Local zoning · Lassen County

Lassen County — Landscaping and Screening

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated Lassen County, landscaping and screening are regulated under the Lassen County Code, Title 18 (Zoning). Most countywide requirements live in the general provisions, with additional district-specific and overlay rules that can add buffer strips, tree planting in parking lots, fence/wall screening, and view-safety limits. This page synthesizes the parts of Title 18 that directly govern landscaping, screening, and related visibility controls for projects in unincorporated areas, and how they interact with Lassen County Zoning, Lassen County Development Standards, Lassen County Parking, and Lassen County Design Review.

Core rule to remember: Large parking lots in the R-3, C, and M zones with 16+ spaces must plant at least one shade tree within the parking area for every eight spaces, and add a landscaped strip where parking abuts any residential district. See § 18.108.145(A)–(B) .

Countywide standards that affect landscaping and screening

  • Sight safety at corners and driveways
    • In all districts, within the “sight distance area” at corner lots, fences, hedges, screen plantings, and other obstructions are limited to a maximum height of three feet; trees in that area must be limbed up to at least eight feet to maintain visibility. See § 18.102.040(c) .
    • For driveways and intersections, plant materials must stay under three feet within a 30-foot triangle (streets) and a 15-foot triangle (driveway–street), except trees limbed to six feet. See § 18.108.145(5) .
  • Residential fence and screen heights
    • In residential (R) districts, front-yard fences/hedges/screen plantings are limited to three feet; side and rear yard screens may be up to six feet, with a conditional allowance up to eight feet where yards meet at differing elevations if the upper portion allows air circulation. See § 18.102.040(b) .
  • Landscaping of parking lots and residential edges
    • Parking areas in R-3, C, and M zones with 16+ spaces must include one shade tree per eight spaces, within the parking area. See § 18.108.145(1)(A) .
    • Where a parking area abuts any residential district, a minimum three-foot-wide landscaped strip is required along the edge. See § 18.108.145(1)(B) .
  • Planting materials, irrigation, and maintenance
    • Required landscaping may combine live and inert (hardscape) materials; xeriscape with drought-tolerant plants is encouraged. See § 18.108.145(2) .
    • All planted areas must have a permanent watering system unless native plants that do not need irrigation are used; all plants must be maintained alive, and landscaped areas kept neat and clean. See § 18.108.145(3)–(4) .
  • Landscaping plan requirement
    • All landscaping required by § 18.108.145 must be installed and maintained per an approved landscaping plan submitted before permit issuance. See § 18.108.145(7) .
  • Lighting, glare, and visual spillover
    • Lighting must be designed and located to confine direct lighting to the premises; glare and spillover are prohibited. See § 18.108.155 .
  • Use-specific screening/landscaping
    • Junkyards/wrecking yards must be entirely enclosed by an eight‑foot fence of uniform, nonreflective material that adequately screens the use from view; hilly sites that defeat screening should be avoided. See § 18.108.130 .
    • Outdoor sales and rental lots must provide a minimum six‑foot‑high solid board fence or masonry wall separating the lot from abutting residential uses. See § 18.108.180 .
    • Libraries and medical/dental laboratories must provide a ten‑foot landscaped strip along property lines abutting residential property (and residential streets for medical/dental labs). See § 18.108.150 and § 18.108.160 .

District-by-district guidance (unincorporated areas)

R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) and residential (R) districts

  • Purpose, typical uses, and dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • If a parking area serves an R-3 site and has 16+ spaces, plant one shade tree within the parking area per eight spaces; add a three‑foot landscaped strip where parking abuts any residential district. See § 18.108.145(1) .
    • Front-yard fences/hedges/screens are limited to three feet; side/rear yard screens up to six feet (with limited 8‑ft option at grade differences). Maintain corner “sight distance areas” clear to three feet; limb trees to eight feet. See § 18.102.040(b)–(c) .

C districts (Commercial)

  • Purpose, typical uses, and dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • For parking lots with 16+ spaces, one tree per eight spaces within the lot; landscaped strips where commercial parking abuts residential districts. See § 18.108.145(1) .
    • Libraries and medical/dental labs require a ten‑foot landscaped strip on property lines abutting residential property (and residential streets for the latter). See § 18.108.150–.160 .
    • Outdoor sales/rental lots must screen from abutting residential with a six‑foot solid fence or masonry wall. See § 18.108.180 .

C‑R (Commercial–Residential Combining District)

  • Purpose: Ensure context‑sensitive commercial/residential frontages with cohesive design. See § 18.33.060(1) .
  • Typical uses: Companion uses per the underlying zone, with C‑R adding design requirements. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • New buildings must be landscaped in accordance with § 18.108.145; additions may receive landscaping “credit” via approved architectural features. See § 18.33.060(2) .
    • Roof‑mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from roadways and nearby residential areas. See § 18.33.060(1)(C) .
    • Projects are subject to design review. See § 18.33.060(1)(A) and Chapter 18.118 .

B‑P (Business Park District) — Chapter 18.39

  • Purpose: Organized business/industrial campus setting. See § 18.39.050–.060 .
  • Typical uses: Business park uses; some with outdoor components by permit. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot size and setbacks in § 18.39.050 .
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • Landscaping is required within front and side yard areas and is enforced through design review; live or inert materials are allowed, including natural vegetation and rocks (disturbed areas must be re‑landscaped). See § 18.39.060(4)–(5) .
    • Parking lots with 16+ spaces: one tree per eight spaces within the lot; possible additional perimeter landscaping. See § 18.39.060(6) .

M‑L (Limited Industrial District) — Chapter 18.40

  • Purpose: Aggregation of clean, non‑nuisance industrial uses in an industrial park setting; aesthetics are encouraged. See § 18.40.010 .
  • Typical uses: Administrative, industrial, and allied uses (chapter continues). Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Key dimensional standards: Lot size/width and yard standards in § 18.40.050 .
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • All development is subject to design review; parking must be paved, and lots with 16+ spaces require one tree per eight spaces in the lot; extra landscaping may be required along public roads. See § 18.40.060(1), (3) .
    • Off‑street parking in front/side yard setbacks must be separated from streets and adjacent property by a minimum five‑foot landscaped strip. See § 18.40.060(4) .
    • Yards must be landscaped (live or inert materials). See § 18.40.060(6) .
    • Mini‑storage warehouses: each lot line requires a landscape screen, stone or masonry wall, or opaque fence at least six feet high. See § 18.40.060(7)(A) .

M‑1 (Light Industrial District) — Chapter 18.42

  • Purpose: Light industrial with performance standards. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Dimensional standards: Lot/yard standards in § 18.42.050 (as shown under development standards and area requirements). See citation block above for content under that heading .
  • Landscaping/screening highlights:
    • Parking areas with 16+ spaces: one tree per eight spaces; additional landscaping on road edges may be required. See § 18.42.060(4) .
    • When parking is in required front/side yards, provide a five‑foot minimum landscaped strip; when required yards directly face R zones, the entire yard becomes a landscaped buffer to screen the R zone. See § 18.42.060(5) .
    • Activities must occur in confined, secure areas and be screened from public roadways and adjoining properties. See § 18.42.060(7) .

D (Design Combining District) — Chapter 18.86

  • Overlay purpose: Ensure buildings, structures, fences, and other external improvements are not visually adverse; ensures harmony with area character. See § 18.86.010 .
  • Uses allowed: Those of the companion base zone. See § 18.86.020 .
  • Process: Projects (including landscaping, fences, parking areas) in D overlays require design review under Chapter 18.118. See § 18.86.030 and § 18.118.010 .

NH (Natural Habitat Combining District) — Chapter 18.94

  • Overlay purpose: Protect wildlife resources through site plan review. See § 18.94.040–.050 .
  • Landscaping/screening implications: Site plans must show fences, outdoor lighting, and proposed tree/brush removal; habitat concerns may constrain screening methods and vegetation removal. See § 18.94.040(3)(C), (E) and § 18.94.050 .
  • Coordinate early with Lassen County Overlay Districts when using landscaping for buffers/screens in sensitive areas.

Airport Zoning — Chapter 18.136

  • Scope: Controls heights of structures and trees in airport areas; can limit tree growth used for screening. Nonconforming trees/structures have specific treatment. See § 18.136.070–.100 .
  • If you rely on tall vegetation as screening near airports, verify height limits with the jurisdiction.

Quick-reference standards

Topic Requirement Where it applies Code Reference
Trees in large parking lots 1 tree per 8 spaces, within parking area R-3, C, M zones; lots with 16+ spaces § 18.108.145(1)(A)
Landscaped strip at residential edge 3 ft min landscaped strip along parking abutting R districts Where any parking abuts R districts § 18.108.145(1)(B)
Sight triangle at corners Max 3 ft height for obstructions; trees limbed to 8 ft All districts (corner “sight distance area”) § 18.102.040(c)
Sight triangle at driveways Max 3 ft height in 30′ street-street and 15′ driveway-street triangles; trees limbed to 6 ft All districts § 18.108.145(5)
Residential fence/screen heights 3 ft front; 6 ft side/rear; limited 8 ft where yards differ in elevation R districts § 18.102.040(b)
Junkyards/wrecking yards 8 ft nonreflective screening fence enclosing site Where junkyards are allowed § 18.108.130
Outdoor sales/rental lots 6 ft solid board fence or masonry wall at R edges Where abutting residential uses § 18.108.180
Libraries 10 ft landscaped strip on property lines abutting R All districts § 18.108.150
Medical/dental labs 10 ft landscaped strip abutting R and residential streets All districts § 18.108.160
M‑L parking in setbacks 5 ft min landscaped strip between parking and street/property M‑L where parking in required yards § 18.40.060(4)
M‑1 buffers 5 ft landscaped strip for parking in required yards; full landscaped buffer where yards face R M‑1 § 18.42.060(5)
Mini‑storage perimeter screen Landscape screen, stone/masonry wall, or opaque fence ≥6 ft on all lot lines M‑L (mini‑storage) § 18.40.060(7)(A)
Landscaping plan Required; must show plants, water supply, and improvements Where § 18.108.145 applies § 18.108.145(7)

Checklist

  • Confirm your base zoning and any overlays for the parcel in unincorporated areas via the Lassen County zoning & planning overview and Lassen County Overlay Districts.
  • If your parking lot has 16+ spaces in an R-3, C, or M zone, calculate and show one tree per eight spaces within the lot; site trees to avoid sight triangles. Cite § 18.108.145(1)(A), (5) .
  • Where any parking abuts a residential district, include the minimum three‑foot landscaped strip. Cite § 18.108.145(1)(B) .
  • Design any residential fences/screens to meet height limits and corner visibility rules. Cite § 18.102.040(b)–(c) .
  • Prepare a landscaping plan with irrigation details (or native/drought‑tolerant rationale) for submittal; maintain all plants in a living, neat condition. Cite § 18.108.145(2)–(4), (7) .
  • If in M‑L or M‑1, include required landscaped strips, buffers to R zones, and any perimeter screening (e.g., mini‑storage). Cite § 18.40.060 and § 18.42.060 .
  • For use‑specific cases (libraries, medical/dental labs, outdoor sales, junkyards), add the required strips or fences/walls. Cite § 18.108.150–.160, .180, .130 .
  • If your parcel is in a D design combining district or your approval triggers design review, coordinate early with Lassen County Design Review. Cite § 18.86.030 and § 18.118.010 .
  • Cross‑check any lighting associated with landscaping for glare/spill compliance with § 18.108.155 .
  • If near airports or in NH overlay areas, confirm tree heights and vegetation removal limits with the County. Cite § 18.136.070–.100 and § 18.94.040–.050 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Corner/driveway visibility metrics Two rules appear: a general “sight distance area” and explicit 30′/15′ triangles for landscaping Whether Public Works applies a standard sight triangle template for your frontage; reconcile § 18.102.040(c) with § 18.108.145(5) for your site
Which specific C districts you’re in Commercial sub‑district standards can differ Exact C district and any area‑specific conditions; base standards not found in retrieved materials
C‑R district scope Triggers design review and screening of rooftop equipment Whether your frontage lies in a mapped C‑R area and what design standards apply under § 18.33.060
B‑P district landscape expectations Landscaping is integral and reviewed case‑by‑case Front/side yard landscaping scope and any enhanced road‑edge landscaping under § 18.39.060
Industrial buffers to R M‑1 and M‑L add strip/buffer and screening rules Whether your site faces an R zone and therefore needs a full landscaped buffer or perimeter screen under § 18.42.060 and § 18.40.060
Airport/NH limits on trees Tall screening may conflict with hazard or habitat protection Height limits and vegetation removal constraints under Ch. 18.136 and Ch. 18.94; “Verify with the jurisdiction”
Definition section citation for “Landscaping” Helps draw the line on inert vs live materials The definition text is in the Chapter 18.14 Definitions excerpt, but its exact § number was Not found in retrieved materials

Plain-English Summary

For projects in unincorporated Lassen County, expect to plant shade trees inside larger parking lots, add short landscaped strips where parking touches residential property, keep corner and driveway sight lines clear, and maintain plants alive with irrigation unless using native/drought‑tolerant species. Industrial and business park sites add landscaped yard strips, screening of activities, and, in some cases, perimeter walls or landscape screens; many corridors and combined districts also require design review. Coordinate your plan set so landscaping supports your parking, visibility, and development standards.

Source References

  • § 18.102.040 (Height requirements; fences/visibility)
  • § 18.108.130 (Junkyards/wrecking yards screening)
  • § 18.108.145 (Landscaping standards; trees, strips, irrigation, maintenance, sight triangles, plan)
  • § 18.108.150 (Libraries; landscaped strip)
  • § 18.108.155 (Lighting/spillover)
  • § 18.108.160 (Medical/dental labs; landscaped strip)
  • § 18.33.060 (C‑R special provisions; landscaping and screening of equipment; design review)
  • § 18.39.050–.060 (B‑P standards; landscaping via design review; parking trees)
  • § 18.40.010, § 18.40.050–.060 (M‑L intent; yard landscaping; parking strips; mini‑storage perimeter screen)
  • § 18.42.050–.060 (M‑1 development standards; landscape strips/buffers; screening of activities)
  • § 18.86.010–.030 (D design combining district; design review link)
  • § 18.94.040–.050 (NH overlay; site plan details incl. fences and vegetation removal)
  • § 18.136.070–.100 (Airport zoning; trees/height controls)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Lassen County Zoning Code (section to) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (Section 18.114) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 39) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.86.) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 66) Medium relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 18.108.100.) Medium relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 28) Medium relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Lassen County Zoning Code (§ 68) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to plant trees inside my commercial parking lot in unincorporated Lassen County?

Yes, if the lot has 16 or more spaces in a C district you must plant at least one shade tree for every eight spaces within the parking area; you may also be required to add edge landscaping along public roads. See § 18.108.145(1)(A) .

How tall can my front-yard fence or hedge be on a residential lot?

In residential districts, front-yard fences, hedges, and screen plantings are limited to three feet; side and rear screening can be six feet (with a limited 8‑foot option where yards meet at differing elevations). Corner “sight distance areas” must remain at three feet, and trees limbed up. See § 18.102.040(b)–(c) .

What landscaped buffer is required where parking touches a residential district?

Provide a minimum three‑foot‑wide landscaped strip along any edge of a parking area that abuts a residential district. See § 18.108.145(1)(B) .

In M‑1 and M‑L zones, what screening or buffers apply next to homes?

In M‑1, any required yard that directly faces an R zone must be fully landscaped as a buffer; parking in required yards also needs a five‑foot landscaped strip. M‑L has similar strips and requires landscaped yards; mini‑storage needs a six‑foot perimeter screen/wall/fence. See § 18.42.060(5), (7) and § 18.40.060(4), (6), (7)(A) .

Do I need design review for landscaping and fences?

If your site is within a D (Design) combining district—or if design review is otherwise required—landscaping, fences, and parking layout are reviewed for visual compatibility. See § 18.86.030 and § 18.118.010 .

Are there special screening rules for outdoor sales lots or junkyards?

Yes. Outdoor sales/rental lots must install at least a six‑foot solid fence or masonry wall where they abut residential uses, and junkyards must be fully enclosed by an eight‑foot nonreflective screening fence. See § 18.108.180 and § 18.108.130 .

What if my property is near an airport or in a habitat overlay—can I plant tall screening trees?

Tree height and vegetation removal may be restricted in airport zones or NH habitat overlays; plan early to avoid conflicts. See Ch. 18.136 and § 18.94.040–.050; Verify with the jurisdiction .

Do these rules apply inside incorporated cities like Susanville?

No. Title 18 applies to unincorporated areas only. Incorporated cities in Lassen County have their own codes. See the Lassen County zoning & planning overview.

More in Lassen County code

Ask about any Lassen County property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Lassen County zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Lassen County zoning topics

Lassen County Zoning

Lassen County Land Use

Lassen County Development Standards

Lassen County Parking

Lassen County Design Review

Lassen County Overlay Districts

Lassen County Historic Preservation

Lassen County Signage

Lassen County Nonconforming Uses

Lassen County Variances and Exceptions

Lassen County overview