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.

Quick answer

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, parking lots next to residential must be screened by a solid, vegetated wall/fence at 6 ft or a 6 ft planted screen (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)). Screening fences/walls are generally capped at 10 ft, with allowed materials and no razor wire (§ 84-78.604). Some districts require at least 25% of the site landscaped, with 75% of that planted (§ 84-46.1702; § 84-26.1402).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Contra Costa County's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Contra Costa County planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County, landscaping and screening standards come from the County’s zoning ordinance (Title 8) and apply alongside site development and Design Review where required. The code sets hard requirements for parking lot screening, protected trees, certain districts’ minimum landscaped open area, and park/mobile-home standards, and it controls the height/materials of screening fences and walls. These standards apply in addition to base-district rules under Contra Costa County Zoning and any applicable Overlay Districts.

Key screening rule: If a parking area abuts a residential zoning district, you must provide either a solid, landscaped six-foot fence/wall or a six-foot-tall planted screen to fully block views (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(A)–(B)).

Countywide Landscaping and Screening Rules (Unincorporated Areas)

Parking area screening next to residential: Any off-street parking area that is adjacent to property in a residential zoning district (R-, D-1, M-) or a residential parcel in P-1 must include one of:
- A 6 ft high solid fence or masonry wall with vegetation that will, at maturity, cover part of the wall (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(A)); or
- Landscape screening at least 6 ft high, allowing up to 3 ft (or half the screen height, whichever is less) to be planter boxes/raised beds, with the rest planted so that, when planted, it provides a complete visual screen (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(B)).
Fence and wall standards:
- Default maximum fence/wall height is 10 ft; the zoning administrator may allow a taller, architecturally designed fence/wall if it provides greater security and fits the rural-agricultural character (§ 84-78.604(a)).
- Screening fences/walls must be masonry, concrete, similar materials, or slatted chain-link, with design/materials compatible with the rural-agricultural character (§ 84-78.604(b)).
- Site/plot plans must show fence/wall locations and max heights (§ 84-78.604(c)); rolled razor wire is prohibited (§ 84-78.604(d)); keep surfaces free of graffiti/vandalism (§ 84-78.604(e)).
Protected trees:
- The County maintains a tree protection and preservation ordinance for unincorporated areas (§ 816-6.2002; § 816-6.2004).
- It is unlawful to trench, grade, or fill within a protected tree’s dripline, or to cut, top, or remove a protected tree without a tree permit, except as allowed in referenced provisions (§ 816-6.6002). Plan landscaping to avoid encroachment and to preserve protected trees.
Site and environmental design:
- Development should complement natural terrain and landscape (§ 814-2.804), and grading must account for environmental features and minimize erosion/slides/flooding (§ 814-2.1004).
Applicability: Divisions 82 and 84 govern private/public uses of land in the County’s unincorporated territory (§ 82-2.004). Parking location/design standards apply to parking provided under the County’s Parking regulations (§ 82-16.402; § 82-16.404).

District- and Use-Specific Landscaping Requirements

The source materials identify several zoning chapters that impose minimum landscaping or screening by district or use. Where a district name is not provided in the materials, only the article and enforceable standard are shown.

Article 84-46 District (district name not found in source materials)

Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
Key landscaping standard: At least 25% of every lot’s area must be unoccupied by buildings/structures/pavement and must be landscaped; at least 75% of that open area (i.e., at least 18.75% of the total lot area) must be planted and maintained with growing plants (§ 84-46.1702).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Article 84-26 District (district name not found in source materials)

Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
Key landscaping standard: For sites subject to a development plan under Article 84-26.18, 25% of the planned area must be landscaped; 75% of that open area must be planted and maintained with growing plants (§ 84-26.1402).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Article 84-49 District (district name not found in source materials)

Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
Key landscaping standard: “Maximum feasible landscaping” is required in this district, consistent with applicable off-street parking requirements (§ 84-49.1602).
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Mobile Home Parks / Subdivisions (Article 84-68)

Typical use: Mobile home parks and subdivisions.
Key landscaping standard: In a park, all areas not occupied by driveways, patios, and other park facilities must be landscaped (§ 84-68.1218). Subdivisions must comply with Article 84-68 standards (§ 84-68.1302).
Where it applies: Unincorporated areas where mobile home parks/subdivisions are permitted.

Planned Unit District — P-1

Purpose: Custom development controls via a preliminary/final development plan.
Landscaping/screening: The County may impose landscaping plans, plant maintenance, construction of fences/walls, floodlighting design, and other tailored standards—more or less restrictive than elsewhere in the ordinance—to protect amenities and welfare (§ 84-66.1404(5)–(6)).
Where it applies: Sites zoned P-1. Expect landscaping to be a negotiated condition during Design Review and entitlements.

Quick-reference standards

Topic	Core rule	Applies where	Code Reference
Parking next to residential	Provide a solid, vegetated wall/fence at 6 ft OR planted screen at 6 ft (with limits on raised elements)	Any parking area adjacent to R-, D-1, M- or residential P-1 parcel	§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(A)–(B)
Fence/wall max height	10 ft max; ZA may allow higher if secure and compatible; masonry/concrete/slatted chain-link for screening; no razor wire	Unincorporated areas (verify applicability by district)	§ 84-78.604(a)–(e)
Protected trees	No trench/grade/fill within dripline; no topping/removal without tree permit	Unincorporated areas	§ 816-6.6002; § 816-6.2002; § 816-6.2004
Minimum landscape area	At least 25% of lot landscaped; 75% of that planted (≥ 18.75% of lot planted)	Article 84-46 district	§ 84-46.1702
Development-plan projects	25% landscaped; 75% of that planted	Article 84-26 district (projects with Article 84-26.18 development plans)	§ 84-26.1402
Mobile home parks	All areas not used by driveways/patios/facilities landscaped	Mobile home parks	§ 84-68.1218
District with “max feasible”	Maximum feasible landscaping required consistent with parking rules	Article 84-49 district	§ 84-49.1602
P-1 custom conditions	Landscaping, fences/walls may be tailored—more/less restrictive than base code	P-1 Planned Unit District	§ 84-66.1404

Practical guidance

Coordinate early: Parking lot layouts, lighting, and screening are reviewed together under Development Standards and Design Review. Ensure the screening type (wall+plants vs. planted screen) fits utilities, sight lines, and access.
Design for mature conditions: Parking screens that “when planted” fully screen must be specified with sizes/species that achieve a complete visual barrier at installation (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(B)), then mature to maintain it.
Tie fences to the site plan: Show exact locations and maximum heights on your plot/site development plan (§ 84-78.604(c)). Avoid barred materials (e.g., razor wire) and pick materials compatible with rural-agricultural character where relevant (§ 84-78.604(b), (d)).
Protect existing trees: Site grading, irrigation trenches, and planter walls must stay outside protected trees’ driplines unless you have a tree permit (§ 816-6.6002). Coordinate with arborists to align landscaping with the tree ordinance.
District minimums matter: Some districts require substantial landscaped open area (e.g., 25% with 75% planted in Article 84-46 and 84-26) (§ 84-46.1702; § 84-26.1402). Confirm which article governs your parcel under Contra Costa County Zoning.
Plan for flexibility in P-1: In P-1, the County can set bespoke landscaping, screening, and fence standards via conditions (§ 84-66.1404). Expect case-by-case negotiation.

Checklist

Confirm parcel zoning, applicable article, and whether P-1 or an Overlay District applies (§ 82-2.004).
If providing off-street parking, check adjacency: Will any parking edge abut a residential zone or residential P-1 parcel? If yes, design a compliant 6 ft screen per § 82-16.404(a)(9).
Select screening type: solid masonry fence/wall with vegetation, or planted screen meeting the height/coverage rules (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(A)–(B)).
Show all fences/walls with locations and maximum heights on the site/plot plan; use allowed materials; prohibit razor wire (§ 84-78.604(b)–(d)).
Calculate landscaped open area required by district (e.g., 25% minimum; 75% planted) where applicable (§ 84-46.1702; § 84-26.1402).
For mobile home park projects, landscape all areas not used by driveways/patios/facilities (§ 84-68.1218).
Protect trees: locate driplines; avoid trenching/grading within driplines; obtain any required tree permit (§ 816-6.6002).
Coordinate with Design Review if applicable; integrate lighting orientation and parking circulation with screening (§ 82-16.404(a)(8)–(9)).
If standards pose hardship, consult Variances and Exceptions about potential relief; if the site is legally nonconforming, review Nonconforming Uses.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which district/article applies (84-26, 84-46, 84-49)	Landscaping minimums differ; some require specific percentages	Confirm the governing article and district name for the parcel. Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Applicability of § 84-78.604 to non-rural sites	Fence materials reference rural-agricultural character	Ask Planning if § 84-78.604 applies countywide or is district-limited for your site.
“Maximum feasible landscaping” (84-49)	Subjective standard affects site yield and design	Clarify expectations during pre-application/design review; document feasibility constraints (§ 84-49.1602).
“Complete screen when planted”	Insufficient initial density can trigger corrections	Specify plant sizes/spacing to meet immediate screening (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(B)).
Protected tree status	Work near driplines without a permit can violate code	Confirm whether trees are “protected” and measure driplines; secure permits (§ 816-6.6002).
P-1 custom conditions	Case-by-case conditions may be stricter than base code	Review adopted development plan conditions; § 84-66.1404 allows more/less restrictive landscaping/fence rules.
Historic setting	Additional design constraints may apply	If applicable, coordinate with Historic Preservation guidance.
Signage and screens	Monument signs integrated with landscaped setbacks	Coordinate with Signage rules to avoid conflicts.

Plain-English Summary

If you build in unincorporated Contra Costa County, expect to landscape significant open areas in certain districts and always screen parking next to homes. Parking lots abutting residential must be buffered by either a six‑foot solid, vegetated wall/fence or a six‑foot‑tall planted screen. Fences generally cap at ten feet and must use compatible materials, and you can’t trench or remove protected trees without a permit. Some districts add minimum landscaped‑area percentages, and P‑1 projects get custom landscaping conditions.

Information Gaps

District names and maps for Articles 84-26, 84-46, and 84-49 were not provided. Not found in source materials.
Whether § 84-78.604 (fences) applies countywide or to selected districts was not explicit in the materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code (Title 8 – Zoning): Off-Street Parking location and design, including screening next to residential — § 82-16.402; § 82-16.404(a)(8)–(9) (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Fences and walls — § 84-78.604(a)–(e) (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Tree protection and preservation — § 816-6.2002; § 816-6.2004; § 816-6.6002 (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Minimum landscaped area — § 84-46.1702 (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Development-plan landscaping requirement — § 84-26.1402 (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Maximum feasible landscaping (district requirement) — § 84-49.1602 (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Mobile home park landscaping — § 84-68.1218; and subdivision compliance — § 84-68.1302 (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: P-1 latitude for landscaping/fences/lighting — § 84-66.1404(5)–(6) (source materials; library.municode.com)
Contra Costa County Ordinance Code: Applicability in unincorporated territory — § 82-2.004; Site and environmental design — § 814-2.804; § 814-2.1004 (source materials; library.municode.com)

Sources

Source passages

Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-78.604) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 82-16.402) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 816-6.2004) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-66.1404) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 816-6.6002) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-49.1602) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-68.1218) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 814-2.804) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 814-2.1004) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-46.1702) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 816-6.2002) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-26.1402) Medium relevance
Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 82-2.004) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Contra Costa County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to screen my parking lot from neighboring homes in unincorporated Contra Costa County?

Yes. If any edge of your parking area is adjacent to a residential zoning district (R-, D-1, M-) or a residential parcel in P-1, you must either build a six-foot solid masonry wall/fence with vegetation or install a planted screen at least six feet tall that fully blocks views when planted (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)(A)–(B)).

What are the maximum fence and wall heights for screening in unincorporated Contra Costa County?

Fences and walls are generally limited to a maximum height of 10 feet. The zoning administrator can allow a higher, architecturally designed fence or wall if it provides better security and fits the rural-agricultural character. Razor wire is prohibited, and materials for screening fences/walls must be masonry, concrete, similar materials, or slatted chain-link (§ 84-78.604(a)–(d)).

How much of my site must be landscaped in certain Contra Costa County districts?

In the Article 84-46 district, at least 25% of the lot area must be landscaped, and at least 75% of that open area must be planted (≥18.75% of the lot). Projects under Article 84-26 development plans must also landscape 25% of the plan area with 75% of that planted (§ 84-46.1702; § 84-26.1402). Verify which article governs your parcel.

What are the landscaping requirements for mobile home parks?

All areas of a mobile home park not occupied by driveways, patios, or park facilities must be landscaped (§ 84-68.1218). Mobile home subdivisions must comply with Article 84-68 standards (§ 84-68.1302).

Can existing trees affect my landscape plan?

Yes. Protected trees are regulated countywide. You may not trench, grade, or fill within the dripline of a protected tree, nor cut, top, or remove a protected tree without a tree permit (with limited exceptions) (§ 816-6.6002; § 816-6.2002; § 816-6.2004).

In a P-1 Planned Unit District, can the County impose custom landscaping or screening?

Yes. In P-1, the County may adopt conditions that are more or less restrictive than base code, including landscaping plans, maintenance, and construction of fences/walls and lighting to protect community amenities (§ 84-66.1404(5)–(6)).

Do parking lot lights have to be coordinated with landscaping and screening?

Lighting for parking areas in non-residential districts must be downward-directed to prevent glare/spillover and maintained; coordinate fixture placement and landscaping to avoid conflicts (§ 82-16.404(a)(8)). Screening is separately required when adjacent to residential (§ 82-16.404(a)(9)).

Do these landscaping and screening rules apply throughout the County?

They apply in the County’s unincorporated areas governed by Divisions 82 and 84 (§ 82-2.004). Incorporated cities have their own ordinances.

General information, not legal advice.

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