Local zoning · Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What landscaping plans does Manhattan Beach require for new construction?

If a project is new, exceeds 50% of building valuation, or is subject to the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Manhattan Beach requires a landscape plan prepared by a landscape designer or licensed landscape architect and installed per the standards in § 10.60.070 . Evidence of completion is required prior to occupancy unless an administrative extension/guarantee is approved.

Q: How much of my front yard must be planted?

At least 20% of all visible portions of a required front or corner side yard adjoining a street must be a planting area, per § 10.52.020(O) . Area Districts III and IV may receive an exception for up to 75% of that requirement to accommodate driveways/walks at the Director’s discretion.

Q: What are the allowed fence and wall heights?

Standard maximums are 42 inches in required front yards and 6 feet in required side or rear yards; exceptions permitting additional non‑retaining height up to 8–11 feet are allowed under specific safety, design, or neighbor‑consent conditions; measurement is from the lower adjacent finished grade — see § 10.52.020(P) .

Q: Do I need a permit to remove a tree in front or streetside yards?

Yes. Trees defined as “protected” (generally trunks ≥ 12 in diameter at 4.5 ft above grade in the front/street‑side yard) require a Tree Permit to remove or relocate; the Tree Permit process and protection measures during construction are set out in the tree provisions (Tree Permit rules / Chapter 10.56 ).

Q: Can overlay districts change landscaping or fence rules?

Yes. The Design Overlay (D‑overlay) subdistricts (e.g., D1–D8 ) and other overlays can include special fencing, buffering or landscaping standards tailored to that overlay’s purpose (e.g., noise buffering allowances). Check Chapter 10.44 for the specific overlay that applies to your property.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Manhattan Beach zoning ordinance requires for landscaping and screening — including planting, parking-lot landscaping, tree protection, fences/walls/hedges, screening of mechanical and trash areas, and tree permits — and where those rules live in the city's code. The rules are implemented through the city's Title 10 zoning chapters (not building code/Title 24) and are applied differently by district; verify parcel-specific interpretations with the Community Development Department. See the city's general zoning overview for context at the Manhattan Beach zoning & planning overview and specific zoning maps at Manhattan Beach Zoning.

Key city standards (quick synthesis)

Landscape plans are required for most new projects, projects >50% valuation, and when the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies — § 10.60.070.
Required street‑adjoining planting: at least 20% of visible portions of a required front or corner side yard must be planting area (§ 10.52.020(O) / § 10.52 tables reference).
Fence/wall/hedge maximum heights: 42 in in required front yards; 6 ft in required side/rear yards (with limited exceptions up to 8–11 ft under conditions) — § 10.52.020(P) / § 10.60.150.
Parking-lot landscaping: perimeter planting strip widths and 5% interior landscaping standard; at least one tree per six spaces — § 10.60.070(D) and related parking rules.
Protected trees and Tree Permits: front/street-side yard trees above specified caliper require a Tree Permit for removal/relocation; construction near protected trees requires protection measures — § 10.56 (Tree/Tree Permit provisions referenced in code excerpts); see § 10.56/Tree Permit rules and associated subparts.

Note: this page stays strictly within the zoning/land‑use ordinance. For building-code (Title 24) or construction safety standards consult the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown (how landscaping & screening are applied)

Below are the Manhattan Beach base districts that carry explicit landscaping/screening standards in the zoning text. Each subsection identifies the district label the code uses (bolded), its local purpose per the zoning text, typical uses, and the landscaping/screening rules you must watch.

RS, RM, RH (Residential districts; Area Districts I–IV)

Purpose & typical uses: These R family districts regulate single- and multi‑family residential development and are governed by the property-development standards tables for Area Districts I–IV (setbacks, heights, open space) and the site regulations in Part IV.
Landscaping / screening highlights:
- Required landscaping adjoining streets: at least 20% of visible front or corner‑side yards shall be planting area; exceptions for Area Districts III and IV may allow reductions (Community Development Director discretion) — § 10.52.020(O).
- Fences, walls, hedges: front yard max 42 in; side/rear max 6 ft; measurement is from the lower adjacent finished grade to top of fence/wall/hedge; daylight‑plane rules apply when multiple walls/fences occur — § 10.52.020(P).
- Tree protection / Tree Permit: residential properties in Area Districts I and II have protected‑tree rules (trees in required front/street‑side yards with trunk diameters ≥ 12 in require a Tree Permit for removal/relocation); protected trees must be preserved during construction and may require bonds or replacement trees — see Tree Permit requirements. § 10.56 (Tree Permit and preservation provisions).
- Landscaping must screen trash, storage, utilities and be separated from parking by curbs where applicable — see site landscaping rules in § 10.52(K) and § 10.60.070.

Where it applies: all single- and multi-family parcels as identified in the Area District schedules in Part IV (Property Development Standards).

IP (Industrial Park / Institutional Professional)

Purpose & typical uses: larger‑lot commercial/industrial, institutional uses; regulated separately in the IP schedule (Table at § 10.20.030).
Landscaping / screening highlights:
- Minimum site landscaping: 10% minimum site landscaping is prescribed in IP table; required planting areas of 12 ft adjacent to public right‑of‑way in required front and corner‑side yards (except necessary drives/walks) — § 10.20.030 (IP Table and notes) and refer to § 10.60.070 for detail.
- Fences/walls: max 8 ft when adjacent to an R or C district (IP table notes) — § 10.20.030.
- Screening obligations for mechanical equipment and refuse areas are cross‑referenced to § 10.60.090 and § 10.60.100.

Where it applies: IP‑zoned parcels as shown on the Manhattan Beach zoning map. See Manhattan Beach Zoning for the map. (Verify exact parcel designation.)

CG, C, I (Commercial and Industrial base districts)

Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood to general commercial and industrial operations. Site regulations for these districts reference the site‑landscaping standards and parking rules.
Landscaping / screening highlights:
- Parking structure/façade planting: where parking structures exceed 30 in above finished grade and adjoin a street in C or I districts, a 10 ft planting yard along the street is required — § 10.60.070(D)(2).
- Parking‑lot rules: perimeter planting strip widths vary by parking lot dimension (e.g., 3 ft up to 100 ft; 10 ft if lot dimension >100 ft and adjoining property line in some cases) and 5% interior landscaping requirement; 1 tree per 6 spaces minimum — § 10.60.070(D).
- Mechanical equipment and service areas must be screened per § 10.60.090; refuse enclosures per § 10.60.100.

Where it applies: commercial and industrial parcels referenced in the base district chapters and overlay rules. See Manhattan Beach Development Standards and Manhattan Beach Parking for related parking rules.

OS (Open Space)

Purpose & typical uses: parks and public open space uses; landscaping standards focus on preservation and open‑space functions rather than decorative planting. Specific OS development regs are in Chapter 10.24; landscaping expectations defer to open‑space goals and to § 10.60.070 where construction or site alteration occurs.

Design Overlays (D‑overlay subdistricts)

The D design overlay (e.g., D1–D8) can modify fencing, buffering, and landscaping rules where neighborhood character or noise buffering requires it (for example D1 and D4 allow higher fences in some front‑yard areas for traffic noise mitigation). See Chapter 10.44 (Design Overlay) for subdistrict rules and application of overlay design standards. Link to Manhattan Beach Overlay Districts for maps and context.

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic	Key numeric / design standard	Code Reference
Landscape plans required (new projects or >50% valuation)	Landscape plans prepared by a landscape designer / architect; installed per standards	§ 10.60.070
Street‑adjoining planting	≥ 20% of visible front/corner side yard = planting area	§ 10.52.020(O)
Fence/wall/hedge heights (standard)	Front max 42 in; side/rear max 6 ft; limited exceptions to 8–11 ft under conditions	§ 10.52.020(P) and § 10.60.150
IP district minimum site landscaping	10% minimum site landscaping; 12 ft planting strips adjacent to rights‑of‑way in required front and corner‑side yards	§ 10.20.030 (IP table) and § 10.60.070
Parking lot landscaping	5% interior landscaping; perimeter planting widths (3–10 ft by lot dimension); 1 tree per 6 spaces	§ 10.60.070(D)
Protected trees / Tree Permit	Trees in front/street‑side yards ≥ 12 in trunk diameter (4.5 ft above grade) are protected; Tree Permit required to remove or relocate	§ 10.56 (Tree Permit rules, definitions)
Screening of mechanical / service / refuse	Screening of mechanical equipment: § 10.60.090; refuse storage: § 10.60.100	§ 10.60.090, § 10.60.100

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain language for applicants)

For any project that is new construction or has major valuation (or is subject to the state water‑efficient landscape rules), expect to submit a full landscape plan prepared by a qualified landscape designer or licensed landscape architect and to construct the approved plantings and irrigation before occupancy (or post a completion guarantee) — § 10.60.070.
Street‑front properties: reserve at least 20% of the visible front/corner side yard for planting. Where lots are in Area District III/IV, you can apply for a reduction to accommodate driveways (director discretion) — § 10.52.020(O).
If you plan to install or modify fences/walls, measure heights from the lower adjacent grade and design to meet the 42 in (front) or 6 ft (side/rear) caps unless you qualify for a permitted exception; watch daylight‑plane measurement rules where multiple walls exist — § 10.52.020(P).
If trees exist in front/street‑side yards, treat them as potentially protected: submit a Tree Permit with a tree plan, photos and neighbor notification if removal/relocation is proposed — § 10.56.
For commercial or large parking areas follow the planting strip widths and 1 tree per 6 spaces rule and use planting to screen mechanical and trash areas per the referenced screening sections — § 10.60.070(D) and § 10.60.090 / § 10.60.100.

Also review related processes that commonly interact with landscaping/screening decisions: parking and driveway access (see Manhattan Beach Parking), design review for discretionary projects (see Manhattan Beach Design Review), overlay-specific rules (see Manhattan Beach Overlay Districts), and ADU rules when adding accessory units (see Manhattan Beach ADUs). If the project triggers Coastal or other overlays, overlay rules may modify landscaping/fence expectations — verify in overlay chapters.

Checklist

Prepare a landscape plan signed by a landscape designer or licensed landscape architect when required (§ 10.60.070).
Show planting area calculations demonstrating 20% front/corner planting where applicable (§ 10.52.020(O)).
Confirm parking‑lot perimeter and interior landscaping and tree counts (§ 10.60.070(D)).
If altering/removing front or streetside trees (≥12" trunk), file a Tree Permit with tree plan, photos and neighbor notice (§ 10.56).
Dimension and note fence/wall heights measured from the lower adjacent finished grade and check daylight‑plane rules (§ 10.52.020(P)).
Show screening details for mechanical equipment and refuse enclosures per § 10.60.090 and § 10.60.100.
If in an overlay or design district, confirm additional overlay standards (e.g., D overlay) and whether higher fences or special buffering are allowed (Chapter 10.44).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Protected tree status	Removing or damaging a protected tree without a permit can trigger mitigation, bonds, or enforcement	Verify tree caliper/location vs. definition in § 10.56 and file a Tree Permit if required; confirm whether adjacent public right‑of‑way trees are implicated.
Front‑yard planting % on narrow/irregular lots	The 20% planting requirement may be hard to meet while providing required driveway access	Confirm if your lot is in Area District III/IV where an exception up to 75% of required landscaping can be granted by the Director to accommodate drives/walks (§ 10.52.020(O)).
Fence height measurement (grade differences)	Height measured from lower adjacent finished grade can make fences appear taller than intended	Verify grade measurement points and adjacent neighbor grades; request Director interpretation where grades vary (§ 10.52.020(P)).
Overlay district modifications	Design overlays (D1–D8) may permit exceptions (e.g., higher front fences for noise buffering)	Check Chapter 10.44 for any overlay subdistrict applying to your parcel; overlay rules can supersede base district standards.
Parking lot tree counts vs. site constraints	Minimum tree counts (1 per 6 spaces) may conflict with lot depth or utilities	Cross‑check parking landscaping schedule in § 10.60.070(D) and coordinate with Parking/driveway rules; consider variance or design amendment if tight.

Plain-English Summary

Manhattan Beach requires landscape plans for most new or major projects, mandates street‑front planting (generally 20% of visible front/corner yards), sets fence height caps (42 in front; 6 ft side/rear with limited exceptions), enforces parking‑lot planting and tree minimums, and protects certain front/street‑side trees through a Tree Permit process; see § 10.60.070, § 10.52.020, and Tree Permit rules in § 10.56 for details.

Source References

§ 10.60.070 — Landscaping, irrigation and hydroseeding (plan requirements, plant sizing, parking‑lot landscaping standards).
§ 10.60.070(D) — Parking lot perimeter & interior landscaping, tree counts.
§ 10.52.020(O) — Required landscaping adjoining streets (20% front/corner planting).
§ 10.52.020(P) — Fences, walls and hedges (heights, measurement, exceptions).
§ 10.20.030 (IP district table) — IP minimum site landscaping, planting strips, fence heights for IP.
§ 10.60.090 — Screening of mechanical equipment (cross‑reference in district tables).
§ 10.60.100 — Refuse storage area / screening.
Chapter/§ 10.56 (Tree Permit / protected tree definitions and procedures) — Tree permit application, protections during construction and replacement requirements.
Chapter 10.44 — D design overlay district (overlay subdistricts that can alter fencing and buffering).

(For zoning maps and to confirm a parcel’s base district or overlays, consult Manhattan Beach Zoning and Manhattan Beach Overlay Districts. For parking interactions see Manhattan Beach Parking. For ADU-specific landscaping allowances see Manhattan Beach ADUs. For building-code obligations, consult the California Building Standards Code.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 10.08.) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.60.070) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.60.070) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.68.030) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.60.070) High relevance
Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 10.64.) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Manhattan Beach code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping plans does Manhattan Beach require for new construction?

If a project is new, exceeds 50% of building valuation, or is subject to the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Manhattan Beach requires a landscape plan prepared by a landscape designer or licensed landscape architect and installed per the standards in § 10.60.070. Evidence of completion is required prior to occupancy unless an administrative extension/guarantee is approved.

How much of my front yard must be planted?

At least 20% of all visible portions of a required front or corner side yard adjoining a street must be a planting area, per § 10.52.020(O). Area Districts III and IV may receive an exception for up to 75% of that requirement to accommodate driveways/walks at the Director’s discretion.

What are the allowed fence and wall heights?

Standard maximums are 42 inches in required front yards and 6 feet in required side or rear yards; exceptions permitting additional non‑retaining height up to 8–11 feet are allowed under specific safety, design, or neighbor‑consent conditions; measurement is from the lower adjacent finished grade — see § 10.52.020(P).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in front or streetside yards?

Yes. Trees defined as “protected” (generally trunks ≥ 12 in diameter at 4.5 ft above grade in the front/street‑side yard) require a Tree Permit to remove or relocate; the Tree Permit process and protection measures during construction are set out in the tree provisions (Tree Permit rules / Chapter 10.56).

What landscaping is required for parking areas?

Parking lots must provide perimeter planting strips (widths vary by lot dimension) and 5% of the parking area as interior landscaping; at least one tree per six spaces must be distributed through the lot, and all landscaping next to circulation must be separated by a raised 6 in curb or approved alternative — see § 10.60.070(D).

How must mechanical equipment and trash areas be screened?

Mechanical equipment and trash/refuse storage areas must be screened as required by the site regulations: screening of mechanical equipment is addressed in § 10.60.090 and refuse storage in § 10.60.100; applicable district tables also cross‑reference these sections.

Can overlay districts change landscaping or fence rules?

Yes. The Design Overlay (D‑overlay) subdistricts (e.g., D1–D8) and other overlays can include special fencing, buffering or landscaping standards tailored to that overlay’s purpose (e.g., noise buffering allowances). Check Chapter 10.44 for the specific overlay that applies to your property.

Are there minimum sizes for new trees or planting material?

The landscape standards expect immediate effect: typical minimum container sizes are trees in 15‑gal or 36‑inch box for certain projects and shrubs in 5‑gal; the Community Development Director may adjust sizes depending on design objectives — see the materials sizing guidance in § 10.60.070(C).

What if my site is too small to meet the parking‑lot tree minimums?

If site constraints make standard landscaping impractical, the code allows the Director to consider alternative materials/design or applicants can seek variances or design review. Variances may be granted with respect to landscaping and screening per the variance chapter; confirm process in Chapter 10.84 and variance criteria.

How does landscaping interact with ADU approvals?

ADU projects still must meet applicable landscape plan requirements when triggered by the valuation threshold or other standards; exceptions or minor exceptions for ADUs are handled through the municipal procedures — review Manhattan Beach ADUs and § 10.60.070 for whether a landscape plan is required. Verify ADU‑specific exceptions with the Community Development Department.

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