Local zoning · Greenfield

Greenfield — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Greenfield's zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences, walls, and street/parking trees. It is focused only on the landscaping/screening rules in the Greenfield zoning code (Title 17) — not building code, housing, or permit fee topics. The primary landscaping rules live in Chapter 17.54 and fence/wall rules in Chapter 17.52 of Title 17. See the city's code for full text and plan submittal requirements. § 17.54.010, § 17.54.040–070, and § 17.52.020–050 contain the controlling language.

Note: The first time the page mentions these related topics they are linked to Greenfield menu pages to help you navigate: Greenfield Zoning, Greenfield Development Standards, Greenfield Parking, Greenfield Design Review, Greenfield Overlay Districts, Greenfield ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Key rules and how they apply (synthesis)

  • Purpose: Landscaping is required to enhance appearance, reduce heat and glare, control erosion, conserve water, provide buffers/screens between uses, and ensure maintenance of planting areas. § 17.54.010.

  • Where landscaping is required: all required setbacks and unused areas of multi‑family or nonresidential sites, plus parking areas and specific perimeter/planting strips described by zoning district. See § 17.54.040 and Table 17.54‑1 for district minimums. (First mention of development standards and setbacks is linked above.)

  • Buffering/screening rules:

    • A minimum 10 ft wide planting strip is required between residential and nonresidential uses (with deciduous and evergreen trees at up to 30 ft on center). § 17.54.050 F.
    • Parking-perimeter planters must partially screen parked cars to at least 36 in height measured from lot grade; parking lots with five or more spaces must provide landscaped islands at a ratio and minimum size. § 17.54.040 C & D.
    • Where walls screen open space, 50% of the wall must be covered by plant material within 5 years. § 17.54.040 H.

  • Plant materials, sizes, spacing:

    • Trees: minimum planting size generally 15 gallon, with at least one‑third of project trees at 24" box / 2½" caliper; street and perimeter trees spaced no more than 30 ft on center and planted 5–10 ft behind the back of sidewalk or property line perimeters. § 17.54.050.
    • Shrubs: minimum 5 gallon, 15 gallon where immediate screening is required; hedge spacing 2–4 ft depending on species. § 17.54.050.
    • Clear vision triangle: plants that mature above 30 in may not be planted in the clear vision triangle at intersections/driveways. § 17.54.050 G.

  • Irrigation and maintenance:

    • Permanent automatic irrigation is required for landscape areas; projects with landscape area ≥ 2,500 sq ft must submit an irrigation schedule. Low‑volume systems and automatic controllers (watering between 7:00 PM and 10:00 AM recommended) are required. § 17.54.060.
    • Owners must maintain landscaping; dead/diseased material must be replaced within 30 days per approved plan. § 17.54.070.

  • Fences and walls (design, height, materials, permits):

    • Administrative design review is required for fences and walls unless exempt; some fences are exempt (e.g., required by law). § 17.52.020.
    • Height limits (maximums) depend on location: Front setback or 15 ft (whichever is greater): 3 ft; Rear/side (setback >15 ft from front setback): 6 ft; intersections/driveways: 3 ft; table 17.52‑1. § 17.52.030.
    • Design/materials: long‑lasting attractive materials preferred (masonry, stone, metal, wood of minimum specifications). Certain materials (sheet/corrugated iron, concertina wire, barbed wire outside industrial areas) are prohibited or conditional. Masonry walls require structural footings and a building permit per the building code. § 17.52.040–050. (See the California Building Standards Code link above for building permit topics.)

  • Screening of specific uses:

    • Outdoor storage, dumpsters, equipment must be screened so they are not visible from public rights‑of‑way; screening may be landscaping, masonry walls, berms, etc. § 17.52.050 A.
    • Drive‑through lanes require a minimum 3 ft tall landscaped barrier at the outer edge to screen vehicles/headlights. § 17.54.040 I.

  • Approvals and review:

    • Landscape plans: Preliminary landscape plans are required with design review; final landscape and irrigation plans must be submitted with improvement plans before building permits. § 17.54.030.
    • Design review is required for most nonresidential, multi‑family, and many residential projects; fence permits are subject to design review (fences ≤ 6 ft by Planning Director; > 6 ft by Planning Commission). § 17.16.070 and Table 17.16‑1.

District-by-district breakdown (where landscaping/screening standards differ)

Below are the zoning districts in Title 17 where landscaping/screening rules are practiced differently. For each district the ordinance points to Chapter 17.54 for landscaping; table references and development standard tables are quoted below by district.

Note: the zoning chapter for each district includes the standard development table which references landscaping requirements; the ordinance expects designers to consult both the district development standards and Chapter 17.54. See the linked Greenfield Zoning and Greenfield Development Standards pages for map/context.

A-V (Agricultural‑Valley)

  • Purpose/typical uses: agricultural production, limited rural support uses. § 17.?? Not quoted here for uses — verify in division III. Verify with jurisdiction.
  • Key landscaping rule: Minimum landscape coverage: 25%; minimum planting widths abutting street 15 ft, abutting interior property line 10 ft, abutting residential property 15 ft as listed in Table 17.54‑1. § 17.54.040.

R‑E (Residential Estate)

  • Purpose/typical uses: larger lot single‑family dwellings, estate lots. Development standards refer to Chapter 17.54 for landscaping. § 17.30.x (see development standards table). Verify with jurisdiction.
  • Key landscaping rule: Minimum landscape coverage: 25%; abutting street planting width 15 ft, interior 10 ft, abutting residential 10 ft. Table 17.54‑1 / § 17.54.040.

R‑L, R‑M, R‑H (Residential Low / Medium / High)

  • Purpose/typical uses: single‑family and multi‑family according to density. Landscaping expectations are similar but coverage and widths vary: R‑H has 20% min landscape coverage and 8 ft abutting street width; R‑M/ R‑L show 25% and 15 ft abutting street for many residential districts. See Table 17.54‑1 and the district development tables referenced in each district chapter. § 17.54.040.

C‑N, C‑R, C‑H (Commercial Neighborhood / Retail / Highway)

  • Purpose/typical uses: neighborhood retail, general retail, highway‑oriented commercial. Landscaping minimums are lower because of higher site coverage:
    • C‑N: 15% min landscape coverage; abutting street planting 8 ft; abutting residential 10 ft. § 17.54.040.
    • C‑R and C‑H have similar entries in Table 17.54‑1; see each district's development standards table for exact front/setback requirements (e.g., C‑N front setback rules call out 35 ft in Table 17.32‑1 as applicable). Table 17.54‑1 and district tables.

P‑O (Professional Office) and P‑QP (Public/Quasi‑Public)

  • Purpose/typical uses: small offices, institutional/public uses. Landscaping minimum 15% and widths 8 ft (street) per Table 17.54‑1. § 17.54.040.

I‑L, I‑H (Industrial Low / High)

  • Purpose/typical uses: light and heavy industrial uses. Landscaping minimum 15% but when abutting residential require deeper interior planting 25 ft and street frontage 15 ft. Screening and special industrial fencing allowances are in Chapter 17.52 (special fencing for industrial uses). § 17.54.040; § 17.52.050 B.

O‑S (Open Space)

  • Purpose: parks, trails, passive open space — the district explicitly expects large projects to include landscaping/open space and that landscaped berms be used for buffering. The district development table refers you to Chapter 17.54 for landscaping. § 17.40.020–040.

If your parcel falls in a specific overlay district, check the Greenfield Overlay Districts page and the overlay rules; overlays may impose different or additional landscaping/screening requirements. The zoning code allows design review or the designated approving authority to modify standards for a project or to grant extra height for sound walls or screening when warranted. § 17.54.030; § 17.52.030 Note.

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

Requirement Common numeric standard in Title 17 Code Reference
Minimum landscape coverage (example districts) — A‑V/R‑E/R‑H/C‑N A‑V 25%, R‑E 25%, R‑H 20%, C‑N 15% § 17.54.040, Table 17.54‑1
Perimeter planting width (abutting street) 5–15 ft depending on district (Table 17.54‑1; street trees 5–10 ft behind sidewalk) § 17.54.040
Buffer between residential & nonresidential uses 10 ft planting strip with evergreen & deciduous trees 30 ft on center § 17.54.050 F
Parking lot island size & ratio Islands min 8' x 16'; one island per eight spaces; placed at least every ten spaces; planters min 25 sq ft § 17.54.040 C
Parking perimeter vehicle screen height 36 in measured from parking lot grade § 17.54.040 D
Minimum tree size (planting) 15 gallon; 1/3 of trees at 24" box / 2½" caliper § 17.54.050
Clear vision triangle max planting height 30 in at maturity § 17.54.050 G
Fence/wall max heights (typical) Front yard: 3 ft; Rear/side: 6 ft; intersections: 3 ft (Table 17.52‑1) § 17.52.030
Fencing materials required/prohibited Masonry/stone/metal/wood preferred; sheet/corrugated metal and concertina wire are prohibited except by condition; barbed wire limited to industrial areas (conditional at edges). § 17.52.040–050
Irrigation requirement Permanent automatic irrigation; projects ≥ 2,500 sq ft need irrigation schedule; low‑volume systems required § 17.54.060

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Prepare a preliminary landscape plan prepared by a California‑registered landscape architect and submit with the design review application. § 17.54.030.
  • Provide final landscape and irrigation plans prior to building permit issuance (prepared by a landscape architect); include irrigation schedule if landscape area ≥ 2,500 sq ft. § 17.54.030; § 17.54.060.
  • Meet the district minimum landscape coverage, perimeter planting widths, and parking landscaping/island requirements in Table 17.54‑1. § 17.54.040.
  • Use required tree/shrub sizes and spacing (e.g., 15 gal trees, 24" box for 1/3 of trees, shrubs 5 gal or 15 gal for immediate screens). § 17.54.050.
  • Provide permanent irrigation (low‑volume, controllers) and plan for root barriers where trees are within 10 ft of sidewalks. § 17.54.060; § 17.54.050.
  • If installing masonry walls, obtain building permits and comply with the California Building Standards Code. § 17.52.040.
  • If the fence/wall exceeds local maximums or is a special condition (e.g., noise attenuation), plan for administrative design review / discretionary approval per the approving authority. § 17.52.020–030; § 17.16.070.
  • Where nonresidential abuts residential, include the required minimum of 12 trees and 10 shrubs per 100 ft of landscape area where specified. § 17.54.050 A.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which specific district table applies to my parcel Landscape minimums and setback widths are given by district table references; mis‑reading the district may under‑ or over‑design required planting Verify parcel zoning designation on the city zoning map and the applicable district development standards; consult the planning department. § 17.54.040
Design review thresholds for fences/walls Fences ≤ 6 ft go to the Planning Director; > 6 ft go to the Planning Commission — but some fence situations are exempt or require conditional review Check Table 17.16‑1 and § 17.16.070 to confirm who reviews your fence permit and whether an exemption applies. § 17.16.070; Table 17.16‑1
"Perimeter planting" placement relative to sidewalks/right‑of‑way Street tree/planter placement has specific offsets (e.g., 5–10 ft from back of sidewalk), and public improvement protection rules require root barriers near hardscape Confirm exact setback/planting location with public works and the city’s master tree list; see § 17.54.050 and public improvement guidance.
Exceptions to materials or fence height for noise/safety The code allows designated approving authority to grant exceptions for noise attenuation or to enclose uses If proposing a taller wall for sound, request a design review/permit and confirm the necessary findings. § 17.52.030 Note; § 17.16.070
Water‑use / irrigation compliance vs. local water regs Title 17 requires low‑volume irrigation and references the water‑efficient landscape ordinance; local water agency rules may impose further limits Provide water‑efficient plans and consult the city and local water agency for drought constraints. § 17.54.060
Existing trees/heritage trees Title 17 references retention of significant natural features but does not always list permit steps for tree removal Verify tree‑retention/mitigation rules in the city design guidelines / tree list or contact the planning department. Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain‑English summary

Greenfield requires a minimum amount of planted, watered, and maintained landscaping on almost every development: district tables set the percent of the lot and the width of planting strips, parking lots must include islands and a 36‑inch screen from the street, buffers between commercial and residential are 10 ft with trees spaced no more than 30 ft, and fences/walls have defined height and material rules (front yard 3 ft, rear/side 6 ft). Prepare preliminary and final landscape/irrigation plans, expect design review for most projects, and use the city’s size/spacing rules for trees and shrubs. § 17.54.040–070; § 17.52.020–050; § 17.16.070.

Source References

  • Greenfield Title 17 — Chapter 17.54, Landscaping: § 17.54.010, § 17.54.030, § 17.54.040 (Table 17.54‑1), § 17.54.050, § 17.54.060, § 17.54.070.
  • Greenfield Title 17 — Chapter 17.52, Fences and Walls: § 17.52.010–050, Table 17.52‑1 (height limits), design/material standards and special screening rules.
  • Greenfield Title 17 — Design review rules and approving authorities: § 17.16.070 and Table 17.16‑1 (who reviews fences and landscape plans).
  • District development tables (examples cited): Open Space § 17.40.020–040 and Neighborhood Commercial Table 17.32‑1/17.32‑2 referencing landscaping.
  • Building permit caution: masonry walls require a building permit and must comply with the California Building Standards Code. See local building department for Title 24 implementation.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 17.54.040.) High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (chapter as) High relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (title in) Medium relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (section identifies) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 500 Medium relevance
  • Greenfield Zoning Code (Title 17.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the minimum landscape coverage and planting widths I must provide for my parcel in Greenfield?

Minimum landscape coverage and planting widths depend on your zoning district and are listed in Table 17.54‑1; for example R‑E requires 25% landscape coverage and 15 ft planting width abutting streets, while C‑N requires 15% and 8 ft street planting width. See § 17.54.040, Table 17.54‑1.

Do I need to submit a landscape plan and when?

Yes. A preliminary landscape plan is required with all design review projects and final landscape and irrigation plans must be submitted with improvement plans before building permits are issued; landscape plans must be prepared by a California‑registered landscape architect. § 17.54.030.

How close can I plant a street tree to the sidewalk or street?

Street trees in perimeter planters should be located between 5 and 10 ft from the back of the sidewalk and may be spaced up to 30 ft on center; trees within 10 ft of sidewalks should be deep‑rooted or use root barriers to protect public improvements. § 17.54.050.

What height limits apply to fences and when is design review required?

Typical maximum fence heights are 3 ft in front setbacks (or 15 ft, whichever is greater) and 6 ft in rear/side areas; fences generally require administrative design review unless exempt, and fences ≤ 6 ft are reviewed by the Planning Director while fences > 6 ft go to the Planning Commission. § 17.52.030; § 17.52.020; Table 17.16‑1.

Are parking lots required to include trees and islands?

Yes. Parking lots with 5 or more spaces must include landscaped islands sized at least 8' x 16' at a ratio of one island per eight spaces (and at least every ten spaces); parking perimeter planters must screen vehicles to 36 in height. § 17.54.040 C–D.

If my commercial site abuts residential properties, what screening is required?

A landscape buffer of at least 10 ft wide is required, with deciduous and evergreen trees planted at a maximum 30 ft on center; in addition, in some cases the code requires a minimum number of trees and shrubs per linear feet (for nonresidential abutting residential, a minimum of 12 trees and 10 shrubs per 100 ft of perimeter planting area is specified). § 17.54.050 F; § 17.54.050 A.

Do I need a building permit for a masonry wall used as screening?

Yes. Masonry and stone walls must have structural footings and the owner must obtain a building permit; such walls are also subject to fence/wall design standards in the zoning code. § 17.52.040.

What irrigation standards apply to my landscape?

A permanent automatic irrigation system is required; projects with a total landscape area of 2,500 sq ft or more must provide an irrigation schedule; low‑volume irrigation systems and controllers are required. § 17.54.060.

Can the city require more than the numeric minimums shown in Table 17.54‑1?

Yes. The designated approving authority may determine additional landscape is required or may grant modifications where an alternative meets the chapter’s intent; planned developments and design review can impose project‑specific landscaping requirements. § 17.54.030; § 17.16.080.

Are there special rules for screening outdoor storage or drive‑through lanes?

Yes. Outdoor storage must be screened from public rights‑of‑way using walls, fences, landscaping, berms, etc., such that stored items are not visible; drive‑through lanes require a 3 ft tall landscape barrier along their outer edge. § 17.52.050 A; § 17.54.040 I.

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