Local zoning · Clovis

Clovis — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Do I have to build a masonry wall if my commercial site abuts housing?

Yes — the code generally requires a solid masonry wall, minimum six feet (6') at the zone boundary where a nonresidential zoning district adjoins residential, unless the Director waives this through site plan review with appropriate findings (§ 9.24.060(F)(1–3) ) .

Q: What are the maximum fence heights in Clovis front yards and alleys?

Table 3‑3 in § 9.24.060 sets maximums: in front and street‑side yards the code shows 3 ft maximum for fences that materially limit visibility (and up to 7 ft depending on material/visibility conditions); rear and interior side yards may allow 7 ft (see Table 3‑3 and notes) (§ 9.24.060 , Table 3‑3) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the City of Clovis’s zoning and development code requires for landscaping, screening, fences, and walls — who must provide them, what form they must take, and where the code requires masonry walls, planting strips, or landscaped screening. The rules are in the Development Code (Title 9 / Zoning chapters referenced below) and the separate Landscaping Standards chapter; this page interprets those requirements and points to the specific code sections you must check for a particular parcel. See the City’s zoning menu for context on mapping and district rules. Clovis Zoning

Key controlling chapters and rules (short list)

Landscaping requirement and purpose: Chapter 9.28 (Landscaping Standards) — § 9.28.010–020 .
Screening & buffering (equipment, parking, incompatible uses): § 9.24.090 .
Fences, walls, hedges and maximum heights (includes Table 3‑3): § 9.24.060 (Table 3‑3) .
Parking-lot landscaping / shading / trees: § 9.24.040 and related parking lot standards (trees 1 per 20 lineal feet; 50% shading within 15 years) .
Setbacks and exemptions for fences/walls: § 9.24.100 (exemptions) .
Wall requirement where nonresidential adjoins residential (6‑ft masonry): § 9.24.060 (walls between districts) .
Site plan review / Director discretion for screening details: Chapter 56 referenced throughout (Site Plan Review) — see cited sections for Director approvals .

Practical note: the code often sets the standard (e.g., minimum planter width, tree spacing, wall construction) and then gives the Director or Site Plan Review authority discretion to approve alternative screening methods; always verify the Director’s findings for a specific site. See Clovis Design Review.

District-by-district breakdown (where code gives district-level rules)

Below are Clovis districts that have explicit, landscaping/screening references in the retrieved Development Code. Each district subsection highlights the landscaping/screening provisions the code ties to that district and where to look for the district-specific dimensional numbers (setbacks, lot coverage, heights). For permitted uses or complete dimensional tables for any district, the code defers to Division 2 (Zoning Districts); where those numeric tables were not present in the retrieved materials for a specific district, the entry notes that and points to the controlling citation.

Residential districts (general: R‑1, R‑2, etc.)

Purpose / typical uses: The code assigns single‑ and multi‑family uses to the various R‑ districts; the full lists and district-specific setbacks and lot standards are in Division 2 (Zoning Districts). Not found in retrieved materials: a single consolidated R‑1 numeric table in these snippets — verify with Division 2 for exact lot sizes and setbacks. (§ 9.24.100 directs you to Division 2 for setback requirements) .
Landscaping and screening rules that apply citywide to residential parcels: all projects must comply with Chapter 9.28 (Landscaping Standards); fences and walls in residential districts are exempt from land‑use permits up to certain heights (front/street side 3 ft, outside front yard 6 ft) — see § 9.24.060(B) and related exemptions (§ 9.24.060(B)(2)) .
Where it applies: every property in residential zoning; corner/visibility rules (traffic safety) are emphasized in § 9.24.060 (Table 3‑3 and corner cutoff notes) .

Commercial districts — C‑2, C‑3, C‑P, C‑R (examples where code excerpts exist)

Purpose / typical uses: commercial retail, services, hotels, and mixed commercial uses — the code tables for C‑2/C‑R/C‑3/C‑P give parcel size and setback guidance (see the zoning tables retrieved) . For complete permitted‑use lists, consult Division 2.
Key landscaping/screening standards that commonly apply: parking perimeter landscaping equal to required setback; street screening to 36–42 inches; trees at 1 tree per 20 lineal feet; interior parking islands and 50% shading of parking within 15 years (§ 9.24.040 and § 9.28. chapters) .
Walls/fences: where a commercial or other nonresidential parcel adjoins residential, a 6‑ft solid masonry wall is required unless waived under site plan review (§ 9.24.060(F)) .
Where it applies: All commercial zones when parking, loading, or nonresidential uses create visibility/noise impacts — see the noted sections for site plan triggers and Director review .

Urban/Planned Commercial (example table rows: U‑C, P‑C‑C)

Purpose / typical uses: higher‑intensity commercial/urban center uses; specifics set at map/amendment time (the table shows “determined during Zoning Map amendment”) — development standards are set during map/specific plan process (Division 2 references). See the retrieved table rows for U‑C / P‑C‑C rules on setbacks and fences reference § 9.24.060 .
Landscaping mandates: parking and street frontage landscaping still required per § 9.24.040 and Chapter 9.28; site plan review will define planting and wall treatment for urban sites .

Industrial / Nonresidential adjacencies (general nonresidential standard)

Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, industrial services — specific uses and dimensional standards are in Division 2 (not fully reproduced in the retrieved snippets).
Screening requirement: where a nonresidential zoning district adjoins residential, the code requires a solid masonry wall, minimum six feet (6') tall at the zone boundary (subject to site plan review and possible waivers) (§ 9.24.060(F)(1)(a–c)) . Loading docks and outdoor equipment must be appropriately screened and noise‑attenuated (§ 9.24.090(C)) .

Overlay districts — example RHN Overlay

Purpose / typical uses: the RHN Overlay governs density/lot/height for designated housing sites; overlay rules modify setbacks and require specific building/landscape treatments where shown on the overlay map — consult the RHN Overlay map and Division 2 for parcel lists and overlay standards (§ RHN Overlay language retrieved) .
Landscaping effect: the overlay sets parcel‑level standards (setbacks, heights) that affect required landscaped setback widths and planting locations; where overlay increases intensity, the City may require additional buffering or screening (verify during site plan review). Not fully specified in the retrieved landscaping excerpts — verify with the Director. (§ 9.24.040, § 9.28.020 for landscaping obligations) .

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Requirement / Trigger	What the code requires (short)	Code Reference
Landscape plan submittal	A comprehensive landscape & irrigation plan is required for all projects; must comply with Chapter 28 (Landscaping Standards).	§ 9.28.020
Parking‑lot perimeter planting	Planting strip equal to required setback or 5 ft (whichever is wider); trees at 1 per 20 ft; street screening 36–42 in high.	§ 9.24.040
Parking shading	50% of paved parking surfaces must be shaded by tree canopies within 15 years.	§ 9.24.040(7)(b)
Fence/wall maximum heights	Front/street side yards: 3 ft (solid‑limiting materials) up to 7 ft depending on visibility/material; rear/interior side 7 ft max; Table 3‑3 gives full matrix.	§ 9.24.060 (Table 3‑3)
Wall between nonresidential & residential	6 ft minimum solid masonry wall on zone boundary (may be waived via site plan review).	§ 9.24.060(F)
Screening of mechanical/refuse/loading	Screen from public streets and adjacent residential/open space; materials must be architecturally compatible; landscaping to soften walls required.	§ 9.24.090
Measurement of fence height	Measured from the highest adjoining finish grade; corner visibility restrictions apply.	§ 9.24.060(D) & Table 3‑3 notes
Materials & permitted fence types	Chain link, concrete/block, latticework, wood, wrought iron allowed; special/ security fencing has separate standards.	§ 9.24.060(G–I)

Practical guidance (how the code is applied)

If your project includes surface parking, submit a landscape and irrigation plan showing trees, islands, and a shading calculation showing 50% shading within 15 years; tree spacing typically calculated at 1 tree/20 linear ft unless Director approves alternatives (§ 9.24.040) . Link at first mention: see the City’s parking standards for context.
If a commercial or industrial site borders residential property, budget for a 6‑ft masonry wall along the zone boundary (or prepare a screening alternative and justify it in site plan review) (§ 9.24.060(F)) . This requirement is often enforced at subdivision or site plan stage; see design review.
For mechanical equipment, refuse enclosures and loading docks: design integrated architectural screening and landscaping that hides equipment from public streets and adjacent residential zones; chain‑link or grooved wood siding is not acceptable for public‑facing screens (§ 9.24.090(C)) .
If you propose a tall fence/wall or security fence, be prepared to demonstrate materials, maintenance, and required signage (security fencing rules in § 9.24.060(I)) .
Landscape plans must emphasize drought‑tolerant materials, irrigation efficiency, and may be reviewed for tree species/distance; see Chapter 9.28 for purposes and applicability (§ 9.28.010–020) . Where the Building Code (Title 24) or fire code affects wall/fence materials, coordinate with the appropriate code notes; consult the California Building Standards Code and verify Fire Department standards where noted in the code (e.g., gates and fencing in overlays) .

Checklist

Submit a comprehensive landscape and irrigation plan that complies with Chapter 9.28 (§ 9.28.020) .
For parking: show perimeter planting strip width and planting schedule (trees at 1 per 20 ft or alternative approved by Director) and shading calculations for 50% coverage within 15 years (§ 9.24.040) .
If abutting residential, plan for a 6‑ft decorative masonry wall at the zone boundary or prepare materials/analysis to request a waiver (§ 9.24.060(F)) .
Dimension all fences/walls relative to highest adjoining finish grade and ensure visibility triangles (corner/driveway) respect Table 3‑3 limits (front/street side 3 ft in visibility areas) (§ 9.24.060(D), Table 3‑3) .
Show screening for mechanical equipment, refuse enclosures and loading docks; use architecturally compatible materials and add landscaping to soften visible walls (§ 9.24.090(C)) .
Be prepared to place utilities underground where required by the code and show location of undergrounding on the site plan (§ 9.24.090(C)(15)) .
Where Director or Site Plan Review is required, include alternative designs (berms, walls, planting) and rationale; budget for Director’s modifications and possible conditions (§ 9.24.090(B); Chapter 56 references) .
Verify any security fencing follows § 9.24.060(I) (signage, maintenance, allowed materials) and fire‑safety requirements where gates/fences must conform to Fire Department standards (§ RHN overlay notes) .
For ADUs or accessory structures, consult zoning setbacks in Division 2 and the City ADU rules; landscaping/fencing rules in this chapter still apply. See ADUs.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director discretion for screening alternatives	Many screening solutions (berm + planting vs. masonry wall) are allowed only with Director approval; the Director can require architectural treatment or different heights (§ 9.24.090, § 9.24.060).	Verify required findings and likely Director preferences during pre‑application meeting. (§ 9.24.090 )
Which district rules control a parcel	Setback and required planting width are tied to the underlying zoning district in Division 2; the retrieved excerpts point to Division 2 but do not include every district’s numeric table.	Confirm the parcel’s zoning district and consult Division 2 for exact setbacks and required planting widths. (§ 9.24.100(A)(1))
Existing walls on adjoining property	The Director may waive new wall requirements if an existing wall meets intent; but concurrence/maintenance obligations and modifications may be required (§ 9.24.060(F)(3)).	Verify ownership agreement/maintenance commitments and whether existing wall meets “decorative masonry” standard. (§ 9.24.060(F)(3))
Tree species / water use vs fire safety	Landscaping standards emphasize drought‑tolerant plants (§ 9.28.010) but fire danger may require defensible spacing or noncombustible materials in some edges (not fully specified here).	Check Fire Department requirements and the California Building Standards/CalFire guidance where vegetation and WUI/fire code overlap; Verify with jurisdiction. (§ 9.28.010; Not found in retrieved materials for WUI specifics)
Applicability for small residential alterations	Routine residential fences sometimes exempt from land‑use permits, but corner/visibility and traffic safety rules still apply (Table 3‑3) — misunderstanding here can cause code violations.	Confirm whether the proposed fence or retaining wall is within the exemptions and meets Table 3‑3 visibility/height limits. (§ 9.24.060(B); Table 3‑3)

Plain‑English summary

Clovis requires a formal landscape and irrigation plan for new development, mandates perimeter planting and trees for parking lots (including 50% shading within 15 years), requires screening of mechanical, refuse and loading areas, and sets fence and wall height/material limits (including a typical 6‑ft masonry wall where nonresidential adjoins residential). The Director and Site Plan Review process often set details and may approve alternatives; always verify district setbacks in Division 2 and get Director feedback for deviations. (§ 9.28.020, § 9.24.040, § 9.24.090, § 9.24.060) .

Source References

Chapter 9.28 — LANDSCAPING STANDARDS; purpose and applicability; landscape plan requirement. § 9.28.010–020.
§ 9.24.090 — Screening and buffering (mechanical equipment, loading docks, refuse, parking screening).
§ 9.24.040 — Development/design considerations and parking lot landscaping requirements (tree spacing, shading).
§ 9.24.060 — Fences, walls, and hedges; Table 3‑3 (maximum fence/wall heights), materials and security fence rules.
§ 9.24.100 — Setback regulations and exemptions (fences/walls exempted within height limits).
RHN Overlay language and overlay parcel/development standard excerpts (setbacks, heights where overlay applies). § (RHN overlay excerpts).
City zoning tables (C‑2, C‑3, U‑C, etc.) included in retrieved Development Code tables for district dimensional context.

Also consult Clovis online topics referenced in the text for related procedures: Clovis Zoning, Clovis Development Standards, Clovis Parking, Clovis Design Review, Clovis Overlay Districts, Clovis ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Clovis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Clovis Zoning Code (Chapter 56) High relevance
CFC § 050 (Chapter 28) High relevance
CFC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
Clovis Zoning Code (Chapter 28) High relevance
Clovis Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Clovis Zoning Code (Chapter 56) High relevance
CBC § 060 (Chapter 32) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Clovis code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping plan do I need to submit for a Clovis commercial project?

You must submit a comprehensive landscape and irrigation plan for review that complies with Chapter 9.28 (Landscaping Standards); the plan should show all landscaped areas, tree species and sizes, irrigation, and, for parking lots, the shading calculations required to demonstrate 50% shading of paved parking within 15 years (§ 9.28.020; § 9.24.040(7)) .

Do I have to build a masonry wall if my commercial site abuts housing?

Yes — the code generally requires a solid masonry wall, minimum six feet (6') at the zone boundary where a nonresidential zoning district adjoins residential, unless the Director waives this through site plan review with appropriate findings (§ 9.24.060(F)(1–3)) .

What are the maximum fence heights in Clovis front yards and alleys?

Table 3‑3 in § 9.24.060 sets maximums: in front and street‑side yards the code shows 3 ft maximum for fences that materially limit visibility (and up to 7 ft depending on material/visibility conditions); rear and interior side yards may allow 7 ft (see Table 3‑3 and notes) (§ 9.24.060, Table 3‑3) .

How close to the street can landscaping or walls block sightlines?

Plants, signs, or structures within a driveway sight/traffic safety area must not exceed 36 inches in height; corner cutoff and visibility areas are specifically called out in Table 3‑3 and Figure references in § 9.24.060 (corner cutoff) (§ 9.24.060, Table 3‑3) .

Are parking lots required to include trees?

Yes — parking areas must include perimeter planting and interior islands with trees; the code requires trees at a rate of about one tree per 20 lineal feet of landscaped area (or a lower ratio if larger species are used) and requires interior landscaped islands and shading targets (§ 9.24.040(6–7)) .

Can I use chain‑link for screening next to a street?

For commercial/office areas that are visible from public rights‑of‑way, the code disallows chain‑link, lattice and grooved wood siding as acceptable public‑facing screen wall materials; screens must be architecturally compatible (§ 9.24.090(C)(1)) .

Do I need to landscape around wireless telecom equipment or antennas?

Yes — the code requires that visible wireless equipment be screened with landscaping to the greatest extent possible and that base cabinets be landscaped or be architecturally compatible; landscaping screening is subject to Director approval and must be maintained (§ 9.42.040(H) and related) .

What does the code say about screening refuse and recycling areas?

Refuse and recyclable enclosures must be screened in compliance with § 9.24.090 and be located so they are not in front setbacks; enclosures must be compatible with site design and meet City Public Utilities specifications (concrete pad, access) (§ 9.24.110; § 9.24.090) .

If my parcel is in an overlay, do overlay rules affect landscaping?

Yes — overlay districts (for example the RHN Overlay) carry parcel‑specific development standards (setbacks, heights and lot coverage) that affect required landscape strip widths and screening; review the overlay map/list and the overlay’s property development standards and consult the Director for any overlay‑specific landscaping modifications (§ RHN Overlay excerpts, Division 2 references) .

Who approves alternative screening (berm + plants instead of wall)?

The City Director (through Site Plan Review, Chapter 56) may approve alternative screening methods or waive wall requirements where findings support it — prepare documentation demonstrating equivalent buffering, maintenance, and compatibility (§ 9.24.060(F)(3); Chapter 56 references) .

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