Local zoning · Lynwood

Lynwood — Landscaping and Screening

Q: How tall can my backyard fence be?

In residential districts the maximum height behind the front yard setback is 6 ft ; in commercial/manufacturing behind the front yard setback the max is 8 ft . Front yard fences are limited to 48 in (hedges 36 in ). See § 25‑10‑12 for full material and spacing rules.

Q: How much of my commercial site must be landscaped?

Commercial districts’ general standard in Table 25‑1 (§ 25‑25‑4) requires at least 7% of the project area be landscaped and at least 5% of parking areas (exclusive of loading) be landscaped; parking landscaping may count toward the total.

Q: If my commercial site backs up to homes, do I need a wall?

Yes — the code requires that uses abutting a residential zone be screened by a solid fence or wall not less than 6 ft (except in the residential lot’s front yard area where the wall/fence shall be 4 ft in height). See § 25‑25‑? and the fence code § 25‑10‑12 for details and exceptions.

Q: Do design review or site plan review always require showing fences and landscaping?

Yes — applications subject to site plan review or design review must include all proposed walls, fences and landscaping (location, height, materials and irrigation) as part of the required submission per § 25‑150‑3 and the design review submittal checklist.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Lynwood’s zoning code treats landscaping and screening as development requirements (irrigation, planting, and long‑term maintenance) that vary by district and are enforced through site plan review and permit checks. The zoning code’s general requirements are in § 25-10-11 (landscaping) and the city’s water‑efficient landscaping rules (Article 25‑45) set the technical submittal requirements and irrigation plan standards; fences, walls and hedges are regulated separately in § 25-10-12. See the city’s Lynwood Development Standards, Lynwood Parking, and Lynwood Design Review rules for related submission/approval steps. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretations. § references below cite the Lynwood zoning code.

Controlling city provisions (short list)

General landscaping obligation and maintenance: § 25-10-11.
Fences, walls, hedges (heights, materials, permit and submittal requirements): § 25-10-12.
Residential district development standards including table with setbacks/lot coverage: § 25-20-3 / Table 20‑1.
Commercial district landscaping and parking‑lot planting minimums: § 25-25-4 / Table 25‑1.
Manufacturing (M) district landscaping minimums and parking‑lot planting: § 25-30-4 / Table 30‑1.
Public Facilities (PF) district landscaping: § 25-35-4 / Table 35‑1.
Water‑efficient landscape design, irrigation plan and planting lists (what to submit): Article 25‑45 (see §§ 25‑45‑11 and 25‑45‑12 for design and irrigation plan requirements).
Site plan & design review submittal content (landscaping, walls, screening must be shown): § 25-150-3.

District-by-district breakdown (Lynwood-specific)

Below are the districts that have explicit landscaping/screening or screening-adjacent rules written into the code. Each subsection summarizes purpose, typical uses, where these standards apply on a site, key numeric standards, and the controlling code citations.

Residential — R-1, R-2, R-3, PRD

Purpose & typical uses: R-1 = single‑family; R-2 = townhouses/duplexes; R-3 = multi‑family; PRD = planned residential development. See Article 20 for intent and uses.
Where landscaping/screening applies: required on building projects and subdivisions, frontages and common open space; landscape plans are required with site plan review. See required content: § 25-150-3 and the design standards in Article 20.
Key dimensional/landscape rules: residential development standards (front/side/rear setbacks, lot coverage) are in § 25-20-3 / Table 20‑1 (e.g., R-1 front yard 20 ft standard is in Table 20‑1). Landscaping must be provided, irrigated and maintained as required by the Development Services Director per § 25-10-11. For multi‑unit projects the code requires planting, buffers between parking and buildings (e.g., a 15 ft landscaped buffer where parking abuts buildings in some multi‑family standards).

Practical note: Landscaping for residential projects is reviewed under site plan / design review; street frontage planters and screening to buffer parking / service areas are commonly imposed as conditions. Verify whether an ADU triggers additional landscape or tree planting conditions via site plan review; see Lynwood ADUs.

Commercial — CB‑1, C‑2, C‑2A, C‑3, HMD, P‑1

Purpose & typical uses: light to heavy commercial, controlled business, and hospital/medical/dental zones — uses listed in Appendix A and Article 25.
Landscaping rules that drive design: Table 25‑1 (§ 25‑25‑4) requires at least 7% of the project area be landscaped (CB‑1 and some commercial subzones show this explicitly) and at least 5% of parking area be landscaped (parking landscaping may count toward total). Front setbacks in commercial zones must be landscaped (minimum 10 ft front setback; see Table 25‑1).
Screening to residential: any commercial use abutting a residential zone must be screened by a solid fence or wall not less than 6 ft (except front yard where 4 ft allowed) — see the general fence/wall rule and reuse in commercial standards.

Practical note: Large commercial sites must show landscape islands, shade trees (often 1 tree per ~5 parking spaces is applied by the code/standards), and irrigation details during site plan and building permit review; see the parking rules at Lynwood Parking.

Manufacturing — M

Purpose & typical uses: light and heavy industrial with some retail/office allowances.
Key landscaping rules: Table 30‑1 (§ 25‑30‑4) requires at least 5% of the project area be landscaped and at least 2% of parking areas be landscaped (parking landscaping can count toward the 5%). If abutting residential, larger yard setbacks apply and additional screening/fencing rules are triggered.

Practical note: Manufacturing sites that abut residences often must provide perimeter planting strips, taller fences/walls (up to 8 ft behind front setback in commercial and manufacturing districts) and ornamental iron or landscaped screening along property lines.

Public Facilities — PF

Purpose & typical uses: municipal buildings, schools, utilities and related public uses.
Key landscaping rules: Table 35‑1 (§ 25‑35‑4) requires at least 7% of the project area be landscaped (exclusive of public right‑of‑way) and at least 5% of parking areas must be landscaped. Site plan review is required for new buildings.

Open Space — OS

Purpose & typical uses: parks, recreation, passive open space. Planting and landscape character are integral; no rigid development standards apply to park structures but landscape design should match park character. See Article 40.

Screening, Fences and Walls — what the code requires

Maximum heights (measured from finished grade): Residential rear/side fences/walls/hedges behind front yard setback: 6 ft; front yard fences/walls: 48 in (hedges 36 in). Commercial and Manufacturing districts: 8 ft behind front setback; front yard 48 in for walls/fences and hedges 36 in. See § 25‑10‑12 for all definitions, permitted materials, and prohibited materials (chain link, barbed/razor wire, chicken wire, fiberglass, corrugated plastic, gypsum board are prohibited). All new fences require a permit with plans and abutting owner consent or survey.
Retaining/stepped walls on slopes, and guardrail exceptions: stepping/retaining wall alternatives are allowed with a planning use permit subject to spacing and landscaping requirements; crib wall exemptions are identified in § 25‑10‑12.
Site screening for equipment and service areas: mechanical equipment, trash enclosures and ground‑mounted antennas must be screened by walls, fences, trellises or landscaping (equipment shelters typically require a 6 ft screen). See Article 80 for wireless facilities and general screening standards.

Water‑efficient landscaping — minimum submittals and technical rules

The Water Efficient Landscaping provisions (Article 25‑45) set mandatory submittal items for many projects: landscape design plan, irrigation design plan, soil management report and an affidavit of completion/compliance. See the definitions and applicability in § 25‑45‑3 and the required plan contents in §§ 25‑45‑11 & 25‑45‑12. The landscape design must identify hydrozones, irrigation type, mulch, and stormwater BMPs where applicable; turf and water‑use limits are controlled by MAWA and hydrozone rules in Article 25‑45.
Practical components usually required: electronically timed irrigation controller, soil analysis report, mulch standards (min 2 in on planting beds), plant sizes (trees minimum 15‑gallon container for many non‑exempt projects), and low‑water plant palettes recommended.

TABLE — decision‑relevant landscaping & screening standards (quick reference)

Item	Requirement (Lynwood code)	Code Reference
General landscaping obligation	Landscaping must be provided, irrigated and maintained as required by Development Services Director	§ 25-10-11
Front‑yard fence height (residential)	Max 48 in; front‑yard hedges 36 in	§ 25-10-12
Rear/side fence height (residential)	Max 6 ft behind front setback	§ 25-10-12
Commercial project landscaping	At least 7% of project area landscaped; parking lot landscaping 5%	§ 25-25-4 (Table 25‑1)
Manufacturing project landscaping	At least 5% of project area; parking lot landscaping 2%	§ 25-30-4 (Table 30‑1)
Public Facilities landscaping	At least 7% of project area; parking lot landscaping 5%	§ 25-35-4 (Table 35‑1)
Landscape & irrigation submittals	Landscape design plan and irrigation design plan with hydrozones, soil report, MAWA/WUCOLS calculations; affidavit of completion	Article 25‑45, especially §§ 25‑45‑11, 25‑45‑12
Fence permits & submittal content	All new fences require a permit; plot plan, elevation, materials, notarized abutting owner consent or survey	§ 25-10-12 (E)

Checklist

An applicant proposing work that involves landscaping or screening should, at minimum:

Submit a full landscape design plan showing hydrozones, species, planting sizes, mulch and hardscape per § 25‑45‑11.
Submit an irrigation design plan with controller, valve layout and water‑use calculations per § 25‑45‑12.
Provide site plans showing proposed walls/fences, heights, materials and property line locations; secure abutting owner notarized consent or a survey where required; obtain fence permit (§ 25‑10‑12).
Demonstrate district minimum landscape percentages (commercial 7%, PF 7%, M 5%) or explain how alternative compliance will meet intent (§§ 25‑25‑4, 25‑35‑4, 25‑30‑4).
Show screening for mechanical equipment, trash enclosures and ground‑mounted antennas per applicable article (Article 80 / § governing equipment screening).
For projects requiring discretionary approval, include full landscaping and screening details as part of the site plan / design review package (§ 25‑150‑3).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Front vs. street‑side setback interpretation	Fence/wall height and material rules differ by front vs. other yard; mis‑locating a fence can make it nonconforming	Confirm the city’s determination of the front lot line and corner/street side status with planning staff (see § 25‑10‑4 and § 25‑10‑12).
Tree species and clearances vs. fire code	Tree selection and spacing affect fire safety and future pruning/clearance obligations (defensible space)	Check tree choices against Article 25‑45 planting guidance and state fire/Cal‑WUI rules; consult Fire Department for defensible space rules. (Article 25‑45; PRC 4291 not in code extract — verify with jurisdiction).
Stepped/retaining walls on slopes	Stepped walls may need a planning permit and landscape buffering to be approved	If site has slope >15% or retaining walls, confirm stepping requirements and required horizontal offsets per § 25‑10‑12; slope-specific rules may trigger additional geotechnical review.
Trees per parking space ratio for projects	Some sections (church/commercial guidance) state 1 tree per 5 spaces but applicability varies by project type	Confirm which standard applies to your use (see commercial development standards § 25‑25‑4 and special use subsections).
ADU landscaping requirements	ADU-specific landscape rules are not spelled out in the retrieved materials	Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with planning staff or Lynwood ADUs.
Conflict with Title 24 (building code) on walls/fences requiring structural guardrails	Zoning height exemptions may exclude required guardrails; building code may require different treatment	Coordinate permit review with Building Division and reference the California Building Standards Code.

Plain‑English Summary

If you’re building or changing landscaping in Lynwood, you must show a landscape plan and irrigation plan that meet the city’s water‑efficiency rules, and any new fence or wall needs a permit with drawings and neighbor consent; commercial and public projects must set aside a set percentage of the site for planted areas (typical commercial/PF = 7%, manufacturing = 5%). Key sections: § 25‑10‑11 (landscaping), § 25‑10‑12 (fences/walls), district tables §§ 25‑20‑3, 25‑25‑4, 25‑30‑4, 25‑35‑4, and Article 25‑45 (water‑efficient landscape submittals).

Source References

§ 25-10-11 (Landscaping general obligation).
§ 25-10-12 (Fences, walls, hedges — heights, materials, permit items).
§ 25-20-3 / Table 20‑1 (Residential zone development standards — R‑1/R‑2/R‑3/PRD).
§ 25-25-4 / Table 25‑1 (Commercial zone development standards — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping).
§ 25-30-4 / Table 30‑1 (M district — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping).
§ 25-35-4 / Table 35‑1 (PF district — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping).
Article 25‑45 (Water Efficient Landscaping; see §§ 25‑45‑11, 25‑45‑12 for design and irrigation plan requirements).
§ 25‑150‑3 (Site plan review required contents — landscaping, walls, screening).

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 3 (section shall) High relevance
CBC § 3 (article 135) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§3) High relevance
CBC § 25 (section shall) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section 1094.6) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§3) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§3) High relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§12) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§3) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (ARTICLE 190) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (§3) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section indicates) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section 25-30-4) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§3) Medium relevance
CWUIC § 1299.04 Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (ARTICLE 35) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (ARTICLE 150) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (article does) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (article 130) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (§7) Medium relevance
Lynwood Zoning Code (section 25-100-2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

**§ 25-10-11** (Landscaping general obligation). (§ 25-10-11)
**§ 25-10-12** (Fences, walls, hedges — heights, materials, permit items). (§ 25-10-12)
**§ 25-20-3** / Table 20‑1 (Residential zone development standards — R‑1/R‑2/R‑3/PRD). (§ 25-20-3)
**§ 25-25-4** / Table 25‑1 (Commercial zone development standards — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping). (§ 25-25-4)
**§ 25-30-4** / Table 30‑1 (M district — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping). (§ 25-30-4)
**§ 25-35-4** / Table 35‑1 (PF district — landscaping % and parking lot landscaping). (§ 25-35-4)
**Article 25‑45** (Water Efficient Landscaping; see **§§ 25‑45‑11, 25‑45‑12** for design and irrigation plan requirements). (Article 25)
**§ 25‑150‑3** (Site plan review required contents — landscaping, walls, screening). (§ 25)
Lynwood_ZoningCode.md
2025 California Building Code.md

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Lynwood?

Yes. All new fences in every zoning district require a permit from the Development Services Department, and permit submittals must include a plot plan, elevations, materials and either notarized consent from abutting owners or a survey; see § 25‑10‑12 (E).

How tall can my backyard fence be?

In residential districts the maximum height behind the front yard setback is 6 ft; in commercial/manufacturing behind the front yard setback the max is 8 ft. Front yard fences are limited to 48 in (hedges 36 in). See § 25‑10‑12 for full material and spacing rules.

How much of my commercial site must be landscaped?

Commercial districts’ general standard in Table 25‑1 (§ 25‑25‑4) requires at least 7% of the project area be landscaped and at least 5% of parking areas (exclusive of loading) be landscaped; parking landscaping may count toward the total.

Does Lynwood require irrigation and a water‑efficient landscape plan?

Yes. Projects subject to the Water Efficient Landscaping article must submit a landscape design plan and an irrigation design plan showing hydrozones, irrigation components and water budgets (MAWA), plus a soil report and an affidavit on completion. See Article 25‑45, especially §§ 25‑45‑11 and 25‑45‑12.

If my commercial site backs up to homes, do I need a wall?

Yes — the code requires that uses abutting a residential zone be screened by a solid fence or wall not less than 6 ft (except in the residential lot’s front yard area where the wall/fence shall be 4 ft in height). See § 25‑25‑? and the fence code § 25‑10‑12 for details and exceptions.

What tree and parking shading rules apply?

The code requires tree plantings as part of parking lot landscaping (examples in code give one tree per five parking spaces as a standard used in some sections); commercial and site design standards also require shade trees and tree sizes. Confirm the exact tree count and sizes in the applicable district standard or site plan conditions (see § 25‑25‑4, site design text and Article 25‑45).

Do design review or site plan review always require showing fences and landscaping?

Yes — applications subject to site plan review or design review must include all proposed walls, fences and landscaping (location, height, materials and irrigation) as part of the required submission per § 25‑150‑3 and the design review submittal checklist.

Can materials like chain link be used for screening?

No. Chain link, barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, fiberglass, corrugated plastic and gypsum board are specifically listed as prohibited fence materials in § 25‑10‑12.

Are there different rules for retaining/stepped walls on slopes?

Yes. The code allows stepped or retaining walls subject to approval (planning use permit) with horizontal spacing and landscaping requirements; certain crib walls with vertical slope of 1/2:1 are exempt from the stepping rule — see § 25‑10‑12 (B4).

If my project is in an overlay or historic area, are there extra rules?

Potentially — overlay districts and historic preservation standards can add requirements for screening, materials and landscape character. Confirm whether your parcel sits in any overlay (see Lynwood Overlay Districts and Lynwood Historic Preservation) and check the applicable overlay provisions. Verify with planning staff. ---

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