Local zoning · Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Are there special rules for screening on very large (estate) homes?

Yes. Projects meeting the Town’s definition of an estate home (10,000 sq ft or more) must submit a landscape screening application and the Planning Commission must review/approve the screening plan. § 10-1.508(h) requires this.

Q: Does Los Altos Hills require native or fire‑resistant plants?

The ordinance favors fire‑retardant and native or naturalized species and the Planning Director maintains a preferred species list for applicants; the Town will weigh species choice when approving screening and may require specific plantings. See § 10-2.802(d–f) and § 10-2.804 .

Landscaping and Screening under the Los Altos Hills local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Los Altos Hills Zoning and Site Development ordinance says about landscaping, screening, fences, walls, trees, and buffers — and how those rules are applied in common local districts and special development types. All requirements below are drawn from the Town's Zoning Title (commonly titled Title 10) and Site Development chapters; I cite the controlling code paragraphs and the uploaded ordinance extracts so you can verify the text. (§ 10-2.802 through § 10-2.809; § 10-1.507; § 10-1.508; § 10-1.701)

Notes up front:

If you are preparing plans, read the Town's Landscape Guidelines along with the ordinance; the ordinance delegates many technical standards (plant lists, WELO worksheets, irrigation details) to those guidelines. (§ 10-2.804; § 10-2.809)
Landscaping and screening conditions are enforced through site development or zoning permits and may trigger design review or the Town's Site Development Authority. See the Town overview for how this fits into broader review. Link: Los Altos Hills zoning & planning overview

How the code frames landscaping & screening (quick synthesis)

Purpose: reduce visual impacts, protect rural/open-space character, control erosion, promote water efficiency, and preserve trees where feasible. The Site Development Authority may require landscaping to render structures “inconspicuous from off-site.” (§ 10-2.802; § 10-2.803)
Materials and species: the Planning Director maintains a preferred species list; fire-retardant and native or naturalized plants are favored, and certain eucalyptus species must be removed when large construction occurs. (§ 10-2.804; § 10-2.802(g))
Water use: the Town enforces a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) for many projects and requires WELO worksheets, irrigation plans, and a Certificate of Completion for qualifying projects. (§ 10-2.809)
Maintenance: owners must keep landscaping healthy, remove diseased/dead plants and combustible brush, and maintain minimum clearances (e.g., 12 feet vertical over driveways). (§ 10-2.807)

You will typically coordinate landscaping requirements with: Los Altos Hills Development Standards, the Town’s Los Altos Hills Design Review process, and, where relevant, Los Altos Hills Parking and Los Altos Hills Overlay Districts.

District-by-district breakdown (Los Altos Hills–specific)

R-A (Residential‑Agricultural)

Purpose & typical uses: R‑A permits low‑density residential/agricultural uses (homes, small-scale horticulture) and accessory structures; landscaping and fences are allowed but must follow Article 5 height/setback rules. (§ 10-1.701; § 10-1.702(b))
Landscaping & screening: fences, trees, shrubs are permitted on lots but must meet Article 5 height limitations; the Town may require plantings to screen structures when approving development. (§ 10-1.702(b); § 10-2.803)
Dimensional standards tied to screening: fences/walls in setback areas and near roadways are subject to the fence/wall rules in § 10-1.507 (setbacks from road centerline, different limits for open vs solid fences). See the table below for numbers.
Where it applies: townwide where the parcel is zoned R‑A; see the Town zoning map for parcel‑level classification. (§ 10-1.301–§ 10-1.303)

OSR (Open Space Reserve)

Purpose & typical uses: OSR is for agricultural, forest preserve, and open space uses — intentionally low intensity. (§ 10-1.801)
Landscaping & screening: accessory structures and fences, trees and shrubs are allowed but must comply with the Article 5 height limitations (the Town expects simple, permeable fencing designs in open space). (§ 10-1.802)
Special constraints: open‑space fences that cross wildlife corridors must allow wildlife passage and typically require split‑rail or equivalent designs. (§ 10-1.507(9)–(11))

Estate homes (special standards — not a separate district but an important category)

Purpose: Estate homes are very large single‑family projects (10,000+ sq ft) subject to stricter setbacks and landscape screening requirements to protect rural character. (§ 10-1.508(a), (h))
Screening: any project qualifying as an estate home must submit a landscape screening plan and the plan must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. (§ 10-1.508(h))
Where it applies: projects meeting the estate‑home size threshold in the Town code. (§ 10-1.508(b))

SB 9 units and small‑lot infill (recent code additions)

Screening / landscape requirements: the code requires screening trees and shrubs in the 40‑foot front and 30‑foot side/rear setback areas for SB 9 units that take development incentives; planting sizes, spacing, and native species minimums are specifically prescribed (e.g., screening trees at 25' on center; 24" box California‑native evergreen trees; 15‑gallon shrubs) and certain easement and creek buffers exempt planting areas. (§ 10-1.1505(6))
Additional measures: SB 9 projects must follow WELO, submit worksheets, and provide a landscape maintenance and water usage deposit for two years of monitoring. (§ 10-1.1506(v); § 10-2.809)

If you need district rules for a different zoning label (for example R‑1, R‑E, etc.), verify with the Town zoning map and the full Title 10 text: not all district sections were included in the retrieved excerpts. Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials for R‑1/R‑E full landscaping details.

Key code standards (decision‑relevant) — quick reference table

Topic	Key rule / numeric standard	Code Reference
Landscaping purpose; Site Development may require screening	Landscaping needed to render structures inconspicuous from off‑site; Site Development Authority can require landscaping as permit condition	§ 10-2.803
Preferred species / tree preservation	Planning Director maintains a preferred species list; preserve existing trees where feasible; listed eucalyptus species must be removed when building a principal residence or when additions ≥ 1,200 sq ft (with exceptions)	§ 10-2.804; § 10-2.802(g)
Maintenance and clearance	Landscaping must be maintained; combustible brush removed; minimum 12 ft vertical clearance over driveways/pathways	§ 10-2.807
Water efficiency (WELO) applicability	WELO applies to new Site Development projects and rehabilitated landscapes ≥ 2,500 sq ft; smaller projects may use prescriptive options	§ 10-2.809
Fence/wall setbacks & heights (roadside)	Minimum setback from road centerline: 30 ft (open/solid); roadside max heights at minimum setback: 4.5 ft (open fences/gates) and 3 ft (solid fences/walls) — taller fences require increased setback or variance	§ 10-1.507(4)–(5)
Maximum fence/wall height within setbacks (non-roadside)	Fences/walls on property lines or in setbacks not adjacent to a road may not exceed 6 ft	§ 10-1.507(1)
Wildlife/open space fencing	Perimeter fences in open space: max 6 ft; lowest rails ≥ 12 in above grade; must allow wildlife passage (split‑rail or equivalent)	§ 10-1.507(9)
Driveway / gate rules	Open driveway gates at minimum setback: max 4.5 ft (avg); higher open gates (6–7 ft) require larger setback from road centerline	§ 10-1.507(6)
Nonconforming fence replacement	Replacement of legal nonconforming fences subject to the code; short repairs (< 50 ft or ≤ 25% of length) may not require a permit	§ 10-1.508(g)
Estate home screening	Estate home projects must submit a landscape screening application; Planning Commission approval required	§ 10-1.508(h)
SB 9 screening specifications	Screening trees spaced ≤ 25 ft on center; screening shrubs 10 ft on center; minimum sizes: 24" box trees, 15 gal shrubs; hedges required next to units closer than 10 ft	§ 10-1.1505(6); § 10-1.1506(u)

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain‑English)

Expect the Town to require a landscape plan with new construction, especially where building visibility or scale could affect the rural character; the Town can require plantings scaled to the building and view angles. (§ 10-2.805; § 10-2.803)
Use the Town’s preferred species list and follow the WELO worksheet for qualifying projects — submitting the irrigation and WELO documentation is commonly required. (§ 10-2.804; § 10-2.809)
Fences facing roads are regulated by setback/height rules that prioritize sightlines and neighborhood character; if you want a tall solid wall, you’ll need either a larger setback, a variance, or Planning Commission approval depending on the proposed location. (§ 10-1.507; § 10-1.1007(d)–(e))
Projects tied to special categories (Estate Homes, SB 9) have extra screening or planting prescriptions — read those code paragraphs early in design. (§ 10-1.508(h); § 10-1.1505(6))

Link these design tasks back into the Town process: coordinate with Los Altos Hills Design Review, the Los Altos Hills Development Standards, and the Town's zoning rules at Los Altos Hills Zoning. If you’re adding or altering parking areas, check Los Altos Hills Parking to confirm landscaped islands and setback interactions.

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (typical Site Development / zoning application)

Provide a landscape plan showing existing trees > 20" circumference and proposed planting locations, species, sizes at maturity, and irrigation strategy. (§ 10-2.1303(9); § 10-2.805)
If aggregate irrigated area ≥ 2,500 sq ft or a Site Development Permit is required, submit WELO documentation and irrigation plans prepared/signed by an authorized professional. (§ 10-2.809)
For estate homes or projects triggering special screening, submit a landscape screening application for Planning Commission review. (§ 10-1.508(h))
If proposing fences/walls in setback areas or near roadways, show setback from road centerline and note fence type (open vs solid) and heights per § 10-1.507; apply for variance if necessary. (§ 10-1.507; § 10-1.1007(d))
If removing or disturbing trees (heritage oaks), include arborist report and replacement planting plan if required. (See SB 9 replacement rules and tree preservation policies.) (§ 10-1.1506(f); § 10-2.802(f))
Submit erosion control, grading, and any required soil management reports per the Town Landscape Guidelines where planting on slopes is proposed. (§ 10-2.1303(7); § 10-2.409 et seq.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact allowed plant species for screening	Ordinance defers details to a preferred species list and Landscape Guidelines — proposal acceptance depends on species choice	Request the current preferred species list from the Planning Director; cite § 10-2.804 and confirm species acceptability.
Where a proposed fence sits relative to the "centerline" and the structural setback line	Fence height limits vary with distance from the road centerline; mismeasuring can force a variance or redesign	Field‑measure and show distances to road centerline on plans; use § 10-1.507 for thresholds.
Determining whether a project triggers WELO	WELO applicability depends on project type and aggregate irrigated area; costs and deposits can apply	Confirm irrigated area calculation and whether project is a Site Development Permit per § 10-2.809.
Eucalyptus removal triggers	The ordinance requires removal of listed eucalyptus species for certain new construction thresholds but allows distance exceptions	Verify tree species, distance to structures/roads, and whether exceptions apply; see § 10-2.802(g).
Applicability to parcel‑level zoning (R‑1, R‑E, etc.)	Not all district sections were included in the retrieved materials — site‑specific rules may differ	Check the Town zoning map and full Title 10 district articles for your parcel; where absent above: Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain‑English summary

Los Altos Hills requires thoughtfully designed, water‑efficient landscaping to screen buildings, control erosion and preserve rural character. The Town prescribes plant lists, irrigation and maintenance standards, and tightly regulates fences and roadside walls (heights and setbacks vary by proximity to the road); large estates and SB 9 projects have extra screening rules. Apply early with a landscape plan and WELO documentation where required. (§ 10-2.803; § 10-2.809; § 10-1.507; § 10-1.508)

Source References

Town of Los Altos Hills, Zoning and Site Development Ordinance (Title 10), excerpts downloaded from eCode360: § 10-2.802 – Landscaping general policies; § 10-2.803 – Site development landscaping; § 10-2.804 – Preferred species; § 10-2.805 – Size and placement; § 10-2.806 – Irrigation; § 10-2.807 – Maintenance; § 10-2.809 – Water efficient landscaping.
Town of Los Altos Hills, Title 10 — Fences, walls, gates, columns (development standards, setbacks, heights): § 10-1.507 and fence procedure notes § 10-2.1305.
Estate homes landscaping/screening rule: § 10-1.508(h).
R‑A (Residential‑Agricultural) district accessory uses and wall/fence permission: § 10-1.702(b).
SB 9 landscaping/screening and WELO cross‑references: § 10-1.1505(6) and § 10-1.1506(v).

Related GoCodebook internal pages you will likely need:

Los Altos Hills Zoning — for parcel zoning and district map
Los Altos Hills Development Standards
Los Altos Hills Design Review
Los Altos Hills Parking
Los Altos Hills Overlay Districts
Los Altos Hills ADUs
California Building Standards Code (for building code intersections — ordinance notes that Title 10 does not replace state code)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-2.802) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-2.802) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (Section 10-1.505) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (Title 1) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-1.701) Medium relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (Article 10) Medium relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-1.801) Medium relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-1.1307) Medium relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-1.701) Medium relevance
Los Altos Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-1.1007) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Los Altos Hills code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to submit a landscape plan with a Site Development permit in Los Altos Hills?

Yes. The Town requires a landscape plan for Site Development review showing plant species, sizes at maturity, irrigation, erosion control and existing large trees; the Site Development Authority can make landscaping a condition of approval. See § 10-2.803 and the landscape plan requirements referenced in the Site Development application list.

What fence heights and setbacks does Los Altos Hills allow along the roadside?

Roadside fences are measured from the road centerline. At the minimum setback from the centerline (typically 30 ft), maximum heights are 4.5 ft for open fences/gates and 3 ft for solid fences/walls; taller fences require larger setbacks or may trigger a variance. See § 10-1.507(4)–(5).

Are there special rules for screening on very large (estate) homes?

Yes. Projects meeting the Town’s definition of an estate home (10,000 sq ft or more) must submit a landscape screening application and the Planning Commission must review/approve the screening plan. § 10-1.508(h) requires this.

Does Los Altos Hills require native or fire‑resistant plants?

The ordinance favors fire‑retardant and native or naturalized species and the Planning Director maintains a preferred species list for applicants; the Town will weigh species choice when approving screening and may require specific plantings. See § 10-2.802(d–f) and § 10-2.804.

When does the Town’s Water Efficient Landscape (WELO) requirement apply?

WELO applies to all new development projects requiring a Site Development Permit and to rehabilitated landscapes with aggregated irrigated area ≥ 2,500 sq ft; smaller landscapes may use the Town's prescriptive measures in the Landscape Guidelines. See § 10-2.809.

Can I replace an old nonconforming fence with a new one of the same size?

Replacement of legal nonconforming fences is regulated: small repairs (less than 50 ft or ≤25% of total fence length) may not require a permit if done in isolation, but larger replacements are subject to the fence standards and may be prohibited if they create safety/easement encroachment issues. See § 10-1.508(g).

Do open space or wildlife corridors limit fence design?

Yes. Fences that cross designated wildlife corridors or open space easements must allow wildlife passage (e.g., split‑rail) and comply with open space perimeter fence rules (max 6 ft, bottom rail minimum 12 in above grade). § 10-1.507(9)–(11) covers this.

Are certain eucalyptus trees treated differently in the ordinance?

Yes. The ordinance lists specific eucalyptus species that generally must be removed when constructing a principal residence or when additions cumulatively reach 1,200 sq ft, with distance exceptions (e.g., trees >150 ft from roads or structures). See § 10-2.802(g).

If I want a solid 6‑foot privacy fence next to the road, is that allowed?

Not at the typical minimum road centerline setback. Solid fences at the minimum setback are limited to 3 ft; a solid 6 ft fence adjacent to a road requires a larger setback (the code specifies increased minimum distances) or a variance/permit review. See § 10-1.507(5) and the variance procedures.

Who enforces landscaping and screening maintenance after a project is completed?

The Town enforces maintenance requirements and can require performance bonds; WELO projects include a Certificate of Completion and a monitoring period (and deposits for SB 9 projects) to ensure landscape and water usage compliance. See § 10-2.809 and § 10-2.807.

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