Local zoning · El Segundo

El Segundo — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What landscaping does El Segundo require along street frontages?

El Segundo requires one deciduous or evergreen on‑site tree per 25 feet of street frontage in front, rear and street‑facing side setbacks, planted within 10 feet of the property line where utilities permit; street‑facing setbacks must be at least 50% softscape (see § 15‑2‑14 )

Q: What fence heights are allowed on a single‑family lot in El Segundo?

In residential zones a fence or wall up to 42 inches may be located in required yards; 6‑foot fences/walls are allowed anywhere on the lot behind the required front yard; adjustments up to 8 ft are possible with approval — see § 15‑2‑4 .

Q: Are artificial turf and synthetic grass allowed?

Artificial turf is allowed only in side and rear yards , must not contain hazardous materials , must include a pervious surface to address percolation/drainage/stormwater, and must be incorporated into a comprehensive landscape/site plan ( § 15‑2‑14 )

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the El Segundo zoning/planning ordinance requires for landscaping and screening (trees, buffers, fences/walls, screening of equipment and parking areas) in the City’s zoning code. The controlling provisions live in the El Segundo municipal zoning title (chapter/section numbers begin with 15‑ in the retrieved materials), especially § 15‑2‑14 (Landscaping), § 15‑2‑8 (Screening), and the rules on walls and fences in § 15‑2‑4. For project-level dimensional rules see the city's El Segundo zoning & planning overview and the city’s El Segundo Development Standards. All requirements below are grounded in the local code text cited.

Key citywide rules (plain-English synthesis)

Planting minimums: the code requires one on‑site tree per 25 feet of street frontage in setback areas (front, rear, and street‑facing side setbacks) and specifies trees be planted within 10 feet of the property line where utilities allow; this is a citywide rule in § 15‑2‑14.
Vehicular Use Areas (VUA): surface parking areas must provide landscaped planter area equal to 5% of the VUA and one tree per 3,000 sq. ft. of VUA, distributed for shade/screening; planter widths and spacing minimums apply. These rules appear in § 15‑2‑14.
Building/perimeter: buildings (including parking structures) must have a minimum 5‑foot wide landscape strip with irrigation along perimeters where setbacks exist (see § 15‑2‑14).
Street‑facing setback composition: street‑facing setback areas must be at least 50% softscape (and no more than 50% hardscape), except where devoted to parking. This is stated in § 15‑2‑14.
Drought and water efficiency: landscapes must use drought‑tolerant plants and comply with the city’s water‑conservation landscaping rules in chapter 15A (referenced from § 15‑2‑14). The text references chapter 15A but full chapter text was not included in the retrieved materials.
Artificial turf: allowed in side and rear yards only subject to environmental/surface/percolation requirements and integration into a landscape plan (§ 15‑2‑14).
Screening of equipment and storage: all exterior equipment (transformers, pedestals, sprinkler manifolds, rooftop mechanicals, outdoor storage/trash) must be screened from public view to the Director’s satisfaction; chain‑link is expressly not permitted for screening equipment; up to 30% open on screening vertical surfaces is allowed (see § 15‑2‑8).
Visibility/driveways: visibility triangles near corners, alleys, and driveways limit planting and fence heights to 30 inches within the clear triangle, except for trimmed tree canopies (§ 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11).
Walls and fences (residential vs nonresidential):
- In residential zones, a 42‑inch fence/wall is allowed generally in front setbacks; 6‑foot fences are allowed behind required front yard; special rules apply for retaining walls and open‑work guardrails; adjustments up to 8 ft possible with Director approval; variance required above that (§ 15‑2‑4).
- In nonresidential zones, open work fences up to 8 ft are allowed; solid fences/walls up to 6 ft may be located behind front/street side setbacks; 42 in solid fences allowed in front/street side setbacks; when abutting different zoning, a 6‑ft masonry wall is required on the common property line (§ 15‑2‑4).
Modulation and buffers: where property abuts a different zoning classification the ordinance requires landscaping with trees/shrubs to provide an effective buffer (see the property perimeter text in § 15‑2‑14). In several zone tables the code also prescribes 25‑foot landscape buffers where lots abut residential zones for higher‑intensity zones (see zone‑specific standards below).

District‑by‑district breakdown (what changes by zone)

Below are the districts in the retrieved ordinance that include landscaping/screening rules or that alter how the citywide rules apply. Each sub‑section lists purpose, typical permitted uses (short), the landscaping/screening requirements that differ from the citywide baseline, and where the district typically applies in El Segundo.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose & uses: traditional single‑family lots; home and accessory uses.
Key landscaping/screening standards: fences and walls in residential zones follow § 15‑2‑4: 42 in permitted generally in required yards; 6 ft allowed behind required front yards; retaining wall rules and open‑work guardrail limits apply; visibility triangles limit planting/fence height to 30 in at corners (§ 15‑2‑4; § 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11).
Where it applies: all single‑family neighborhoods; check parcel zoning map at El Segundo Zoning.

C‑2 (Neighborhood Commercial) and Other Commercial Zones

Purpose & uses: neighborhood‑serving commercial, small retail, service uses.
Key landscaping/screening standards: landscaping required “as required by § 15‑2‑14 and chapter 15A”; vehicular use area rules (5% VUA landscaping, 1 tree/3,000 sq.ft.) apply; building perimeter and street‑front composition (50% softscape) apply (§ 15‑5C‑4; § 15‑2‑14).
Where it applies: commercial corridors and neighborhood centers. Check El Segundo Land Use.

CO (Corporate Office)

Purpose & uses: office park and corporate campus settings.
Key landscaping/screening standards: 5% of at‑grade VUA must be landscaped; landscapes must conform to chapter 15A (water conservation) (§ 15‑8‑6). Building perimeter/planting depths per § 15‑2‑14 also apply.

P (Parking) Zone

Purpose & uses: open air parking lots and associated uses.
Key landscaping/screening standards: 5% of at‑grade VUA landscaped; follow chapter 15A (§ 15‑9‑6); screening for entries/storage per § 15‑2‑8; fences/walls follow chapter 2 rules (§ 15‑9‑5; § 15‑2‑8).

Mixed‑Use / Overlays (e.g., MU‑N, Housing Overlay H‑O)

Purpose & uses: higher intensity mixed residential/commercial and housing‑focused overlays.
Key landscaping/screening standards: some overlays explicitly restate citywide landscaping plus overlay tweaks. For example, the Mixed‑Use Overlay requires one tree per 25 ft of street frontage and 50% softscape in street setbacks, and allows artificial turf only in side/rear yards with pervious surface requirements (§ 15‑7C‑3). The Housing Overlay references the same landscaping approach and chapter 15A requirements (§ 15‑7D‑3; § 15‑2‑14).
Where it applies: targeted corridors and parcels identified by the General Plan; see El Segundo Overlay Districts.

Notes on abutting residential buffers and special setbacks

Several non‑residential zone standards include large setbacks and explicit 25‑foot landscape buffers where non‑residential development abuts residential zoning, and sometimes require 100‑ft yard dimensions in those cases (see the zone tables that reference a 25‑foot buffer where abutting residential uses). These appear in multiple zone sections; verify the buffer requirement for the specific zone that applies to your parcel (§ references in the zone tables).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant landscaping & screening standards

Requirement or limit	Typical numeric standard	Code Reference
Trees along street‑facing setbacks	1 tree per 25 ft street frontage; planted within 10 ft of property line	§ 15‑2‑14
Vehicular Use Area (VUA) landscaping	5% of at‑grade VUA landscaped; 1 tree / 3,000 sq.ft. VUA	§ 15‑2‑14
Street‑front setback composition	≥ 50% softscape, ≤ 50% hardscape (except parking)	§ 15‑2‑14
Artificial turf	Allowed only in side/rear yards; must be pervious, non‑hazardous, part of plan	§ 15‑2‑14
Screening of equipment & rooftop gear	Screen from public view to Director; chain link not allowed; up to 30% open	§ 15‑2‑8
Residential fence height (general)	42 in in required yards; 6 ft behind front yard; adjustments up to 8 ft	§ 15‑2‑4
Nonresidential fence height	Open‑work fences up to 8 ft; solid fences up to 6 ft behind front/street side setbacks	§ 15‑2‑4
Visibility triangle height limit	No obstructions over 30 in in corner or driveway clear triangles	§ 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11
Required masonry wall when abutting other zoning	6‑ft masonry wall along common property line (nonresidential context)	§ 15‑2‑4

Checklist (applicant must satisfy)

Provide a landscape plan showing tree locations at 1 tree per 25 ft of street frontage; show planting within 10 ft of property line where possible (§ 15‑2‑14)
Show 5% VUA landscaping and 1 tree / 3,000 sq.ft. VUA for surface parking (planters, tree sizes, and irrigation) (§ 15‑2‑14)
Show 5‑ft minimum building‑perimeter landscape strips where setbacks exist (§ 15‑2‑14)
Demonstrate ≥50% softscape in street‑facing setback areas (except parking areas) (§ 15‑2‑14)
For equipment/rooftop/trash/storage show screening treatment compatible with the building and not chain‑link, and note Director approval where required (§ 15‑2‑8)
If proposing fences/walls, show heights and locations compliant with § 15‑2‑4 (residential v. nonresidential rules) and include retaining‑wall details if applicable (§ 15‑2‑4)
Ensure corner/driveway planting and fencing respect the 30‑inch visibility triangle rules (§ 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11)
Use drought‑tolerant species and follow the water‑conservation rules in chapter 15A (referenced from § 15‑2‑14)
If your lot abuts a different zoning classification, include the required buffer plantings or masonry wall as called for in the applicable zone standard (§ 15‑2‑14; zone tables)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director discretion on screening	Screening of equipment/storage is approved “to the satisfaction of the Director,” so designs may be rejected or require changes	Verify what the Director typically accepts (materials, openness %), and ask for written pre‑application guidance. See § 15‑2‑8.
Chapter 15A (water rules) referenced but not included	The landscaping rules require compliance with chapter 15A; the exact irrigation and species rules live there	Obtain chapter 15A text and cite when preparing plans. Chapter 15A is referenced from § 15‑2‑14.
Buffer width / 25‑ft buffer triggers	Zone tables reference 25‑ft landscape buffers where abutting residential—different zones treat this differently	Confirm the applicable zone standard for your parcel (verify in the zone table for that article) and confirm whether a masonry wall is required (§ 15‑2‑4 and specific zone sections).
Allowed turf and perviousness tests	Artificial turf allowed only in side/rear yards with pervious surfacing—city may require documentation of percolation/stormwater treatment	Verify engineering/stormwater documentation expected for synthetic turf per § 15‑2‑14.
Fence/retaining wall height interplay	Retaining wall + fence height calculations are technical; exceedances may require adjustments or variances	Confirm combined height limits and whether open‑work guardrails are required by building code; refer to § 15‑2‑4 and verify with building permit plan reviewer and California Building Standards Code.

Information Gaps (what was NOT found in the retrieved materials)

A complete text of chapter 15A (water conservation and irrigation detail) was referenced but not included in the retrieved files — specifics on irrigation systems, allowed species lists, and stormwater BMPs are Not found in retrieved materials.
Detailed landscape plan submission requirements, required planting detail sheets, maintenance/security bond or monitoring obligations — Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with Planning/Engineering.
A plant species/“approved tree” list and minimum spacing beyond container sizing (36” box / 24” box / 15 gallon distribution is present for nonresidential sites) — species lists Not found in retrieved materials; container/size minima are in § 15‑2‑14.
Any fee credits, replacement tree mitigation schedules, or enforcement/penalty matrix for landscape failures — Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the Community Development Department.

Plain‑English summary

El Segundo’s zoning code requires landscaped street setbacks and shade in parking areas: provide one tree every 25 feet of street frontage, keep street setbacks at least half softscape, give parking areas 5% landscaping and one tree per 3,000 sq.ft. of lot‑level parking, screen rooftop equipment and outdoor storage (no chain link), and follow different fence heights for residential and nonresidential lots — see § 15‑2‑14, § 15‑2‑8, and § 15‑2‑4 for the controlling rules.

Source References

§ 15‑2‑14 — Landscaping (general planting, VUA, building perimeter, street setback composition, artificial turf, drought‑tolerant plants)
§ 15‑2‑8 — Screening (equipment, rooftop, storage screening requirements)
§ 15‑2‑4 — Walls and fences (residential vs nonresidential heights, retaining walls, required masonry walls)
§ 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11 — Corner, alley and driveway visibility triangles (30‑inch height limit in sight triangles)
Zone articles referencing landscaping (examples): 15‑5B‑4, 15‑5C‑4, 15‑8‑6, 15‑9‑6, 15‑7C‑3 — each zone references § 15‑2‑14 or restates the tree/softscape rules for overlays (see the Mixed‑Use Overlay § 15‑7C‑3)
City planning pages for contextual navigation: El Segundo Zoning, El Segundo Development Standards, El Segundo Overlay Districts, El Segundo Parking — for locating zone maps and development standards.
Building‑code interface: California Building Standards Code — for retaining wall/guardrail structural and height rules to be checked during permit review.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 15 (article 15-4E) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 15A) High relevance
CBC § 898 (article 15-4E) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-5-5) High relevance

Cited sections

Official El Segundo code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping does El Segundo require along street frontages?

El Segundo requires one deciduous or evergreen on‑site tree per 25 feet of street frontage in front, rear and street‑facing side setbacks, planted within 10 feet of the property line where utilities permit; street‑facing setbacks must be at least 50% softscape (see § 15‑2‑14)

How much of a parking lot must be landscaped in El Segundo?

Surface parking (Vehicular Use Areas) must provide landscaped areas equal to 5% of the at‑grade VUA and include one tree per 3,000 sq.ft. of VUA, distributed to provide shade and screening (§ 15‑2‑14)

Do I have to screen rooftop equipment and trash enclosures?

Yes — rooftop mechanicals, transformers, meter cabinets, and outdoor storage/trash must be screened from public view to the satisfaction of the Director; screening may be up to 30% open, and chain‑link is not allowed for this screening (§ 15‑2‑8)

What fence heights are allowed on a single‑family lot in El Segundo?

In residential zones a fence or wall up to 42 inches may be located in required yards; 6‑foot fences/walls are allowed anywhere on the lot behind the required front yard; adjustments up to 8 ft are possible with approval — see § 15‑2‑4.

Are artificial turf and synthetic grass allowed?

Artificial turf is allowed only in side and rear yards, must not contain hazardous materials, must include a pervious surface to address percolation/drainage/stormwater, and must be incorporated into a comprehensive landscape/site plan (§ 15‑2‑14)

What are the visibility/clear sight requirements for planting by driveways and corners?

Corner and driveway triangular areas (typically 15 ft along property lines, or 5 ft for alley intersections) must remain clear of obstructions over 30 inches above street grade; trees may be allowed if trimmed to provide 12 ft of canopy clearance over visibility areas (§ 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11)

Is a masonry wall ever mandatory?

Yes — in nonresidential contexts when abutting properties with a different zoning designation the ordinance requires a 6‑ft masonry wall along common property lines (see § 15‑2‑4)

How do overlays (like Mixed‑Use or Housing Overlay) change landscape rules?

Overlays generally refer back to the citywide landscaping standards (one tree per 25 ft, 50% softscape for street setbacks) but may restate or emphasize them; for example the Mixed‑Use Overlay specifically repeats the 1 tree/25 ft and 50% softscape requirements (§ 15‑7C‑3)

Do I need to follow state building code rules for retaining walls and guardrails?

Yes — while the zoning code controls fence/wall heights and how retaining walls factor into maximum heights, structural and guardrail requirements are governed by the California Building Standards Code; check both § 15‑2‑4 and Title 24 for compliance.

What should I verify before preparing a landscape plan for submittal?

Verify the applicable zone’s development standards (setbacks, required buffer widths, whether a masonry wall is required) and review chapter 15A for irrigation/species rules; also confirm Director expectations for screening materials, and check visibility triangle limits in § 15‑2‑6 / § 15‑2‑11.

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