Local zoning · Lodi

Lodi — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the Lodi 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 Lodi's development code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, and fences/walls under Title 17 (the Development Code). Key rules live in the landscaping chapter and in the site-planning and district development standards: required landscape plans, where landscaping must be provided, parking-lot landscaping and tree rates, screening of service/outdoor-storage areas, and maximum fence/wall heights. See the city's Lodi Development Standards for the district tables that are cross-referenced by the landscaping rules. All requirements below are drawn directly from the Lodi Development Code. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel-specific interpretations. (§ references follow each requirement)

How this page uses Lodi terms (quick)

  • "Landscaping" rules are in Chapter 17.30 (Landscaping). (§ 17.30.010–.040)
  • Screening, walls and fences are in Chapter 17.14 (Site and design standards), including § 17.14.080 (Screening) and § 17.14.100 (Walls, fences and hedges).

District-by-district breakdown (where landscaping/screening rules attach)

Below are the main zoning groupings in Title 17 and the Lodi-specific references you will use when applying the landscaping & screening rules. For planning-level review and to determine whether a landscape plan is required, see the district-specific development standards in Article 2 and the Site Plan / Architectural Approval rules in Article 4.

NOTE: The Development Code establishes many specific zones; this section groups the principal categories used in Title 17 and cites the local tables and chapters that require landscaping/screening. For parcel-specific standards, confirm the exact zoning designation on the city's official zoning map and review the referenced table in Article 2. (§ references listed below)

Residential — RLD, RMD, RHD (Residential Low/Medium/High)

  • Purpose and typical uses: housing types ranging from single-family to higher-density multifamily consistent with Table 2‑5. See Table 2‑5 (Residential District General Development Standards) for lot size, setbacks and site coverage. (§ 17.18.010, Table 2‑5)
  • Landscaping & screening basics: Landscaping is required and applicable setbacks and landscape areas are enforced by cross-reference to Chapter 17.30. (§ 17.18.?? / Table 2‑5; landscaping required by Chapter 17.30)
  • Practical points: small infill single-family lots may be exempt from full landscape-plan submittal, but additions ≥25% or changes of use trigger full compliance with Chapter 17.30. (§ 17.30.020)

Commercial — (see Chapter 17.20 commercial zoning districts)

  • Purpose and typical uses: retail, offices, service uses; consult the land‑use tables in Article 2 for the exact commercial zone applied to the parcel. (§ 17.20 and Article 2 references)
  • Landscaping & screening basics: nonresidential developments must provide setbacks and landscape strips; parking areas facing streets require a planting strip equal to the district setback or ten feet (whichever is greater), and screening (30–42 inches high) to reduce auto visibility. (§ 17.30.040(C)(5)(a); see also mixed-use corridor guidelines)
  • Service and refuse screening: dumpster/bin enclosures must be screened with concrete block or masonry walls so they are not visible from public rights-of-way (except alleys). (§ 17.14.090)

Mixed Use / Corridor — Chapter 17.22

  • Purpose and typical uses: pedestrian-oriented combinations of ground-floor retail and upper-level residential or office along key corridors (Kettleman, Cherokee, Lodi Ave., Central Ave.). Landscaping and street trees are required to support pedestrian character. (§ 17.22.070)
  • Practical points: mixed-use corridors call for continuous street trees, pedestrian landscaping, and careful screening of service areas so landscaping is evaluated as part of design review. See the city's Lodi Design Review program for when site plan/architectural approval applies. (§ 17.22.070; 17.16.020)

Industrial — M, BP (Industrial/Major Business Park)

  • Purpose and typical uses: manufacturing, warehouses, distribution. See Table 2‑11 (Industrial District General Development Standards) for setbacks and lot standards. (§ 17.24.040 / Table 2‑11)
  • Landscaping & screening basics: industrial frontages require a minimum 10‑ft landscaping across the building frontage, and outdoor storage areas are screened with solid masonry walls (6–8 ft) on commercial zones or along arterial fronts in industrial zones. (§ 17.24.040; 17.14.080; 17.14.100)

Overlays & Special Districts — -PD, -F100, etc.

  • The -PD overlay (planned development) modifies uses and can require additional landscape and buffer conditions as part of permit approvals. (§ 17.10 / PD overlay discussion)
  • The -F100 floodplain overlay preserves native vegetation and governs allowed uses and modifications to vegetation and fences in the floodplain. Landscaping/vegetation modifications in overlay areas may require separate permits. (§ 17.02.030; 17.02 overlay provisions)
  • See Lodi Overlay Districts for common overlays that affect landscaping and required buffers.

Key standards & rules (decision‑relevant table)

Requirement / Use Lodi rule (bolded §) Code reference
Applicability — landscaping required for all new development; additions ≥25% or changes of use require parcel compliance § 17.30.020 Chapter 17.30
Landscape plan required with entitlement (except single‑family lots in many cases) § 17.30.030 Chapter 17.30
Setbacks & required landscaped setbacks along streets/parking § 17.30.040(A),(C)(5)(a‑b) — street frontage planting strip = district setback or 10 ft (whichever greater); parking‑to‑residential buffers = min. 10 ft § 17.30.040
Parking-lot tree rate / interior islands § 17.30.040(C)(6) — shade trees at a minimum rate (e.g., 1 per 30 linear feet for perimeter; 1 tree per 3 spaces in some downtown guidance) and interior planter dimensions (min. 8 ft, three-foot excavation) §§ 17.30.040 / design guidelines
Screening of outdoor storage / service areas § 17.14.080(C)(1‑2) — commercial outdoor storage: solid, sight‑obscuring masonry wall (min. 6 ft, max. 8 ft); industrial: walls required on streets only § 17.14.080
Walls / fences height limits (front yard vs side/rear vs adjacent nonres/res) Table 2‑3 / § 17.14.100(C) — front yard: 48 in (with visibility triangle exceptions); side/rear or outside required setback: 7 ft; nonresidential adjacent to residential: 8 ft Table 2‑3 / § 17.14.100
Tree installation standards in paving § 17.16.030(E)(5) and related guidelines — deep‑root barriers, deep irrigation, removable stakes, minimum planter volumes Design guidelines / § 17.16.030
Trash/dumpster screening § 17.14.090(B) — screened by concrete block/masonry wall so not visible from public right-of-way (except alleys) § 17.14.090

(Each item above is discussed in more detail in Chapter 17.30 (landscaping), Chapter 17.14 (site standards), and the district tables in Article 2.)

Practical guidance / plain-English interpretation of the code

  • Submit a preliminary landscape plan with most non-single-family land‑use entitlements. The plan must show plant species, irrigation, soil prep, planting islands, and maintenance responsibilities. § 17.30.030 requires the plan with the entitlement; single-family lots are typically exempt from the preliminary plan submittal requirement but still must meet Chapter 17.30's standards where applicable.
  • Parking lots are not just trees in the corners — Lodi expects permeable islands, canopy trees that will shade ~50% of asphalt within 5 years (design guidance), interior planter minimums (8 ft min), and coordination so trees do not conflict with lights/signs. See parking rules under Lodi Parking and Chapter 17.30.
  • If your site abuts residences, expect a 10‑ft minimum landscaped buffer plus a solid masonry wall or equivalent screening (and tree spacing rules) to reduce noise/light/glare. This is applied to nonresidential parking that adjoins residential uses. (§ 17.30.040(C)(5)(d))
  • Walls/fences in the front yard are strictly limited: 48 inches maximum (with visibility triangle exceptions reducing to 30–36 inches for sight lines). Higher walls (7–8 ft) are allowed at side/rear or where a nonresidential district abuts residential. (§ 17.14.100 / Table 2‑3)
  • Outdoor equipment, roof‑mounted utilities, loading, and trash areas must be screened to be architecturally integrated with the building and compatible in materials and color. (§ 17.16.030; 17.14.080(M))

Checklist

  • Confirm zoning for the parcel (check Table 2‑1 and the official zoning map) and note district‑specific setbacks and frontage requirements. (§ 17.10.020)
  • Prepare a Landscape Documentation Package / Preliminary Landscape Plan if your project is new non‑single‑family development or triggers re‑landscaping standards. (§ 17.30.030; Chapter 17.30)
  • Show planting strips along street frontages: depth = district setback or 10 ft, whichever is greater; indicate trees at required spacing (see § 17.30.040(C)(5)(a‑b)).
  • For parking: provide interior planter islands (minimum dimensions and soil depth), tree species, and irrigation details; calculate canopy shade goals. (§ 17.30.040(C)(6))
  • Locate and design screening for dumpsters, loading areas, outdoor storage and HVAC so they are not visible from streets; specify masonry walls/gates where required. (§ 17.14.090; 17.14.080)
  • Ensure fence/wall heights comply with Table 2‑3: 48 in front yard, 7 ft side/rear, 8 ft where nonresidential abuts residential; include visibility triangle exceptions. (§ 17.14.100)
  • Coordinate with the Lodi Design Review process if site plan & architectural approval is required for your project. (§ 17.16.020; Table 4‑2)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Whether a small single‑family addition triggers full landscape compliance Chapter 17.30 requires full parcel compliance for additions ≥25% or changes of use; ambiguous smaller projects may be subject to director discretion Check project size vs. the 25% threshold in § 17.30.020(A); confirm with the Community Development Director.
Which exact commercial zone and setback govern street planting width District tables in Article 2 control the required setback (used to calculate planting strip depth) Look up the parcel's zone in Table 2‑1 and the district's development standards (e.g., Table 2‑5 or Table 2‑11) and confirm the setback used for calculation.
Determining permitted wall height where lot grades differ Fence height is measured from finished grade at the base; grade differences can change allowed height and measurement method Use § 17.14.100(D) measurement rules and provide grade elevations on plans. Verify grade measurement with the director if adjacent parcels differ.
Conflicting special plan / PD requirements A specific plan or planned development can modify or supersede Title 17 standards Check for applicable Specific Plans or PD approvals that cover the site — those will control where they conflict. (§ Title 17 conflict rules)
Tree species conflicts with utilities or fire code (WUI) The code requires deep‑root barriers and coordination with lighting/signage; WUI rules or utility clearances may restrict planting Verify clearances with the Fire Department and local utility provider; for pools/fences refer to the California Building Standards Code where applicable. (Verify with jurisdiction.)

Plain-English Summary

Lodi requires most new development to include a landscape plan and to provide landscaped setbacks, street trees and parking‑lot planting (with minimum planter sizes and tree rates), and to screen dumpsters, loading and outdoor storage with masonry walls or landscaping; fence heights are limited (front yards ~48 in; side/rear up to 7–8 ft) — check Chapter 17.30 for landscaping and Chapter 17.14 for fences/screening. Verify details with the Community Development Director for parcel‑specific situations.

Source References

  • Lodi Development Code — Chapter 17.30 (Landscaping): § 17.30.010–.040 (purpose, applicability, landscape plan, landscape location requirements)
  • Lodi Development Code — Site planning and screening: § 17.14.080 (Screening) and § 17.14.090 (Solid waste collection and storage areas); § 17.14.100 (Walls, fences and hedges) and Table 2‑3 (fence heights)
  • Lodi Development Code — Residential district standards: Table 2‑5 (RLD, RMD, RHD) / Chapter 17.18 (Residential districts)
  • Lodi Development Code — Industrial district standards: Table 2‑11 / Chapter 17.24 (Industrial districts)
  • Design guidelines and parking/landscaping details (planter sizes, tree rates, deep‑root and irrigation requirements): design guidelines sections and parking/landscape subsections in Title 17 (see § 17.16.030, § 17.30.040).

Related Lodi resource pages (for process & context):

(If you need the exact text of a table or a parcel‑level interpretation — for example the numeric setback that determines a planting-strip depth — request that parcel's zoning and I will pull the controlling table/§ and explain how to apply it. Verify with the Community Development Director for any discretionary determinations.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Lodi Zoning Code (article in) High relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code High relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code High relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (Article 6) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (Section 17.14.080) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (Article 2) Medium relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (Chapter 17.30) Medium relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (Chapter 17.30) Medium relevance
  • Lodi Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a landscape plan for a new project in Lodi?

Most non‑single‑family new development and many significant additions require a preliminary landscape plan submitted with the land‑use entitlement; single‑family lots are generally exempt from the preliminary submittal but remain subject to Chapter 17.30 standards when there is substantial alteration. See § 17.30.030 and § 17.30.020.

How much landscaping do I need next to a public street or parking lot?

Parking areas adjoining a public street must provide a landscaped planting strip equal to the zoning district’s required setback or 10 feet, whichever is greater, and screening between 30–42 inches to screen parked cars; trees are required (spacing standards appear in § 17.30.040). See § 17.30.040(C)(5)(a).

What fence height can I build along the front of my lot?

Front‑yard fences/walls/hedges are limited to 48 inches (with reduced limits within visibility triangles: 30–36 inches depending on materials). Side and rear lot line fences may be up to 7 feet, and 8 feet where a nonresidential district adjoins a residential district. See Table 2‑3 and § 17.14.100.

If my commercial site abuts homes, what screening is required?

Nonresidential parking or service areas adjoining residential uses must provide at least a 10‑foot landscaped buffer plus a solid masonry wall or equivalent screening to address noise, light and visual intrusion, with trees at specified spacing (1 per ~30 linear feet). See § 17.30.040(C)(5)(d).

Are there standards for trees in paved areas and planter sizes?

Yes. Trees in paved areas must have deep‑root barriers, deep‑root automatic irrigation, and appropriately sized grates; tree wells/planting islands generally have a minimum dimension of 8 feet and are dug to a depth of 3 feet with amended soil. See the design guidelines and § 17.30.040 guidance.

Do dumpsters and outdoor storage have to be hidden from view?

Yes — dumpster and refuse enclosures must be screened from public rights‑of‑way (except alleys) by a concrete block or masonry wall or similar treatment; outdoor storage in commercial zones must be screened on all sides by a sight‑obscuring masonry wall (min. 6 ft, max. 8 ft) where required. See § 17.14.090(B) and § 17.14.080(C)(1).

Where in the code is a fence height measured from if the neighboring lot is at a different grade?

Fence/wall height is measured from finished grade at the base of the fence on the property where it is built; if adjoining parcels differ by less than two feet, the higher parcel’s finished grade is used to determine height. See § 17.14.100(D).

Will design review require planting species and irrigation details?

Yes — when site plan and architectural approval or design review is required the design guidelines and Chapter 17.30 expect planting species, irrigation, soil prep and maintenance details to be provided with the Landscape Documentation Package. Reference § 17.30.030 and the design review applicability table (Table 4‑2). See Lodi Design Review.

Can a planned development (‑PD) or specific plan change landscaping rules?

Yes — a ‑PD overlay or a specific plan can set alternative or additional landscaping and buffering requirements; in case of conflict a specific plan or development approval will typically control. Verify the site’s PD or specific plan status. (§ Title 17 conflict rules)

Does Lodi adopt California building‑code rules for pool fencing and other safety fencing?

Pool/spa fencing must comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and state law; Title 17 defers to state rules for pools and similar features. See § 17.14.100(E) and consult the California Building Standards Code.

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