Local zoning · Del Norte County

Del Norte County — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Del Norte County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills the landscaping, fencing, and screening rules that apply in unincorporated Del Norte County under the County’s zoning codes: Title 20 Zoning (non-coastal areas) and Title 21 Coastal Zoning (inside the California Coastal Zone). Most prescriptive landscaping/screening standards appear in the County’s objective standards for multi‑unit residential projects and in countywide interface rules for parking next to residential uses. In the coastal zone, visual resource protections may shape how projects use landscaping and siting to reduce view impacts.

Key rule in plain English: If you build a parking lot next to a residential district in unincorporated Del Norte County, you must install and maintain a fence or planting screen along the shared side/rear lot line (§ 20.46.60 ).

Link to related topics as you plan: see the County’s zoning overview, base Zoning, Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, Variances and Exceptions, and the California Building Standards Code.

What the ordinance requires

Parking lots and driveways abutting a residential district must be buffered: provide “a fence or screen of planting” along the side or rear lot line (§ 20.46.60 ).
Multi-unit residential projects (four or more units) are subject to objective design and development standards that include:
- Screen all service and auxiliary areas (trash, propane, tanks, utility boxes) from public street view with opaque walls or fencing; specific materials are prohibited (§ 20.68.20.D ).
- Separate internal pedestrian pathways from parking with landscaping, curbs, or other edge treatments (§ 20.68.20.C.2 ).
- Perimeter fencing standards: maximum 3 ft at front/street-facing property lines, 6 ft at rear and non-street-facing sides; side/rear fencing must use opaque materials; electrified, barbed/razor wire, sharp objects, and wrought iron are prohibited (§ 20.68.30 ).
- Screen rooftop mechanical equipment from view with a parapet or opaque materials (§ 20.68.30 ).
- Ground-floor private open space fencing must be at least 36 in. tall and of solid materials to provide privacy (§ 20.68.40.2.a ).
- These standards are “objective design standards” for qualifying multi-unit projects and may trigger additional design review if exceptions are sought (§ 20.68.20–.30; Objective Standards note ).
In the Coastal Zone, residential projects over 25 ft in height visible from mapped view corridors must submit a visual resources analysis; siting and design must protect views and minimize alteration of landforms (§ 21.50.80 ). Landscaping and screening strategies often support these findings.
Coastal permit exemptions: in areas the Coastal Commission has designated as “critically short water supply,” constructing or extending any landscaping irrigation system requires a Coastal Development Permit (§ 21.50.30.A.1.3 and A.2.3 ).

Quick standards table

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Parking next to residential	Provide fence or planting screen along the shared side/rear line	Any parking lot or driveway abutting a residential district in unincorporated areas	§ 20.46.60
Screen trash/utility areas	Fully opaque walls/fencing; prohibit electrified, barbed/razor wire, sharp objects, vinyl (for service/auxiliary areas)	Multi-unit residential projects (4+ units) in unincorporated areas	§ 20.68.20.D
Pathway–parking separation	Use landscaping, curbs, or edge treatments	Multi-unit residential projects (4+ units)	§ 20.68.20.C.2
Perimeter fence heights	3 ft max at front/street-facing; 6 ft max at rear/side	Multi-unit residential projects (4+ units)	§ 20.68.30
Perimeter fence materials	Side/rear must be opaque; ban electrified, barbed/razor wire, sharp objects, wrought iron (all fences/walls under this section)	Multi-unit residential projects (4+ units)	§ 20.68.30
Rooftop equipment	Screen with parapet or opaque materials	Multi-unit residential projects (4+ units)	§ 20.68.30
Private open-space fencing	At least 36 in. tall; solid materials for privacy	Ground-floor units in multi-unit projects	§ 20.68.40.2.a
Visual resource protections	Visual resources analysis; protect public views	Coastal Zone, residential structures >25 ft visible from mapped corridors	§ 21.50.80
Coastal irrigation systems	Irrigation construction/extension may need a CDP in “critically short water supply” areas	Coastal Zone (as designated)	§ 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3

District-by-district/overlay breakdown

Multi-Unit Residential Projects (Objective Design & Development Standards — § 20.68)

Purpose: Establish countywide objective, uniformly verifiable standards for qualifying multi-unit residential development (§ 20.68; Objective Standards note ).
Typical permitted context: Multi-unit housing (4+ units); other underlying district permissions still apply; consult base Zoning.
Key dimensional/siting highlights for landscaping/screening:
- Opaque screening of service/auxiliary areas; specific material bans (§ 20.68.20.D ).
- Pedestrian routes separated from parking by landscaping/edges (§ 20.68.20.C.2 ).
- Perimeter fencing height/material limits; rooftop equipment screening (§ 20.68.30 ).
- Private open-space fencing minimums for ground-floor units (§ 20.68.40.2.a ).
Where it applies: Unincorporated areas countywide wherever a qualifying multi-unit project is proposed (§ 20.68 ).

Parking Lot Interfaces with Residential Districts (§ 20.46.60)

Purpose: Protect adjacent residential areas from parking lot impacts with buffers.
Typical contexts: Commercial/industrial/institutional parking adjacent to residential districts.
Required screening: Fence or planting screen along side/rear property line where the lot/driveway abuts residential (§ 20.46.60 ).
Dimensional specifics: Not specified in § 20.46.60 beyond the requirement to construct and maintain the fence/planting screen; verify heights with applicable district standards. Not found in retrieved materials for general (non–§ 20.68) fence heights.

Coastal Combining District (C) — Highly Scenic Visual Resource Areas (V)

Purpose: Identify and protect coastal visual resources via the Local Coastal Program mapping (§ 21.35.70 ).
Typical permitted uses: Same as underlying coastal base district; overlay adds visual protections.
Key standards affecting landscaping/siting: Residential projects over 25 ft visible from designated view corridors require a visual resources analysis and must protect views; landscaping/siting can be used to minimize impacts (§ 21.50.80 ).
Where it applies: Mapped “V” areas within the Coastal Zone; verify overlay boundaries with Overlay Districts.

Coastal Combining District (C) — Access (A)

Purpose: Implement public access policies along the coast (§ 21.35.40 intent ).
Landscaping/screening specifics: Not found in retrieved materials (project-specific access improvements may influence site design). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Where it applies: Mapped “A” coastal access areas (§ 21.35.70 ).

Coastal Combining District (C) — Hazard (H)

Purpose: Address coastal hazards (e.g., tsunami run-up, erosion) that can drive setbacks and site design (§ 21.35.40–.50 context; hazard study requirements ).
Landscaping/screening specifics: Not found in retrieved materials. Vegetation choices may be constrained by hazard mitigation. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Where it applies: Mapped “H” hazard areas (§ 21.35.70 ).

Coastal Combining District (C) — Special Development Pattern Areas (S)

Purpose: Apply location-specific permit conditions/patterns identified in the Coastal Element (§ 21.35.60 ).
Landscaping/screening specifics: Not found in retrieved materials; conditions are site/program specific (see listed areas in § 21.35.60).
Where it applies: Mapped “S” areas with identified conditions (§ 21.35.60, § 21.35.70 ).

Practical design notes for applicants

Treat the fence/planting screen at residential interfaces as a required buffer early in site planning (§ 20.46.60 ).
For multi-unit projects, show opaque enclosures for all service/auxiliary areas on the site plan and elevations; avoid prohibited materials, and specify finish colors as part of the package (§ 20.68.20.D ).
Use low shrubs/planters to separate walkways from parking. Provide details/sections that clearly show the landscaped edge condition (§ 20.68.20.C.2 ).
Keep rooftop units below parapets or provide screens detailed to match the building (§ 20.68.30 ).
In the coastal zone, if your project is tall and visible from mapped view corridors, anticipate view simulations and consider landscape/siting to maintain view corridors (§ 21.50.80 ).
If you need irrigation within the coastal zone, check whether a Coastal Development Permit is required due to “critically short water supply” designations (§ 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3 ).

Checklist

Confirm your site’s base zone and whether you are in unincorporated Del Norte County’s Coastal Zone (Zoning, Overlay Districts).
If proposing 4+ units, apply the § 20.68 objective standards: service area screening, pathway/parking separation, perimeter fence limits, rooftop equipment screens (§ 20.68.20–.40 ).
If any parking/driveways abut a residential district, include a fence or planting screen along the side/rear line on plans and details (§ 20.46.60 ).
In mapped coastal “V” areas, prepare a visual resources analysis for residential structures >25 ft and refine siting/landscaping accordingly (§ 21.50.80 ).
In coastal “critically short water supply” areas, determine if landscape irrigation triggers a CDP (§ 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3 ).
Coordinate early with staff if seeking deviations; you may need Design Review or a Variance (§ 20.68 objective standards note ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability of § 20.68 to your project	These standards are specific to multi‑unit residential (4+ units)	Confirm project type and unit count; if not multi‑unit, § 20.68 fence/screen rules may not apply (§ 20.68.20–.40 ).
Fence materials ban scope	§ 20.68.30 bans certain materials for fences/walls under that section	If not a § 20.68 project, ask whether countywide fence standards exist; Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 20.68.30 ).
“Residential district” definition for parking screening	Triggers § 20.46.60 requirement	Identify the adjacent zoning to confirm it is a residential district (§ 20.46.60 ).
Height/design in coastal view areas	Height/visibility drive visual analysis and potential design changes	Check if site lies in a mapped view corridor or “V” area; confirm height and line‑of‑sight (§ 21.50.80, § 21.35.70 ).
Irrigation in Coastal Zone	May unexpectedly require a CDP	Determine if project is within a “critically short water supply” area (§ 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3 ).
Maintenance expectations for plant screens	Code requires construction and maintenance of screens	Include an O&M note; confirm any enforcement or replacement standards. Not found in retrieved materials (§ 20.46.60 ).

Plain-English Summary

For unincorporated areas, Del Norte County requires buffers where parking touches homes and sets clear, objective screening rules for multi‑unit housing: hide trash and utility areas, separate walkways from parking with landscaping, limit fence heights, use opaque materials at the sides/back, and hide rooftop equipment. In the Coastal Zone, taller visible projects must show they protect public views, and in designated water‑short areas, even irrigation lines may require a coastal permit.

Information Gaps

Countywide fence height/material standards outside § 20.68 (multi‑unit projects): Not found in retrieved materials.
Any minimum landscape area/planting quantity standards for parking lots or sites (percent landscape, tree counts): Not found in retrieved materials.
Detailed planting palette or maintenance standards: Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

Title 20 Zoning: Parking screening at residential edge — § 20.46.60
Title 20 Zoning: Objective Design & Development Standards for Multi‑Unit Projects — § 20.68.20 (site layout/screening), § 20.68.30 (perimeter fencing; rooftop equipment), § 20.68.40 (private open space fencing)
Title 21 Coastal Zoning: Visual Resources Analysis for taller residential structures — § 21.50.80
Title 21 Coastal Zoning: Coastal Combining District mapping categories (H/A/V/S) — § 21.35.70; special development pattern areas — § 21.35.60
Title 21 Coastal Zoning: Coastal permit exemptions and irrigation systems — § 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3

Sources

Retrieved passages

CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (§ 52) High relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (Section 65913.4) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (§ 52) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (section a) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (section ongoing) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (section a) Medium relevance
Del Norte County Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Del Norte County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to screen my parking lot from nearby homes in unincorporated Del Norte County?

Yes. If a parking lot or its driveway abuts the side or rear lot line of a lot in a residential district, you must construct and maintain a fence or a planting screen along that shared property line (§ 20.46.60 ).

What fence heights are allowed for multi-unit housing projects?

For qualifying multi‑unit projects, fences at front/street‑facing property lines are limited to 3 ft, and those along rear and non‑street‑facing side lines are limited to 6 ft; side/rear fencing must use opaque materials (§ 20.68.30 ).

Are any fence materials prohibited?

For multi‑unit projects under § 20.68, electrified fencing, barbed/razor wire, sharp objects (like spires or glass), and wrought iron are prohibited for fences/walls; vinyl is prohibited for service/auxiliary area enclosures (§ 20.68.20.D; § 20.68.30 ).

Do I need to hide rooftop HVAC units?

Yes, for multi‑unit residential projects. Rooftop mechanical equipment must be screened from view with a parapet or opaque materials (§ 20.68.30 ).

Do coastal projects have special landscaping or screening rules to protect views?

There are no prescriptive planting counts, but if a residential structure in the Coastal Zone exceeds 25 ft and is visible from designated view corridors, a visual resources analysis is required and the project must protect coastal views; landscaping and siting are typically used to meet this (§ 21.50.80 ).

Can installing a landscape irrigation system require a Coastal Development Permit?

Yes. In areas the Coastal Commission has designated as having a critically short water supply, constructing or extending a landscaping irrigation system requires a CDP (§ 21.50.30.A.1.3, A.2.3 ).

Are there minimum landscape areas or tree requirements for parking lots?

Not found in retrieved materials. The code does require screening of parking next to residential uses and landscaped separation of walkways from parking in multi‑unit projects (§ 20.46.60; § 20.68.20.C.2 ).

Will my multi-unit project’s screening details go through design review?

If you seek exceptions or deviations from objective standards, the project may require a use permit and could be subject to discretionary design review (§ 20.68 Objective Standards note ). Verify with Planning.

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