Local zoning · Hermosa Beach

Hermosa Beach — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What landscaping rules apply if my project alters more than 500 sq ft of lot area?

If your project creates or alters at least 500 sq ft of lot surface you must provide landscape (or bring existing landscape into conformance) in the development area and submit a landscape plan and irrigation system for review by the Community Development Director; downtown Pier Avenue has additional streetscreen and amenity rules. See § 17.38.550(L) and § 17.58.030.

Q: How wide must a planter or streetscreen be in Hermosa Beach?

Planters/street planters are typically 3–4 ft wide depending on the zone and specific plan; downtown Plan Area No. 11 cites minimum 3 ft streetscreens (4 ft in some planter contexts) with additional permeable/opening requirements for taller screens. See § 17.38.550(L).

Q: What are the fence and wall height limits near the front yard?

Generally fences, walls or hedges up to 42 inches are allowed in front areas; solid fences/walls up to 6 ft are permitted behind the rear line of the required front yard. Any fence/wall 42 inches or greater needs a building permit; exposed materials must be approved (no plain gray block or chain link as the visible finish). See § 17.46.130.

Q: Do ADUs in Hermosa Beach require plant screening?

Yes. Hermosa Beach requires evergreen landscape screening between an ADU and adjacent parcels: one 15‑gal plant per 5 linear ft of ADU wall (or one 24" box per 10 ft), planted at 6 ft tall minimum, drought‑tolerant and from the city’s approved plant list; a 6 ft solid fence is an allowed alternative. See § 17.21.

Q: Do landscape areas have to be pervious?

Yes — the code requires landscape areas to be at least 75% pervious , mulched to ≥2 in, planted with live, drought‑tolerant species, and perpetually maintained. Irrigation must be automatic and water‑conserving. See § 17.38.550(L).

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Hermosa Beach Zoning Code requires for landscaping and screening (trees, planters, parking screens, fences and walls, and screening for ADUs and utility/industrial uses). It pulls directly from Title 17 (Zoning) and the city’s specific-plan rules that control downtown Pier Avenue and overlay areas. Where the code delegates design decisions, the Community Development Director or Planning Commission is the reviewer. See Hermosa Beach — Zoning for the overall code and the Hermosa Beach — Development Standards for setback and dimensional context.

(First mentions: parking, setbacks/development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code are linked in context — see below.)

Key city rules (plain-English synthesis, code anchors)

Landscape plans are required for most new development and major redevelopment (projects creating or changing ≥500 sq ft of lot surface area must provide or upgrade landscape on the development area) and the plans/irrigation must be reviewed by the planning or community development authority (§ 17.38.550(L); § 17.58.030).
Minimum planter geometry and planting densities are explicit: typical planters and streetscreens must be at least 3–4 ft wide, with one five‑gallon shrub per 20 sq ft of landscaped area; where commercial development borders residential zones, provide a minimum 5 ft wide planter strip with one 24‑inch / 15‑gallon specimen tree per 10 ft of length (or an approved alternative) (§ 17.38.550(L); related downtown provisions).
Landscape composition and maintenance: landscape areas must be at least 75% pervious, mulched to ≥2 in depth, composed of drought‑tolerant species, avoid invasive plants, and must not encroach into public sidewalks or sight‑lines. Irrigation must be automatic and water‑conserving; plans shall demonstrate compliance with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance or a stricter local standard (§ 17.38.550(L)).
Curbs and stormwater: provide 6‑inch raised curbs around landscaped areas except where abutting building walls or fences; modified (at‑grade) planters for stormwater are allowed with approval by the building official or city engineer (§ 17.38.550(L)).
Streetscreens and parking‑lot screening: surface parking visible from Pier Avenue must be screened by buildings or streetscreens. Streetscreens are typically 3 ft minimum and can extend to 4 ft if at least 30% permeable to avoid a solid wall effect; streetscreens with planters must meet subsection requirements and must preserve vision clearance (§ 17.38.550, § 17.46.060).
Fences, walls and hedges (residential/commercial/manufacturing): fences/walls/hedges up to 42 inches are permitted generally; solid fences/walls up to 6 ft are allowed to the rear of the required front yard; any fence or wall 42 inches or greater requires a building permit and must be constructed of approved materials (no plain gray block or chain link as visible surface). Barbed wire, razor wire, broken glass and similar materials are prohibited (§ 17.46.130).
Higher walls adjacent to residential uses: a taller fence/wall (> standard heights) may be allowed only by Conditional Use Permit where necessary to mitigate noise/visual impacts and where it will not harm light/air/views; the planning standard and material requirements apply (§ 17.46.130).
ADU‑specific screening: for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Hermosa Beach requires evergreen screening between the ADU and adjacent parcels: at least one 15‑gallon plant per 5 linear feet of ADU wall (or one 24" box per 10 linear feet); plants must be at least 6 ft tall at installation, drought‑tolerant and from the city’s approved plant list. A solid fence of at least 6 ft can be used instead of plants (§ 17.21).
Design review / precise development: where projects exceed first‑tier standards or are in areas requiring a precise development plan, landscaping, the height/materials of fences/walls, and screen plantings are reviewable items and may be conditioned to meet findings (§ 17.58.030–.050).
Utility/transformer screening: the code and city design practices support screening pad‑mounted equipment with decorative walls and plantings, but clearances and Fire/utility rules apply; the city references standard screening designs and the need to meet equipment clearances (best practice per utility guidance). The Hermosa code requires that such screening not violate safety/clearances and that the screening design be approved by the city (see transformer screening guidance incorporated by reference in local design review practice). Not all clearance details are enumerated in Title 17 — verify with Public Works/Fire.

District-by-district breakdown

Notes: below I list districts that include explicit landscaping/screening text in Title 17. For district purposes and dimensional context, see Hermosa Beach — Development Standards. The code chapters are cited for each district; verify parcel‑specific rules with the Community Development Department.

R‑1 Single‑Family Residential (R‑1)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes and accessory uses. See Chapter 17.08.
Landscaping / screening rules: front/side/rear yard open areas are required as part of open space and must be attractively landscaped; irrigation and maintenance obligations apply in project/subdivision contexts (Chapter 17.22 and related). Utility meters and rooftop equipment must be screened architecturally or with landscaping (§ 17.22.060).
Fences/walls: standard yard fence limits and permitted materials apply (§ 17.46.130).
Where this applies: citywide in single‑family zones. Verify with local site constraints. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Multiple‑Family Residential (R‑2 / R‑3)

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, small and larger multi‑family developments; design standards in Chapters 17.12–17.16 apply.
Landscaping / screening rules: multi‑family and planned developments require detailed landscape plans, permanent irrigation, and landscaped setbacks fronting streets and common open spaces (detailed in 17.22 and planned development sections). Planting and irrigation approvals required prior to building permits (§ 17.22. and 17.24).
Fences/walls: standard fence height/material rules apply (§ 17.46.130).
Where applies: all multi‑family parcels; planned developments may impose additional landscape/maintenance covenants.

Commercial (C‑1, C‑2, C‑3; downtown Pier Avenue specifics)

Purpose / typical uses: retail, service, restaurant and mixed commercial uses; downtown Pier Avenue has a specific plan (Plan Area No. 11) with pedestrian‑oriented rules — see 17.38.550.
Landscaping / screening rules: projects must landscape lot areas not occupied by buildings/parking; projects subject to precise development plan must provide minimum 2% (or other stated minimum) of lot area in landscape unless reduced by the Planning Commission. New development/redevelopment ≥500 sq ft must provide landscape in the development area. Streetscreens/parking screening, planter widths and tree spacing (e.g., 1 tree per 50 ft frontage on Pier Ave) are specified for the Pier Avenue area (§ 17.38.550(L); downtown subsections).
Fences/walls: permitted materials and height limits apply; chain link/untreated block is generally prohibited as exposed material (§ 17.46.130).
Where applies: commercial zones citywide and Pier Avenue specific‑plan area (Plan Area No. 11). For downtown design review see the Precise Development Plan rules and Design Review.

Open Space (O‑S) and Open Space Overlay (OS‑O)

Purpose / typical uses: parks, permanent open space, landscaping and related passive uses. O‑S requires that yard/open areas be attractively landscaped and permanently irrigated (§ 17.30.080). The OS‑O overlay limits intensification and has specific landscape/fence rules (e.g., landscaping limited to 36 inches in OS‑O; fences/barriers controlled) (§ 17.30.080; § 17.36.030).
Where applies: identified open space parcels and overlay areas across the city.

Public Facility (PF)

Purpose / typical uses: government, institutional, civic uses (Chapter 17.29). Landscaping and development standards are established by precise development plans; the PF zone directs that landscaping, signage and site elements be addressed in the PDP (§ 17.29.030).
Where applies: public parcels, civic uses.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs — § 17.21)

Purpose / typical uses: ADUs on single‑family and multi‑family lots. The ADU chapter contains objective landscaping/screening rules for privacy: evergreen screening is required between ADU and neighbors, with one 15‑gallon plant per 5 ft of ADU wall (or 24" box per 10 ft), 6 ft minimum installed height, drought‑tolerant and from the city’s approved plant list; 6 ft solid fence is allowed as an alternative (§ 17.21). See Hermosa Beach — ADUs for the statewide interface and ministerial rules.

Quick Standards Table (decision‑relevant)

Topic	Standard (plain English)	Code Reference
Minimum planter/street planter width	3–4 ft for planter/streetscreen; planters with plants minimum 4 ft in some commercial provisions	§ 17.38.550(L)
Shrub density	1 five‑gallon shrub / 20 sq ft of landscaped area	§ 17.38.550(L)
Residential buffer (adjacent to commercial)	5 ft planter strip with 1 specimen tree (24" / 15 gal) per 10 ft of length (or approved alternative)	§ 17.38.550(L)
ADU evergreen screening	1 (15‑gal) plant per 5 linear ft of ADU wall (or 24" box per 10 ft); 6 ft tall at installation; drought‑tolerant; city plant list	§ 17.21
Pervious area in landscape	≥75% pervious in landscape areas; mulch ≥2 in	§ 17.38.550(L)
Raised curbing	6 in raised curbs around landscaped areas unless abutting building/fence; exceptions for LID/at‑grade planters with approval	§ 17.38.550(L)
Streetscreen height	3 ft min; up to 4 ft allowed if ≥30% permeable and vision clearances preserved	§ 17.38.550 (streetscreens)
Fence/wall heights	Up to 42 in generally; up to 6 ft behind front‑yard line; >42 in requires building permit; materials must be approved (no exposed plain gray block/chain link)	§ 17.46.130
Irrigation	Automatic water‑conserving irrigation required; plans must show a water budget consistent with Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance	§ 17.38.550(L)
Reviewer / Approvals	Landscape and irrigation plans reviewed/approved by Community Development / Planning Director; Precise Development Plan or Planning Commission may require additional measures	§ 17.38.550(L); § 17.58.030

Practical guidance / how the rules interact

If your project alters ≥500 sq ft of lot surface (new building footprint, new paved areas, added patios), expect to submit a landscape plan showing planter widths, species, irrigation and pervious calculations; the community development director must review it (§ 17.38.550(L)).
Downtown (Pier Avenue / Plan Area No. 11) has extra rules: pedestrian amenities (trees/benches) and parking/street screening rules are tailored to maintain pedestrian orientation and require tree per 50 ft of frontage or a commensurate fee if on‑site installation is infeasible (§ 17.38.550, § 17.38.550(10.J)).
If you plan a tall privacy screen or are abutting non‑residential uses and want a fence/wall taller than the default limits, apply for a Conditional Use Permit and be prepared to show why the extra height is needed and that it will not unreasonably block light/air/scenic views (§ 17.46.130).
For ADUs, provide the evergreen screening called out in § 17.21 or a 6‑ft solid fence. Because ADU rules are meant to be largely ministerial, the ADU landscaping standards are objective and enforceable; check the city’s approved plant list and the ADU chapter before permit application (§ 17.21).
Material choices matter: exposed surfaces of walls/fences must use “aesthetically pleasing” treatments (e.g., stucco, brick, split‑face block, wrought iron, wood); plain gray block and chain link as visible surfaces are prohibited in most zones (§ 17.46.130).

Links: for the development/setback context and concurrent reviews, see the Hermosa Beach — Development Standards and the Hermosa Beach — Design Review pages. Also check Hermosa Beach — Parking for parking‑screening interactions, Hermosa Beach — Overlay Districts for overlay rules, Hermosa Beach — ADUs for ADU process, and refer to the California Building Standards Code for Title 24 items that are outside zoning scope.

parking: /us/california/hermosa-beach/parking
development/setbacks: /us/california/hermosa-beach/development-standards
design review: /us/california/hermosa-beach/design-review
overlay districts: /us/california/hermosa-beach/overlay-districts
ADUs: /us/california/hermosa-beach/adu
California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Prepare a landscape plan showing planter widths, species list, shrub/tree counts and pervious area calculation (≥75% pervious). (§ 17.38.550(L))
Provide automatic, water‑conserving irrigation design and a water budget compliant with Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. (§ 17.38.550(L))
Show tree spacing/specimen sizes for any required residential buffers (5 ft planter + tree every 10 ft where applicable). (§ 17.38.550(L))
If in Pier Avenue / Plan Area No. 11, include streetscreen details or building screening for parking; provide the pedestrian amenities plan (tree/bench per frontage rules). (§ 17.38.550)
For fences/walls ≥42 in, obtain a building permit and specify approved materials (no exposed plain gray block or chain link unless authorized). (§ 17.46.130)
For ADUs, include evergreen screening per § 17.21 (or 6‑ft solid fence alternative) and show compliance with the city’s approved plant list. (§ 17.21)
Submit plans to the Community Development Director / Planning Director for approval; if the project triggers Precise Development Plan review, be prepared for Planning Commission conditions. (§ 17.38.550(L); § 17.58.030)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability of the 500 sq ft threshold	Many landscaping obligations trigger at ≥500 sq ft of lot/impervious change — this determines whether a full landscape plan is required	Confirm whether your work area counts as “development area” under § 17.38.550(L) and whether the Community Development Director finds it infeasible (possible exceptions). § 17.38.550(L)
Exact planter width requirement in a given zone	Some provisions call for 3 ft while others call for 4 ft planters (context: frontages, Downtown vs. other commercial)	Confirm which chapter applies to the parcel (e.g., Plan Area No. 11 downtown rules vs. general commercial) and which “subsection (L)” standard is in force on your lot. § 17.38.550(L)
Permitted fence/wall heights vs. site‑specific exceptions	Default heights (42 in / 6 ft behind front yard) can be modified by CUPs or PDPs	If proposing > standard heights, verify CUP criteria and Planning Commission findings; check vision clearance § 17.46.130 and 17.46.060.
ADU landscaping list and plant sizes	ADU screening is objective, but requires use of the city plant list	Confirm current “city approved plant list” and whether any updates or alternate plantings are allowed. § 17.21
Transformer and utility clearances vs. landscape screening	Screening must not block required utility/service clearances or Fire Department requirements	Confirm transformer/utility clearances with Public Works/utility provider and follow any referenced greenbook guidance. Utility guidance cited in local code practice but clearances are governed by utility/fire rules.

Plain‑English summary (for a homeowner)

Hermosa Beach requires that most new and substantial changes to yards, parking areas and commercial fronts include a landscape plan with automatic irrigation, a minimum amount of planted area (including trees and shrubs in specific spacings), and screening where properties adjoin different uses. Fences and walls have clear height and material rules (short at the street, taller allowed behind the front yard), and ADUs must have evergreen screening or a 6‑ft fence for neighbor privacy. Verify exact requirements with the Community Development Director before you buy plants or build walls. (§ 17.38.550(L); § 17.46.130; § 17.21)

Source References

§ 17.46.130 — Walls, fences and hedges (materials, heights, permits).
§ 17.38.550(L) — Plan Area No. 11 / Pier Avenue development standards (landscaping, streetscreens, pedestrian amenities).
§ 17.30.080 — O‑S Open Space Landscaping requirement.
§ 17.36.030 — OS‑O Open Space Overlay: landscaping and fences limits.
§ 17.58.030 — Precise Development Plan review: landscaping, fences/walls, screen plantings are reviewable features.
§ 17.21 — Accessory Dwelling Unit landscaping and evergreen screening requirements.
Hermosa Beach — Zoning (Title 17) overview (code contents). /us/california/hermosa-beach — for code navigation and chapter list.
Hermosa Beach — Development Standards for dimensional and setback context. /us/california/hermosa-beach/development-standards
Utility/transformer screening guidance referenced by practice (PGE Greenbook examples).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.58.020) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-12) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
CBC § 1214 (§ 1214) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (section 66323.) High relevance
CFC § 17.21.030 (section 17.21.030) High relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 9.52-3) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§4) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§ 7.2-9) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (section 66323.) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.50) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.46.060) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (Section 17.46.060) Medium relevance
Hermosa Beach Zoning Code (§4) Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 17.46.130 — Walls, fences and hedges (materials, heights, permits). (§ 17.46.130)
§ 17.38.550(L) — Plan Area No. 11 / Pier Avenue development standards (landscaping, streetscreens, pedestrian amenities). (§ 17.38.550)
§ 17.30.080 — O‑S Open Space Landscaping requirement. (§ 17.30.080)
§ 17.36.030 — OS‑O Open Space Overlay: landscaping and fences limits. (§ 17.36.030)
§ 17.58.030 — Precise Development Plan review: landscaping, fences/walls, screen plantings are reviewable features. (§ 17.58.030)
§ 17.21 — Accessory Dwelling Unit landscaping and evergreen screening requirements. (§ 17.21)
Hermosa Beach — Zoning (Title 17) overview (code contents). /us/california/hermosa-beach — for code navigation and chapter list. (Title 17)
Hermosa Beach — Development Standards for dimensional and setback context. /us/california/hermosa-beach/development-standards
Utility/transformer screening guidance referenced by practice (PGE Greenbook examples).
HermosaBeach_ZoningCode.md
2022 PGE Greenbook.md

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping rules apply if my project alters more than 500 sq ft of lot area?

If your project creates or alters at least 500 sq ft of lot surface you must provide landscape (or bring existing landscape into conformance) in the development area and submit a landscape plan and irrigation system for review by the Community Development Director; downtown Pier Avenue has additional streetscreen and amenity rules. See § 17.38.550(L) and § 17.58.030.

How wide must a planter or streetscreen be in Hermosa Beach?

Planters/street planters are typically 3–4 ft wide depending on the zone and specific plan; downtown Plan Area No. 11 cites minimum 3 ft streetscreens (4 ft in some planter contexts) with additional permeable/opening requirements for taller screens. See § 17.38.550(L).

What are the fence and wall height limits near the front yard?

Generally fences, walls or hedges up to 42 inches are allowed in front areas; solid fences/walls up to 6 ft are permitted behind the rear line of the required front yard. Any fence/wall 42 inches or greater needs a building permit; exposed materials must be approved (no plain gray block or chain link as the visible finish). See § 17.46.130.

Do ADUs in Hermosa Beach require plant screening?

Yes. Hermosa Beach requires evergreen landscape screening between an ADU and adjacent parcels: one 15‑gal plant per 5 linear ft of ADU wall (or one 24" box per 10 ft), planted at 6 ft tall minimum, drought‑tolerant and from the city’s approved plant list; a 6 ft solid fence is an allowed alternative. See § 17.21.

Are parking lots required to be screened from Pier Avenue?

Yes. Surface parking visible from Pier Avenue must be screened by buildings or streetscreens that meet the Pier Avenue standards (streetscreens 3 ft min, with permeability criteria if taller). See § 17.38.550.

Do landscape areas have to be pervious?

Yes — the code requires landscape areas to be at least 75% pervious, mulched to ≥2 in, planted with live, drought‑tolerant species, and perpetually maintained. Irrigation must be automatic and water‑conserving. See § 17.38.550(L).

Who reviews and approves landscape and screening plans?

Landscape plans and irrigation systems are reviewed by the Community Development Director/Planning Director; projects subject to Precise Development Plan review are considered by the Planning Commission where additional or alternative measures may be required. See § 17.38.550(L) and § 17.58.030.

Can I use chain link or plain concrete block for an exposed fence/wall?

No — as a visible surface, plain gray untreated concrete block and chain link are generally prohibited. Exceptions for chain link (with slats) are limited to commercial/manufacturing zones and temporary construction periods; permanent chain link is permitted only for certain recreational facilities or as otherwise authorized. See § 17.46.130.

What if I need a taller wall to mitigate noise from a commercial use next to residences?

A taller wall/fence may be approved by Conditional Use Permit if it’s necessary to mitigate noise or visual impacts and will not unreasonably harm light/air/views. Height, materials and vision clearance criteria apply. See § 17.46.130.

Where can I find the city's plant list and approved species?

The code refers to a city “approved plant list” for ADUs and drought‑tolerant species for other landscaping requirements. The list itself is not reproduced in Title 17; contact Community Development or Public Works for the current approved plant list referenced by § 17.21 and § 17.38.550(L). § 17.21; § 17.38.550(L) ---

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