Monrovia — Landscaping and Screening

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Monrovia's zoning ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences, walls, and protected trees. It interprets the local rules found primarily in the Title 17 zoning provisions: the landscaping/tree preservation chapter, residential miscellaneous standards, and the commercial/industrial development standards. Key citations to the controlling sections are shown inline so you can verify the exact code language.

What the code requires (top-level)

• Landscaping is mandatory in certain setbacks and visible areas for different uses: single-family front yards and street-facing side yards in RL, RE, and RF; and throughout required setbacks, parking areas visible from the street, private yards, and adjacent unimproved right-of-way for duplexes, multi-family, commercial, industrial and public/quasi-public uses — see § 17.20.010 and § 17.20.020.
• The City adopts the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance by reference; irrigation and water-efficiency rules apply where landscaping is required — see § 17.20.030.
• Oak trees meeting the local threshold are protected and removal/pruning often requires a permit; the oak preservation program and thresholds are in § 17.20.040.
• Fence/wall/hedge heights, allowable materials and measurement method differ between residential zones and commercial/industrial zones — see § 17.12.040 (residential) and § 17.16.030 (commercial/industrial).
• The Development Review Committee or the Neighborhood Compatibility/Design Review process reviews materials, spacing, irrigation and landscape plans in many new or multi-unit projects; design-review exemptions and minor exceptions provisions also affect fencing and screening requirements — see § 17.52.120 and § 17.52.110.

Note: the ordinance often ties screening/landscape details to site plan or Development Review approval (site plan content requirements include a landscape and irrigation plan). See the site-plan checklist in the development standards.

(Links inserted where the topic is first discussed: parking, setbacks/development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

• The City requires landscaping in and around visible parking areas per § 17.20.020.
• Many screening/wall setbacks and heights are measured against the City's development standards and setback provisions such as § 17.16.020.
• Landscape and screening measures are frequently part of design review submittals and approvals (Development Review Committee).
• Special rules may apply in overlay districts or specific plans referenced in the code (verify per parcel).
• Some fences/walls/landscape exemptions reference accessory dwelling or second-unit rules; check the ADUs page in conjunction with design-review exemptions.
• The City references state standards (for water efficiency and building work); confirm any structural/stability work with the California Building Standards Code when a building permit is required.

District-by-district breakdown (what to expect per zone)

Note: the code uses several zone labels. Below are the zones most relevant to landscaping and screening requirements and the specific provisions that control them. Where the ordinance gives “all residential zones” rules, those apply across R‑zones; where a chapter is specific (e.g., RF or NC), that specific section governs.

Residential zones — all residential zones (general fences & screens)

Purpose and where it applies

• Applies citywide to properties in the residential zones (the code language is consolidated under the heading "Miscellaneous Residential Standards/All Residential Zones"). Landscaping and fences rules apply to single-family, duplex and multi-family lots depending on the use. § 17.12.040 governs fences, hedges, walls, trash area screening and mechanical equipment screening.

Typical permitted uses (context)

• Single-family homes, duplexes, multifamily per the underlying residential zone; landscaping requirements vary by proposed development intensity. See the applicable zone’s use table (Land Use/Zone table).

Key screening/fence standards

• Maximum general screening on property lines: 6 ft (with listed exceptions). § 17.12.040(B)(1).
• Front yard limitations: no fence over 4 ft or hedge/wall over 3 ft in a required front setback. § 17.12.040(B)(1)(a).
• Corner lots: similar special limits within 5 ft of the street side property line. § 17.12.040(B)(1)(b).
• Wrought iron with no points/spikes may be allowed up to 8 ft in limited hillside situations (see the detailed exception). § 17.12.040(B)(1)(f).
• Fence height measurement method (street property lines: measured at sidewalk grade; interior lines: highest adjacent finished grade). § 17.12.040(B)(2).

Where landscaping is required

• For single-family developed lots, landscaping is required in front yards and street-facing side yards. § 17.20.010(A).

RF — Residential Foothill zone

Purpose and where it applies

• Applies to foothill properties with specific minimum lot sizes and special floor area/coverage formulas. See § 17.12.010 for RF-specific development standards.

Key dimensional/landscape notes

• Minimum lot area 15,000 sq ft, special FAR/coverage rules (use the RF formulas in § 17.12.010). Landscaping requirements for single-family front yards still apply via § 17.20.010.
• Oak tree protections are especially emphasized for RF (oak permit required for certain removals). § 17.20.040.

Multi-family — RM and RH

Purpose and where it applies

• Medium- and higher-density residential development; the code sets separation, recreation area and screening needs in the RM/RH standards. See Chapters governing multifamily dimensional standards and the general landscaping chapter. § 17.12.040 and § 17.20.020 apply.

Key screening/landscape standards

• Required landscaping throughout required setbacks and in private yard areas; parking-area landscaping must be distributed through the lot and visible areas screened. § 17.20.020(A)(1–3).
• Multi-family projects generally must be enclosed by 5–6 ft decorative walls (privacy/amenity enclosure). § 17.12.040(B)(1)(g).

Commercial zones — NC, CRS, BE, CD/O, HCD (representative)

Purpose and where it applies

• Centers, neighborhood commercial, business enterprise and downtown/historic commercial zones. Landscaping for commercial sites focuses on setbacks, parking visibility and buffering from residential zones. See the development-standards tables and § 17.20.020 and § 17.16.030.

Key screening/landscaping standards

• Landscaping required in required setbacks and around parking visible from a public right-of-way; irrigation and maintenance rules apply (§ 17.20.020(B–D)).
• Commercial/industrial fences and walls: maximum 8 ft for fences/walls; masonry or decorative block required for walls visible to the street; chain link is not permitted in commercial/industrial zones. § 17.16.030(A)(2–3).

Industrial — M (Manufacturing)

Purpose and where it applies

• Industrial operations with specific screening needs between industrial/commercial uses and adjacent residential properties. See § 17.16.030(B).

Key screening/solid-screen rules

• Solid screening (e.g., masonry walls) around storage yards, outside industrial operations, or between industrial/commercial and residential uses: typically 6 ft high (higher allowed if conditions warrant) and set back the same distance as buildings in that zone. § 17.16.030(B)(1–4).

Planned Development / Specific Plan / Overlay areas — PD, Specific Plans

Purpose and where it applies

• Where a PD or specific-plan overlay applies, the overlay or plan can set unique landscape/screening requirements; the South Myrtle Corridor and Old Town extension provide an example of special area rules. Verify the overlay text for parcel-specific requirements. § 17.16.040 (South Myrtle Corridor) and related specific-plan references.

Key note

• Where the specific plan or overlay governs, its provisions supersede or modify the base zone; always check the Official Zoning Map and the overlay-specific sections. § 17.04.040 and overlay references.

Quick reference table — decision-relevant standards

Practical guidance & comparisons (plain-English synthesis)

• For a single-family homeowner in RL/RE/RF, expect to landscape your front yard and street-facing side yard with living plant materials and to maintain that landscaping; plan for a permanent irrigation system if you have large landscaped areas or are part of a multi-family/commercial development. § 17.20.010 and § 17.20.020 govern where landscaping is required and § 17.20.030 brings in state water-efficient rules.
• If you plan a new multi-unit development or a commercial project, the City expects a landscape and irrigation plan by a licensed landscape professional as part of the site plan submittal; parking lot trees and distributed planting are required where parking is visible from the street. See the site plan content checklist and § 17.20.020.
• Fence questions are zone-dependent: residential front setbacks are tightly limited (max 4 ft fence or 3 ft wall/hedge), but side and rear lines commonly allow 6 ft screening; commercial/industrial walls can go to 8 ft but street-visible walls must use decorative masonry. Always confirm the grade for height measurement. § 17.12.040 and § 17.16.030.
• Oak trees 10 inches DBH or larger are afforded special protection across many zones; removal or major pruning usually requires an oak tree preservation permit. If your lot contains oaks, contact the City early. § 17.20.040.
• Where a property is inside a Specific Plan/Overlay (for example the South Myrtle Corridor or Old Town Extension), the overlay or specific‑plan text can add or change requirements — always verify overlay-specific provisions. § 17.16.040 and Official Zoning Map rules.

Checklist

• Prepare a site plan showing the landscape and irrigation plan drawn to scale (location and type of landscaping and maintenance statement). § 17.44 / site plan checklist.
• For single-family: include living landscaping in the front setback and street-facing side yard (trees, groundcover, shrubs). § 17.20.010.
• For multi-family/commercial: show landscaping in required setbacks and parking-area landscaping; include automated underground irrigation where required. § 17.20.020.
• If existing oak trees ≥ 10 in DBH are on site, apply for an oak tree preservation permit before major pruning or removal. § 17.20.040.
• If installing fences/walls, show materials, location and heights; follow residential limits (4 ft front, 6 ft elsewhere) or commercial limits (8 ft max) as applicable and measure per the specified grade method. § 17.12.040, § 17.16.030.
• For trash enclosures and ground mechanical equipment, show screening walls and gates per § 17.12.040(G–H).
• If in a PD or overlay, verify additional landscape/screening requirements in the overlay text or specific plan. § 17.16.040.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Monrovia requires living landscaping in front yards of single-family parcels and in setbacks and parking areas for multi-family, commercial and industrial sites; fences and walls are limited by zone (typical street-front front-yard limits are 4 ft), industrial/commercial buffers typically require 6–8 ft masonry or decorative walls, and oak trees larger than 10 in DBH are protected and often need a permit before removal. Be ready to submit a landscape and irrigation plan and to follow the state water-efficiency rules. § 17.20.010–040, § 17.12.040, § 17.16.030.

Information Gaps / Items Not Found in Retrieved Materials

• Detailed planting palettes, minimum plant counts per square foot of planting area, or explicit parking-lot tree spacing numeric standards were Not found in retrieved materials — the code requires landscape plans and committee approval but does not publish a universal planting matrix in the excerpts reviewed. Verify with the Community Development Department. Not found in retrieved materials.
• Specific ADU landscaping requirements (beyond design-review exemptions mentioning second units) are Not found in the landscaping excerpts; consult the ADU rules and verify if local ADU standards add landscape requirements. Not found in retrieved materials; see the ADU page for related rules.
• Parcel‑specific overlay or specific-plan design standards that may override base-zone landscape/screening rules must be checked in the specific plan documents or overlay chapters; those details are not fully reproduced here. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

• Monrovia Zoning — CHAPTER 17.20 LANDSCAPING/TREE PRESERVATION: § 17.20.010, § 17.20.020, § 17.20.030, § 17.20.040.
• Monrovia Zoning — MISCELLANEOUS RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS / ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES: § 17.12.040 (fences, hedges, walls, trash and mechanical screening).
• Monrovia Zoning — COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: § 17.16.030 (fences, hedges, walls), § 17.16.020 (setbacks table).
• Site plan and required submittals (landscape plan requirement in plan checklist).
• Neighborhood compatibility / design review exemptions and minor exceptions for fences and related deviations: § 17.52.110 and § 17.52.120.

Retrieved passages

• Monrovia Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.20) High relevance show source text
• Monrovia Zoning Code (§ 17.12.040) High relevance show source text
• Monrovia Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance show source text
• Monrovia Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance show source text
• California Building Code High relevance show source text
• Monrovia Zoning Code (§ 17.16.020) High relevance show source text
• Monrovia Zoning Code (§ 17.20.020) High relevance show source text
• CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Monrovia Zoning — CHAPTER 17.20 LANDSCAPING/TREE PRESERVATION: **§ 17.20.010**, **§ 17.20.020**, **§ 17.20.030**, **§ 17.20.040**. (CHAPTER 17.20)
• Monrovia Zoning — MISCELLANEOUS RESIDENTIAL STANDARDS / ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONES: **§ 17.12.040** (fences, hedges, walls, trash and mechanical screening). (§ 17.12.040)
• Monrovia Zoning — COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: **§ 17.16.030** (fences, hedges, walls), **§ 17.16.020** (setbacks table). (§ 17.16.030)
• Site plan and required submittals (landscape plan requirement in plan checklist).
• Neighborhood compatibility / design review exemptions and minor exceptions for fences and related deviations: **§ 17.52.110** and **§ 17.52.120**. (§ 17.52.110)
• Monrovia_ZoningCode.md

• Official Monrovia code library