Local zoning · Kerman

Kerman — Landscaping and Screening

Q: How much of my front yard must be planted for a single‑family lot?

On single‑family lots the code requires a minimum of 50% of the front yard area to be landscaped (trees, turf, shrubbery) and requires automatic irrigation for landscaped areas per § 17.10.080 A .

Q: What are the fence height rules in Kerman?

General limits: fences/walls/hedges ≤ 42 inches in required front yard areas and ≤ 7 feet in required rear and side yards; certain zones or CUPs can allow taller fences (up to 8 ft ) in commercial/industrial zones ( § 17.24.020 A–C ) .

Q: Will the PD or combining zone change landscape requirements?

Possibly. PD and certain combining zones (e.g., IBA ) require development plan review and the PD/process can adjust standards (including landscaping and fence/wall heights) if justified by the findings in Ch. 17.96 ( § 17.96.090 , § 17.24/17.26 ) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Kerman’s zoning code requires for landscaping, screening, fences, walls, and trees — focused strictly on the zoning/permitting rules in Title 17. Expect rules on minimum landscaped area, replacement tree size and spacing, hardscape/artificial turf limits, screening for parking and industrial uses, and fence/wall heights and materials. Where this page mentions related topics that affect landscape or screening plans I link to the city's guidance on parking, Kerman Development Standards (setbacks), design review, overlay districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) because those processes or codes commonly intersect with landscaping or required walls. All mandatory rules below are grounded in the Kerman zoning code; I cite the controlling § and the retrieved ordinance file for each item.

What the zoning code requires (quick synthesis)

Permanent, water‑efficient landscaping is required for most new development and when landscaping is added or sites are expanded — the city ties landscaping to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and its own Chapter 17.26 standards (§ 17.26.010–.030) .
Minimum planted tree sizes and replacement spacing are specified: minimum container size 15 gallons and one tree per 25 feet of frontage for replacement trees (§ 17.26.040 C–D) .
Residential front yards: single‑family zones require 50% of the front yard to be landscaped and irrigation systems for landscaped areas (§ 17.10.080 A) .
Artificial turf is permitted but limited: allowed in rear/interior side yards; in front/street‑side setback areas up to 50% of that setback, and not within 10 ft of a sidewalk or 20 ft of a curb where no sidewalk exists (§ 17.26.060) .
Fences/walls/hedges: maximum 42 inches in required front yards and 7 feet in required rear/side yards (with specific exceptions and combining‑zone rules) (§ 17.24.020, § 17.24.030, and related zone sections) .
Where commercial/industrial uses abut residential zones the code often requires a 7‑foot solid masonry/block wall, and some uses (collection/recycling, heavy industrial) must provide 6–7 foot masonry screening; taller or security fences often require a CUP (§ 17.24.040, § references in industrial/commercial use standards) .
Parking areas and garages facing public streets should be screened with evergreen landscaping or planted earth berms of at least 3 feet where required (site‑planning standards) (§ 17.48 parking/circulation standards) .

District‑by‑district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, key landscaping/screening standards, where it applies)

Note: the Kerman zoning code uses base zones and combining/plan districts. Below I extract the landscaping/screening requirements the code explicitly ties to these zones. For detailed permitted uses and full dimensional tables consult the full Kerman zoning tables (see Source References).

RR (Rural Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: large‑lot single‑family/residential and low‑density rural uses. (General intent described in Division 1; see zoning tables) Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific uses. Not all use lists are reproduced in the retrieved excerpts. .
Key landscaping/screening rules: fences/walls in RR are subject to the general fence height limits: 42 in front, 7 ft side/rear; where parcels abut a residential zone with grade differences an additional height allowance may be permitted up to 8 ft above the lower parcel with conditions (§ 17.24.020 B) .
Where it applies: city limits/residential fringe. Verify exact map with city planning. .

R‑1 (Single‑Unit Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings. Front yard landscaping expectations are explicit: minimum 50% of front yard area must be planted (trees, turf, or shrubs) and require automatic irrigation (§ 17.10.080 A) .
Key dimensional/screening standards: fences/walls ≤ 42 in in front setback and ≤ 7 ft rear/side; chain‑link and certain repurposed materials are disallowed in residential zones; fences must be original materials (no corrugated metal/plastic, etc.) (§ 17.24.020, § 17.10.060B) .
Where it applies: single‑family neighborhoods. For projects with multiple units, additional walls are required where abutting single‑unit zones (see multi‑unit rules) (§ 17.10.060 G) .

R‑2 / R‑3 (Multi‑Unit Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, apartments, and multi‑family housing.
Key landscaping/screening standards: For projects with more than ten units, provide landscaped/usable recreation/open space equaling at least 5% of net parcel area or 400 sq ft per unit, and landscape must be permanent and irrigated (§ 17.10.080 B) . Replacement tree and minimum tree size rules apply (§ 17.26.040 C–D) . Multi‑unit projects must screen parking and may be required to construct 7‑ft masonry walls along property lines adjoining single‑unit zones (§ 17.10.060 G, § 17.24.040 A**) .
Where it applies: R‑2/R‑3 residential neighborhoods and multi‑unit developments.

MU (Mixed‑Use)

Purpose / typical uses: mixed commercial/residential; flexible infill.
Key landscaping/screening standards: MU abutting residential zones may be treated differently for required walls — a seven‑foot solid block/masonry wall is required between residential and nonresidential zones except where the MU zone abuts residential on rear/side property lines (code notes an exception) (§ 17.24.040 A) .
Where it applies: nodes where commercial/residential mix is intended.

CG, CN, CS, PA (Commercial/Retail / Public Assembly)

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood and community commercial, public assembly.
Key landscaping/screening standards: fences in CG, CN, CS, PA, M‑1, M‑2 may exceed 7 ft (up to 8 ft) only with a conditional use permit (§ 17.24.020 C) . Front setbacks still limit decorative fencing to 42 in unless otherwise allowed. Commercial sites often must provide landscape buffers and masonry screening for outdoor storage or collection facilities (§ 17.26.050 A, industrial/commercial use standards) .
Where it applies: defined commercial corridors and parcels; check local zoning map. Verify site‑specific buffer requirements with staff.

M‑1, M‑2 (Industrial / Manufacturing)

Purpose / typical uses: light to heavy industrial uses.
Key landscaping/screening standards: industrial uses that store materials outdoors, recycling or large collection facilities must be screened from rights‑of‑way by a minimum 6‑ft solid masonry wall or be within an enclosed structure; exterior storage not to be visible above the required wall height (industrial use subsections) (§ 17.26.?? [use standards], see code excerpts) .
Fences taller than 7 ft may be allowed by CUP but not exceed 8 ft in these zones (§ 17.24.020 C) .

O (Open Space / Public & Quasi‑Public)

Purpose / typical uses: parks, playgrounds, community facilities; open space protection.
Key landscaping/screening standards: the code articulates public/quasi‑public zone purpose but the specific landscaping formulas for O are not found in retrieved materials; general landscaping and MWELO requirements still apply to new development (§ 17.16.010; § 17.26.020–.030) .

IBA (Industrial Business/Combining) (Combining district rules)

Purpose / typical uses: special combined standards along certain arterials or plan areas.
Key landscaping/screening standards: IBA combining zones prohibit fences/walls/hedges in the front setback along certain corridors (e.g., Madera Avenue) and require any visible fencing to be decorative wrought iron or block wall; max heights: 7 ft rear/side, 42 in front; must comply with clear vision triangle (§ 17.10.?? IBA specifics and § 17.20.030) .

PD (Planned Development combining zone)

Purpose / typical uses: custom, master‑planned developments with site‑specific modifications.
Key landscaping/screening standards: PD projects are subject to development plan review and the PD may modify development standards (including landscaping, fences, walls) during plan review; PDs still must comply with sight‑distance and general fence height limits unless adjusted through the PD process (§ 17.96 & § 17.24/17.26 references) .

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Standard / Requirement	What the planner/applicant must know	Code reference
Front yard landscaping — Single‑family	50% of front yard must be landscaped; automatic irrigation required	§ 17.10.080 A
Minimum replacement tree size	15‑gallon container minimum	§ 17.26.040 C
Replacement tree spacing	1 tree / 25 ft of public frontage (replacement trees)	§ 17.26.040 D
Landscape planters	Planters must be protected with 6‑inch concrete curb or similar barrier	§ 17.26.040 E
Artificial turf (front setback)	Max 50% of front/street‑side setback may be artificial turf; not within 10 ft of sidewalk, 20 ft of curb if no sidewalk	§ 17.26.060 B
Fence/wall heights (general)	≤ 42 in in required front yard; ≤ 7 ft in rear/side yards; exceptions in some zones	§ 17.24.020 A
Required masonry wall between zones	7‑ft solid block/masonry wall required between residential & nonresidential zones (exceptions noted for MU)	§ 17.24.040 A
Screening for parking areas	Parking facing public streets should be screened (evergreen landscaping or earth berm ≥ 3 ft)	Site‑planning/parking standards (parking/circulation) § 17.48 excerpt
Recycling / collection facilities screening	Screened from ROW by ≥ 6 ft solid masonry wall or enclosed structure	Industrial/commercial use standards (recycling/collection)

Checklist

Submit a landscape plan consistent with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and Chapter 17.26; include irrigation and plant palette choices (§ 17.26.020–.030) .
Show front/street‑side setback landscaping (50% turf for single‑family where applicable) and quantify artificial turf if proposed — respect 50% maximum in front setbacks (§ 17.10.080 A, § 17.26.060) .
Provide tree schedule: minimum 15‑gal containers and replacement spacing 1 per 25 ft frontage (§ 17.26.040 C–D) .
Indicate all walls/fences: height, materials, and location; ensure front fences ≤ 42 in and rear/side ≤ 7 ft unless a zone‑specific exception or CUP is sought (§ 17.24.020) .
If the project abuts a different base zone (e.g., nonresidential next to residential), show required 7‑ft masonry wall locations or justify mitigation measures (§ 17.24.040 A) .
For multi‑unit projects, include usable open space / recreation calculations and parking screening details (§ 17.10.080 B, parking screening guidance) .
Confirm whether development requires site plan review or development plan review (PD/IBA etc.) and include landscaping as part of that submittal (Ch. 17.80 / 17.96) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact permitted plant species / street tree list	Chapter 17.26 requires climate‑appropriate, water‑efficient plantings but does not publish a species list in the retrieved materials	Verify with planning staff or plan check for the city’s accepted plant list and street tree species (Not found in retrieved materials).
Zone‑by‑zone permitted uses and dimensional table values	Landscaping rules reference zones (R‑1, MU, etc.) but full use/dimensional tables were not provided in the retrieved excerpts	Consult the full zoning tables / development standards in Title 17 for permitted uses, setbacks, and lot coverage (Verify with jurisdiction).
Where a PD/IBA modifies landscape/fence standards	PD or combining zones may adjust standards during plan review, creating site‑specific exceptions	If your parcel is in a PD or IBA check the approved PD document or applicable combining‑zone measures; otherwise assume base zone standards apply (§ 17.96, PD/IBA rules)
Tree replacement ratio vs. canopy requirements	Code gives replacement spacing and minimum container size but does not state canopy targets in retrieved excerpts	Verify whether the city requires canopy cover or credits for mature size at planting (Not found in retrieved materials).
Conflicts between MWELO and local allowances (artificial turf limits)	State MWELO and local Chapter 13.06 requirements are referenced; site constraints or BMPs could change acceptability	Make sure landscape plans meet both Chapter 17.26 and Chapter 13.06 (MWELO); consult plan checker if proposing unusual hardscape/artificial turf (Verify with jurisdiction)
Fence material restrictions in residential areas	Code prohibits chain link and repurposed materials in residential zones except when not visible from ROW; there is discretion in enforcement	If proposing chain link with slats or non‑standard materials, obtain a zoning clearance and check visibility from public ROW (§ 17.10.060 B, § 17.24.030)

Plain‑English Summary

If you build or change landscaping in Kerman you must submit a landscape plan that follows the city’s water‑efficient rules: use a minimum 15‑gal trees at a rate of one per 25 feet of frontage, plant half of the front yard in single‑family zones, limit artificial turf in front setbacks to 50%, and keep front fences low (≤ 42 in) while rear/side fences are usually ≤ 7 ft — industrial/commercial sites often need masonry walls and dedicated screening; check the applicable zone and combining district and bring these items to the site plan review meeting (See § 17.26, § 17.24, § 17.10).

Source References

Kerman Zoning Code, Title 17 — Chapter 17.26 (Landscaping): § 17.26.010–.070 (purpose, applicability, water‑efficient landscape compliance, general landscaping standards, landscape area requirements, artificial turf)
Kerman Zoning Code, Fences/Walls/Hedges: § 17.24.010–.040 (height limitations, required walls between zones)
Kerman Zoning Code, Residential site standards and recreation/open space: § 17.10.060–.090 (single‑family front yard landscaping, multifamily open space)
Parking and parking‑facility screening standards (site‑planning excerpts): § 17.48 / site plan review standards (parking screening / berms)
Industrial/commercial facility screening and large collection/recycling standards (masonry wall requirement): industrial use subsections in the zoning code (recycling/collection facility standards)
Definitions: "Landscaping, screen" and other definitions that set planting/irrigation/screening expectations — definitional entries in the code dictionary (§ 17.120.x)
Development plan review / site plan review and conditions that can modify landscaping/fences: Ch. 17.96 development plan review and Ch. 17.80 site plan review requirements (§ 17.96.030–.090, § 17.80)

(Verify site‑specific map designations and full dimensional/land‑use tables with the city planning division; some use tables and lists were not reproduced in the retrieved excerpts.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 2 (Section 17.20.030) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§1) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.30) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
Kerman Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Kerman Zoning Code, **Title 17 — Chapter 17.26 (Landscaping)**: **§ 17.26.010–.070** (purpose, applicability, water‑efficient landscape compliance, general landscaping standards, landscape area requirements, artificial turf) (Title 17)
Kerman Zoning Code, **Fences/Walls/Hedges**: **§ 17.24.010–.040** (height limitations, required walls between zones) (§ 17.24.010)
Kerman Zoning Code, **Residential site standards and recreation/open space**: **§ 17.10.060–.090** (single‑family front yard landscaping, multifamily open space) (§ 17.10.060)
Parking and parking‑facility screening standards (site‑planning excerpts): **§ 17.48 / site plan review standards** (parking screening / berms) (§ 17.48)
Industrial/commercial facility screening and large collection/recycling standards (masonry wall requirement): industrial use subsections in the zoning code (recycling/collection facility standards)
Definitions: **"Landscaping, screen"** and other definitions that set planting/irrigation/screening expectations — definitional entries in the code dictionary (**§ 17.120.x**) (§ 17.120.x)
Development plan review / site plan review and conditions that can modify landscaping/fences: **Ch. 17.96** development plan review and **Ch. 17.80** site plan review requirements (**§ 17.96.030–.090**, **§ 17.80**) (§ 17.96.030)
Kerman_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to plant trees when I build a new house in Kerman?

Yes. The landscaping chapter requires permanent, water‑efficient landscaping for new development; replacement tree minimum size is 15‑gallon and replacement spacing is one tree per 25 feet of street frontage per § 17.26.040 C–D .

How much of my front yard must be planted for a single‑family lot?

On single‑family lots the code requires a minimum of 50% of the front yard area to be landscaped (trees, turf, shrubbery) and requires automatic irrigation for landscaped areas per § 17.10.080 A .

What are the fence height rules in Kerman?

General limits: fences/walls/hedges ≤ 42 inches in required front yard areas and ≤ 7 feet in required rear and side yards; certain zones or CUPs can allow taller fences (up to 8 ft) in commercial/industrial zones (§ 17.24.020 A–C) .

If my commercial site abuts homes, do I need a wall?

Yes — where a residential zone adjoins a nonresidential zone the code typically requires a 7‑ft solid masonry/block wall along the common property line (exceptions for some MU adjacencies are noted) per § 17.24.040 A .

Can I use artificial turf across my entire front setback?

No. Artificial turf in front and street‑side setback areas is limited to 50% of the total area of that setback; artificial turf is allowed without that numeric limit in rear/interior side yards. Also do not install artificial turf within 10 ft of a sidewalk or 20 ft of a curb where no sidewalk exists (§ 17.26.060) .

Are parking lots required to be screened from the street?

Yes, where the site‑planning standards apply parking areas visible from streets should be screened with evergreen landscaping or a planted earth berm with a minimum height of 3 feet (site‑planning/parking standards) (§ 17.48 excerpt) .

What materials are disallowed for residential fences?

Residential fences are restricted from being constructed of chain link, wire mesh, corrugated metal/plastic, or repurposed materials visible from the public right‑of‑way; chain link with privacy slats is allowed when the fence is not visible from the right‑of‑way (§ 17.10.060 B) .

Will the PD or combining zone change landscape requirements?

Possibly. PD and certain combining zones (e.g., IBA) require development plan review and the PD/process can adjust standards (including landscaping and fence/wall heights) if justified by the findings in Ch. 17.96 (§ 17.96.090, § 17.24/17.26) .

Where does water‑efficiency fit into Kerman’s landscaping rules?

The city requires all landscaping to comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as incorporated by reference; Chapter 17.26 explicitly ties landscape design and irrigation to MWELO (§ 17.26.030) .

Who enforces the landscaping conditions and when are they verified?

Landscaping and related conditions are enforced during site plan review/development plan review and before building permits/certificates of occupancy per the plan review and building permit sequencing in Ch. 17.96 / § 17.96.030–.040 (director or commission makes findings; building official checks conditions prior to occupancy) .

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