Local zoning · Clearlake

Clearlake — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

Clearlake’s landscaping and screening rules live in the City’s Chapter XVIII Zoning Regulations and apply across all base districts and several combining districts. The ordinance couples water‑efficient landscaping thresholds and submittals with site‑design rules for fences, hedges, screening of outdoor storage, and where landscape or screening may encroach into required yards. Expect additional direction from the City’s adopted Landscaping and Fencing Design Standards and from design review where applicable.

Core idea: Clearlake requires drought‑minded landscape plans on larger projects, and solid, maintained screening where views of storage or equipment would degrade the streetscape (§ 18-20.110 and § 18-20.130).

Citywide standards you’ll see on most submittals

Water‑Efficient Landscaping applies above set square‑footage thresholds and requires a landscape plan, irrigation plan, soils report, grading/bioretention BMPs, and a certificate of completion; the City’s Engineering Standards and “Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines” control the technicals (§ 18-20.130(b), (c)–(i)).
Fences, walls and hedges are allowed in required yards, with the street‑yard maximum “as shown in Figure 9” and a hard cap of 6 ft in other yards; arbors/trellises are allowed subject to detailed size/visibility limits (§ 18-20.070(b)–(c)). Exceptions can be approved by the Director with public notice for height exceptions (§ 18-20.070(f)–(g), (h)).
What may occupy yards: fences/hedges per § 18-20.070; side‑yard A/C units may project up to 6 ft if screened by a fence/wall/hedge at least 1 ft taller than the equipment; trash enclosures must meet siting clearances and City design standards (§ 18-20.040, Table 17).
Outdoor sales/storage must be screened by a solid fence, wall, or mature hedge 6 ft min.; the Director may waive or defer screening for customary displays (e.g., auto sales) or non‑visible areas (§ 18-20.110).
Pool equipment must be enclosed or screened from street and adjoining property view (§ 18-20.080(d)).
Rooftop/mechanical screening may extend up to 10 ft above the district’s building‑height limit (§ 18-20.060(c)).
Where a City‑required landscape/stormwater plan exists, required yards must be landscaped and maintained per the approved plan (§ 18-20.040(c)(3)).
Recycling facilities have use‑specific landscape/screening: small centers landscaped for screening “as determined”; large/process centers must be behind 6–8 ft screening with landscaping (and street‑frontage setbacks for processing centers) (Table 11, Recycling Facilities Performance Standards).

District-by-District application

Below is how the citywide landscaping/screening rules play out within Clearlake’s base districts. For base‑zone purposes and dimensional baselines, see the City’s zoning, land use, and development standards pages.

RR (Rural Residential)

Purpose and context: Lower‑density single‑family on larger lots; applied to areas designated Low Density Residential (§ 18-3.010).
Typical uses: Single‑family dwellings and related residential uses (see Table 4 for allowed uses across residential districts).
Key dimensional baselines affecting landscaping/screening: 20 ft street yard; 10 ft rear/5 ft side “other yards” in residential districts; height up to 25 ft by right (AUP to 35 ft); fencing/hedges allowed within yards per § 18-20.070; yard landscaping required where a City plan applies (§§ 18-20.040, 18-3.020).
Where screening hits: Outdoor storage is uncommon but if present, must be screened per § 18-20.110; pool equipment must be screened; any A/C unit side‑yard encroachment requires screening (§§ 18-20.110, 18-20.080(d), 18-20.040 Table 17).

LDR (Low Density Residential)

Purpose and context: Single‑family with private open space; preserves existing neighborhoods and prescribes character for new LDR areas (§ 18-4.010).
Typical uses: Residential with accessory uses; see Table 4 for cross‑zone allowances.
Key dimensional baselines: Similar yard pattern as RR; structure height 25 ft (AUP to 35 ft) (§ 18-4.020). Landscaping in yards required where plans apply (§ 18-20.040(c)(3)); fences/hedges per § 18-20.070.
Where screening hits: Same as RR; note corner‑lot street‑yard nuances in Table 17 (visibility/yards) when planning hedges or low walls (§ 18-20.040, Table 17).

MDR (Medium Density Residential)

Purpose and context: Up to 15 du/ac; multifamily allowed (§ 18-5.020).
Typical uses: Multifamily and related residential; see Table 4.
Key dimensional baselines: 10 ft rear/5 ft side in residential zones; building height up to 45 ft (§ 18-5.020; § 18-20.040 Tables). Landscaping obligations will typically trigger in multifamily due to the 2,500 sf threshold (§ 18-20.130(b)(1)).
Where screening hits: A/C unit encroachments require screening; trash/recycling enclosures must meet City enclosure design standards; pool equipment must be screened (§§ 18-20.040 Table 17, 18-20.070(i), 18-20.080(d)).

HDR (High Density Residential)

Purpose and context: Higher‑density housing close to jobs/schools; up to 25 du/ac (§ 18-6.010, § 18-6.020).
Typical uses: Apartments, group housing options; see Table 4.
Key dimensional baselines: Similar yard minimums; height up to 45 ft. Larger projects will hit water‑efficient submittals in § 18-20.130(b)(1).
Where screening hits: As in MDR, plus outdoor storage (if any) must be screened (§ 18-20.110).

MUX (Mixed-Use)

Purpose and context: Enables vertical/horizontal mix of residential and nonresidential; promotes active streets (§ 18-7.010).
Typical uses: Residential over/with commercial; compatibility is a stated goal (§ 18-7.010).
Key dimensional baselines: Street/other yards per § 18-20.040; height 35 ft (taller in limited cases via conditions in DC/GC contexts); projects commonly trigger water‑efficient landscaping (§§ 18-7.020, 18-20.040, 18-20.130(b)(1)).
Where screening hits: Outdoor sales/displays must be screened unless waived as “customary” display; trash enclosures and service areas require enclosure per City standards (§§ 18-20.110, 18-20.070(i)).

DC (Downtown Commercial Mixed‑Use)

Purpose and context: Downtown‑oriented commercial mixed‑use; pedestrian orientation emphasized (§ 18-8.020).
Typical uses: Ground‑floor commercial with optional residential; driveway/curb cuts carefully managed.
Key dimensional baselines: Street/other yards per § 18-20.040; height 35 ft (25 ft lake‑side of Lakeshore Dr.); many projects subject to design review and will need landscape screening integration at ground level (§§ 18-20.060(b), 18-33.060–.070).
Where screening hits: Outdoor display screening can be waived for customary displays (gas station, auto sales) but otherwise required (§ 18-20.110).

GC (General Commercial)

Purpose and context: Diverse, visually pleasing retail/service centers for residents and visitors (§ 18-9.010).
Typical uses: Broad retail/service; see Tables 4–5 for allowed uses.
Key dimensional baselines: Street/other yards per § 18-20.040; up to 35–50 ft building height depending on CUP and location relative to Lakeshore Dr. (§ 18-9.020(c), § 18-20.060(b)).
Where screening hits: Outdoor storage and sales areas must be screened 6 ft min.; landscape area and irrigation around signs and entries often required by conditions and sign standards; water‑efficient landscaping frequently applies (§§ 18-20.110, 18-20.130).

IN (Industrial)

Purpose and context: Locations for wholesale/heavy commercial and more intensive industrial with performance standards (§ 18-10.010).
Typical uses: Manufacturing, assembly, logistics; see use tables.
Key dimensional baselines: Street/other yards per § 18-20.040; building height up to 35 ft (higher with CUP) (§ 18-10.020).
Where screening hits: Outdoor storage screening is mandatory; cargo containers must be screened from residential areas and sometimes with landscaping/solid elements; recycling processing centers require 8 ft screening walls with landscaping along street frontages and setbacks (Table 11; § 18-19.180(c)) (§§ 18-20.110; 18-19.180(c); Table 11).

O (Open Space)

Purpose and context: Preserves open space, parks, and resource areas; larger yards/lot sizes (§ 18-11.010–.020).
Typical uses: Parks, open space functions; limited development.
Key dimensional baselines: 35 ft front, 15 ft side, 20 ft rear (no rear setback on Clear Lake/Cache Creek frontage); landscaping typically naturalistic—water‑efficient standards could still apply if thresholds are met (§ 18-11.020; § 18-20.130).
Where screening hits: Equipment or storage areas on park sites should be screened consistent with § 18-20.110; satellite dishes in Open Space are subject to design review and landscaped screening as a mitigation (§§ 18-20.110; 18-19.210(c)–(e)).

Combining/Overlay considerations

Scenic Corridor (SC) along SR‑53: expect heightened visual sensitivity and potential landscape mitigation to preserve views; SC combines with base zones and controls in case of conflict (§ 18-13.010; § 18-2.020). Coordinate early if within 300 ft of the highway edge. See overlay districts.

Quick standards table

Topic	Citywide standard	Where it matters	Code Reference
Water‑Efficient Landscaping thresholds	≥2,500 sf landscape area for new/rehab institutional, commercial, multifamily; developer‑installed SFR/common areas ≥2,500 sf; homeowner‑provided SFR ≥5,000 sf; submittals include landscape/irrigation/soils/grading, and certificate of completion	Multifamily, MUX, GC, IN, large SFRs	§ 18-20.130(b), (d)–(i)
Outdoor sales/storage screening	Solid fence, wall, or mature hedge/planting; 6 ft min. height; Director may waive/defer for customary displays or non‑visible areas	GC, IN, MUX, DC	§ 18-20.110
Fences/walls/hedges in yards	Allowed in required yards; street‑yard height per Figure 9; other yards 6 ft max; arbors/trellises allowed with size/see‑through rules; Director may approve exceptions (public notice for height exceptions)	All zones	§ 18-20.070(b)–(g), (h)
Yard encroachments that need screening	A/C units may encroach into side yards if screened 1 ft taller than equipment	All zones	§ 18-20.040 Table 17 (Item S)
Pool equipment	Must be enclosed or screened from street/adjoining views	Residential and lodging	§ 18-20.080(d)
Rooftop/mechanical screening height	Screening may extend up to 10 ft above the zone’s height limit	MUX, DC, GC, IN	§ 18-20.060(c)
Recycling facilities	Small centers landscaped “for screening”; large/process centers behind 6–8 ft screening with landscaping; process centers landscaped on street frontages and set back 20 ft	GC, IN (where allowed)	Table 11 (Recycling Facilities Perf. Standards)

Checklist

Confirm your base zone and any combining districts on the City Zoning Map; then verify applicable yard depths and visibility triangles before placing hedges/walls. See Clearlake Zoning.
If your project meets water‑efficient thresholds, prepare landscape and irrigation plans, soils report, grading/stormwater BMPs, and later submit the certificate of completion per § 18-20.130.
Design fences/walls/hedges to meet height and measurement rules, including special rules on retaining walls/berms and any arbor/trellis transparency limits (§ 18-20.070).
Screen any outdoor sales/storage with a 6 ft solid barrier or mature hedge unless you obtain a Director waiver under § 18-20.110.
Place and screen pool/mechanical equipment; plan rooftop screens within the allowance above height limits (§§ 18-20.080(d), 18-20.060(c)).
Coordinate with design review where required; conditions can refine plant palettes, hedge density, and enclosure materials (§ 18-33.060–.080).
For recycling/cargo containers, build the screening/landscaping packages the use tables require (Table 11; § 18-19.180).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Street‑yard fence/hedge height is “as shown in Figure 9”	The numeric max isn’t stated in text; overbuilding can trigger corrections	Ask the Planner for the applicable Figure 9 dimension for your frontage (§ 18-20.070(b)(1)).
Fences atop retaining walls and on berms	Overall height is measured from lower grade and can include the retaining wall/berm; permits or exceptions may be triggered	Confirm combined heights and whether a fence‑height exception or building permit is required (§ 18-20.070(d)–(e)).
Director waivers/deferrals for outdoor display	Relief is discretionary and usually tied to “customary” displays or non‑visible areas	Document any waiver/deferral in writing with the Director as § 18-20.110 requires.
City “Design Standards and Guidelines” by resolution	The technical irrigation/planting specs are contained outside the code	Obtain the current City Landscaping and Fencing Standards referenced in § 18-20.130(c) and § 18-20.070(a)(2)/(h).
Scenic Corridor (SC) overlay	Projects near SR‑53 may need added landscape/screening to preserve views	Confirm if SC applies and any viewshed or mitigation expectations (§ 18-13.010).

Information Gaps

Exact numeric maximum for fences/hedges within a street yard (Figure 9): Not found in retrieved materials.
Detailed “Native Tree Protection” standards: Only chapter heading surfaced; specific protections not found in retrieved materials.
Exact section citation for freestanding sign base landscaping (shown in Article 18‑21 excerpts): Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

If your Clearlake project is big enough to trigger water‑efficient landscaping, you’ll need full landscape/irrigation plans and to install drought‑smart planting. Regardless of size, keep fences and hedges within height rules, screen all outdoor storage with a 6‑ft solid barrier or mature hedge, and tuck away equipment behind landscaping or enclosures. Where displays (like car sales) are normal, the City may waive screening—but get it in writing.

Source References

§ 18-20.130 Water Efficient Landscaping; submittals, applicability, and completion.
§ 18-20.070 Fences, Walls, Trash Enclosures and Hedges; design and exceptions.
§ 18-20.040 Yards; Table 17 (what may occupy yards, including screened A/C).
§ 18-20.110 Screening of Outdoor Sales and Storage (6‑ft minimum).
§ 18-20.080(d) Pool equipment screening.
§ 18-20.060(c) Rooftop/mechanical screening height allowance.
Table 11 Recycling Facilities Performance Standards (landscaping/screening).
Zone purposes and baselines: RR § 18-3.010; LDR § 18-4.010; MDR § 18-5.020; HDR § 18-6.010–.020; MUX § 18-7.010–.020; DC § 18-8.020; GC § 18-9.010–.020; IN § 18-10.010–.020; O § 18-11.010–.020.
SC Combining District purpose (SR‑53 viewshed). § 18-13.010.

Also see: Clearlake Development Standards, Clearlake Parking, Clearlake Signage, Clearlake Variances and Exceptions, and the Clearlake zoning & planning overview.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 1353.8) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Article 18-29.) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Article Standards) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-19.320.) High relevance
CRC § 65850.7 (Article 18-33) Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code Medium relevance
CBC § 286 (Section B) Medium relevance
CBC § 286 Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Section 18-19.320.) Medium relevance
Clearlake Zoning Code (Article Standards) Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 18-20.130 Water Efficient Landscaping; submittals, applicability, and completion. (§ 18-20.130)
§ 18-20.070 Fences, Walls, Trash Enclosures and Hedges; design and exceptions. (§ 18-20.070)
§ 18-20.040 Yards; Table 17 (what may occupy yards, including screened A/C). (§ 18-20.040)
§ 18-20.110 Screening of Outdoor Sales and Storage (6‑ft minimum). (§ 18-20.110)
§ 18-20.080(d) Pool equipment screening. (§ 18-20.080)
§ 18-20.060(c) Rooftop/mechanical screening height allowance. (§ 18-20.060)
Table 11 Recycling Facilities Performance Standards (landscaping/screening).
Zone purposes and baselines: RR § 18-3.010; LDR § 18-4.010; MDR § 18-5.020; HDR § 18-6.010–.020; MUX § 18-7.010–.020; DC § 18-8.020; GC § 18-9.010–.020; IN § 18-10.010–.020; O § 18-11.010–.020. (§ 18-3.010)
SC Combining District purpose (SR‑53 viewshed). § 18-13.010. (§ 18-13.010.)
Clearlake_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to screen outdoor merchandise or storage at my Clearlake business?

Yes. Outdoor sales and storage require a 6 ft minimum solid screen (fence, wall, or mature hedge). The Director can waive or defer this if the display is customarily open (e.g., auto sales) or not visible from the street (§ 18-20.110). Get any waiver in writing.

How high can my front yard fence or hedge be in Clearlake?

Front (street‑yard) maximums are set “as shown in Figure 9,” and other yards are capped at 6 ft (§ 18-20.070(b)). Because the numeric street‑yard cap isn’t in the text excerpt, Verify with the jurisdiction before finalizing.

When does Clearlake require a formal landscape plan?

When a project meets the Water‑Efficient Landscaping thresholds: generally ≥2,500 sf of landscape area for new/rehab commercial, institutional, or multifamily, or ≥5,000 sf for homeowner‑installed SFR landscapes. Plans must meet the City’s Engineering Standards (§ 18-20.130(b), (d)).

Can my A/C unit sit within the side yard if I plant screening?

Yes. A/C units can project into side yards up to 6 ft if screened by a fence, wall, or hedge at least 1 ft taller than the equipment, and they cannot extend into the right‑of‑way (§ 18-20.040, Table 17).

What screening is required for recycling facilities?

Small centers must be landscaped “for screening” as determined; large and processing centers must be fully enclosed by 6–8 ft screening with landscaping on street frontages and specific setbacks for processing centers (Table 11).

Do I have to screen pool equipment from the street?

Yes. Pool equipment must be enclosed or screened from street and adjoining property view (§ 18-20.080(d)).

Can my rooftop screen exceed the building height?

Screening for mechanical equipment can extend up to 10 ft above the zone’s building‑height limit (§ 18-20.060(c)).

Will the Scenic Corridor overlay change my planting or screening?

If you’re within the Scenic Corridor (near SR‑53), expect added scrutiny to preserve views and possibly more landscape mitigation. The SC overlay controls where it conflicts with base zoning (§ 18-13.010; § 18-2.020).

Ask about any Clearlake property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Clearlake zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial