Local zoning · Del Rey Oaks

Del Rey Oaks — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Del Rey Oaks local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Del Rey Oaks Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) requires for landscaping and screening (including buffers, fences/walls, parking screening, and trees) and how those rules vary by district. It interprets the code so applicants and homeowners know which documents to submit, when design review applies, and where to verify parcel‑specific requirements. For the city's general zoning map and district definitions see the Del Rey Oaks Zoning & planning overview and the full Del Rey Oaks Zoning menu.

How to read this page

Key, district-by-district rules (what matters for landscaping & screening)

The Del Rey Oaks zoning title establishes several district chapters; landscaping/screening requirements are embedded across them (design review, yard rules, parking, and zone‑specific development standards). Below are the district-level syntheses — purpose, typical uses, the landscaping/screening items you must plan for, and the controlling ordinance citations.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose & typical uses: R-1 is the single‑family residential district; typical uses are detached single‑family homes and accessory structures. See § 17.04.020 for district designations.
  • Landscaping/screening rules you must follow:
    • Fences and hedges are regulated: no fence/hedge may exceed 6 ft in height on any property line behind the front building line; in front yards the maximum is 3 ft unless a use permit is obtained. Cite: § 17.08.040(D).
    • Routine exterior improvements that affect appearance (including plot landscaping for projects requiring permits) fall under design review when a use permit/variance or certain building permits are required — see § 17.56.030–040.
    • Setbacks and yard dimensions (which affect where planting and screening can go) are prescribed (for example § 17.08.050 front yard).

Practical note: a fence or hedge taller than the limits requires a use permit; if your project also needs a use permit or variance anticipate design review and the requirement to submit a landscape/plot plan (§ 17.56.040(A)).

R-2 (Multiple‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose & typical uses: R-2 covers duplexes and small multi‑family dwellings. See § 17.04.020.
  • Landscaping/screening rules:
    • Yard and spacing standards (minimum rear yard 15 ft, minimum distances between buildings) determine usable planting zones (§ 17.12.080–090).
    • For multi‑unit projects the design review and plot landscaping expectations (usable open space, landscaped corridors) apply per § 17.56.030–040 and district standards in Chapter 17.12.

Practical note: multi‑family projects are commonly subject to design review and must show landscaping that meets the open‑space and maintenance expectations (see D zone standards described below that are illustrative).

D (Garden‑Apartment / Design Control)

  • Purpose & typical uses: D districts are garden‑type apartment districts where maximizing usable open space, preserving trees and landscaping, and visual screening are explicit objectives (§ 17.16.010–020).
  • Landscaping/screening rules:
    • Open space and landscape areas are mandatory: common open space must be at least 10% of site area or 150 sq ft per unit; landscaped areas of at least 8 ft depth may be counted (§ 17.16.040(C)(4–c,i)).
    • The city requires that open spaces not in natural condition be adequately landscaped and maintained in a healthy, weed‑free condition (§ 17.16.040(C)(4)).
    • Design review is required for residential development in the D zone and landscape plans are part of the submission (§ 17.16.040(G)(1); § 17.56.040(A)).

Practical note: large multifamily projects must submit a site plan and topographic map showing trees (trees over 6 in. diameter are explicitly called out in plot/plan submittal rules — see design review/site survey requirements below).

C / C‑1 (Commercial districts)

  • Purpose & typical uses: C districts allow retail and other commercial uses (Chapter 17.20). Within this class, C‑1 has additional conditions in § 17.24.050.
  • Landscaping/screening rules (C‑1 highlights):
    • Where a C‑1 zone fronts across the street from an R or D zone, parking/loading areas must be set back at least 10 ft from that street and that setback must be permanently landscaped with woody plants (§ 17.24.050(B)).
    • Off‑street parking areas must be effectively screened (§ 17.24.050(E)) and surfaced/maintained (§ 17.24.050(F)).
    • Architectural designs and landscaping layouts in C‑1 are subject to city council or architectural control committee approval (§ 17.24.050(I)).

Practical note: commercial projects across from residential neighborhoods must plan a 10 ft landscaped buffer with woody plants and show screening for parking on the landscape/plot plan submitted for review.

ST (Special Treatment) and Overlays

  • ST districts require plot plans showing existing and proposed trees, and specifically call out trees over six inches diameter to be identified on plot plans; landscaping and open spaces are emphasized (§ 17.28.010–040).
  • Overlay zones (for example Affordable Housing Overlay) carry their own development standards and may require the same design review and landscaping commitments; consult the Overlay Districts page and the ordinance chapter for details (§ 17.90 and local overlay chapters — verify with the city). Not all overlay specifics about screening were retrievable in the provided materials. Not found in retrieved materials: overlay-specific planting lists or buffer dimensions beyond what's specified in each overlay chapter.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

Topic / District What you must provide or follow Code reference
R‑1 — fence heights (front vs rear) Rear/property‑line fences ≤ 6 ft; front yard fences ≤ 3 ft unless use permit § 17.08.040(D)
Design review — landscaping submission triggers Landscape plans and plot landscaping are required for projects subject to design review; site survey & tree mapping required for many permits § 17.56.030–040
C‑1 — parking setback / buffer Parking/loading areas across from R/D: 10 ft setback permanently landscaped with woody plants; off‑street parking must be screened § 17.24.050(B)(E)(F)
D — open space & landscape counting Common open space ≥ 10% of site or 150 sq ft/unit; landscaping ≥ 8 ft depth may count toward open space § 17.16.040(C)(4)
Site surveys — tree mapping Site survey must show all trees 6 in. diameter or greater on and adjacent to site; required for variances and new construction § 17.56.040(B)(3–5)

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Submit a landscape/plot plan whenever your project triggers design review (use permits, variances, new construction in many zones); the design review board explicitly reviews plot plan landscaping and parking area landscaping (§ 17.56.030–040).
  • If your property borders a commercial zone (or vice versa), expect buffering requirements: C‑1 projects across from R/D zones must show a 10‑ft landscaped setback with woody plants and screened parking (§ 17.24.050(B, E)).
  • For trees, the ordinance expects the preservation of existing significant trees in several places (plot plans must show trees over 6 in. diameter; projects in ST and D zones must mark trees to be removed). Include an inventory on the site survey as required by § 17.56.040(B)(3–5) and § 17.28 for ST districts.
  • For fences/walls/hedges, use the front/side/rear height limits in § 17.08.040(D) and plan changes that exceed these heights through a use permit; note that some fences may be exempt from design review only if they are of allowable heights (§ 17.56.030 explicitly excludes fences of allowable heights from some review triggers).
  • Expect maintenance obligations where the code requires landscaping to be “adequately landscaped” and “maintained in a healthy and weed‑free condition” (notably § 17.16.040(C)(4) for D zone projects).

Checklist (what an applicant should include)

  • A clear site/plot plan showing property lines, buildings, driveways, utilities, all trees ≥ 6 in. diameter, and existing fences/walls (§ 17.56.040(B)(3–5)).
  • A landscape plan that shows species, size at planting, irrigation, and maintenance responsibility where design review or zone rules require it (§ 17.56.040(A); § 17.16.040(C)).
  • If in C‑1 across from R/D, show a 10 ft landscaped setback with woody plants and screened parking (surfacing/drainage details) (§ 17.24.050(B, E, F)).
  • If proposing fences/walls: show heights and locations; confirm front yard fence height ≤ 3 ft and rear/property‑line fence ≤ 6 ft, or include a use‑permit application (§ 17.08.040(D)).
  • If requesting a variance, new construction, or building within 3 ft of a required setback, include a Site Survey and, if needed, a Topographic Survey (§ 17.56.040(B)(3–4)).
  • Evidence of long‑term maintenance arrangements (HOA, owner, or maintenance agreement) for required landscaped open space where applicable (§ 17.16.040(C)(4)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Fence height vs. visibility / sight lines Front‑yard height limit is 3 ft; taller fences require a use permit and may trigger design review (§ 17.08.040(D)) Verify exact property front line, whether the fence is behind the “front line of dwelling,” and whether a use permit or design review is required.
Tree removal and preservation Trees ≥ 6 in. DBH must be shown on surveys; some zones require minimizing tree removal (§ 17.56.040(B)(3); § 17.28). Verify whether the project is in an area or overlay with additional tree protection rules and obtain an arborist report if removal is proposed.
What constitutes “effectively screened” parking The code requires screening but does not provide a species list or exact screening height in every case (§ 17.24.050(E)). Confirm screening method (hedge, wall, berm) with planning staff or design review board; supply planting details and expected mature height.
Landscaping maintenance obligations D zone requires landscaping to be “adequately landscaped” and maintained in a healthy weed‑free condition (§ 17.16.040(C)(4)). Verify acceptable maintenance language and whether a maintenance surety, landscaping covenant, or HOA maintenance plan is required.
Overlays and project incentives Overlays may change setbacks/coverage and thereby affect where buffers/screening must go (e.g., AH‑OZ). Overlay chapters vary in required detail. Check the specific overlay chapter that applies to your parcel and confirm with the Planning Department; some overlay text not fully present in provided materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

Del Rey Oaks requires you to show real landscaping on your plans when your project triggers design review (common for new buildings, use permits, and many multi‑unit or commercial changes); trees 6 inches or larger must be mapped; fences are limited to 3 ft in front yards and 6 ft elsewhere unless you get a use permit; commercial projects next to residences must provide a 10‑ft landscaped buffer and screened parking. Always verify parcel‑specific overlay rules and whether your change triggers the Planning Commission/design review. (§ 17.08.040, § 17.24.050, § 17.16.040, § 17.56.030–040).

Source References

  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Ordinance, Design Review (purpose, scope, procedures): § 17.56.020; § 17.56.030; § 17.56.040.
  • Del Rey Oaks R‑district yard and fence rules (fences & hedges): § 17.08.040(D); front yard/side yard requirements § 17.08.050–060.
  • Del Rey Oaks D district development standards (open space, landscaping expectations): § 17.16.040(C)(4) and related D‑zone subsections.
  • Del Rey Oaks C‑1 district other required conditions (parking setbacks, landscaped buffers, parking screening): § 17.24.050(B, E, F, I).
  • Del Rey Oaks ST district plot plan / tree mapping expectations and accessory rules: Chapter 17.28 (see § 17.28.030–080).
  • Site survey / tree mapping requirements (trees ≥ 6 in.) in design/submittal procedures: § 17.56.040(B)(3–5).

Also useful internal pages (linked in the text above):

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-224.2) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-205-A-4) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • CFC § 090 Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-207.2) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.16.020) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-657) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.90.030) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-208) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-224.3) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 1.11 (Chapter as) Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a landscape plan with a building permit in Del Rey Oaks?

Not always. The design review rules require landscape plans for projects that trigger design review — specifically projects requiring a variance, use permit, or new construction subject to design review — and § 17.56.040(A) says plot plans and landscape plans are to be submitted as part of that review. If your project is small and does not trigger those approvals, a standalone building permit may not require a full landscape plot plan; verify with planning staff.

What are the maximum fence heights I can build on my lot?

Front yard fences are limited to 3 ft and fences/hedges along property lines behind the front building line may be up to 6 ft; anything taller requires a use permit (§ 17.08.040(D)). Verify where the “front line of dwelling” is measured on your parcel.

Is parking screened or landscaped in commercial zones?

Yes. In C‑1 zones that are across the street from R or D zones, parking and loading areas must be set back 10 ft from that street and that setback must be permanently landscaped with woody plants; off‑street parking areas are required to be effectively screened (§ 17.24.050(B, E)).

How does Del Rey Oaks treat existing trees on a development site?

Site surveys must show all trees 6 in. diameter or greater on site and adjacent areas; the D and ST districts explicitly require showing trees and minimizing removal where feasible. Include a tree inventory on your site survey and expect the design review board to evaluate tree impacts (§ 17.56.040(B)(3–5); § 17.28).

If my project is in the D (garden apartment) zone, how much landscaped open space do I need?

Common open space must be the greater of 10% of the site or 150 sq ft per dwelling unit; landscaped areas with a minimum depth/width of 8 ft can be counted toward that open space (§ 17.16.040(C)). The ordinance also requires that non‑natural open spaces be adequately landscaped and maintained.

Will I automatically need design review if I add a fence or a small shed?

Not necessarily. Design review applies to developments that require a variance, use permit, or a building permit for new buildings or exterior structural changes; the ordinance explicitly excludes some building permits from design review, including fences of allowable heights (see § 17.56.030). However, if your fence exceeds the height limits and a use permit is required, design review and a site survey/flagging may be required. Verify specifics with planning staff.

Do overlay zones change landscaping/screening rules?

They can. Overlay chapters (for example Affordable Housing or Visitor Commercial overlays) contain additional development standards that may alter setbacks, open space calculations, or design review expectations; consult the relevant overlay chapter and the Overlay Districts page, and verify with the Planning Department. Not all overlay planting lists or buffer dimensions were present in the retrieved materials.

Are there species lists or exact planting specifications in the city code?

The zoning code sets the performance/placement standards (setbacks, depths, screening) and the design review requirement to submit landscape plans, but it does not provide a comprehensive plant species list or a uniform planting schedule in the sections retrieved. For project‑level guidance, the design review board or staff may request species and sizes; some utility or technical guidance (e.g., screening of transformers) appears only in external guidance documents (Not found in retrieved materials in the code; see the utility greenbook for examples). Verify with planning staff for preferred species or submittal requirements.

If I want a wall instead of plants for screening, is that allowed?

Yes; walls/retaining structures can be used for screening but they must meet the same zoning limits (location, setbacks) and may be considered in design review. Where a wall becomes taller than allowed fence heights in front zones or changes lot coverage/setbacks, a use permit or variance may be required. Always show proposed walls on the site survey/landscape plan and check whether the design review board or city council must approve them (§ 17.08.040(D); § 17.56.040).

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