Local zoning · Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Contra Costa County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills what the Contra Costa County Ordinance Code requires for landscaping, screening, and related buffers in the unincorporated areas. Standards appear in multiple chapters of the zoning and development code, including countywide off‑street parking landscaping, district‑specific rules (e.g., industrial and multifamily), visibility triangles at intersections, tree protection and view/sunlight provisions, and special/overlay districts. Where the controlling ordinance section could not be confirmed from the retrieved materials, this is labeled “Not found in retrieved materials.”

Most consequential for day‑to‑day projects: parking lots next to homes in unincorporated areas must be screened to at least 6 feet high, either with a solid fence/wall plus vegetation or a continuous 6‑foot landscape screen (objective, countywide buffer rule; § Not found in retrieved materials; see retrieved parking standards) .

Countywide standards you will encounter most often

  • Off‑street parking lots: internal landscaping and perimeter planters
    • Provide a planter at least 4 ft wide between the parking area and any public street or private drive; parking areas with more than 5 spaces must include landscaped area equal to at least 5% of the paved area; for large lots (>70 spaces), supply trees at a minimum of 1 per 20 linear feet of landscaping and planter islands at least 1 per 10 spaces; distribute trees along perimeters and in islands. § Not found in retrieved materials (off‑street parking landscaping design and layout) .
    • If a parking area abuts a residential zoning district (R‑, D‑1, or M‑) or a residential parcel in a P‑1 district, provide either: (A) a 6‑ft solid fence or masonry wall with vegetation to soften it, or (B) a 6‑ft‑high landscape screen. § Not found in retrieved materials (off‑street parking screening and buffers) . Related parking topics: see Contra Costa County Parking.
  • Sight visibility at corners: Within 25‑ft sight triangles at road intersections (and near rail crossings), vegetation and structures (including fences) are limited to 2.5 ft above curb grade (3 ft above edge of pavement where no curb). See § 82‑18.002 (plus related §§ 82‑18.006, −.008, −.010) .
  • Tree protection and view/sunlight: In the unincorporated area, the County’s Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance preserves “protected trees,” and tree‑related decisions may weigh screening/privacy, flammability, and neighborhood value. See § 816‑6.2002, § 816‑6.2004 (purpose/coordination) and view/sunlight standards that reference visual screening and replacement plantings in § 816‑2.410, § 816‑2.414, § 816‑2.416 .
  • Water Efficient Landscapes (MWELO adoption): County landscaping must meet the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) as adopted and amended by the County. See § 82‑26.002 (adoption) and § 82‑26.004 (enforcement amendment) . Coordinate project submittals with Contra Costa County Development Standards.

District-by-district briefing (unincorporated areas)

C‑M COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING DISTRICT (Chapter 84‑56)

  • Purpose/uses: Industrial/manufacturing and storage uses (chapter heading context).
  • Key landscaping and screening:
    • Keep a 5‑ft deep landscaping strip adjacent to side and rear property lines and a 30‑ft deep landscaped area at front property lines when parking/loading areas are within required yards/setback. See § 84‑56.1202(4) .
    • Screen equipment/material storage with solid walls, fences, or plantings at least 6 ft high. See § 84‑56.1602 .
  • Dimensional context (for siting the landscaped buffers): 50‑ft minimum front setback; side/rear yards 20 ft; increased yard depths along external boundaries that abut residential/agricultural districts. See § 84‑56.1004, § 84‑56.1002 .
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated industrial areas mapped C‑M in the County’s zoning map; see Contra Costa County Zoning.

84‑26 MULTIPLE‑FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS (Article 84‑26.14 Open Area)

  • Purpose/uses: Multifamily residential (districts under Chapter 84‑26).
  • Landscaping requirement: At least 25% of the development plan area must be “open area” not covered by buildings or pavement; 75% of that open area must be planted and maintained with growing plants. See § 84‑26.1402 .
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated multifamily zones mapped under Chapter 84‑26; integrate with parking landscape/screening rules above (countywide; § Not found in retrieved materials) .

N‑B NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT (Chapter 84‑50)

  • Purpose/uses: Neighborhood‑serving commercial uses (chapter heading context).
  • Landscaping in development plans: No development is lawful until a development plan is approved; the plan must show “planting and landscaping areas,” among other items. See § 84‑50.1602, § 84‑50.1604 (application contents) .
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated commercial nodes mapped N‑B. Buffers to nearby homes are typically addressed via the countywide parking screening rule (6‑ft fence/wall + vegetation or 6‑ft landscape screen; § Not found in retrieved materials) .

P‑1 PLANNED UNIT DISTRICT (Chapter 84‑66)

  • Purpose/uses: Large‑scale, integrated developments with tailored standards.
  • Landscaping in required plans:
    • Preliminary plan must show landscaping and parking layout; see § 84‑66.1006(1)(F) .
    • Final plan must indicate the location and design of proposed landscaping (except for proposed single‑family residential development). See § 84‑66.1202(a)(5) .
  • Tailored standards: The County may adopt more/less restrictive project‑specific standards to protect amenities, including landscaping plans; construction of fences/walls; and floodlighting design. See § 84‑66.1404(5)–(6) .
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas rezoned to P‑1 per approved development plans; consult Contra Costa County Land Use.

—B DESIGN CONTROL COMBINING DISTRICT (Chapter 84‑70) — overlay

  • Intent: Provide design control and maintain a high degree of amenities; the adopted plan may provide for off‑street parking, landscaping and open space that become binding standards. See § 84‑70.004(b); review and approval procedures are in § 84‑70.006 .
  • Where it applies: Parcels combined with —B; verify overlay presence on your parcel and coordinate through Contra Costa County Design Review and Contra Costa County Overlay Districts.

HE‑C HOUSING ELEMENT–COMPLIANT DISTRICT (Chapter 84‑92) — special district

  • Development plan content must include “planting and landscape area,” parking layout, and architectural elevations, among other items. See § 84‑92.804(4), (5), (11); approval procedures in § 84‑92.806 .
  • Where it applies: Sites rezoned to HE‑C in the unincorporated area (Housing Element implementation).

AIRPORT ZONING (Chapter 86‑4) — height/obstruction controls affecting landscaping

  • Tree/structure heights are limited in airport approach/turning/transition zones near Buchanan Field; verify if tree planting or tall screens would conflict with these height planes. See § 86‑4.014 (and related map sections) .

USE‑SPECIFIC: RECREATIONAL BOAT/RV STORAGE FACILITIES (Chapter 84‑78)

  • Fences and screening for these facilities have special rules (e.g., fence height up to 10 ft allowed subject to findings; screening fences/walls must be masonry/concrete/slatted chain link; razor wire prohibited). See § 84‑78.604(a)–(e) .
  • Outdoor storage areas must be screened by natural buffers, planted landscape areas, or walls/fences, typically with a 15‑ft setback to property lines unless a designed wall/fence can effectively screen public views. See § 84‑78.604(e)(2) .

Practical cross‑checks that frequently apply

  • When new trees are involved, confirm the County’s tree protection triggers and factors (health, fire hazard, screening/privacy, neighborhood value) under Chapter 816‑6 and the view/sunlight framework that can require replacement plantings under § 816‑2.414–.416 . Related disputes sometimes implicate Contra Costa County Historic Preservation context if trees or sites are historic.
  • Most commercial/industrial sites will pair district‑specific landscaping with the countywide parking landscaping/screening rules, plus water‑efficiency compliance under § 82‑26.002 (MWELO) .
  • If a standard creates practical hardship, check Contra Costa County Variances and Exceptions, but note that visibility triangles (§ 82‑18.002) are enforced for safety and variances are discretionary and rare in such contexts .

Key standards at a glance

Topic Core requirement Applies to Code Reference
Parking lot perimeter planter Min. 4 ft planter at street/drive edge; min. 5% landscaped area for lots >5 spaces; trees/islands for large lots; distribute trees Countywide off‑street parking areas § Not found in retrieved materials (off‑street parking landscaping design/layout)
Parking adjacent to homes 6‑ft solid fence/wall + vegetation, or 6‑ft landscape screen between parking and residential districts or P‑1 residential use Countywide where a parking lot abuts R‑, D‑1, M‑ or a residential parcel in P‑1 § Not found in retrieved materials (off‑street parking screening/buffers)
Industrial frontage landscaping 30‑ft landscaped area at front property line; 5‑ft landscaped strip at side/rear C‑M district § 84‑56.1202(4)
Screening of storage Solid walls/fences or plantings ≥6 ft high to screen storage C‑M district § 84‑56.1602
Multifamily open area ≥25% of plan area as open area; 75% of that planted 84‑26 multifamily districts § 84‑26.1402
Visibility triangle Within 25‑ft triangle at intersections, vegetation/fences limited to 2.5 ft (3 ft at edge of pavement) Countywide at roadway intersections § 82‑18.002
Water‑efficient landscapes County adopts MWELO for irrigation/plant palette efficiency Countywide new/qualifying landscapes § 82‑26.002
Planned district tailoring County may impose project‑specific landscaping, fence/wall, lighting standards in final plans P‑1 district § 84‑66.1404(5)–(6)
Design control overlays Adopted design plans may set landscaping/open space standards —B overlay § 84‑70.004(b)

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base zoning and any overlays in the unincorporated area; see Contra Costa County Zoning and Overlay Districts.
  • If proposing a parking lot, design to: provide the 4‑ft perimeter planter; meet 5% minimum landscaped area (if >5 spaces); include required trees/islands for large lots; and install the required 6‑ft screen when abutting residential zoning. § Not found in retrieved materials (parking landscaping/screening)
  • For C‑M projects, draw and label the 30‑ft front landscape area and 5‑ft side/rear strips; specify storage screening type/height. § 84‑56.1202(4), § 84‑56.1602
  • For multifamily under Chapter 84‑26, calculate and show the 25% open area and its planted share. § 84‑26.1402
  • Maintain sight triangles at intersections on site plans; keep landscaping/fences within height limits. § 82‑18.002
  • Verify whether tree work triggers the County’s tree protection permitting or view/sunlight processes, and plan any required replacement planting. § 816‑6.2002, § 816‑6.2004; § 816‑2.414–.416
  • Prepare MWELO‑compliant irrigation/planting (where triggered). § 82‑26.002
  • If subject to P‑1 or —B, coordinate landscaping with the adopted plan and Design Review. § 84‑66.1202; § 84‑66.1404; § 84‑70.004(b)
  • If a standard cannot be met due to site conditions, discuss relief early under Variances and Exceptions (case‑specific).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Off‑street parking landscaping/screening section number The retrieved text is clear but the § identifier was not captured Confirm the exact § citation with the County or current code publisher before final approval (content: planters, 5% area, tree/island ratios, and 6‑ft residential buffer)
Tree removal vs. screening/privacy Tree permits and view/sunlight outcomes can require trimming or replacement planting Whether your trees are “protected,” and whether a neighbor’s claim could lead to trimming/replacement under § 816‑2.414–.416 and § 816‑6.2002 et seq.
Airport height limits over landscaping Tall screen plantings may penetrate height planes near airports If near Buchanan Field, check mapped zones and tree height limits in § 86‑4.014
P‑1 and —B plan conditions Project‑specific landscaping/fence/light standards often exceed base code Your approved development plan conditions under § 84‑66.1202 and § 84‑70.004(b)
Industrial frontage strips Frontage/side/rear landscape depths affect site yield That your C‑M layout holds the 30‑ft front area and 5‑ft side/rear strips under § 84‑56.1202(4)

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, expect to plant and maintain landscaping along streets and around parking, add internal parking lot trees and planter islands, and provide a solid 6‑ft screen when a parking lot borders homes. Industrial sites have deeper landscaped frontages and must screen storage. Multifamily projects must reserve and plant a share of open area. Keep sight triangles low for safety, follow the County’s MWELO water‑efficiency rules, and coordinate any tree removal or view/privacy disputes with County tree and view/sunlight provisions.

Source References

  • Off‑street parking landscaping design/layout and screening buffers: § Not found in retrieved materials; retrieved parking standards text (planters, 5% min area, trees/islands, 6‑ft screening)
  • Intersection visibility triangles: § 82‑18.002 (and §§ 82‑18.006, −.008, −.010)
  • Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance: § 816‑6.2002, § 816‑6.2004 (purpose/coordination)
  • View/Sunlight and tree actions: § 816‑2.410; § 816‑2.414; § 816‑2.416
  • Water Efficient Landscapes (MWELO adoption): § 82‑26.002; § 82‑26.004
  • C‑M landscaping strips and storage screening: § 84‑56.1202(4); § 84‑56.1602
  • Multifamily open area planting: § 84‑26.1402
  • N‑B development plan landscaping content: § 84‑50.1602; § 84‑50.1604
  • P‑1 preliminary/final plan landscaping and tailored standards: § 84‑66.1006(1)(F); § 84‑66.1202(a)(5); § 84‑66.1404(5)–(6)
  • —B Design Control overlay allowing landscaping/open space standards: § 84‑70.004(b)
  • Airport height limits affecting trees: § 86‑4.014
  • Recreational boat/RV storage facility fences/screening: § 84‑78.604; outdoor storage screening rules within Chapter 84‑78

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ II) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 8112) High relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (Chapter 26-2.) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (Chapter 718-6.) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (Chapter 718-6.) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (chapter may) Medium relevance
  • CMC § 151 Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (Article 84-56.6.) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 1270.01 (Title 14) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do parking lots in unincorporated Contra Costa County need landscaping?

Yes. Expect at least a 4 ft perimeter planter at street/drive edges, a minimum 5% landscaped area for lots with more than 5 spaces, and, for larger lots, tree and planter‑island ratios with even distribution. The precise § was not captured in the retrieved text, so confirm the current section number with the County; the retrieved parking standards text is controlling. § Not found in retrieved materials; see retrieved parking standards .

How must I screen a parking lot next to homes in unincorporated areas?

Provide either a 6‑ft solid fence/masonry wall with vegetation or a 6‑ft‑high continuous landscape screen along the shared edge with residential zoning or a residential parcel in P‑1. The rule is objective and applies countywide to buffers. § Not found in retrieved materials; see retrieved parking buffer standard .

What landscaping is required in the C‑M Commercial Manufacturing district?

Keep a 30‑ft deep landscaped area at front property lines and a 5‑ft deep landscaped strip at side and rear lines when placing parking/loading in required yards; also screen storage with 6‑ft walls/fences or plantings. § 84‑56.1202(4); § 84‑56.1602 .

How much open area must be planted in multifamily zones?

In Chapter 84‑26 multifamily districts, at least 25% of the plan area must be open (not buildings/pavement), and 75% of that open area must be planted with growing plants. § 84‑26.1402 .

Do I need to follow water‑efficient landscape standards?

Yes. Contra Costa County adopts the State MWELO; qualifying projects must meet water‑efficiency requirements for planting and irrigation. § 82‑26.002 (adoption) .

Can I plant tall hedges or fences near intersections?

Not if they obstruct sightlines: within 25‑ft visibility triangles at intersections (and near railroad crossings), vegetation and structures are limited to 2.5–3 ft in height. § 82‑18.002; § 82‑18.006 .

How do planned or design‑controlled districts affect landscaping?

In P‑1 and —B areas, the County may set project‑specific landscaping, fences/walls, and lighting as binding conditions through the approved plan. § 84‑66.1202; § 84‑66.1404(5)–(6); § 84‑70.004(b) .

What if landscaping standards conflict with tree preservation or neighbor view rights?

The County’s tree protection and view/sunlight chapters can require trimming or replacement planting, balancing privacy/screening, safety, and neighborhood value. Coordinate early to avoid conflicts. § 816‑6.2002; § 816‑2.414–.416 .

Are there special fence/screen rules for RV/boat storage facilities?

Yes. Screening fences/walls must be durable (e.g., masonry or slatted chain link), razor wire is prohibited, and outdoor storage must be screened; fence heights up to 10 ft may be allowed with findings. § 84‑78.604; Chapter 84‑78 screening provisions .

Where can I confirm my zoning and whether design review applies?

Start with Contra Costa County zoning & planning overview, then check Zoning and Design Review. Landscaping often intersects with Development Standards and Parking. ---

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