Compton — Landscaping and Screening

Overview

Compton’s Zoning Code (Title 30) sets citywide rules for site landscaping, parkways, parking-lot planting, fences/walls, and screening of storage and equipment. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews most new landscaping and certain fences, especially along major/secondary highways, and can approve minor modifications. Requirements vary by land-use category (residential, commercial, manufacturing, institutional) and special uses like wireless facilities.

The single most important rule: nonresidential sites must landscape at least 5–10% of the lot and provide a 10 ft landscaped setback along public rights-of-way, while residential front yards must be landscaped and residential front fences are limited to 3.5–5 ft and must be open-work (§ 30-43.3; § 30-44.3).

Citywide Framework and ARB oversight

• Purpose of landscaping: improve appearance, create buffers, reduce erosion/dust/noise/heat/glare, and promote drought-tolerant design (§ 30-43.1).
• Applicability: landscaping required for all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sites (§ 30-43.2(a)).
• Pre-existing landscaping: no upgrade if maintained/irrigated and front/street-side setbacks are landscaped; additions up to 20% floor area may avoid upgrades if they don’t affect landscaping/parking and comply with the rules in effect at original build (§ 30-43.2(b)).
• ARB review: required for new projects and additions over 20% of existing floor area; ARB may modify requirements where full compliance is infeasible (§ 30-43.2(c)). Fences/gates on major or secondary highways also need ARB approval (§ 30-44.2(d)).
  See also design-review context at Compton Design Review and broader Compton Development Standards.

Quick Standards by Land‑Use Category

Below are the most decision-relevant planting and fencing standards by category. Always pair these with any corridor plan or parking-lot planting requirements.

Notes:

• At least 50% of required nonresidential setbacks must be landscaped, and remaining landscaping should be placed where most visible from public rights-of-way (§ 30-43.3(d)).
• The ARB/Public Works may approve alternate parkway landscaping (§ 30-43.3(e)).

Fences, Walls, Screening — Citywide

• Applicability and maintenance: all fences/walls/hedges/gates used to separate, enclose, or screen are covered and must be kept safe, functional, clean, and in good repair (§ 30-44.2(a)-(b)).
• Preexisting fences: may continue if safe, built with recognized materials, in good condition, and within heights of 5 ft (residential front yard) and 8 ft (residential sides/rear); replace to current standards if ≥25% repair, or if rehab cost >25% FMV, or if buildings expand ≥25% GFA (§ 30-44.2(c)).
• Prohibited materials: electrified fencing; razor/ concertina wire; cut glass; fabric/plastic sheeting; used/salvaged materials; plywood/panelboard not designed for exterior fencing (§ 30-44.4).
• Required solid fencing:
  • All residential rear yards (§ 30-44.3(a)(1)(a)).
  • Property lines separating commercial/manufacturing from residential (§ 30-44.3(a)(1)(b)).
  • Any outside storage/vehicle/equipment/material areas, with storage not higher than the fence (§ 30-44.3(a)(1)(c)).
• Open/combination fences: “open” means ≤50% solid; “combination” includes decorative pilasters/solid base up to 50% of fence height (§ 30-44.3(c)-(d)).
• Gates: may not swing into the public right-of-way (§ 30-44.3(e)).
• Measuring fence height: from finished grade; where grade differs across a side/rear fence, height may be measured from the higher grade if not more than 2 ft over the zone’s max (§ 30-44.3(f)).

Parking-Lot Landscaping Standards

• Planting required per § 30-43; ARB must approve the plan (§ 30-21.6(a)-(b)).
• Design specifics:
  • 6-inch curb around landscaped areas; min 6 ft width; mow strips separating turf/shrub areas (§ 30-21.6(c)(1)).
  • 10 ft landscaped planting strip between public ROW and parking area (§ 30-21.6(c)(2)).
  • One 24-inch box tree per four parking spaces, evenly distributed (§ 30-21.6(c)(3)).
  • Permanent automatic irrigation required (§ 30-21.6(c)(4)).
  • Up to 2.5 ft of stall depth may be landscaped overhang (in addition to setbacks) (§ 30-21.6(c)(5)).
  • Provide pedestrian paths through landscaped areas (§ 30-21.6(c)(6)).
    Cross-reference Compton Parking for stall/layout rules.

Trash Enclosures (Screening of Refuse Areas)

• For all multiple-family, commercial, and manufacturing uses (§ 30-44.3(g)):
  • Min. size: 8 ft by 8 ft; height: ≥6 ft and enough to conceal bins (§ 30-44.3(g)(1), (3)).
  • Three sides: masonry/block walls compatible with main structure; opaque self-latching gate wide enough for bin service (§ 30-44.3(g)(2), (4)).
  • Bins must stay in the enclosure except during collection (§ 30-44.3(g)(5)).
  • ARB approval required; ARB may allow alternative screened storage in constrained commercial/residential or modified storage in manufacturing if fully screened from ROW (§ 30-44.3(g)(6)-(8)).

Outdoor Storage Yards and Anti-Graffiti Treatment

• Fences/walls/gates visible from the public right-of-way must comply with the Uniform Paint Ordinance/Corridor Improvement Plan and be landscaped or treated with anti-graffiti coatings approved by the City (§ 30-20.6(b)).
• No materials/equipment stored outside the enclosed yard or above the fence height (§ 30-20.6(5)(a)).
  Major corridors may be subject to Corridor Improvement Plans; see Compton Overlay Districts.

Parkway Trees and Streetscape

• Parkways must be planted with one thirty-six-inch box tree for every 25 linear feet (commercial zones) or every 50 linear feet (residential and industrial zones), unless ARB or Public Works requires an alternative (§ 30-43.3(e)).

Corner Visibility/Safety

• At intersections of streets/alleys/driveways, maintain a 15 ft “visual clearance triangle” (§ 30-43.6(d)(1)).
• Within the triangle: tree branches pruned to ≥6 ft above curb; other plants max 2.5 ft tall (§ 30-43.6(d)(2)).
• Landscaping must not block sight distance, conflict with utilities/lighting, obstruct walkways, reduce solar access, create fire hazards, or pose safety issues (§ 30-43.6(c)).

Landscape Materials, Installation, and Maintenance

• Use ARB-approved plant list; include a mix of grass, shrubs, vines, flowers, groundcover, trees; agricultural crops not allowed in required front/street-side yards (§ 30-43.4(a)(1)).
• Emphasize drought tolerance, shade, fire resistance, soil retention, and compatibility with surrounding development (§ 30-43.4(a)(2)-(3)).
• Non-plant accents (cobbles, crushed rock, woodchips/bark, stepping stones, edging, fountains/pools, low-intensity lighting) may supplement but not replace plantings (§ 30-43.4(b)).
• Installation to nursery standards; support plants without impeding movement; owner must maintain irrigation, mowing/pruning, replacement of dead plants, and repairs (§ 30-43.6(a)-(b)).
• Compliance before occupancy: landscaping and irrigation must be installed, healthy, and inspected; permanent maintenance system in place (§ 30-43.2(d)).
  For broader land-use context see Compton Land Use and Compton Zoning.

Special Areas and Uses

Buffer Zone (B)

• Purpose in context: provide separation between dissimilar uses with fences/walls/hedges and landscaping as permitted uses (§ 30-16.2(a)).
• Typical permitted uses: employee recreation; fences/walls/hedges up to 6 ft (ARB may approve higher); landscaping; motor vehicle parking; railroad tracks/spurs (§ 30-16.2(a)).
• Key dimensional: fence height ≤6 ft unless ARB approves otherwise (§ 30-16.2(a)(2)).
• Where it applies: Not found in source materials.

Personal Wireless Service Facilities (PWSF)

• Tiers Two and Three must landscape disturbed ground and security barriers (§ 30-46.20):
  • One row of evergreen shrubs, capable of a continuous hedge ≥5 ft high within two years, spaced ≤5 ft, within 15 ft of site boundary (§ 30-46.20(b)(1)).
  • Interior row of evergreen trees/shrubs ≥4 ft at planting, spaced ≤15 ft (§ 30-46.20(b)(2)).
  • Existing vegetation/topography/walls/fences may substitute if they achieve equal screening or lot size limits landscaping (§ 30-46.20(b)(3)).
  • Use xeric/drought-resistant native species and maintain for the life of the installation (§ 30-46.20(b)(4)).
• Tier One: no lighting or landscaping required (§ 30-46.20(c)).

ARB Modifications, Corridors, and Variances

• Fences and gates on major/secondary highways require ARB approval; single-family rear yard fences are exempt unless required by Planning Commission or a Corridor Improvement Plan (§ 30-44.2(d)).
• Community Redevelopment Agency may require fence upgrades along major corridors per Corridor Improvement Plans (§ 30-44.2(e)).
• Minor fence modifications: ARB may approve comparable materials, alternate designs, and limited height adjustments (up to 2 ft on major corridors; 1.5 ft along residential property lines to match neighborhood average) (§ 30-44.5(b)).
• Major modifications require a variance (§ 30-44.5(c); § 30-27). See Compton Variances and Exceptions.

Preexisting Landscaping/Fences, and Removal

• Preexisting landscaping: see § 30-43.2(b) for limited exemptions from upgrades; ARB still reviews new work over 20% and can modify requirements (§ 30-43.2(c)). For broader status of preexisting sites, see Compton Nonconforming Uses.
• Removing approved landscaping or mature trees: ARB approval required to remove/alter previously approved landscaping (routine maintenance excepted); ARB may require replacement of mature/specimen trees and must approve a plan when more than five trees are removed in 24 months (§ 30-43.7(a)-(b)).

Practical Notes for Residential Projects (including ADUs)

• Residential front yards must be landscaped; driveways and walkways are the only allowed paving within those setbacks (§ 30-43.3(a)).
  If adding an accessory unit, remember the same front-yard landscaping and fence limits apply; see Compton ADUs for the unit itself.

Checklist

• Calculate minimum landscaped area based on use and lot size: Residential (front yards landscaped), Commercial/Institutional (5% ≤2 ac; 10% >2 ac), Manufacturing (5%) (§ 30-43.3).
• Provide a minimum 10 ft landscaped frontage setback along public rights-of-way (nonresidential) and place at least 50% of required setbacks in landscaping (§ 30-43.3(b)-(d)).
• Size and place parkway trees: one 36-inch box per 25 ft (commercial) or 50 ft (residential/manufacturing) of street frontage, unless ARB/Public Works require alternatives (§ 30-43.3(e)).
• Design parking-lot landscaping: 10 ft street planting strip, min 6 ft planter widths, curbing, 1 tree/4 spaces, automatic irrigation, pedestrian paths (§ 30-21.6).
• Choose plants from ARB-approved list; emphasize drought-tolerant materials; include non-plant accents only as supplements (§ 30-43.4).
• Keep sight lines clear at corners: 15 ft triangle; trees limbed to 6 ft; shrubs ≤2.5 ft (§ 30-43.6(d)).
• Fence to required standards by use/location; prohibit razor wire/electrified/used materials; ensure gates don’t swing into ROW (§ 30-44.3; § 30-44.4).
• Screen outside storage with solid fencing of sufficient height; keep storage below fence height (§ 30-44.3(a)(1)(c)).
• Provide code-compliant trash enclosure (≥8 ft x 8 ft; ≥6 ft high; three masonry sides; opaque self-latching gate) and get ARB approval (§ 30-44.3(g)).
• Submit ARB landscaping plan for new projects or >20% additions; obtain ARB approval for fences on major/secondary highways and any minor fence modifications (§ 30-43.2(c); § 30-44.2(d); § 30-44.5(b)).
• Seek ARB approval before removing approved landscaping or more than five trees; prepare replacement plan if required (§ 30-43.7).

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Compton requires front yards to be landscaped and sets minimum landscaping and frontage setbacks for nonresidential sites. Parking lots need trees, curbed planters, and irrigation. Fences must meet strict height/material rules and often must be solid where they buffer homes or screen storage; prohibited materials like razor wire aren’t allowed. The ARB reviews new landscaping and certain fences and can grant minor tweaks. Corridor locations may add anti-graffiti or upgrade requirements.

Source References

• § 30-43.1 Purpose of landscaping
• § 30-43.2 General landscaping regulations and ARB review
• § 30-43.3 Landscape standards and parkway trees (Table 30-43.A)
• § 30-43.4 Landscape materials and ARB-approved lists
• § 30-43.6 Installation, maintenance, safety, and sight triangles
• § 30-43.7 Removal of landscaping or trees (ARB approvals)
• § 30-44.1–30-44.5 Fence/wall purpose, general regs, standards (Table 30-44.A), prohibited materials, exceptions/modifications
• § 30-21.6 Parking area landscaping standards
• § 30-20.6 Requirements for visible fences/walls at yards; anti-graffiti/corridor references
• § 30-16.2 Buffer Zone (B) permitted uses (including 6 ft max fence unless ARB approves)
• § 30-46.20 Screening and landscaping for PWSF Tiers Two and Three

Also see related guidance pages:

• Compton Zoning
• Compton Land Use
• Compton Development Standards
• Compton Parking
• Compton Design Review
• Compton Overlay Districts
• Compton Nonconforming Uses
• Compton Variances and Exceptions
• Compton ADUs

Source passages

• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-44.2) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.2) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.1) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.3) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-44.1) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.4) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-16.2) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-44.3) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-46.20) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-44.4) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.6) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-44.5) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-20.6) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-43.7) Medium relevance show source text
• Compton Zoning Code (§ 30-21.6) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• § 30-43.1 Purpose of landscaping (§ 30-43.1)
• § 30-43.2 General landscaping regulations and ARB review (§ 30-43.2)
• § 30-43.3 Landscape standards and parkway trees (Table 30-43.A) (§ 30-43.3)
• § 30-43.4 Landscape materials and ARB-approved lists (§ 30-43.4)
• § 30-43.6 Installation, maintenance, safety, and sight triangles (§ 30-43.6)
• § 30-43.7 Removal of landscaping or trees (ARB approvals) (§ 30-43.7)
• § 30-44.1–30-44.5 Fence/wall purpose, general regs, standards (Table 30-44.A), prohibited materials, exceptions/modifications (§ 30-44.1)
• § 30-21.6 Parking area landscaping standards (§ 30-21.6)
• § 30-20.6 Requirements for visible fences/walls at yards; anti-graffiti/corridor references (§ 30-20.6)
• § 30-16.2 Buffer Zone (B) permitted uses (including 6 ft max fence unless ARB approves) (§ 30-16.2)
• § 30-46.20 Screening and landscaping for PWSF Tiers Two and Three (§ 30-46.20)
• Compton Zoning
• Compton Land Use
• Compton Development Standards
• Compton Parking
• Compton Design Review
• Compton Overlay Districts
• Compton Nonconforming Uses
• Compton Variances and Exceptions
• Compton ADUs

• Official Compton code library