Local zoning · Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Diamond Bar local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
Overview
This page summarizes what the Diamond Bar Development Code (Title 22) requires for landscaping, screening, fences/walls, and tree protection. It explains when a landscape plan and irrigation documentation are required, the screening standards between uses (for example commercial next to residential), fence/wall height rules, and the city’s water‑efficient landscape and tree‑preservation rules — all tied to the controlling local code sections. See the code for parcel‑specific interpretation and follow up with the director when in doubt.
Key city rules at a glance
- Landscaping program required for projects that need an administrative or discretionary land use permit; final landscape plan must be approved before installation or building permits are issued (see § 22.24.020 and § 22.24.030) .
- Screening between nonresidential and residential uses: solid masonry wall plus planting (typical wall height 6 ft) and mechanical/outdoor storage screening rules (see § 22.16.080) .
- Fences/walls: general heights and measuring rules; front/street side yard maximum 42 in, rear/interior side 6 ft; special rules for retaining walls and variation with grade (see § 22.20.030 – § 22.20.060) .
- Minimum landscape areas and parking lot landscape/screening standards (percentages, planter widths, tree spacing, and parking perimeter screen height 30–42 in) — see Table 3‑6 / Table 3‑7 and § 22.24.050 and parking/landscaping subsections in § 22.30 .
- Water‑efficient landscape documentation and irrigation plan required for most non‑single‑family landscape work (see Chapter 22.26) .
- Protected trees (oaks, walnut, sycamore, willow ≥ 8" DBH and other designated trees) require a tree removal or pruning permit (see Chapter 22.38) .
(References above point directly to the Development Code excerpts retrieved from the Diamond Bar Title 22 print export.)
District-by-district landscaping & screening (how the rules apply across zoning districts)
The Development Code establishes district groups in Table 2‑1 — residential, commercial/industrial, special purpose, and overlays — and then applies the landscaping/screening rules from Chapter 22.24, the fences/walls rules from Chapter 22.20, and the screening rules from § 22.16.080. For each district below I summarize the district purpose, typical uses, the most decision‑relevant dimensional and landscape cues, and where landscaping/screening is required. For definitions of each district see Table 2‑1 and Article II (Zoning Districts) in the code.
Note: whenever a district sheet says "Landscaping — as required by chapter 22.24," the specific technical requirements (plan, plant mix, irrigation, minimum % of site landscaped, parking lot planting, and maintenance) come from Chapter 22.24 and the water‑efficient Chapter 22.26; see the cited sections below.
RR (Rural Residential)
- Purpose / typical uses: large‑lot single‑family and rural living.
- Key dimensional notes: Minimum lot area large (see Table 2‑4); setbacks measured per § 22.16.090. Landscaping required where development review triggers Chapter 22.24 (new development, subdivisions) .
- Where it applies: hillside/rural parcels; when landscaping is required, follow Chapter 22.24 and Hillside Management § 22.22 (e.g., slope planting and native vegetation retention).
RL, RLM (Low / Low‑Medium Density Residential)
- Purpose / typical uses: detached single‑family neighborhoods. Landscaping: front yard parkway landscaping requirement and the general landscape standards. New single‑family lots must landscape the parkway/front yard with automatic irrigation; turf limited to 50% of landscaped area when that standard applies (Chapter 22.24) .
RM, RMH, RH, RH‑30 (Multifamily / higher density residential)
- Purpose / typical uses: townhomes, apartments, mixed residential. Multifamily projects are explicitly subject to the objective design standards and to multifamily landscaping / parking lot planting rules. Table 3‑6 identifies minimum site landscaping percentages for RM / RMH / RH (see the code tables) and parking lot planting ratios (trees per parking spaces) are in Chapter 22.30.
OP, OB, CO (Office / Business / Commercial Office)
- Purpose / typical uses: professional offices and business parks. Front and street‑side landscaped setbacks are sizeable (e.g., 20 ft front for OP) and landscaping minimums for OP/OB/CO are higher (see Table 3‑6 / Chapter 22.24) — these districts are required to meet Chapter 22.24 landscaping and the parking/landscaping rules in Chapter 22.30.
C‑1, C‑2, C‑3 (Commercial: neighborhood → regional)
- Purpose / typical uses: retail, service, community and regional commercial. Front setback typically includes a 10 ft landscaped setback or equal to adjoining residential front setback; landscaping required per Chapter 22.24; parking areas abutting streets must provide an opaque screen (30–42 in) or combination of berm/wall/fence and planting. See § 22.16.080 and the district tables.
I / M‑1 / Light Industry
- Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, light industry. Landscaping minimums are reduced (Table 3‑6 shows I = 10% minimum landscaped area), but outdoor storage and equipment areas must be screened by walls, fences and/or plantings and subject to director review per § 22.16.080.
AG (Agricultural), OS (Open Space / Conservation), REC (Recreation)
- Purpose / typical uses: agriculture, open space, parks and private recreation (golf). Landscaping and tree preservation rules (Chapter 22.38) apply where development occurs; many AG/OS sites are constrained by hillside/canyon protections and the Hillside Management chapter (22.22).
SP (Specific Plan zones) and mixed‑use (TCSP)
- Purpose / typical uses: site‑specific standards (TCSP implements Town Center Specific Plan). Landscaping and screening are handled by the applicable specific plan text plus the general Chapters 22.24 and 22.30 unless the specific plan says otherwise. Where the specific plan is silent, Title 22 standards apply.
PD (Planned Development) overlay and C‑3‑PD/hotel
- Purpose / typical uses: PD gives flexibility but the approving permit can modify development standards including landscaping; the PD approval will specify landscaping obligations and may require higher standards than base district (see § 22.14.030). C‑3‑PD hotel overlay has project‑specific conditions but still must demonstrate compliance with landscape and screening intent unless the PD modifies them. Verify conditions on the PD permit.
What the code requires: concrete technical points (table)
| Requirement / Topic | Key numeric or descriptive rule | Code reference (controlling §) |
|---|---|---|
| When a landscape plan is required | All projects requiring an administrative or discretionary land use permit must provide a landscape plan; final plan approved before installation or building permit issuance | § 22.24.020, § 22.24.030 |
| Minimum landscaped area by district | Commercial C‑1/C‑2/C‑3 15%, OP/OB/CO 20%, Industrial 10% (see Table 3‑6) | Table 3‑6 (Chapter 22.24) / § 22.24.05x (landscape standards and table references) |
| Planting mix (minimum sizes) | Plant mix must follow Table 3‑7: 24‑inch box trees 20% of tree count, 15‑gal 80%; shrubs mix 5‑gal 70% / 1‑gal 30%; groundcover 100% cover within 2 years | Table 3‑7 / § 22.24.050 |
| Parking perimeter screening | Perimeter planter / screen height 30–42 in (planting, berm, fence or wall acceptable); trees: 1 per 20 ft of planting strip | § 22.16.080(5) and Chapter 22.30 (parking lot landscaping) |
| Walls between districts | Where nonresidential abuts residential (and where multifamily abuts single‑family): solid masonry wall, 6 ft | § 22.20.060 |
| Fence/wall maximum heights | Rear/interior side: 6 ft; Front/street side: 42 in (open work allowed higher in some cases); sight triangles exceptions apply | § 22.20.030 – § 22.20.050 |
| Mechanical / roof equipment screening | Must be screened from public view and from residential/open space views with architecturally compatible screening and landscaping when at ground level | § 22.16.080(2) |
| Protected trees | Native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow ≥8" DBH; tree removal/pruning permit required; topping prohibited | Chapter 22.38 (e.g., § 22.38.030 – § 22.38.050) |
| Water‑efficient/irrigation plan | Automatic controllers, hydrozones, rain/moisture sensors; separate landscape water meters may be required (except some SF projects) | Chapter 22.26 and § 22.24.050(3) |
(Consult the cited local code sections for the full text and any cross references such as parking and setbacks.)
Practical guidance / how decisionmakers apply the rules
- If your project is in any commercial or multifamily district, assume a required landscape plan and a separate irrigation plan will be needed with your entitlement package (see § 22.24.030 and Chapter 22.26) .
- When a commercial parcel borders residential, expect a masonry wall (~6 ft) plus planting on the residential side (minimum 10 ft planting area adjacent to the residential side of a required wall) — the code authorizes the director to approve architectural treatments and limited waivers only in narrow circumstances (see § 22.16.080 and § 22.20.060) .
- For parking lot design, provide planters with a minimum 5 ft inside width around tree planters and design hydrozones to avoid overspray/runoff; provide trees at roughly 1 per 20 lineal ft along street planting strips and 1 tree per ~8 parking spaces in commercial/multifamily lots (industrial differs) — see Chapter 22.30 and § 22.24.050 for the planting math and irrigation requirements .
- If a protected tree is on site (oak, walnut, sycamore, willow ≥8" DBH), stop and apply for a tree removal or pruning permit — the code prohibits topping and limits pruning without a permit (Chapter 22.38) .
Inline links (first mention of related topics): the Development Code integrates with other local processes such as the citywide zoning & planning overview, Zoning, Land Use, and the Development Standards used by review staff. Expect coordination with parking, design review, and any overlay districts that modify landscaping obligations; ADU landscaping interactions are covered under ADUs. For construction standards the city follows the California Building Standards Code.
Checklist (what an applicant must submit or satisfy)
- Determine your parcel zoning (e.g., RL, RM, C‑2) and check any overlays/PD that may change standards — see Article II and PD rules .
- Preliminary landscape plan if required with entitlement; final landscape plan before building permit per § 22.24.030 .
- Landscape documentation package: landscape design plan, irrigation design plan, certificate of substantial completion, and any grading/soil analysis required (Chapter 22.26) .
- Show plant mix calculations meeting Table 3‑7 requirements and drought‑tolerant/native emphasis; show turf percentage (turf ≤50% in single‑family parkway/front yard contexts) .
- Demonstrate parking lot landscaping, perimeter screening (30–42 in), planter widths (min 5 ft where trees provided), and tree counts (trees per lineal feet / per parking spaces) per Chapters 22.30 and 22.24 .
- If the project abuts residential, include walls/fence details (masonry 6 ft where required), and show the 10‑ft planting strip on the residential side if a wall/fence is required (§ 22.20.060 & § 22.24.050) .
- If protected trees are present, submit a tree removal/pruning permit request and show preservation/replacement planting (Chapter 22.38) .
- Include mechanical equipment screening details (rooftop screens, ground equipment screening) per § 22.16.080 .
- Provide surety or certificate of substantial completion for landscape installation if installation will occur after occupancy (see landscape plan submittal rules) .
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Exact minimum % landscaped for a specific parcel | Table references exist (Table 3‑6) but project‑specific exceptions/PDs can change requirements | Verify the applicable table entry and whether the site is in a PD or specific plan that adjusts landscape %; confirm with the director (Chapter 22.24) |
| Whether an existing masonry wall satisfies the 6 ft wall requirement between districts | Director can waive/modify where an existing wall is present only if findings are met | Confirm whether the existing wall "meets or can be modified" and obtain concurrence from adjacent owner; reference § 22.20.060(4) |
| Protected tree status and DBH measurement | Tree protection rules can stop construction and require replacement planting, delaying work | Have a certified arborist inspect DBH, then apply for tree removal/pruning permit under Chapter 22.38 before demolition or grading |
| Slope/hillside planting requirements vs. standard landscape tables | Hillside rules can impose additional slope planting, erosion control, and jute netting | If project involves slopes, coordinate with Hillside Management (Chapter 22.22) and include slope planting and erosion control measures in the landscape package |
| Whether screening method (berm vs fence vs wall vs planting) is acceptable | Director/hearing officer approval is required for screening designs and mechanical screening | Show cross‑sections and materials, and note screening will be "architecturally compatible"; get an early pre‑application meeting with planning staff (see § 22.16.080 and development review procedures) |
Plain-English Summary
If you are building or changing a use in Diamond Bar and your project requires planning approval, you will almost always need a stamped landscape plan and irrigation plan that follow Diamond Bar’s chapters on landscaping (Chapter 22.24) and water‑efficient landscaping (Chapter 22.26). Expect rules that (1) require a minimum share of your site to be planted, (2) set tree sizes and mix of plants, (3) require parking lot planters and a low screen (30–42 in) at the street, and (4) require masonry walls and planting where commercial meets residential; protected native trees require their own permits. See the cited Development Code sections and verify specifics with the planning director.
Information Gaps
- Exact codified section number that formally labels Table 3‑6 (Minimum Landscaped Area) appears in the Development Code export but the table sits immediately before § 22.24.050 in the retrieved text; the code text references Table 3‑6 directly but the discrete section number that houses Table 3‑6 was not presented as a labeled "Sec. 22.24.040" in the retrieved extract I could reliably cite. Verify Table 3‑6 location with the city clerk or Development Services. (Table material shown in the code export.)
- Project‑level waivers and PD modifications are discretionary — the director/commission’s findings and any PD approvals may change numeric standards; parcel‑specific determination: "Verify with the jurisdiction." See § 22.14 and the PD sections.
Source References
- Diamond Bar Development Code, Title 22 — Chapter 22.24 (Landscaping Standards): Purpose, applicability, plan requirements, landscape standards (plant mix, minimum planter widths, irrigation) — §§ 22.24.010, 22.24.020, 22.24.030, 22.24.050.
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Screening & buffering standards: § 22.16.080 (screen between uses, equipment and parking screening 30–42 in).
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Fences, hedges, and walls: Chapter 22.20 (measurement, heights, walls between districts, design and prohibited materials). § 22.20.030 – § 22.20.070.
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Landscape documentation / water‑efficient landscape: Chapter 22.26 (documentation package, irrigation plan requirements).
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Tree preservation and protection: Chapter 22.38 (protected trees, tree removal/pruning permits).
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Parking lot landscaping and site planning (cross references in Chapter 22.30 and 22.16).
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section provides) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter 22.38) High relevance
- CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.48.050) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 20) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (title 7) High relevance
- CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.16.090) High relevance
- CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
- CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (Section 65583.2) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.16.060) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.42.120) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (article V) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter 22.22) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter 22.48) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter 22.30) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (article III) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter 22.24) High relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (chapter provides) Medium relevance
- Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.16.050) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Diamond Bar Development Code, Title 22 — Chapter 22.24 (Landscaping Standards): **Purpose**, applicability, plan requirements, landscape standards (plant mix, minimum planter widths, irrigation) — §§ **22.24.010**, **22.24.020**, **22.24.030**, **22.24.050**. (Title 22)
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Screening & buffering standards: **§ 22.16.080** (screen between uses, equipment and parking screening 30–42 in). (§ 22.16.080)
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Fences, hedges, and walls: **Chapter 22.20** (measurement, heights, walls between districts, design and prohibited materials). **§ 22.20.030 – § 22.20.070**. (Chapter 22.20)
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Landscape documentation / water‑efficient landscape: **Chapter 22.26** (documentation package, irrigation plan requirements). (Chapter 22.26)
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Tree preservation and protection: **Chapter 22.38** (protected trees, tree removal/pruning permits). (Chapter 22.38)
- Diamond Bar Development Code — Parking lot landscaping and site planning (cross references in Chapter 22.30 and 22.16). (Chapter 22.30)
- DiamondBar_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a landscape plan for a single‑family house addition in Diamond Bar?
If the addition is part of a project that requires an administrative or discretionary land use permit, yes — a preliminary landscape plan at entitlement and a final landscape plan before building permit are required per § 22.24.030. For typical homeowner additions that only need a building permit and are exempt from development review, the code exempts some homeowner‑provided landscaping, but the front/parkway landscaping rule and water‑efficient standards may still apply; check § 22.24.020 and Chapter 22.26 and verify with the director.
What screening does Diamond Bar require when a commercial site borders single‑family homes?
The code requires an opaque screen consisting of plant material and a solid masonry wall 6 ft in height where a commercial development adjoins a residential zoning district; the wall must be architecturally treated and pedestrian gates may be allowed in some circumstances (§ 22.16.080 and § 22.20.060). The residential side typically needs a planting strip (minimum widths are specified in § 22.24.050).
How high can my yard fence be in Diamond Bar?
General limits: rear and interior side yard fences/walls up to 6 ft; front and street side yards up to 42 inches (open‑work fences allowed in some exceptions). Retaining walls, sight lines, and topography rules can change the measurement; see § 22.20.030 – § 22.20.050 for measurement rules and exceptions.
What landscaping is required for parking lots (trees, screening, planter sizes)?
Parking lot landscape must meet Chapter 22.30 and Chapter 22.24: perimeter planting strips equal to the setback or 7 ft, screening to 30–42 in from street view, trees at approx. one per 20 lineal feet of planting strip, interior parking landscaping of 5% of gross parking area with trees (one tree per ~8 spaces for commercial/multifamily), and planters minimum 5 ft interior width where trees are provided (§ 22.30 and § 22.24.050).
Are there protected tree rules I need to follow before I remove or prune big trees?
Yes. Native oak, walnut, sycamore, willow of DBH ≥ 8 inches and trees designated by the council are protected; removal or major pruning requires a permit from the director — topping is prohibited and pruning limits apply (see Chapter 22.38). Obtain a tree permit before cutting or major pruning.
If my site is in a Planned Development (PD) can landscaping requirements be changed?
A PD approval can modify development standards, including landscaping, if the PD ordinance or approval document explicitly does so; otherwise the base district and Chapters 22.24/22.30 apply. Review the PD conditions and the conditional use/PD permit (see § 22.14.030). Verify the approved PD exhibit or ordinance for any deviations.
Is an irrigation plan always required?
An irrigation design plan is required as part of the landscape documentation package for projects subject to Chapter 22.26 (water‑efficient landscape). Single‑family homeowner‑installed landscaping is often excepted, but most development projects (and landscapes ≥2,500 sq ft or non‑single‑family projects) must submit irrigation documentation including controllers, hydrozones and water‑efficiency measures per Chapter 22.26 and § 22.24.050(3).
How does Diamond Bar treat mechanical equipment / rooftop equipment from a screening standpoint?
Mechanical and utility equipment must be screened from public view and from adjacent residential/open space views; screening must be architecturally compatible and may incorporate ground landscaping when equipment is ground mounted (see § 22.16.080(2)). The director reviews and approves screening design as part of development review.
Can turf be used freely in new commercial landscaping?
No — the code emphasizes drought‑tolerant and native species and water efficiency. Turf is limited in certain contexts (new single‑family front yard turf capped at 50% of landscaped area; overall plans must emphasize drought‑tolerant plants and hydrozones; see § 22.24.050 and Chapter 22.26).
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