment, storage areas and loading docks shall be screened from view; trash enclosures are required for all new developments except single‑family homes, and the Director approves screening design — § 16.142.010–020 .

Will the City force me to keep existing trees?

The design review criteria require preservation/retention of significant mature trees to the greatest extent possible; removal is discouraged except for poor health or if retention is economically infeasible — see § 16.300.060 (Tree Preservation) and prepare arborist documentation to support removal requests .

Can I plant turf everywhere in my front yard?

No — the Code and the Water Efficient Landscape rules limit turf in new development (for some developments no more than 30% of landscape area may be turf) and require use of permeable materials / drought‑tolerant species; see yard landscaping and turf limits in § 16.130.030 and the Water Efficient Landscape Chapter 16.131 .

If I propose a taller fence in the front yard, can I get a small exception?

Minor exceptions allow limited adjustments; staff can approve a maximum 20% increase in fence height above three feet in front/street‑side setback areas via a Minor Exception Permit subject to findings (see § 16.312.010 for scope and findings) .

Where do parking‑lot landscaping rules live and what is required?

Parking lot planting and interior planting island standards are in the parking chapter and in district development sections; the Code typically requires at least 5% interior planting area in parking lots and tree wells spaced per tree size — see the parking standards references and district parking/landscaping cross‑references (Chapter 16.136 and district standards) .

Are there required walls between single‑family and commercial/industrial properties?

Yes — a solid masonry wall not less than six feet nor more than eight feet is required along any property line separating a Single‑Family Residential District from a Multiple Family, Commercial or Industrial District; special front/street‑side exceptions apply — § 16.133.020.C.1 .

Do design‑review rules require me to plant or retain street trees?

Design review and parkway standards encourage street trees and require parkway improvements as determined by the Director; the Director of Community Services typically identifies street‑tree requirements for a project — see § 16.300 and district parkway/landscape rules .

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