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Local zoning · Corona

Corona — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Corona requires water-efficient landscaping when landscaped area is at least 2,500 sq ft (developer) or 5,000 sq ft (homeowner), with MAWA capped at 70% of ETo and plans signed by a licensed landscape professional (§ 17.70.070). A “screen” is a continuous barrier at least 6 ft high (§ 17.04.537), and in one district all yards must be landscaped with curb planters and irrigation, with decorative block walls ≥ 6 ft where abutting residential and no chain link or wood allowed (§ 17.33.070).

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

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

Overview

Corona’s zoning code centralizes landscaping, screening, fences, and walls in Title 17, with citywide technical rules in Chapter 17.70 and district-specific cross-references that make those rules apply to individual zoning chapters. The code also defines what counts as “landscaping” and “screening,” imposes water-efficient landscape design standards, and, in at least one district, strictly limits fence materials and requires a 6 ft residential buffer wall. This page focuses on what the local ordinance requires for on-site planting, irrigation, screening walls/fences, and related submittals.

Screening in Corona means a continuous fence/wall or evergreen hedge, at least 6 feet high, effectively blocking views, with openings only for access drives and walks (§ 17.04.537).

Core Definitions and Citywide Standards

  • Definitions:

    • Landscaping is planting and the continued maintenance of suitable ornamental vegetation with adequate irrigation; limited paved/gravel/dust-free areas may be included (§ 17.04.333).
    • Screening is a continuous fence with supplemental planting, a continuous wall, evergreen hedge, or combination, at least 6 ft high, broken only for access (§ 17.04.537; see also § 17.04.327 as referenced).

  • Water-efficient landscaping program (Chapter 17.70):

    • Purpose: Implement state water-efficiency objectives, including capping water demand at a maximum of 70% of reference evapotranspiration (MAWA) (§ 17.70.070(A)(1)(e)).
    • Applicability thresholds (§ 17.70.070(A)(2)):
      • Developer-installed: New or rehab projects with landscaped area ≥ 2,500 sq ft (with additional rehab conditions).
      • Homeowner-installed: New or rehab projects with landscaped area ≥ 5,000 sq ft (with additional rehab conditions).
    • Submittal and approvals (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)):
      • Use city Standard Landscape Design Plans; submit for review.
      • Plans must be signed by a California registered landscape architect or landscape professional.
      • Include water-use calculations per the city’s Guidelines.
      • Prior to final approval, submit a signed Landscape Certification Form confirming conformance.
    • Plant palette and irrigation (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(b)-(d)):
      • Address water conservation per the Guidelines and, as appropriate, Chapter 13.28.
      • Specify WUCOLS Region 4 (South Inland Valley) plants with “medium” or lower water needs; “high” is prohibited except in bioswales.
    • Model homes: At least one in each subdivision must demonstrate water-efficient landscaping with on-site information for buyers (§ 17.70.070(A)(2)(b)).
    • Exceptions: Historical sites, certain ecological/mined-land restoration, existing cemeteries before June 30, 2008, and other projects listed in § 17.70.070(A)(3).

  • Existing natural vegetation:

    • Must remain in a natural state unless modification is approved through site plan review (§ 17.62.090). Coordinate with any required design review path where applicable.

District-by-District Application (as provided in Title 17)

The sections below show how individual zoning chapters incorporate Corona’s citywide landscaping/screening standards. Where a chapter provides unique standards, they are noted. For district names and mapped locations corresponding to the chapter numbers below: Not found in source materials (Verify with the jurisdiction and the Corona Zoning map).

Chapter 17.08 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.08.130)

  • Purpose: Directs projects in this chapter to the general conditions of Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards: Governed by Chapter 17.70 (see Water-Efficient Landscaping, definitions).
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.08 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.12 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.12.130)

  • Purpose: Applies the general conditions of Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Citywide landscaping and screening rules of Chapter 17.70 apply.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.12 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.14 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.14.130)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Citywide landscaping/screening rules apply.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.14 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.18 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.18.130)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Citywide landscaping/screening rules apply.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.18 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.20 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.20.130)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Citywide landscaping/screening rules apply.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.20 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.28 — Walls, fences and landscaping (§ 17.28.130)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70 and adds a front yard landscaping mandate.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards:
    • Front yard shall be landscaped with appropriate trees, shrubs, flowers, and grassed areas (§ 17.28.130(B)).
    • All other landscaping, fences, and walls per Chapter 17.70 (§ 17.28.130(A)).
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.28 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.32 — Landscaping (§ 17.32.050)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards: Citywide landscaping/screening rules apply.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.32 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

Chapter 17.33 — Landscaping, walls, fences (§ 17.33.070)

  • Purpose: Applies Chapter 17.70 and sets district-specific yard landscaping, planter curb, irrigation, and fence material rules.
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key standards (§ 17.33.070):
    • Front, side, and rear yards required for a lot/building shall be fully landscaped per Chapter 17.70 and Planning Department landscape standards.
    • Include concrete curb planters; maintain landscaping continuously via an operable irrigation system.
    • Fencing materials: wrought iron or decorative block required. Wood, precision block, and chain link are prohibited.
    • Residential interface: Fences/walls directly abutting a residentially used or zoned parcel shall be decorative block, minimum 6 ft high.
  • Where it applies: District(s) codified in Chapter 17.33 (Verify with the jurisdiction).

South Corona Landscaping Fees (Area-Specific)

  • If your project is in the South Corona fee area, the city may require landscaping fees at subdivision approval and/or building permit to fund off-site and subdivision landscaping improvements identified in the Landscape Facilities Fee Study (§ 16.25.111). Fees are deposited in the “South Corona Landscaping Fees Fund” and spent only on the identified facilities (§ 16.25.112). Offsets may apply where a community facilities or assessment district already funds related landscaping (§ 16.25.111(C)). Verify applicability with Corona Development Standards.

Decision-Relevant Standards at a Glance

Topic Standard Trigger/Where It Applies Code Reference
Screening height Continuous screen at least 6 ft high; openings only for access Citywide definition § 17.04.537
Water budget cap MAWA ≤ 70% of reference evapotranspiration Projects subject to § 17.70.070 § 17.70.070(A)(1)(e)
Applicability threshold (developer-installed) Landscaped area ≥ 2,500 sq ft (with rehab-specific conditions) New or rehab projects § 17.70.070(A)(2)(a)1–2
Applicability threshold (homeowner-installed) Landscaped area ≥ 5,000 sq ft (with rehab-specific conditions) New or rehab projects § 17.70.070(A)(2)(a)3–4
Plant palette WUCOLS Region 4 “medium” or lower; “high” prohibited (except bioswales) All § 17.70.070 projects § 17.70.070(A)(4)(c)
Plan signer Plans signed by CA registered landscape architect or landscape professional All § 17.70.070 projects § 17.70.070(A)(4)(a)
Certification at completion Landscape Certification Form required before final All § 17.70.070 projects § 17.70.070(A)(4)(e)
Front yard landscaping Front yard must be landscaped Chapter 17.28 district(s) § 17.28.130(B)
Yard landscaping, planters, irrigation All required yards landscaped; concrete curb planters; continuous irrigation Chapter 17.33 district(s) § 17.33.070(A)
Fence materials Wrought iron or decorative block; wood/precision block/chain link prohibited Chapter 17.33 district(s) § 17.33.070(B)
Residential interface buffer Decorative block wall ≥ 6 ft when abutting residential use/zoning Chapter 17.33 district(s) § 17.33.070(B)
Existing natural vegetation Remains unless modified via site plan review Citywide § 17.62.090

How this ties into other Corona approvals

  • Landscape plans required under § 17.70.070 use city standard templates and go through plan review alongside your core entitlement and building plans. If your project also needs design review, keep the submittals consistent, especially where landscaping is used to screen parking, utilities, or loading.
  • Some areas or special project types may sit within overlay districts with additional landscape or visual screening objectives. Verify overlay-driven conditions early.
  • Seeking relief from specific landscape/wall requirements? Limited relief may be sought via variances and exceptions; success depends on site hardship and findings, not preference.

Checklist

  • Confirm whether your chapter/district cross-references Chapter 17.70 (most do) and whether special rules (e.g., § 17.28.130, § 17.33.070) also apply.
  • Determine if the project meets § 17.70.070 applicability thresholds (≥ 2,500 or ≥ 5,000 sq ft landscaped area).
  • Prepare landscape plans on city Standard Landscape Design Plans; include MAWA/EAWU calculations per the Guidelines (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(a)-(b)).
  • Select plant materials with WUCOLS Region 4 “medium” or lower water needs; avoid “high” except in bioswales (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(c)).
  • Ensure irrigation design prevents overspray/runoff and supports hydrozones; include pressure regulation where needed (§ 17.70.070(A)(1) and definitions § 17.70.015).
  • For Chapter 17.33 districts: design concrete curb planters, full yard landscaping, and continuous irrigation; use only wrought iron or decorative block fencing; add ≥ 6 ft decorative block wall where abutting residential (§ 17.33.070).
  • For Chapter 17.28 districts: landscape the front yard with appropriate plants (§ 17.28.130(B)).
  • Preserve existing natural vegetation unless site plan review approves modification (§ 17.62.090).
  • Obtain signature by a CA registered landscape architect or landscape professional and submit the Landscape Certification Form before final (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(a), (e)).
  • If in South Corona fee area, budget/pay landscaping fees or verify applicable offsets (§ 16.25.111–.112).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
District names for Chapters 17.08, 17.12, 17.14, 17.18, 17.20, 17.28, 17.32, 17.33 Knowing the exact district (e.g., residential vs. commercial) clarifies which projects must follow extra yard or fence rules Not found in source materials; confirm mapped district labels with the city and the Corona zoning & planning overview
When a “screen” is required vs. optional The code defines screening but project-specific triggers may be elsewhere Not found in source materials; check your entitlement conditions and any overlay requirements
Detailed fence heights outside § 17.33.070 Maximums/minimums may vary by yard and district Not found in source materials; consult Chapter 17.70 fence height tables (Verify with the jurisdiction)
“Concrete curb planters” specs Dimension, curb profile, and soil volume affect design Not found in source materials; consult the Planning Department landscape standards referenced in § 17.33.070(A)
Parking lot landscaping ratios and tree count Often required to shade and screen parking Not found in source materials; cross-check with project conditions and Corona Development Standards
Water-budget calculation method Submittal must match the city’s Guidelines Use the city Guidelines referenced in § 17.70.070 and ensure WUCOLS Region 4 selections
South Corona fee boundaries and rates Only some parcels pay, and fees update annually Verify current fee schedule and whether a district assessment offsets fees (§ 16.25.111(C))

Plain-English Summary

Corona requires most projects to follow Chapter 17.70’s water-efficient landscaping rules, including capped water use, approved plant lists, and sign-off by a licensed landscape professional. Some districts add extra requirements: one mandates fully landscaped yards, curb planters, continuous irrigation, specific fence materials, and a minimum 6 ft decorative block wall next to residential. A “screen” in Corona is a continuous 6‑foot barrier, and natural vegetation should remain unless a site plan modification is approved.

Source References

  • § 17.04.333 (Landscaping — definition)
  • § 17.04.537 (Screening — definition; see also § 17.04.327 as referenced)
  • § 17.08.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.12.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.14.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.18.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.20.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.28.130 (Walls, fences and landscaping — Chapter 17.70; landscaped front yard)
  • § 17.32.050 (Landscaping — Chapter 17.70 applies)
  • § 17.33.070 (Landscaping, walls, fences — fully landscaped yards; curb planters; irrigation; fence materials; 6 ft residential buffer)
  • § 17.62.090 (Landscaping — preserve existing natural vegetation unless modified via site plan review)
  • § 17.70.015 (Definitions for Chapter 17.70)
  • § 17.70.070 (Landscaping — water-efficient measures, thresholds, procedures, plant/irrigation requirements)
  • § 16.25.111–.112 (South Corona Landscaping Fees and fund)

Sources

Source passages

  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.04.537) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.33.070) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.04.333) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.28.130) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.70.070) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.62.090) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.12.130) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 16.25.112) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.08.130) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.70.015) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.32.050) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.20.130) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 16.25.111) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.14.130) Medium relevance
  • Corona Zoning Code (§ 17.18.130) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

When do Corona’s water-efficient landscape rules apply to my project?

They apply to developer-installed projects with landscaped area of at least 2,500 sq ft (and certain rehab thresholds) and homeowner-installed projects with at least 5,000 sq ft (and certain rehab thresholds) (§ 17.70.070(A)(2)). If you meet a threshold, you must use the city’s standard plan templates, submit calculations, and get sign-off by a licensed landscape professional (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)).

What counts as “screening” under Corona’s zoning code?

Screening is a continuous fence/wall or evergreen hedge, at least 6 ft high, that effectively blocks views, with openings only for access drives and walks (§ 17.04.537). Use this when a project or condition of approval calls for screening; some districts also require specific materials at residential edges (§ 17.33.070(B)).

Are high-water-use plants allowed in Corona landscapes?

Not for projects subject to § 17.70.070. Plants must be selected from WUCOLS Region 4 with medium or lower water needs; high-water-use plants are prohibited, except in bioswales (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(c)).

Do I need a licensed landscape architect to sign my plans?

Plans must be signed by a California registered landscape architect or a landscape professional authorized under state law (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(a)). A Landscape Certification Form with a compliance statement is also required before final approval (§ 17.70.070(A)(4)(e)).

Do front yards have to be landscaped?

Yes, in the district(s) governed by Chapter 17.28, the front yard must be landscaped with appropriate plants (§ 17.28.130(B)). Another district (Chapter 17.33) requires all required yards to be landscaped with curb planters and continuous irrigation (§ 17.33.070(A)).

What fence materials are allowed next to residential properties?

In the district(s) governed by § 17.33.070, fences/walls directly abutting a residentially used or zoned parcel must be decorative block and at least 6 ft high (§ 17.33.070(B)). In that district, wood, precision block, and chain link fencing are prohibited; wrought iron or decorative block are required (§ 17.33.070(B)).

Do I have to preserve existing natural vegetation?

Yes. Existing natural vegetation and land formations must remain in a natural state unless a modification is approved through site plan review (§ 17.62.090). Coordinate any proposed changes during entitlement and design review.

Are there special landscaping fees in South Corona?

Yes. Projects within the South Corona area may owe landscaping fees at subdivision and building permit stages to fund specified improvements; revenues go to the South Corona Landscaping Fees Fund (§ 16.25.111–.112). Offsets may apply if you are in a community facilities or assessment district (§ 16.25.111(C)).

General information, not legal advice.

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