Local zoning · El Dorado County

El Dorado County — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the El Dorado County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page explains how landscaping and screening are regulated under El Dorado County’s zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas. The focus is on when landscaping plans are required, what counts as acceptable screening, and how fences, walls, and trees are treated under Title 130 of the County Code. It ties these rules to zone families (residential, commercial, industrial/R&D, and agricultural/resource) and key overlays that often add conditions.

The single biggest trigger: non-residential and multi‑unit residential development in unincorporated areas must provide landscaping and may need a Water Efficient Landscape Plan under § 130.33.020; single‑unit homes generally don’t trigger Chapter 130.33 unless another rule pulls them in.

What the ordinance actually requires

  • Landscaping plan triggers and content

    • The County’s Landscaping Standards are in Chapter 130.33. Before a building permit is issued, projects in the applicable use types must submit landscape plans consistent with the County’s adopted Landscaping and Irrigation Standards (Resolution 198‑2015) and California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Gov. Code 65591–65599) per § 130.33.010 and § 130.33.020.
    • Applicability: All ministerial and discretionary development for industrial, research and development, commercial, multi‑unit residential, civic, or utility uses must landscape non‑building areas; a Water Efficient Landscape Plan may be required under § 130.33.020.
    • Exemptions/limits: Commercial uses on land zoned Agricultural, Rural Lands, or Resource are exempt from Chapter 130.33, except that a permanent parking lot next to a public road still must meet County landscaping standards, and paved lots must meet County shade standards in the DISM/LDM under § 130.33.030(A)–(B).

  • Fences, walls, and screening tools

    • Measurement and front yards: Fence height is measured to the top of the fence from grade; in any zone and for non‑agricultural uses, fences/walls at least 50% open are allowed up to 7 ft in primary and secondary front setbacks; solid fencing in the primary front yard may not exceed 40 inches per § 130.30.070(A)–(B)(1)–(2).
    • Sight triangles (CVA): To protect visibility, no fence/wall over 40 inches within the driveway CVA triangle (10 ft legs) or the corner‑lot CVA triangle (25 ft legs), per § 130.30.070(B)(7)–(8).
    • Side/rear yards and tall combinations: Up to 7 ft cumulative height by right; up to 10 ft cumulative height may be approved with neighbor consent via Administrative Permit, per § 130.30.070(C).
    • Agricultural fencing in setbacks is allowed up to 14 ft in the listed ag/rural zones (R1A, R2A, R3A, RE, RL, AG, PA, LA, FR, TPZ), per § 130.30.070(D).
    • Prohibited materials and permitting: Concertina/barbed/razor wire are prohibited unless a Minor Use Permit demonstrates necessity and safety; ROW/County‑maintained road easements ban fences except limited cases, per § 130.30.070(F), (G), (J). A building permit is required for fences over 7 ft, § 130.30.070(I).
    • Trellises/arbors: A trellis is treated like a fence for setbacks; an arbor less than 50% open is a structure subject to zone setbacks, per § 130.30.050(C)(h).

  • Riparian buffers, native landscaping, and what’s allowed in stream setbacks

    • Where riparian standards apply: Adjacent to perennial/intermittent streams, wetlands, and sensitive riparian habitat, per § 130.30.050(F)(2). Ministerial projects generally must set back 25 ft from intermittent streams/wetlands/sensitive habitat and 50 ft from perennial lakes/rivers/streams, with potential reductions based on a biological evaluation, § 130.30.050(F)(3)(d).
    • Allowed within riparian areas: Native landscaping and certain fencing (consistent with front‑yard fencing rules) are allowed if they don’t interfere with water flow or wildlife corridors, § 130.30.050(F)(4)(a)–(b).
    • Specific larger setbacks are mapped for certain waterbodies (e.g., Folsom Lake 200 ft; American River 100 ft) at Table 130.30.050.H.1, cross‑referenced by § 130.30.050(F)(7).

  • Open‑space buffers in planned developments

    • In some residential planned developments the open‑space requirement can be reduced if it’s improved for recreation or passive purposes such as landscaped buffers or greenbelts, per § 130.28.060(B)(2).

  • Oak trees and landscaping: when removal/impact triggers permits

    • Oak resources in unincorporated areas are protected; removing or impacting oaks typically requires compliance with Chapter 130.39 (Oak Resources Conservation Ordinance). The ordinance details exemptions (e.g., defensible space maintenance) and requires mitigation/monitoring when impacts occur, see § 130.39.040, § 130.39.050, § 130.39.100.

District-by-district: how landscaping and screening apply

Below are the zone families used in the County’s ordinance and how landscaping/screening typically shows up in each. For a full zone list, see the El Dorado County Zoning and El Dorado County Land Use pages.

  • Residential zones — RM, R-1, R20K, R1A, R2A, R3A, RE

    • Purpose/uses: Single‑unit to multi‑unit residential and estate‑residential forms. Dimensional standards (e.g., front setbacks of 20–30 ft depending on district) appear in the residential table; e.g., the R‑1 front setback is 20 ft and R1A is 30 ft per Table 130.24.030.
    • Landscaping: Multi‑unit residential developments must comply with § 130.33.020 for landscaped areas and may need a Water Efficient Landscape Plan; single‑unit homes typically don’t trigger Chapter 130.33.
    • Screening/fences: Front‑yard fence limits (40 inches for solid; 7 ft if ≥50% open) and CVA triangles control visibility near driveways/corners, § 130.30.070(B). Side/rear cumulative heights to 7 ft by right; up to 10 ft with Administrative Permit and neighbor consent, § 130.30.070(C).
    • Where it applies: Countywide unincorporated neighborhoods; some projects in a planned development can use landscaped buffers as open space per § 130.28.060(B)(2).

  • Commercial zones — typically GC (General Commercial) and CC (Community Commercial)

    • Purpose/uses: Retail, services, mixed commercial activities; CC is also used in the Tahoe Basin context.
    • Landscaping: Chapter 130.33 applies to commercial development; permanent parking lots next to public roads must meet County Landscaping & Irrigation Standards; paved lots must meet DISM/LDM shade requirements, § 130.33.030(A)–(B).
    • Screening/fences: Same front‑yard visibility/CVA and height limits as above in § 130.30.070; sight‑triangle restrictions often drive wall/landscape placement.
    • Where it applies: Community commercial corridors and centers in unincorporated areas; some corridors may be subject to El Dorado County Design Review or scenic overlays that add context‑sensitive landscaping expectations (Verify with the jurisdiction).

  • Industrial and research — IL (Industrial—Low), IH (Industrial—High), R&D (Research & Development)

    • Purpose/uses: Production, distribution, and technology campuses; cannabis and telecom siting examples in these zones confirm industrial/R&D districting.
    • Landscaping: Chapter 130.33 applies to industrial/R&D projects, § 130.33.020.
    • Screening/fences: Standard § 130.30.070 rules apply for fence location/height.
    • Storage yards: The Specific Use Regulations require storage yards to be fully screened (by buildings, solid fencing, or landscaped berms) with landscaping in addition to screening; a Director may waive where an interior industrial lot is not publicly visible. Exact section number Not found in retrieved materials; text appears within Chapter 130.40 (Specific Use Regulations) immediately before § 130.40.330. Verify with the jurisdiction.

  • Agricultural and resource — AG, LA, PA, RL, FR, TPZ

    • Purpose/uses: Working lands and resource production. The ordinance assigns large‑lot designators and special setback concepts for ag/resource protection.
    • Landscaping: Commercial uses on these zones are exempt from Chapter 130.33, but permanent parking lots next to a public road still require landscaping; paved lots must meet shade requirements, § 130.33.030(A)–(B).
    • Screening/fences: Agricultural fencing up to 14 ft allowed within setbacks in these zones, § 130.30.070(D).
    • Where it applies: Countywide unincorporated lands designated for agriculture, range, forestry, or TPZ.

  • Tahoe Basin (-T) Combining Zone and other overlays

    • Purpose/uses: Tailored standards inside the Tahoe Basin; the ordinance references TRPA standards for setbacks/coverage and shows CC and I as Tahoe‑area zone labels. Landscaping in Tahoe may be further conditioned by TRPA; check the Overlay Districts and Tahoe pages for project‑specific applicability.

Key standards and triggers (at a glance)

Topic Where it applies Core rule Code Reference
Landscape plans required Industrial, R&D, commercial, multi‑unit residential, civic, utility Provide landscaping for non‑building areas; may need a Water Efficient Landscape Plan § 130.33.020
Exemption on ag/resource land Commercial uses on AG/RL/Resource zones Exempt from Ch. 130.33, except parking lot landscaping next to a public road and paved‑lot shade § 130.33.030(A)–(B)
Front‑yard fences All zones, non‑ag uses ≥50% open: up to 7 ft; solid: max 40 in (primary front) § 130.30.070(B)(1)–(2)
Corner/driveway visibility All zones No fence/wall over 40 in in CVA triangles (10 ft at driveways; 25 ft at corners) § 130.30.070(B)(7)–(8)
Side/rear cumulative height All zones Up to 7 ft by right; up to 10 ft with Admin. Permit + neighbor consent § 130.30.070(C)
Agricultural fencing R1A, R2A, R3A, RE, RL, AG, PA, LA, FR, TPZ Up to 14 ft in setbacks § 130.30.070(D)
No fences in ROW County‑maintained ROW/easements Prohibited, with narrow exceptions § 130.30.070(F)
Trellis/arbor treatment All zones Trellis = fence for setbacks; arbor <50% open = structure § 130.30.050(C)(h)
Riparian buffers Near streams/wetlands 25 ft (intermittent) / 50 ft (perennial); native landscaping and certain fencing allowed § 130.30.050(F)(3)(d), (F)(4)(a)–(b)
Waterbody‑specific setbacks Major lakes/rivers/creeks See Table 130.30.050.H.1 § 130.30.050(F)(7), Table 130.30.050.H.1

Related topics you’ll likely touch as you design: Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, Signage, and if you’re adding a second unit, see California ADU law. For the building code (not zoning), see the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist

  • Confirm your site’s base zone and any overlays in unincorporated El Dorado County; check if the project type triggers Chapter 130.33.
  • If applicable, prepare a landscape plan meeting the County’s Landscaping and Irrigation Standards (Resolution 198‑2015) and MWELO content.
  • For commercial/industrial or multi‑unit projects, coordinate parking‑lot landscaping and shade per DISM/LDM requirements.
  • Site all fences/walls to meet front‑yard height limits and CVA triangles; verify side/rear cumulative heights and any Admin. Permit need.
  • On ag/resource or rural‑residential parcels, confirm if agricultural fencing up to 14 ft is warranted and allowed.
  • If near streams/wetlands, confirm riparian setbacks and which low‑impact uses (e.g., native landscaping, compliant fencing) are allowed within buffers.
  • If oak trees could be impacted, determine whether Oak Resources rules apply and if permits/mitigation are required.
  • If a storage yard is proposed, plan full screening and landscaping per Specific Use Regulations; seek Director waiver only where criteria are met (Verify section number with the County).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Storage yard screening section number You need the exact § for permit conditions The storage yard screening text occurs in Chapter 130.40 before § 130.40.330; confirm the exact § with Planning.
Parking‑lot shade metrics Shade is required by DISM/LDM, but numeric targets aren’t in Chapter 130.33 text Confirm current DISM/LDM shade ratio/planting density with the County.
Overlay add‑ons (e.g., Scenic Corridor, Tahoe -T) Overlays can add design/landscaping constraints Check Overlay Districts and, in Tahoe, TRPA applicability.
Riparian setback reductions Setbacks can sometimes be reduced with a biological evaluation Whether your site conditions allow a reduced buffer under § 130.30.050(F)(3)(d).
Fence materials above 7 ft Over‑height and hazardous materials can trigger permits or denials Whether your proposal needs a Minor Use Permit and/or building permit under § 130.30.070(G), (I), (J).
Oak tree removal during landscaping Unpermitted oak impacts bring significant penalties and delays Whether your work is exempt or needs permits/mitigation under Chapter 130.39.

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated El Dorado County, most commercial, industrial/R&D, utility, civic, and multi‑unit residential projects must landscape their non‑building areas and often file a water‑efficient landscape plan. Fences and walls are your primary screening tools, but front yards have tight rules (solid fencing is usually capped at 40 inches; see‑through fencing up to 7 feet is common), and corner/driveway triangles must stay low for visibility. Near streams/wetlands, only low‑impact actions like native landscaping and compliant fencing are allowed inside buffers. If your plan touches oaks, check the oak‑resource ordinance early to avoid surprises.

Source References

  • Title 130—Zoning, enactment and applicability; unincorporated‑area scope: § 130.10.010–.020.
  • Landscaping Standards (content/applicability/exemptions): § 130.33.010, § 130.33.020, § 130.33.030.
  • Fences, Walls, and Retaining Walls: § 130.30.070(A)–(K).
  • Setbacks and projections; trellises/arbors; CVA cross‑references: § 130.30.050(C).
  • Riparian buffers, allowed uses, and specific waterbody setbacks: § 130.30.050(F)–(H) and Table 130.30.050.H.1.
  • Residential zone development standards (context for setbacks/heights): Table 130.24.030.
  • Planned Development open‑space alternatives (landscaped buffers): § 130.28.060(B)(2).
  • Oak Resources—prohibitions, exemptions, mitigation/monitoring: § 130.39.040, § 130.39.050, § 130.39.100.

Information Gaps

  • Exact section number in Chapter 130.40 for Equipment and Material Storage Yards and Residential Storage Areas screening. Not found in retrieved materials.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CFC § 8.42.700 (Chapter 130.33) High relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 6409) High relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 1600-1607) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section for) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 130.52.010 (Section 130.52.010) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (title of) High relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 130.52.070) High relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Article 8) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 130.40.030 (Section are) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Title 130) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 130.30.070) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 130.52.040) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 130.52.010) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section shall) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 130.52.020 (Chapter 110.16) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 130.30.070 (Chapter 130.52) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 1 (Chapter 8.09) Medium relevance
  • El Dorado County Zoning Code (Section 130.40.190) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landscape plan for a small retail building in unincorporated El Dorado County?

Yes—commercial development must landscape non‑building areas and may be required to submit a Water Efficient Landscape Plan per § 130.33.020. If the site is on ag/rural/resource‑zoned land, Chapter 130.33 generally doesn’t apply except that permanent parking lots next to public roads must still be landscaped, and paved lots must meet shade requirements (§ 130.33.030).

How tall can my front fence be?

In any zone for non‑agricultural uses, a see‑through fence (≥50% open) can be up to 7 ft; a solid fence in the primary front yard is capped at 40 inches. Corner/driveway visibility triangles further limit heights near intersections and driveway edges, all per § 130.30.070(B).

Are agricultural fences treated differently?

Yes. On parcels in the R1A, R2A, R3A, RE, RL, AG, PA, LA, FR, and TPZ zones, “agricultural fencing” is allowed in any setback up to 14 ft high under § 130.30.070(D).

Can I landscape inside a creek setback?

Only low‑impact uses are allowed within riparian buffers—native landscaping and certain compliant fencing are allowed if they don’t obstruct flow or wildlife movement. Standardized buffers are typically 25 ft (intermittent) and 50 ft (perennial), with possible reductions based on a biological evaluation, per § 130.30.050(F).

Do parking lots need trees or shade?

Permanent paved parking lots must meet County shade requirements in the DISM/LDM, and lots next to public roads must meet County landscaping standards, per § 130.33.030(A)–(B). The numeric shade target is set in the DISM/LDM, not the zoning chapter (verify the current ratio with the County).

I’m planning a storage yard. What screening is required?

Specific Use Regulations require full screening from public views using building placement, solid fencing, or landscaped berms, together with landscaping. A Director may waive screening for interior industrial lots not visible to the public. The text appears in Chapter 130.40 immediately before § 130.40.330; confirm the exact § with the County.

Are there extra landscaping rules in the Tahoe Basin?

Projects in the Tahoe Basin (-T) Combining Zone must also satisfy TRPA standards in addition to County zoning. Check overlays and TRPA requirements early, as they can affect setbacks, coverage, and site design.

Will oak tree removal for my landscape plan need a permit?

Often yes. Chapter 130.39 regulates oak resources Countywide in unincorporated areas. There are exemptions (e.g., ongoing defensible space), but many removals require permits and mitigation; penalties for unpermitted removal can be significant (§ 130.39.040, § 130.39.050, § 130.39.100).

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