Local zoning · Kern County

Kern County — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Kern County, landscaping and screening are governed by the Kern County Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), principally in Chapter 19.86 (Landscaping), with additional, use‑ or district‑specific rules in base districts and combining districts. The rules tie landscape quantity, plant selection, irrigation, and screening (walls, fences, and trees) to the underlying zoning and to adjacency conditions such as residential edges. Submittal, review, and installation timing for landscape plans are also prescribed. See the countywide zoning overview and related pages on zoning, development standards, and design review for process context.

Key rule: Multifamily projects in unincorporated areas must landscape at least 10% of the developed lot, including street-facing setback areas with regularly spaced trees. § 19.86.030

Countywide landscaping standards (Chapter 19.86)

Purpose and applicability. Chapter 19.86 ensures development is visually compatible, water‑efficient, and maintained; minimum plant sizes are set (trees 15‑gallon, shrubs 5‑gallon, groundcovers 1‑gallon). All landscaping must align with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and Kern’s building regulations (Title 17), and be maintained in good condition. § 19.86.010; § 19.86.020
Single‑family (Indian Wells Valley). In the Indian Wells Valley Land Use Management Plan area, new front yards: no turf; plants must come from the local Approved Plant List; use low‑volume irrigation; keep irrigation water on site. § 19.86.025(A)
Single‑family (outside Indian Wells Valley). New single‑family landscaping must comply with Chapter 19.86 and MWELO/Title 17. § 19.86.025(B)
Multifamily. At least 10% of the total developed lot area must be landscaped; front and street‑side setback areas must be landscaped and include street trees placed no farther than 50 ft apart and at least 5 ft behind sidewalks; provide parking‑lot planters per the county’s parking standards; install water‑efficient irrigation with automatic timers; choose climate‑appropriate species, with an Approved Plant List requirement within Indian Wells Valley. § 19.86.030(A)–(F)
Mobilehome parks. Minimum 5% of the developed lot landscaped; per‑space tree planting inside the park; landscaped perimeter setback; water‑efficient irrigation. § 19.86.040(C)–(E) (and generally)
Industrial uses. Minimum 5% of developed area landscaped; trees required along interior property lines that abut residential zones, with planters sized to protect tree wells; parking‑lot planters per § 19.82.090(I); water‑efficient irrigation; species selection keyed to site conditions and (in Indian Wells Valley) the Approved Plant List. § 19.86.060(A)–(F)
Water‑efficiency submittals. Projects that must comply with MWELO must submit a landscape documentation package for review and approval before permits/operation. § 19.86.065; § 19.86.080(B)
Plan content and timing. When landscaping is required by Title 19, a landscape plan accompanies the relevant application; installation is required before occupancy/use unless a financial assurance (150% of estimated cost) is posted for up to one year; provide a certificate of completion when MWELO applies. § 19.86.080(A); § 19.86.090(A)–(C)

Countywide fences, walls, and hedges (residential districts)

Heights in residential and estate districts. In E (¼, ½, 1, 2½), R‑1, R‑2, and R‑3:
- Front yard maximum is 4 ft; side and rear yard maximum is 6 ft. § 19.08.210(A)–(B)
- Barbed wire and sharp projections are prohibited; electrified fences are prohibited except for animal containment on parcels with the RS combining district and at least 2.5 acres. § 19.08.210(D)
- The planning director may approve greater heights through a noticed hearing with specific findings. § 19.08.210(G)

District-by-district standards and how they apply

Below are the unincorporated area districts/overlays where the ordinance adds landscaping/screening specifics beyond Chapter 19.86. For broader context on base districts and overlays, see Kern County Zoning, Land Use, Development Standards, and Overlay Districts.

R-2 (Medium-Density Residential)

What’s typically built: Multifamily development (subject to Chapter 19.80). § 19.80.010
Landscaping/screening highlights:
- Provide at least 10% landscaped area and street‑tree pattern per § 19.86.030.
- When more than three units abut E or R‑1, build a 6‑ft masonry wall at the interior side/rear; plant trees (mature height ≥10 ft) along the full length on the project side for noise attenuation; reduce the wall to 4 ft within the required front‑yard area. § 19.80.020(I)
- Trash/recyclables must be in a 6‑ft masonry enclosure with securable gate, placed outside front setbacks. § 19.80.020(L)
Where it applies: All unincorporated parcels zoned R‑2.

R-3 (High-Density Residential)

What’s typically built: Multifamily development (subject to Chapter 19.80). § 19.80.010
Landscaping/screening highlights: Same core landscaping and adjacency wall/tree standards as R‑2, above. § 19.86.030; § 19.80.020(I)
Where it applies: All unincorporated parcels zoned R‑3.

M-1 (Light Industrial)

What’s typically built: Light industrial, warehousing, and related uses.
Landscaping/screening highlights:
- Landscape per Chapter 19.86 and the industrial standards (minimum 5% landscaped area; residential edges require tree planting; parking‑lot planters per § 19.82.090(I)). § 19.36.120; § 19.86.060(A)–(D)
- Outdoor industrial storage yards must be fully enclosed by a solid screening fence at least 6 ft high, with design/materials approved by the planning director. § 19.36.130(A)
Where it applies: All unincorporated parcels zoned M‑1.

PR (Parks and Recreation)

What’s typically built: Public or private parks and recreational facilities.
Landscaping/screening highlights:
- Provide landscaping per Chapter 19.86. § 19.45.120
- Where a PR site abuts a residential zoning district, construct a 6‑ft solid wooden fence, masonry wall, or similar solid screening barrier (as approved by the Parks and Recreation Director). § 19.45.120
Where it applies: All unincorporated parcels zoned PR.

SP (Specific Plan)

What’s typically built: Development consistent with an adopted specific plan.
Landscaping/screening highlights: Landscaping requirements are established per the SP plan approval. § 19.52.120
Where it applies: Unincorporated parcels within an adopted SP district.

KRC (Kern River Corridor Combining District)

What’s typically built: Development within the Kern River Corridor subject to additional resource and design criteria.
Landscaping/screening highlights:
- Landscape at least 15% of the net lot area for multifamily, commercial, industrial, active recreational, or institutional projects; use native vegetation and choose species from the County’s approved list. § 19.73.120(A)
- Landscaping must otherwise follow Chapter 19.86, with an approved plant species list provided during review. § 19.73.090
Where it applies: Unincorporated parcels mapped with the KRC combining district.

Quick reference: minimums and edge treatments

Topic	Standard (unincorporated areas)	Code Reference
Single‑family in Indian Wells Valley	No front‑yard turf; approved plant list; low‑volume irrigation; keep irrigation water on site	§ 19.86.025(A)
Single‑family elsewhere	Comply with Chapter 19.86 and MWELO/Title 17	§ 19.86.025(B)
Multifamily coverage	Min. 10% of developed lot landscaped; landscape street‑facing setbacks with trees ≤50 ft on center	§ 19.86.030(A), (C)
Industrial coverage	Min. 5% of developed area landscaped	§ 19.86.060(A)
Residential fence heights	4 ft max in front yard; 6 ft max in side/rear (E and R districts)	§ 19.08.210(A)–(B)
Multifamily next to E/R‑1	6‑ft masonry wall on interior edges; trees along wall; reduce wall to 4 ft in front setback	§ 19.80.020(I)
M‑1 outdoor storage	Enclose yard with solid screening fence ≥6 ft high	§ 19.36.130(A)
PR next to residential	6‑ft solid fence or wall along shared boundary	§ 19.45.120
KRC overlay	Min. 15% net lot area landscaped; native/approved species	§ 19.73.120(A); § 19.73.090

Submittal, review, and installation

When required by Title 19, submit a landscape plan with the application; MWELO projects must file the “landscape documentation package” before permits/operation. § 19.86.080(A)–(B); § 19.86.065
Landscape and irrigation must be installed before occupancy/use unless a financial assurance equal to 150% of the installation cost is posted (up to 1 year deferral). § 19.86.090(A)–(B)
Parking‑lot landscaping is required “per § 19.82.090(I)” where cited in Chapter 19.86; coordinate this during design review and parking plan checks. § 19.86.030(D); § 19.86.060(D)

Checklist

Confirm the site is in unincorporated Kern County and identify the base district/overlays on the zoning map. See Zoning and Overlay Districts.
Calculate required landscaped area: 10% for multifamily; 5% for industrial; 15% in the KRC overlay (applicable uses). § 19.86.030; § 19.86.060; § 19.73.120(A)
For street frontages, place trees within setbacks per spacing and location rules. § 19.86.030(C)
If adjacent to residential, add required walls/trees (e.g., 6‑ft masonry wall for certain multifamily edges; 6‑ft solid fence/wall in PR next to residential; screening fence for M‑1 outdoor storage). § 19.80.020(I); § 19.45.120; § 19.36.130(A)
Prepare plant palette and irrigation to meet MWELO and, where applicable, the Indian Wells Valley Approved Plant List. § 19.86.025; § 19.86.030(B), (F); § 19.86.060(B), (F)
Submit the landscape documentation package if MWELO applies; obtain approval prior to permits/operation. § 19.86.065; § 19.86.080(B)
Install before occupancy/use or post a 150% performance assurance; file certificate of completion if MWELO‑regulated. § 19.86.090(A)–(C)
Check fence/wall heights along streets and yards in E and R districts (4 ft front; 6 ft side/rear), and seek relief through variances where warranted. § 19.08.210(A)–(B), (G)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
MWELO applicability thresholds	Triggers dictate whether a full “landscape documentation package” is required	Whether your project size/scope triggers § 19.86.065; confirm with Design Review staff
Parking-lot landscape details	§ 19.86 refers to § 19.82.090(I) for planter standards; details affect stall counts and tree quantities	The exact § 19.82.090(I) standards for your project; integrate with Parking review. § 19.86.030(D); § 19.86.060(D)
Indian Wells plant list	Using non‑approved species may require redesign	Whether the parcel is inside the Indian Wells Valley area and the current Approved Plant List. § 19.86.025; § 19.86.030(B), (F)
Adjacency walls for multifamily	Wall/tree obligations add cost and influence site layout	Whether § 19.80.020(I) applies based on zoning adjacency and unit count
Overlay constraints (KRC)	Adds a 15% landscaping minimum and native species requirements	Whether your parcel is in the KRC combining district. § 19.73.120(A); § 19.73.090

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building in unincorporated Kern County, expect to set aside part of your site for landscaping (10% for most multifamily, 5% for industrial; 15% in the Kern River Corridor), plant street‑adjacent trees on a regular rhythm, and install efficient irrigation. Where projects border homes, you’ll often need a 6‑foot solid wall with trees. Residential fences generally cap at 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet elsewhere. Most projects that meet state water‑efficiency thresholds must submit and build from an approved landscape plan before opening.

Source References

§ 19.86.010; § 19.86.020 (purpose; general standards; plant sizes; MWELO/Title 17 alignment)
§ 19.86.025 (single‑family landscaping; Indian Wells Valley standards)
§ 19.86.030 (multifamily landscaping; street trees; irrigation; parking planters cross‑ref)
§ 19.86.040 (mobilehome park landscaping)
§ 19.86.060 (industrial landscaping; residential edge trees; parking planters; irrigation)
§ 19.86.065; § 19.86.070; § 19.86.080; § 19.86.090 (water‑efficient plan requirements, review/approval, installation timing)
§ 19.08.210 (fences, walls, hedges in E and R districts; heights; materials; exceptions)
§ 19.80.010; § 19.80.020(I), (L), (M) (applicability to R‑2/R‑3 multifamily; adjacency walls/trees; trash enclosures; landscaping conformance)
§ 19.36.120; § 19.36.130(A) (M‑1 landscaping; outdoor storage screening fence)
§ 19.45.120 (PR district landscaping and residential edge screening)
§ 19.52.120 (SP district landscaping established per SP plan)
§ 19.73.090; § 19.73.120 (KRC combining district landscaping requirements)
Related topics: Kern County Development Standards, Kern County Design Review, Kern County Parking, Kern County Signage, Kern County Variances and Exceptions, California Building Standards Code

Sources

Retrieved passages

Kern County Zoning Code (Section 19.86.025) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (title for) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (§ 54) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (Chapter 19.102) High relevance
CBC § 69 (§ 69) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (§ 80) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (section of) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (§ 94) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (§ 7230.01) High relevance
Kern County Zoning Code (Section 19.82.090.) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Kern County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landscape plan approval before permits in unincorporated Kern County?

If your project must comply with the state water‑efficiency rules (MWELO), you must submit a landscape documentation package and get it approved before permits or operation. For any use where Title 19 requires landscaping, a landscape plan accompanies the application. § 19.86.065; § 19.86.080(A)–(B)

How much of my multifamily site must be landscaped?

At least 10% of the total developed lot area, plus landscaping of front and street‑side setbacks with regularly spaced trees. § 19.86.030(A), (C)

What screening is required when multifamily is next to single‑family zoning?

Build a 6‑ft masonry wall along interior side/rear edges and plant trees along the wall; reduce the wall to 4 ft within the front‑yard setback. Applies when more than three units are built adjacent to E or R‑1 zoning. § 19.80.020(I)

What landscaping do industrial projects need?

Landscape at least 5% of the developed area; add trees along any interior line abutting residential zoning; include parking‑lot planters per § 19.82.090(I); and install efficient irrigation. § 19.86.060(A)–(E)

What are fence height limits for homes in unincorporated areas?

In E and R districts, the front yard max is 4 ft; side and rear yards max is 6 ft (with a process to request higher fences through the planning director). § 19.08.210(A)–(B), (G)

Are there special rules along the Kern River Corridor?

Yes. In the KRC combining district, qualifying projects must landscape at least 15% of net lot area and use native/approved species, in addition to Chapter 19.86 requirements. § 19.73.120(A); § 19.73.090

Do parks need screening when next to homes?

Yes. PR‑zoned sites that abut residential zoning must construct a 6‑ft solid fence or wall along the common boundary. § 19.45.120

What about outdoor industrial storage?

Outdoor storage yards in M‑1 must be completely enclosed by a solid screening fence at least 6 ft high, with materials approved by the planning director. § 19.36.130(A)

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