Local zoning · Ferndale

Ferndale — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Do industrial properties need landscaping screens if they border homes?

Yes. In both ML and M‑H districts, storage areas next to residential zones must be screened to at least 6 ft with walls, fences, or adequate plantings (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).

Q: Are there special creekside planting rules near Francis Creek?

Parcels in the -SPA overlay are within a fixed 50‑ft corridor subject to General Plan riparian policies. The zoning text itself doesn’t add numeric plant lists; coordinate with the City on permitted species/work windows (§ 6.08.1–.2).

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills how Ferndale’s zoning ordinance handles landscaping, hedges, fences, and visual screening across zoning districts and overlays. The touchstones are the visibility-safety rule at corners and driveways, citywide fence/hedge height limits, targeted screening where industry meets housing, and submittal expectations in planned developments. Where standards are missing from the code excerpts we retrieved, they’re flagged as Not found in retrieved materials.

The single most important landscaping rule in Ferndale: keep the “sight visibility triangle” clear — nothing between 3 ft and 10 ft tall (including hedges) may block views at street corners, alley intersections, or driveway exits; on corners the triangle has 20 ft legs, and at alleys/driveways 5 ft legs (§ 7.08.1; applies citywide under § 7.01).

What the ordinance regulates for landscaping and screening

Citywide fence/hedge heights: maximum 6 ft anywhere on a lot; within the front yard the cap is 4 ft; on the street-side of a corner lot, up to 6 ft from the front corner of the main structure to the rear lot line (§ 7.08.2(b)-(d)).
How height is measured: from the higher finished grade next to the fence (§ 7.08.2(e)).
Prohibited fence materials: barbed/razor wire, electrified, chain link, or “non-fence” materials like metal roofing panels, tarps, or plywood (§ 7.08.2(f)).
Industrial screening near housing: in both the ML and M‑H zones, any equipment or materials storage areas adjacent to an R zone must be screened by walls, fences, or plantings to at least 6 ft high (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).
Planned developments: the submittal must include “proposed landscaping, fencing and screening” (§ 5.12.2(g)).
Mobile home parks: perimeter yards “suitably landscaped to provide effective screening,” and all non-circulation areas “completely and permanently landscaped” (§ 7.15.3–.4).
Article 7 applicability: these general rules apply in every zone unless a more specific standard controls (§ 7.01; § 5.01).

For related approvals and cross-checks, see the city’s design review, development standards, parking, and overlay districts pages. If your site is within Ferndale’s historic fabric, also see historic preservation. For zoning basics and allowed uses, start at Ferndale Zoning and Ferndale Land Use.

Quick standards table (landscaping/screening highlights)

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Clear sightlines at corners, alleys, driveways	No objects (including landscaping) between 3–10 ft in height within the visibility triangle; 20 ft legs at corners; 5 ft legs at alleys/driveways	Citywide	§ 7.08.1
Max fence/hedge height	6 ft max generally; 4 ft max in front yard; 6 ft on street-side side yard of corner lots	Citywide	§ 7.08.2(b)–(d)
Fence materials not allowed	No barbed/razor wire, electrified, chain link, or “non-fence” materials	Citywide	§ 7.08.2(f)
Industrial screening near R zones	Screen equipment/materials areas to 6 ft with walls, fences, or plantings	ML and M‑H	§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)
Mobile home park landscaping	Perimeter yards landscaped for screening; all other areas permanently landscaped	Mobile home parks	§ 7.15.3–.4
PD submittals	Must include proposed landscaping, fencing, and screening	PD zone applications	§ 5.12.2(g)

District-by-district guide

Below are the principal zones from the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02‑02 and how landscaping/screening ties in to their purposes and key standards. Use this with the city’s zoning overview.

R-1 Residential One-Family (R1)

Purpose and uses: Single-family neighborhoods; principal permitted uses include single-family dwellings and small employee housing (§ 5.02.1).
Dimensional snapshot: 20 ft front yard, 15 ft rear, side yards = 10% lot width (5–12 ft), 35 ft height (§ 5.02.3).
Landscaping/screening: Follow the citywide 4 ft front-yard fence limit and visibility triangle rule (§ 7.08.1–.2).
Where it applies: Areas suitable for single-family homes per the R1 purpose statement (§ 5.02).

R-2 Residential Two-Family (R2)

Purpose and uses: Medium-density residential; principal permitted uses include single- and two‑family dwellings, multiple dwellings/dwelling groups, and small employee housing (§ 5.03.1).
Dimensional snapshot: 20 ft front, 15 ft rear, side yards = 10% lot width (5–12 ft), 35 ft height; up to 18 du/ac (§ 5.03.3).
Landscaping/screening: Same citywide fence/visibility rules; pay attention at corners/driveways (§ 7.08.1–.2).
Where it applies: R2-mapped areas consistent with medium-density policy (§ 5.03).

R-3 Residential Multiple-Family (R3)

Purpose and uses: Low to high density multifamily; allows dwelling groups/multiple dwellings and supportive housing (§ 5.04.1–.2).
Dimensional snapshot: 20 ft front, 10 ft rear, 5 ft sides, 45 ft height; up to 27 du/ac (§ 5.04.3).
Landscaping/screening: Citywide fence/visibility rules apply; if a dwelling sits in a commercial/industrial zone, R‑3 yard standards are required (§ 7.27.5).
Where it applies: R3-mapped high-density residential areas (§ 5.04).

C-1 Neighborhood Commercial (C1)

Purpose and uses: Intended for neighborhood shopping serving nearby residences (§ 5.05 preface). Specific permitted use list Not found in retrieved materials.
Dimensional snapshot: Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping/screening: Citywide fence/visibility rules apply (§ 7.08).
Where it applies: C1-mapped commercial nodes (§ 4.01 table).

C-2 Community Commercial (C2)

Purpose and uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Dimensional snapshot: Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping/screening: Citywide fence/visibility rules apply (§ 7.08).
Where it applies: C2-mapped commercial corridors (§ 4.01 table).

CH Highway Service Commercial (CH)

Purpose and uses: Not found in retrieved materials.
Dimensional snapshot: Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping/screening: Citywide fence/visibility rules apply (§ 7.08).
Where it applies: CH-mapped highway-serving areas (§ 4.01 table).

ML Limited Industrial (ML)

Purpose and uses: Light manufacturing/heavy commercial of a non‑nuisance type (§ 5.08).
Dimensional snapshot: 15 ft front; sides/rear increase when abutting R zones; 50 ft height (§ 5.08.3).
Landscaping/screening: Storage areas adjacent to any R zone must be screened with 6 ft walls/fences/plantings (§ 5.08.3(e)).
Where it applies: ML-mapped industrial locations (§ 4.01 table).

M‑H Heavy Industrial (M‑H)

Purpose and uses: Areas for normal industrial operations (§ 5.09).
Dimensional snapshot: 15 ft front; R‑adjacent sides/rear increase; 50 ft height (§ 5.09.3).
Landscaping/screening: Same 6 ft screening requirement at R‑zone edges for equipment/materials (§ 5.09.3(e)).
Where it applies: M‑H-mapped industrial sites (§ 4.01 table).

FW Floodway (FW) and FP Flood Plain (FP)

Purpose and uses: Flood management along waterways (§ 5.10; § 5.11).
Dimensional snapshot: FP minimums include 5 acres lot area, 20 ft front/rear and 10 ft sides (§ 5.11.3).
Landscaping/screening: No explicit landscaping/screening standards found beyond general citywide rules (§ 7.08). Not found in retrieved materials for any extra buffer planting.
Where it applies: FW/FP-mapped flood corridors.

PD Planned Development (PD)

Purpose and uses: Master‑planned projects (§ 5.12).
Dimensional snapshot: Tailored via the approved plan; typical standards may be modified if the overall plan improves (§ 5.12.3).
Landscaping/screening: PD plans must show “proposed landscaping, fencing and screening” (§ 5.12.2(g)).
Where it applies: PD-designated sites on the zoning map.

AE Agriculture‑Exclusive (AE)

Purpose and uses: Predominantly agricultural areas; includes nurseries/greenhouses as permitted uses (§ 5.13.1).
Dimensional snapshot: 30 ft front, 20 ft rear; side = 10% lot width (max 20 ft) (§ 5.13.3).
Landscaping/screening: No AE‑specific landscaping rules found; citywide fence/visibility rules apply (§ 7.08).
Where it applies: AE‑mapped agricultural lands.

PF Public Facility (PF)

Purpose and uses: Public schools, parks, buildings; emergency shelters allowed with operational/site conditions (e.g., fenced/screened exterior waiting areas) (§ 5.14.1(d)(iv)).
Dimensional snapshot: “None, except as provided in use permit conditions” (§ 5.14.3).
Landscaping/screening: No blanket PF landscaping standard; conditions can require screening/landscaping per project (§ 5.14.3).
Where it applies: PF‑mapped public properties.

Overlays that affect landscaping and screening

Design Control Combining (-D): In the -D overlay, exterior changes that alter outward appearance require a design review permit; the Commission can impose reasonable conditions to carry out the chapter’s purposes (§ 6.05.2; § 6.05.4). Expect fence design/placement to be reviewed for neighborhood compatibility.
Streamside Protection Area (-SPA): A fixed 50 ft band on both sides of Francis Creek (from top of bank or riparian dripline, whichever is greater) is subject to General Plan policies; the zoning text does not add numeric planting lists or buffer plant palettes beyond referencing those policies (§ 6.08.1–.2). Verify with the City for riparian planting or removal specifics.

Practical tips

At corners/driveways, think “see-through” planting: keep hedges and shrubs below 3 ft or prune canopies above 10 ft within the triangle to avoid a violation (§ 7.08.1).
In front yards, use low borders or open fencing forms to stay under 4 ft (§ 7.08.2(c)).
Near homes from industrial parcels, plan an opaque 6‑ft screen — dense evergreen hedge plus solid fence or wall is typical (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).
In the -D overlay (most of central Ferndale), bring fence/landscape visuals to design review early; the Commission looks for visual harmony and scale compatibility (§ 6.05.1–.2, .4).
For mobile home parks, budget for comprehensive landscaping and perimeter screening; it’s a mandatory condition of park standards (§ 7.15.3–.4).

Checklist

Identify your base zone and any overlays on the parcel map (zoning, overlay districts).
Keep the visibility triangle clear of landscaping 3–10 ft tall at corners/driveways (§ 7.08.1).
Match fence/hedge heights to location: 4 ft in front yards, 6 ft elsewhere; measure from higher grade (§ 7.08.2(b)-(e)).
Avoid prohibited fence materials (no barbed/razor wire, chain link, etc.) (§ 7.08.2(f)).
If you’re ML/M‑H next to R, design a 6‑ft solid screen (wall/fence/plantings) for storage yards (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).
In PD, include a landscape/screening plan with your application (§ 5.12.2(g)).
If in -D, confirm if fence/landscape changes trigger design review (§ 6.05.2).
For mobile home parks, landscape all non-circulation areas and screen perimeter yards (§ 7.15.3–.4).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Corner/driveway triangles on oddly shaped lots	Mis-measuring the triangle can trigger enforcement	Ask Planning to confirm triangle placement on your survey (§ 7.08.1).
Front yard depth vs. fence height	A “front yard” definition drives the 4‑ft cap	Confirm which yard is the “front” on corner/flag lots (§ 3.87.1; § 7.08.2(c)).
Material choice for fences	Some materials are outright banned	Bring product cut‑sheets to Planning; chain link is not allowed (§ 7.08.2(f)).
Industrial screening adjacency	The 6‑ft screen is only triggered when adjacent to R zones	Map check adjacency lines before designing (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).
-D overlay design discretion	Aesthetics are reviewed for compatibility	Pre‑application with the Design Review body; conditions can be imposed (§ 6.05.4).
Francis Creek (-SPA) rules	The code defers to General Plan policies without numeric planting specs	Whether riparian planting/removal needs special review (§ 6.08.1–.2). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain-English Summary

In Ferndale, keep landscaping low and see‑through at corners and driveways, stay under 4 ft for front‑yard fences and 6 ft elsewhere, and avoid chain link or barbed/razor wire. If an industrial site abuts housing, you must install a 6‑ft screen using walls, fences, or dense plantings. Planned developments must include a landscape/screening plan, mobile home parks must be comprehensively landscaped, and projects in the Design Control overlay may need design review of fences/plantings for visual compatibility.

Source References

§ 7.01 Applicability of Article 7 to all zones.
§ 7.08.1–.2 Fences, hedges, visibility triangle; fence heights and measurement; prohibited materials.
§ 5.08.3(e) ML industrial screening adjacent to R zones.
§ 5.09.3(e) M‑H industrial screening adjacent to R zones.
§ 5.12.2(g) PD submittals include landscaping/fencing/screening; § 5.12.3 flexibility.
§ 7.15.3–.4 Mobile home park landscaping/screening.
§ 5.02, § 5.03, § 5.04 Residential zone purposes/standards.
§ 5.10–§ 5.11 FW/FP purposes and standards.
§ 6.05 Design Control (-D) procedures and authority.
§ 6.08 Streamside Protection Area (-SPA) purpose/scope.
§ 5.14 PF uses and conditions.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.10) High relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.07) High relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.09) High relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (section amended) High relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
CGBSC § 504.4.8 (Chapter 6) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (section added) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.23) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (Section shall) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.16) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (Section amended) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§5.12) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (TITLE and) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (ARTICLE 5) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.05) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code (§7.15) Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code Medium relevance
Ferndale Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 7.01 Applicability of Article 7 to all zones. (§ 7.01)
§ 7.08.1–.2 Fences, hedges, visibility triangle; fence heights and measurement; prohibited materials. (§ 7.08.1)
§ 5.08.3(e) ML industrial screening adjacent to R zones. (§ 5.08.3)
§ 5.09.3(e) M‑H industrial screening adjacent to R zones. (§ 5.09.3)
§ 5.12.2(g) PD submittals include landscaping/fencing/screening; § 5.12.3 flexibility. (§ 5.12.2)
§ 7.15.3–.4 Mobile home park landscaping/screening. (§ 7.15.3)
§ 5.02, § 5.03, § 5.04 Residential zone purposes/standards. (§ 5.02)
§ 5.10–§ 5.11 FW/FP purposes and standards. (§ 5.10)
§ 6.05 Design Control (-D) procedures and authority. (§ 6.05)
§ 6.08 Streamside Protection Area (-SPA) purpose/scope. (§ 6.08)
§ 5.14 PF uses and conditions. (§ 5.14)
Ferndale_ZoningCode.md
2022 PGE Greenbook.md

Frequently asked questions

Are privacy hedges limited in height in Ferndale?

Yes. Hedges function like fences for visibility and height; the citywide rule caps height at 6 ft, but in any front yard the cap is 4 ft. Within the “sight visibility triangle” at corners and driveways, no landscaping between 3–10 ft may block views (§ 7.08.1; § 7.08.2(b)–(c)).

Can I build a 6‑ft fence along the street side of my corner lot?

Usually yes. On the street-side side yard of a corner lot, fences up to 6 ft are allowed from the front corner of the main structure to the rear lot line, subject to clear‑sight requirements at the corner/driveway (§ 7.08.2(d); § 7.08.1).

Is chain‑link fencing allowed in Ferndale?

No. Chain link, barbed/razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited materials. Using “non‑fence” materials like tarps or plywood is also not allowed (§ 7.08.2(f)).

Do industrial properties need landscaping screens if they border homes?

Yes. In both ML and M‑H districts, storage areas next to residential zones must be screened to at least 6 ft with walls, fences, or adequate plantings (§ 5.08.3(e); § 5.09.3(e)).

If I’m in the Design Control (-D) overlay, do fences/landscape changes need approval?

Often. Any exterior change that alters the outward appearance can require a Design Review Permit in the -D zone; the Planning Commission can condition approvals to ensure compatibility (§ 6.05.2; § 6.05.4). Check early in the process.

What landscaping is required for mobile home parks?

Two things: landscaped perimeter yards that effectively screen the park, and comprehensive, permanent landscaping of all other non‑circulation areas (§ 7.15.3–.4).

Are there special creekside planting rules near Francis Creek?

Parcels in the -SPA overlay are within a fixed 50‑ft corridor subject to General Plan riparian policies. The zoning text itself doesn’t add numeric plant lists; coordinate with the City on permitted species/work windows (§ 6.08.1–.2).

Do landscaping rules change for ADUs?

No ADU‑specific landscaping standards appear in the retrieved materials. ADUs in commercial or industrial zones must meet R‑3 yard standards for dwellings (§ 7.27.5), and citywide fence/visibility rules still apply (§ 7.08). See Ferndale ADUs for other ADU requirements.

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