Local zoning · Colfax

Colfax — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What are the fence height rules in Colfax?

A maximum 6 ft fence or wall is allowed generally; within a residential clear‑vision triangle or required front setback it is reduced to 3 ft ; the code allows an extra 2 ft for noise attenuation with an administrative permit, and fences over 8 ft require a CUP — see § 17.96.030 and the clear‑vision rules § 17.72.030 .

Q: Are trees protected in Colfax and what plan do I need?

Yes — trees over 6 inches diameter (measured 4.5 ft above grade) must be shown on a tree removal/preservation plan; you cannot clear such trees before a grading permit and the code requires replacement and a 3‑year maintenance guarantee where removal occurs. See § 17.110.030–050 .

Q: What landscaping is required in parking lots?

Design guidelines call for a minimum 2% interior parking‑lot landscaping , 1 shade tree per 8–10 stalls (with breaks so no more than 16 stalls without a landscape break), perimeter screening where adjacent to residential, planter widths, and curbs to separate planting from vehicle areas — these guidance items are in the Design Guidelines § 17.116.020 and inform design review.

Q: If my lot is sloped, how is fence height measured?

Fence/wall height is measured from the highest finished grade adjacent to the fence/wall; on lots with different grades between two parcels the higher finished grade controls height. See the accessory structure rules § 17.96.030 .

Landscaping and Screening under the Colfax 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 Colfax zoning ordinance (Title 17) actually requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and trees. It is Colfax-specific and cites the controlling local code sections so you can plan or review a project accurately. For how landscaping interacts with project approvals see the city’s design review process and the citywide rules for development standards; for parking-specific rules see parking guidance below.

Key controls (short list)

Design guidelines and site-level landscaping expectations are implemented through the Design Guidelines in § 17.116.020 and the design‑review permit rules (see § 17.116.030 and § 17.32.010) .
Tree protection, identification, preservation and replacement are in § 17.110.030–17.110.050 .
Water‑efficient landscape (State MWELO implemented locally) requirements appear in § 17.122.010–§ 17.122.090 (applies at defined landscape-area thresholds) .
Fences and walls (height limits, clear‑vision reductions, administrative/conditional exceptions) are regulated under accessory‑structure rules § 17.96.030 (and cross‑referenced to clear‑vision standards in § 17.72.030) .
Zoning clearance is required before many landscape changes (including most new, modified or altered landscaping when associated with permits) — § 17.28.020 .

(Links: see Colfax overview, design review, development standards, parking, overlays, ADU, and Title 24 references embedded in the explanatory text below: Colfax planning overview, design review, development standards, parking, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

District-by-district breakdown (what matters to landscaping & screening)

Note: Colfax zones use multiple R‑1 subtypes and mixed/commercial/industrial zones. Below are the district names as used in Title 17 and the landscaping/screening implications that the code assigns to each.

R-1-5, R-1-10, R-1-15, R-1-20, R-1-40 (single‑family residential)

Purpose & typical uses: single‑family housing and accessory uses; development must follow district yard/setback rules in Article III. The code lists the separate R‑1 categories and their yard standards in the use tables.
Landscaping & screening implications: these single‑family zones are largely excluded from the citywide design guidelines' mandatory application (the design guidelines chapter excludes single‑family R‑1-5/10/15/20/40 for some provisions), but general development and accessory rules still apply (for example clear‑vision requirements that reduce fence height in front setbacks). See § 17.116.020 and § 17.72.030.
Key dimensional standards affecting screening: front/setback/clear‑vision rules that effectively limit fences in front yards (clear‑vision triangular rules and hilltop/front yard limits) — see § 17.72.030.

R‑M (multi‑family / RM‑1, RM‑2 variants)

Purpose & typical uses: multi‑family housing; higher site coverage and different open‑space requirements (table in Article III). Landscaping expectations (usable open space, tree plantings, site landscaping) are applied at design review and accessory‑structure rules apply to fences, arbors, etc.
Key items: design review findings require adequate landscaping and screening as part of the site design (see § 17.116.030 and design‑guidelines § 17.116.020).

C‑R (Retail Commercial) and C‑H (Highway Commercial)

Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood and highway commercial uses; curb‑oriented storefronts in C‑R and more vehicle‑oriented uses in C‑H. Height limits: C‑R = 30', C‑H = 35' per general development standards. Landscaping and screening for commercial lots is required via the design guidelines and parking standards (both site landscaping and screening of mechanical/refuse/storage areas).
Key implications: when commercial lots abut residential, the code explicitly requires setbacks/screening and larger landscape buffers via project design and potentially administrative/conditional approval if deviations are requested. See § 17.116.020 and the accessory/parking standards used in site review.

I (Industrial) and OS / SPSD / MU‑1 / MU‑2 (Open Space / Special / Mixed‑Use)

Purpose & typical uses vary; screening of outdoor storage, service yards, parking and utilities is emphasized for non‑residential zones. For example, off‑street parking lots that face/reside next to residential districts must be screened. Site landscaping for these zones is controlled by the design guidelines and the parking chapter. See § 17.116.020 and the off‑street parking provisions in Chapter 17.108 and accessory structures § 17.96.030.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic	Standard / rule (plain English)	Code reference
Design guidelines require minimum landscaping	A minimum of 5% of gross parcel area should be landscaped; 2% minimum for parking‑lot landscaping (and design guidelines give parking lot details such as 1 shade tree per 8–10 spaces, landscape strips, hedges/berms)	§ 17.116.020
Water‑efficient landscapes (MWELO) applicability	MWELO applies where landscape area ≥ 2,500 sq ft for many projects; homeowner threshold at 5,000 sq ft in some cases; irrigation design, documentation, MAWA calculations required	§ 17.122.010–§ 17.122.060 and definitions § 17.122.030
Tree protection / removal / replacement	Trees > 6 in. diameter (measured 4.5 ft above grade) must be identified on a tree removal plan; removal before grading permit prohibited; removed trees generally must be replaced one‑for‑one; trees must be irrigated/maintained for 3 years with financial security options	§ 17.110.030–17.110.050
Fences & walls — height	Max 6 ft generally; reduced to 3 ft when within a residential clear‑vision triangle or within a required front setback; finished grade on the higher parcel governs height measurement; +2 ft possible for noise attenuation via administrative permit; >8 ft requires CUP	§ 17.96.030 (accessory structures — fences/walls) and clear‑vision § 17.72.030
Off‑street parking landscaping & screening	Parking lot interior landscaping minimum 2% of interior parking area; 1 shade tree per 8–10 spaces recommended; planted areas separated from vehicular areas by curb; perimeter screening required where adjacent to residential uses	§ 17.116.020 (design guidelines)
Screening of utility/refuse/mechanical	Enclosures and service equipment must be screened using compatible materials and landscaping; screening is evaluated in design review findings	§ 17.116.020 and design‑review findings § 17.116.030 / § 17.32.010
Zoning clearances for landscape work	Zoning clearance is required prior to building permits for new construction, exterior remodeling, and new, modified or alterations to landscaping	§ 17.28.020

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain English synthesis)

If your project includes new landscaping greater than 2,500 sq ft (or 5,000 sq ft for homeowner‑installed in some cases), you must follow Colfax’s local MWELO implementation and submit the landscape documentation package and irrigation design (see § 17.122.060/090) — expect MAWA calculations and a certificate of completion.
Most commercial and multi‑family projects will be reviewed under the city’s design review rules: expect the planning director or planning commission to evaluate landscaping, screening for parking/utility/refuse areas, and whether plant materials are appropriate for water efficiency and long‑term maintenance (§ 17.116.020; § 17.116.030). Use the design guidelines as your checklist. (See the design review page for process help.)
For fences: plan for up to 6 ft in height in most places, but not in front setbacks or within clear‑vision triangles where 3 ft is the limit; if you need a taller wall for noise attenuation, budget for an administrative permit (and possibly a CUP for >8 ft). Measure fence height from the highest finished grade side. § 17.96.030 is the controlling text.
Trees matter: keep trees >6" diameter in your site plan and show any retained trees inside protective fencing prior to grading; if removal is unavoidable, show replacement species/locations and the 3‑year maintenance/security approach allowed in the code. § 17.110.030–050 controls tree plans and replacement.

(Internal links used above: citywide Colfax overview, design review, development standards, parking, overlay districts, ADUs, and California Building Standards Code. Use the jurisdiction’s design review page early when planning site landscaping.)

Checklist (applicant must satisfy — short actionable list)

Check whether your project triggers MWELO thresholds (≥2,500 sq ft or applicable homeowner thresholds) and prepare the landscape documentation package per § 17.122.060–090.
Include a tree plan that identifies all healthy trees >6" DBH; designate saved vs removed trees per § 17.110.030–050.
For non‑single‑family projects, include landscaping & screening in design‑review submittal per § 17.116.020 and expect findings under § 17.116.030.
Show proposed fence/wall heights relative to finished grade and confirm compliance with § 17.96.030 and clear‑vision § 17.72.030.
Provide required water‑efficient irrigation design and (if required) automatic controllers, irrigation plans and MAWA calculations per § 17.122.090.
If landscaping is part of a building permit, obtain a zoning clearance as required by § 17.28.020 and include the landscape plan with building submittal.
Plan for a 3‑year maintenance guarantee on required landscape/tree plantings using the security options in the tree‑replacement and design‑guideline provisions (see § 17.110.050.E and § 17.116.020).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Whether a project is exempt from the Design Guidelines	Single‑family R‑1 categories are treated differently; misclassifying can either trigger or avoid design review and landscaping submittal	Verify zone and whether the parcel is one of the R‑1 exclusions in § 17.116.020; confirm at intake with planning staff.
Fence height measured from which grade	Title 17 measures fence/wall height from the highest finished grade adjacent to the fence; on sloped sites this changes allowable height	Show existing and proposed finished grades on fence elevation; rely on § 17.96.030 and grading drawings.
MWELO thresholds (2,500 vs 5,000 sq ft) and homeowner vs developer thresholds	Applicability changes what documentation is required (full landscape documentation package, irrigation design, audits)	Confirm project landscape area vs § 17.122.020 thresholds and submit required § 17.122.050–090 documents.
Tree removal timing vs grading permits	Cutting trees >6" before a grading permit is prohibited — enforcement risk and potential stop‑work	Hold tree removals until permits; include tree protection measures on grading/emergency plans per § 17.110.030–040.
When a taller wall/fence requires administrative permit or CUP	Need for extra approvals can add time and conditions (e.g., noise attenuation justification)	If >6 ft or seeking +2 ft for attenuation, plan for administrative permit; if >8 ft, expect CUP. See § 17.96.030.

Plain-English Summary

Colfax requires project landscaping to follow the city’s Design Guidelines (site landscaping, parking‑lot trees and screening), protect and replace significant trees, meet state water‑efficiency rules for larger landscapes, and follow clear rules on fence/wall heights (6 ft max, 3 ft in front/clear‑vision areas unless you get permits). Many of those requirements are enforced during design review or at zoning clearance; always show tree protection, irrigation design, and fence elevations on your plans. See the controlling code citations below.

Source References

§ 17.116.020 — Design guidelines; landscaping considerations, parking‑lot landscaping, planting sizes, maintenance language and installation prior to CO.
§ 17.116.030 — Projects that require design review (how landscaping enters review).
§ 17.32.010 — Permit and variance requirements (design review permit authority and triggers).
§ 17.96.030 — Accessory structures (fences and walls: 6 ft general height, 3 ft in front/clear vision; admin/CUP exceptions).
§ 17.72.030 — Residential clear‑vision triangle & related fence/obstruction rules.
§ 17.110.030–17.110.050 — Tree identification, preservation and replacement (6" DBH threshold, replacement and 3‑year maintenance/security).
§ 17.122.010–§ 17.122.090 — Colfax implementation of California’s Model Water‑Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO): applicability thresholds, documentation, irrigation design and MAWA calculations.
§ 17.28.020 — Zoning clearance required for new/modifications to landscaping when tied to a building permit.
Chapter 17.108 (off‑street parking rules) — parking location/surfacing and parking design standards referenced by the design guidelines and screening requirements.

If you need the exact printed ordinance text for any of the cited sections above, open the Colfax Title 17 print export or ask the Planning Department for the latest adopted code; the citations above correspond to the Colfax Title 17 text in the materials provided.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112.) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112.) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Article III) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.12) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (Article IV) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (chapter does) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Title 25) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Article III) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (title prior) Medium relevance
California Building Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.122) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.112) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Chapter 17.28) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (title which) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (chapter are) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (title falls) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section A) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Section 17.132.030) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code (Article IV) Medium relevance
Colfax Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Colfax code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping thresholds trigger the Colfax water‑efficiency rules?

Colfax adopts the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance thresholds: developer‑installed landscapes at 2,500 sq ft and homeowner‑installed thresholds (with higher thresholds for homeowners) — if your project meets those thresholds you must submit the landscape documentation package, irrigation plan and MAWA calculations as required by § 17.122.010–§ 17.122.060.

Do I need a design review permit for landscaping or screening changes?

Many non‑single‑family projects and any project that includes new or altered landscaping as part of building/site changes are subject to design review per § 17.32.010 and the design guidelines in § 17.116.020; certain minor replacements/rehabilitations may be exempt if they are consistent with approved design guidelines (see the DRP exemptions list). Confirm with planning staff at intake.

What are the fence height rules in Colfax?

A maximum 6 ft fence or wall is allowed generally; within a residential clear‑vision triangle or required front setback it is reduced to 3 ft; the code allows an extra 2 ft for noise attenuation with an administrative permit, and fences over 8 ft require a CUP — see § 17.96.030 and the clear‑vision rules § 17.72.030.

Are trees protected in Colfax and what plan do I need?

Yes — trees over 6 inches diameter (measured 4.5 ft above grade) must be shown on a tree removal/preservation plan; you cannot clear such trees before a grading permit and the code requires replacement and a 3‑year maintenance guarantee where removal occurs. See § 17.110.030–050.

What landscaping is required in parking lots?

Design guidelines call for a minimum 2% interior parking‑lot landscaping, 1 shade tree per 8–10 stalls (with breaks so no more than 16 stalls without a landscape break), perimeter screening where adjacent to residential, planter widths, and curbs to separate planting from vehicle areas — these guidance items are in the Design Guidelines § 17.116.020 and inform design review.

Does Colfax require a maintenance bond or other security for installed landscaping?

Yes — for tree replacement and certain required landscaping the code allows/mandates a 3‑year maintenance guarantee provided by either a maintenance bond or an agreement/equitable lien; the tree replacement section spells out the two financial security options in § 17.110.050.E.

Will a masonry wall be required to screen my parking or storage yard?

The code requires effective screening for parking that adjoins or faces residential uses; design review will evaluate whether a masonry wall, fence, berm or planting is required. The design guidelines and parking development standards guide that decision (see § 17.116.020 and the off‑street parking rules). Verify with planning staff during site review.

If my lot is sloped, how is fence height measured?

Fence/wall height is measured from the highest finished grade adjacent to the fence/wall; on lots with different grades between two parcels the higher finished grade controls height. See the accessory structure rules § 17.96.030.

Do Colfax rules cover screening for utilities and mechanical equipment?

Yes — the design guidelines require that mechanical equipment and service areas be recessed and screened using compatible construction and landscaping; the design review findings require screening of trash enclosures and service equipment (see § 17.116.020 and § 17.116.030).

Do ADU landscaping rules differ from primary dwelling rules?

ADUs are regulated by Title 17 generally and the ADU program; landscaping/design standards applicable to the primary dwelling and the zone still apply — check local ADU requirements and any objective standards that apply (consult ADU chapter and design review where applicable). If the ADU triggers a building permit with landscape alterations, zoning clearance and design review rules may apply. Verify with the ADU guidance and Title 17; see § 17.28.020 for zoning clearance triggers. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific requirements.

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