Local zoning · Marin County

Marin County — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page explains how landscaping, screening, fences, and similar site elements are regulated in unincorporated Marin County under the County’s zoning ordinances, with an emphasis on the coastal zones where specific, uniform standards apply across districts. Most landscaping and fence rules in the Coastal Zone come from the Coastal Zoning Code’s property development standards and community design policies; inland standards under the Development Code (Title 22) may also apply but were not found in the retrieved materials. Always confirm whether your site is in the Coastal Zone and whether additional design review applies.

Plain-English anchor rule: In the Coastal Zone, front or street-side yard fences in required setbacks can be solid up to 4 ft, or up to 6 ft if everything above 4 ft is at least 50% open; interior and rear yard fences can be solid up to 6 ft (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).

Where these rules live

  • The Coastal Zone development standards apply in unincorporated Marin County within the Coastal Zone. Where there’s any conflict, the Coastal Implementation Plan controls over Title 22 for Coastal Development Permits (§ 20.01.020).
  • Coastal Zoning Districts are established in § 20.62.030; the fence, landscaping, and buffer provisions below apply across these districts unless a community standard says otherwise.

Core Landscaping and Screening Standards (Coastal Zone)

  • Fences and walls in setbacks
    • Front or street-side required yards: solid up to 4 ft; up to 6 ft allowed if the portion above 4 ft is at least 50% open (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a). Fences must be sited to protect significant public views (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).
    • Interior and rear yards: solid fences/walls up to 6 ft (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).
    • Corner-lot sight safety: near street intersections, fence height is limited to 2 ft 6 in within the 35-ft diagonal sight triangle (§ 20.64.045.B.1.b).
    • Grade differentials: when adjoining lots differ in grade, fence height may not exceed 6 ft as measured from either side (§ 20.64.045.B.1.c).
    • Parallel fences: two roughly parallel fences/walls must be at least 2 ft apart to allow landscaping; otherwise their combined height is computed as one fence for the 6-ft cap (§ 20.64.045.B.1.d).
    • Trellises above gates within a required setback: allowed up to 8 ft high and 6 ft wide (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).
    • Setbacks: fences/walls consistent with the above height limits may be placed within required setbacks or on property lines (§ 20.64.045.B.2).
  • What counts as “landscaping” in the Coastal Zone
    • Community design policy: required landscaping shall predominantly use native species and avoid non‑native, invasive plants (§ 20.64.110.A.9).
    • Biological resources and buffers: where Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), wetlands, or streams are present, mandatory buffers and native revegetation can limit or shape landscaping and screening choices (§ 20.64.050.A.c, A.11).
  • Exempt “landscaping on the lot” for Coastal Development Permits
    • Routine landscaping is often exempt from a Coastal Development Permit when part of improvements to an existing single‑family residence or other existing structure (§ 20.68.050.A.1.c, § 20.68.050.A.2.b). Verify any ESHA/shoreline limitations before assuming an exemption applies.

Quick-reference table (Coastal Zone)

Topic Standard Applies where Code Reference
Front/street-side fence in required setback Up to 4 ft solid; up to 6 ft if the portion above 4 ft is ≥50% open; must protect significant public views All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.045.B.1.a
Interior/rear yard fence Solid up to 6 ft All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.045.B.1.a
Corner-lot visibility triangle Max 2 ft 6 in within 35‑ft diagonal triangle All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.045.B.1.b
Trellis above a gate in setbacks Up to 8 ft high and 6 ft wide All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.045.B.1.a
Parallel fences/walls Keep ≥2 ft separation for landscaping, or counted as one height All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.045.B.1.d
Native planting Required landscaping should be predominantly native; avoid invasive species All Coastal zoning districts § 20.64.110.A.9
ESHA/stream/wetland buffers Maintain buffers; revegetation with native species when alteration allowed ESHA, wetlands, streams § 20.64.050.A.c, A.11
Landscaping “on the lot” CDP status Often exempt as part of improvements to existing structures Where not limited by ESHA/shoreline § 20.68.050.A.1.c, .2.b

District-by-District (Coastal Zone) — how landscaping/screening applies

The following Coastal districts exist in unincorporated areas; the fence and landscaping rules above apply across all districts unless a community standard adds more stringency (§ 20.62.030). For overall land use context, see Marin County Zoning.

C-APZ — Coastal, Agricultural Production Zone

  • Purpose: preserve productive agricultural lands; accessory development must support agriculture (§ 20.65.040.A).
  • Typical uses: agricultural operations and appurtenant facilities (see district tables in § 20.62.040).
  • Landscaping/screening: use native plant palettes (§ 20.64.110.A.9); apply fence limits and corner-safety standards (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a–d); honor ESHA/stream/wetland buffers where present (§ 20.64.050.A).

C-ARP — Coastal, Agricultural Residential Planned

  • Purpose/uses: low‑intensity residential integrated with agriculture; refer to Coastal use tables (§ 20.62.040).
  • Landscaping/screening: same Coastal standards for fences and native plants; verify any ESHA/wetland/stream buffers (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9; § 20.64.050.A).

C-OA — Coastal, Open Area

  • Purpose/uses: resource protection and open space; allowable uses are limited (see tables in § 20.62.040).
  • Landscaping/screening: native species emphasis (§ 20.64.110.A.9); any screening must avoid impacting scenic/public views and protected resources (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a; § 20.64.050.A).

C-RA — Coastal, Residential Agricultural

  • Purpose/uses: rural residential with agricultural compatibility (see § 20.62.040).
  • Landscaping/screening: follow Coastal fence limits, corner-safety visibility, and native planting standards (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-R1 — Coastal, Residential, Single-Family

  • Purpose/uses: single-family dwellings (tables in § 20.62.040).
  • Landscaping/screening: front/street-side fence transparency above 4 ft, interior/rear 6‑ft solids; predominantly native plants; use buffers where required (§ 20.64.045.B.1; § 20.64.110.A.9; § 20.64.050.A).

C-R2 — Coastal, Residential, Two-Family

  • Typical uses: duplexes in mapped locations; same landscape/screen rules as above (§ 20.62.040; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-RSP — Coastal, Residential, Single-Family, Planned

  • Planned single-family areas; subject to the same fence/landscape rules and any applicable community standards (§ 20.62.040; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-RSPS — Coastal, Residential, Single-Family, Planned, Seadrift Subdivision

  • Seadrift-specific standards also govern height/setbacks and public access; landscaping/screening must still follow native plant preference and fence standards (§ 20.65.070; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-RMP — Coastal, Residential, Multiple Planned

  • Multi-unit planned areas; same Coastal fence and landscaping standards apply (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-VCR — Coastal, Village Commercial/Residential

  • Mixed village commercial/residential areas (see use tables); screening of service areas should rely on fences that meet Coastal standards and predominantly native planting (§ 20.62.040; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-H1 — Coastal, Limited Roadside Business

  • Low-intensity roadside commercial (see tables in § 20.62.040); use fences/walls within limits and native landscape for screening (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-CP — Coastal, Planned Commercial

  • Planned commercial; same fence/landscape rules and any planned-district/community add‑ons (§ 20.62.040; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-RMPC — Coastal, Residential/Commercial Multiple Planned

  • Planned mixed residential/commercial; use open‑above‑4‑ft fencing in street setbacks, 6‑ft solids elsewhere, native landscaping (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-RCR — Coastal, Resort and Commercial Recreation

  • Visitor‑serving/recreation; use fence standards and native, non‑invasive landscape palettes; respect scenic/view protections (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a; § 20.64.110.A.9).

C-PF — Coastal, Public Facilities

  • Public facilities; same landscape/screen standards and buffer protections apply (§ 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9; § 20.64.050.A).

B — Coastal, Minimum Lot Size (combining district)

  • Combining overlay for minimum lot size; does not alter fence/landscape rules which still apply (§ 20.62.030; § 20.64.045.B; § 20.64.110.A.9).

Practical guidance and cross-overs

  • If you’re near streams, wetlands, dunes, or other sensitive resources, plan buffers early; these will drive plant choices, fence placement, and whether screening is allowed or must remain open for views and habitat function (§ 20.64.050.A; § 20.64.060.A for dune protection).
  • For corner lots, keep planting and low walls within the 35‑ft sight triangle at 2 ft 6 in or lower to maintain visibility (§ 20.64.045.B.1.b).
  • If your project triggers design review, expect conditions about native species, view corridors, and screening details (Title 22 applies in addition to the LCP per § 20.01.020).
  • Standards interact with development standards, overlay districts, and signage rules; coordinate your site plan to avoid conflicts.

Checklist

  • Confirm your site is in unincorporated Marin County and whether it lies in the Coastal Zone. See Marin County Zoning.
  • Site fences/walls to comply with § 20.64.045.B.1.a–d and protect public views; apply corner-lot sight triangle limits if applicable.
  • Use predominantly native, non‑invasive plants for required landscaping (§ 20.64.110.A.9).
  • Map ESHA/stream/wetland buffers and adjust planting/screening accordingly (§ 20.64.050.A).
  • If claiming a CDP exemption for “landscaping on the lot,” confirm it fits § 20.68.050.A.1.c or § 20.68.050.A.2.b and is not otherwise limited.
  • If applicable, align with any community/district standards (e.g., Seadrift) that further constrain siting, height, or views (§ 20.65.070).
  • Coordinate with parking layouts and service areas so screening elements remain code‑compliant.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Coastal vs. inland applicability The Coastal Implementation Plan controls within the Coastal Zone; inland parcels use Title 22. Wrong assumption can change which standards apply (§ 20.01.020). Confirm zoning map and whether Coastal CDP rules apply.
Hedges treated as “fences”? Some jurisdictions treat tall hedges like fences; not explicit in retrieved Coast Code. Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Parking-lot landscape/screening ratios Many cities require specific planter widths/trees per stalls; not located here for Marin County Coastal. Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
ESHA/stream buffer widths Buffer distances are site‑specific and can constrain planting/screening choices (§ 20.64.050.A.c). Get a biologist/site assessment if near sensitive resources.
Corner visibility envelope Over‑tall walls/plantings can create safety issues and trigger corrections (§ 20.64.045.B.1.b). Lay out the 35‑ft triangle and keep within 2 ft 6 in.
View corridor protection Coastal standards require protecting significant public views; dense screening can conflict (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a). Document how screening preserves public views.

Plain-English Summary

If your property is in unincorporated Marin County’s Coastal Zone, keep front/street-side fences short or see‑through above 4 ft, keep interior/rear fences at or under 6 ft, plant mostly native species, and maintain buffers near streams or sensitive habitat. Landscaping is often exempt from a Coastal Development Permit for existing homes, but sensitive areas and view protections can still limit what you plant and where you place fences and screens (§ 20.64.045.B.1; § 20.64.110.A.9; § 20.64.050.A; § 20.68.050.A).

Source References

  • § 20.01.020 Applicability; Implementation Plan controls in the Coastal Zone.
  • § 20.62.030 Coastal Zoning Districts Established (district list).
  • § 20.64.045.B Fencing and Similar Structure Standards (heights, corner lots, parallel fences, trellises, setbacks).
  • § 20.64.050 Biological Resources (buffers; native revegetation in sensitive areas).
  • § 20.64.060 Environmental Hazards (dune protection with fence limits in certain shoreline areas).
  • § 20.64.110.A.9 Community Development—Landscaping (predominantly native species; avoid invasives).
  • § 20.65.070 Seadrift (C‑RSPS) community-specific coastal standards.
  • § 20.68.050.A Coastal Development Permit Not Required—Exempt Development (landscaping on the lot for existing development).

Information Gaps

  • Inland (non‑Coastal) landscaping/screening provisions in Title 22 (Development Code): Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Any countywide hedge‑as‑fence treatment or parking lot landscape minimums: Not found in retrieved materials.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Marin County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.130) High relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (title to) High relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.130) Medium relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Section 20.64.080) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Section 20.70.040) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (§ III) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (title to) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Section 20.64.045) Medium relevance
  • CMC § 027 Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (§ III) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Section 20.70.070) Medium relevance
  • Marin County Zoning Code (Chapter apply) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 106.2.2 Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Are front yard fences allowed in unincorporated Marin County’s Coastal Zone?

Yes. In required front or street-side setbacks, a solid fence can be up to 4 ft; up to 6 ft is allowed if the portion above 4 ft is at least 50% open and public views are protected (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).

How tall can a backyard fence be in the Coastal Zone?

Up to 6 ft solid along interior or rear yard setbacks, including along rear yards of through lots (§ 20.64.045.B.1.a).

What about fences on corner lots?

Within the sight triangle near intersecting streets, fences are capped at 2 ft 6 in to preserve driver visibility, measured in the 35‑ft diagonal triangle (§ 20.64.045.B.1.b).

Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for new landscaping?

Often no—“landscaping on the lot” associated with improvements to existing homes or structures is typically exempt, but sensitive-resource or shoreline rules can still limit what you do (§ 20.68.050.A.1.c, .2.b).

Are there specific plant lists I must follow?

The code requires required landscaping to be predominantly native and to avoid invasive species; specific species lists aren’t in the retrieved sections. Use native, non‑invasive plants (§ 20.64.110.A.9).

Can two parallel fences be built for extra screening?

Only if they’re at least 2 ft apart to allow landscaping; otherwise they’re counted as one fence for the 6‑ft height cap (§ 20.64.045.B.1.d).

Are there special landscaping rules near streams or wetlands?

Yes. ESHA, wetland, and stream buffers must be maintained; any allowed alterations require native revegetation and protective buffers (§ 20.64.050.A.c, A.11).

Do the same standards apply outside the Coastal Zone?

Not necessarily. Inland parcels use Title 22 (Development Code). Coastal rules may be more restrictive; verify your zone and whether additional Title 22 standards apply (§ 20.01.020).

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