Local zoning · Merced

Merced — Landscaping and Screening

Q: If an industrial site borders homes, what screening is required?

An industrial buffer yard is required where industrial zones abut residential zones: minimum 25 ft width; 6 ft masonry or equivalent wall; planted with drought‑tolerant deciduous and evergreen mix to achieve year‑round screening; no paving except sidewalks. See § 20.12.030 .

Landscaping and Screening under the Merced 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 Merced Zoning Ordinance (Title 20) requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and trees. It focuses on the Merced-specific rules you will rely on when preparing a landscape or site plan (including downtown and industrial interfaces). For background on where landscaping fits in overall zoning policy, see the city's Merced Zoning overview.

What the code requires (top-line)

All new developments with >500 sq ft landscape areas must submit a landscape and sprinkler plan and meet the water‑efficient standards in Chapter 17.60; these submittal rules and required contents are in § 20.36.040 and the chapter purpose and applicability are in § 20.36.010–020.
Residential exterior setback areas must be landscaped; nonresidential minimums vary by zone (see Table 20.36-1). See § 20.36.050.
General landscape standards (drought-tolerant plants, irrigation, timing, maintenance, review/approval of plans) are in § 20.36.060.
Fence and wall height, measurement, and exceptions are controlled by § 20.30.010 and § 20.30.020 (Table 20.30-1).
Parking lots have specific landscape and screening requirements (interior shade trees, minimum screening widths/heights, curbing, irrigation, timing). See Chapter 20.38 (parking/landscaping) for standards. For examples of downtown-specific buffers and screening, see Chapter 20.14.
Industrial zones abutting residential require industrial buffer yards: minimum 25 ft width + 6 ft masonry (or equivalent) wall and year-round plantings; see § 20.12.030.
Riparian/creek setbacks and permitted uses (native landscaping allowed; fences permitted only if they don't block flood/wildlife flows) are in Chapter 20.34; measurement rules (25 ft from top of bank or 50 ft from centerline, whichever is greater) are in § 20.34.020.

Note: landscape plans and screening are frequently reviewed through site plan review/minor use permit or design review depending on the project; see the city's design review rules and development standards for how landscape/screening tie to approvals.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Merced districts most relevant to landscaping and screening. Each district subsection cites the ordinance text that establishes purpose/standards and points to the landscaping/screening rules that apply there.

R-1 (Single-Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: Low-density single-family homes. See the residential development standards in § 20.08.030 and Table 20.08-2.
Key landscaping/screening rules: All required exterior setback areas must be landscaped; hedges are allowed when set back per the fence rules; fences/walls in exterior yards limited to 4 ft (solid) in required exterior yards except where notes apply—see § 20.36.050 and § 20.30.020 (Table 20.30-1).
Where it applies: standard single-family neighborhoods; front and side yard plantings should use drought-tolerant species and meet water-efficiency rules.

R-2 / R-3 / R-4 (Multi-family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: Duplexes, small and higher density apartments. Development tables and multi-family rules in Tables 20.08-3 and § 20.46.
Key landscaping/screening rules: Multiple-unit projects must provide 1 tree per 3 units (minimum) and foundation plantings equal to 50% of horizontal frontage; screening of meters, trash, mechanical is required; fences may be increased via minor use permit in multi-family contexts—see § 20.46.040 and § 20.30.020.
Where it applies: all multi-family developments citywide; additional site-specific design review is typical.

D-COR / D-O / D-CM (Downtown / Core / Office / Civic)

Purpose / typical uses: Downtown core, mixed commercial/residential uses; development and public-facing design emphasized. See Chapter 20.14 downtown development standards.
Key landscaping/screening rules: Surface parking adjacent to public right-of-way must be screened with a wall/hedge/trellis at least 3 ft tall; where parking borders a single-family home, a 3 ft wide by 6 ft tall landscaped buffer is required (Figure 20.14-2). Downtown parking should be located to rear/side of buildings and hidden where feasible; see Chapter 20.14 and parking in Chapter 20.38.

C-G / C-N / C-O / C-T / C-SC / C-V / C-C / B-P (Commercial / Office / Regional centers / Planned business)

Purpose / typical uses: Retail, office, regional commercial and planned business parks. See Table 20.10-2 and related development standards.
Key landscaping/screening rules: Nonresidential minimum landscaped area varies by zone (see Table 20.36-1: many commercial zones require 10–15%); parking lot screening and interior landscaping (1 shade tree per 6 spaces) are enforced via Chapter 20.38. Trash enclosures and mechanical equipment must be screened using landscaping or compatible materials (§ 20.46 / § 20.38).

I-L / I-H (Light & Heavy Industrial)

Purpose / typical uses: Manufacturing, warehousing and heavy industrial uses; industrial standards in Chapter 20.12.
Key landscaping/screening rules: Where industrial parcels abut residential zones an industrial buffer yard is required: minimum 25 ft width, 6 ft masonry or equivalent wall on the industrial perimeter, drought-tolerant evergreen/deciduous mix to provide year‑round screening; paved surfaces (except sidewalks) are prohibited inside the buffer; maintenance per Chapter 20.36 is required. See § 20.12.030.

P-OS / P-D / P-PK (Parks / Open Space / Public)

Purpose / typical uses: Public parks/open space and public facilities. Landscaping expectations are higher; minimum landscaped area and design often resolved by permit/approval process; see Table 20.36-1 and permit provisions in parks sections.

A-G / U-T (Agriculture / Utilities & Transit)

Purpose / typical uses: Agricultural, utility, transit-supporting uses. Many nonresidential landscaping minimums are waived (Table 20.36-1 lists I-L, I-H, A-G, U-T: None). Buffering against adjacent residential is handled elsewhere (e.g., creek buffers, industrial buffer rules where applicable). § 20.36.050 and § 20.12.030 apply where relevant.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant landscaping & screening standards

Requirement	Short rule	Code Reference
Residential setback landscaping	All required exterior setback areas (except access) must be landscaped	§ 20.36.050
Minimum nonresidential landscaped area	10–15% depending on zone (see Table 20.36-1); some zones None	Table 20.36-1 / § 20.36.050
Landscape plan submittal	Landscape & sprinkler plan required for projects >500 sq ft (contents specified)	§ 20.36.040
Fence/wall height (residential)	Exterior yards: 4 ft (solid); other locations up to 7 ft; non-solid fences may become 6 ft with minor use permit; see vision triangles	§ 20.30.010–020, Table 20.30-1
Industrial buffer yard	Min 25 ft width; 6 ft masonry or equivalent wall; year‑round plantings; no paving except sidewalks	§ 20.12.030
Parking lot screening	Perimeter screening min 5 ft wide; heights: street 2.5 ft, abutting residential 6 ft (4 ft in setbacks); commercial abutting residential = solid 6 ft wall	Chapter 20.38 (parking landscaping / screening)
Creek / riparian buffer	Buffer = 25 ft from top of bank or 50 ft from centerline (whichever greater); strict limits on structure & fencing that blocks flows	§ 20.34.020–030
Timing & irrigation	Landscaping installed prior to occupancy/final inspection; irrigation required (automatic where noted)	§ 20.36.060 / Chapter 17.60

Practical guidance / how to use the rules

Start with your zone's development table (e.g., § 20.08.030 for R zones, § 20.10. for commercial, § 20.12.030 for industrial) to learn whether the site has special buffer or setback triggers; then apply the landscape chapter (§ 20.36.040–060) to size plantings and irrigation.
For any parking-lot work, treat the parking chapter as primary: provide 1 shade tree per 6 spaces, interior landscaping, raised curbs (6" x 6"), and the perimeter screening widths/heights in Chapter 20.38; if your design uses solar carports instead of trees, expect a minor use permit/adjustment. Also see Merced parking policy.
If your property touches a creek or riparian area, expect additional permits and findings (river/creek buffer measurement, state/federal permits) per Chapter 20.34 and the landscape submittal requirements in § 20.36.040; native landscaping is explicitly permitted within riparian areas.
For screening mechanical equipment, refuse, meters, and wireless facility bases: combine landscape with durable screening materials (stucco, masonry) per multi‑family and wireless facility rules; see § 20.46.030 and § 20.38 / 20.12 for equipment/wireless screening rules.

Remember: many departures or higher fence/wall heights require a minor use permit or site plan review; see Chapter 20.68 (Minor use permits / special project permits) and Chapter 20.32 (site plan review / minor use permit thresholds). Design review and site plan review findings specifically allow the city to condition landscaping and screening to prevent material detriment to neighbors.

Checklist

Confirm zoning district(s) for the parcel and applicable overlay(s) (downtown, historic, Old 99, Freeway overlays may change buffers). Verify in the official zoning map.
Produce a landscape and sprinkler plan when ≥500 sq ft of new landscape or aggregate rehabilitation ≥2,500 sq ft; include species, planting sizes, irrigation details, existing trees to remain, staging/installation timing per § 20.36.040.
For nonresidential sites: compute % landscaped area and confirm you meet Table 20.36-1 minima for your zone or prepare justification for deviations.
For parking: provide 1 shade tree per 6 spaces, interior landscaped islands, curbing (6" x 6"), and perimeter screening per Chapter 20.38. Link parking plan locations to the parking standards.
Where adjacent to residential or industrial uses, design buffer yards per § 20.12.030 (industrial buffer) or the parking screening rules; show maintenance responsibilities on plans.
Confirm fence/wall heights measured from finished grade and comply with Table 20.30-1 (vision triangles and minor use permit paths).
If the site touches riparian area, obtain/submit required external permits (Fish & Wildlife, Army Corps, RWQCB) and the additional findings required under § 20.34.030.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact code subsection for a downtown buffer detail	Downtown text uses figures and notes (e.g., Figure 20.14-2); could require minor use permit where exceptions apply	Verify the specific downtown subsection and any recent amendments under Chapter 20.14 and the director's minor use permit authority.
Whether a multi‑family fence can exceed base heights	Multi‑family zones may allow higher fences with a permit; measurement uses finished grade	Check § 20.30.020 notes and plan for a minor use permit if requesting >6–7 ft.
Applicability of water‑efficient landscape rules vs. local drought emergency rules	Chapter 17.60 is referenced in Chapter 20.36 as controlling where stricter	Confirm current Chapter 17.60 requirements and any emergency regulations before finalizing irrigation design.
Tree species list / approved canopy species for parking shade	The code requires city‑approved canopy species but does not embed a list	Request the city’s approved street/tree list from Development Services; verify required container size and 15–30 ft canopy maturity requirements in Chapter 20.38.
Creek buffer exceptions and external permits	Riparian work is restricted and requires other agencies’ approvals	Confirm permits from Fish & Wildlife, Army Corps, RWQCB, MID as required in § 20.34.030.

Plain-English summary

If you're building or redoing landscaping in Merced: plan on submitting a landscape & sprinkler plan for most projects, use drought‑tolerant plants, plant trees and foundation shrubs per your zone, provide required screening for parking and mechanicals, and follow the fence height rules; industrial sites and projects near creeks have stricter buffer and wall requirements set out in the code. Verify the exact requirements with the Development Services director for parcel-specific clarifications.

Source References

§ 20.36.010–060 (Landscaping chapter: purpose, applicability, water-efficient coordination, plan contents, required landscape areas, landscape standards) —
§ 20.36.040 (Landscape & sprinkler plan required; required plan contents) —
Table 20.36-1 (Minimum landscaped area by nonresidential district) — § 20.36.050
§ 20.30.010 (Measurement of fence/wall height) and § 20.30.020 (Fence height limits; Table 20.30-1) —
Chapter 20.38 (Parking lot landscaping, screening, curbs, shade trees, timing) — see parking landscaping and screening rules in Chapter 20.38.
§ 20.12.030 (Industrial district development standards, including industrial buffer yard rules) —
Chapter 20.34 (Creek buffers: purpose, measurement, permitted/conditional uses) — § 20.34.010–040.
Design, site plan review and findings that commonly condition landscaping/screening: § 20.46.030 / site plan/design review chapters and minor use permit rules (Ch. 20.32 / 20.68).
For related city policy pages referenced on this page: Merced Zoning & planning overview, Zoning, Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Merced Zoning Code High relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
CFC § 2 (Chapter 20.36.) High relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 20.74) High relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 20.36) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 17.54) Medium relevance
CFC § 000 (Chapter 20.36) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Section 20.68.020) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 20.74) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 20.26) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Section 20.72.040) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CFC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Chapter 20.26) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (Title 20) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 125 (Chapter 20.42) Medium relevance
Merced Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Merced code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is required in a front yard for a single‑family lot in Merced?

Front yards (and exterior setback areas generally) must be landscaped for residential zoning districts — the code requires all required exterior setback areas to be landscaped and encourages drought-tolerant plantings and city street trees; see § 20.36.050.

How much of a commercial site must be landscaped in Merced?

Minimum landscaped area for nonresidential sites is set by zone in Table 20.36-1 (examples: D-COR/D-O/D-CM/P-PK = 10%, many commercial zones =15%, some industrial/agriculture zones = None). See § 20.36.050 and Table 20.36-1.

What are the fence height limits for a home in Merced?

Fences/walls in required exterior yards are generally limited to 4 ft (solid); other yard locations can be up to 7 ft, with additional allowances for non-solid fences or multi‑family where a minor use permit may increase height — see § 20.30.010–020 and Table 20.30-1.

Do parking lots need screening or trees in Merced?

Yes. Parking lots with six or more spaces must meet Chapter 20.38: 1 shade tree per 6 spaces, interior landscaping, raised curbing (6" x 6"), and perimeter screening (min 5 ft width; heights: street 2.5 ft, abutting residential 6 ft). See Chapter 20.38 for details.

If an industrial site borders homes, what screening is required?

An industrial buffer yard is required where industrial zones abut residential zones: minimum 25 ft width; 6 ft masonry or equivalent wall; planted with drought‑tolerant deciduous and evergreen mix to achieve year‑round screening; no paving except sidewalks. See § 20.12.030.

Are there special rules for creeks and riparian areas?

Yes. Riparian areas are defined (25 ft from top of bank or 50 ft from centerline, whichever greater) and have restricted uses: native landscaping and fences that don't block flood/wildlife movement are explicitly permitted; many structures/uses inside riparian buffers require a minor use permit and external state/federal approvals — see § 20.34.020–040.

Can I use artificial turf or decorative hardscape to meet landscape requirements?

The code allows artificial turf that meets department standards and decorative hardscape with pervious materials in required landscaping areas, but drought‑tolerant living material is required unless otherwise approved (minor use permit). See § 20.36.050.

When must landscaping be installed relative to occupancy or final inspection?

Landscaping for parking areas and many development projects must be installed before the city's authorization to occupy or before the final parking lot inspection, unless the Director approves otherwise; see the timing rules in Chapter 20.38 and § 20.36.060.

Do mechanicals, meters and trash enclosures need to be screened?

Yes. Mechanical and utility equipment, backflow devices, meters, and trash enclosures must be screened from public view using landscaping, berms, low walls, or materials consistent with building design; see multi‑family design standards and the parking/site chapters (e.g., § 20.46.030, Chapter 20.38).

Can I request higher fence heights or alternative screening methods?

Yes — the ordinance provides discretionary routes (minor use permit, site plan review, special project permit) to approve increased fence heights or alternative screening when justified by privacy, security, noise, or design reasons. See § 20.30.020 notes and the minor use/site permit chapters (Ch. 20.32 / 20.68).

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