Local zoning · Montebello

Montebello — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Montebello Zoning Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences, walls, and trees. It is drawn from the Montebello municipal code (primarily Title 17) and points to the exact controlling code sections so applicants and reviewers can apply the rules parcel-by-parcel. For related rules on vehicle stalls and layout, see parking, and for architectural or exterior-material controls see design review and development standards.

Key takeaways up front: required plant sizes and spacing, mandatory irrigation for most commercial/multi‑family projects, specific screening options for parking and mechanical equipment, and different fence/ wall rules inside residential (R-) zones vs. commercial/industrial zones. See the district-by-district breakdown below for where particular rules apply.

How to read the references on this page

Every rule below is tied to the Montebello Zoning Code by a section (§) reference and the uploaded ordinance citation. Where the code does not provide a rule, the heading will say "Not found in retrieved materials" and recommend verification with the city.

District-by-district requirements (summary and where landscaping/screening rules live)

Note: Montebello uses standard residential (R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4), commercial (C-R, C-1, C-2, C-M, CR), and manufacturing/industrial (M-1, M-2, CM) districts. Landscaping and screening standards live in multiple places in Title 17; the most relevant are cited for each district below.

  • R-A / R-1 / R-2 (single‑family and similar Residential zones)

    • Purpose & typical permitted uses: principally single‑family and low‑density residential uses — refer to the underlying zone tables in the city zoning listings for full use lists. See the Montebello zoning overview for zone maps and use tables.
    • Key landscaping/screening rules: required landscaping in yards and visible setbacks; small shrubs and trees allowed in required yards; front-yard fence limits; decorative fences allowed in front yards subject to sight‑distance approval by the city planner. See § 17.10.080 and § 17.10.130 for yard landscaping and fence standards.
    • Where it applies: any lot mapped R‑zone; single‑ and two‑family homeowner-provided landscaping is generally exempt from larger landscape-plan standards (see applicability under § 17.65.030).

  • R-3 / R-4 (multi‑family Residential zones)

    • Purpose & typical uses: multi‑family residential buildings and common-area development.
    • Key landscaping/screening rules: landscaped common areas and setbacks visible from public ROW must be planted and irrigated; landscape plan submittal for larger projects; irrigation and planting density standards apply (see § 17.65.030 and § 17.65.040 for plan submittal thresholds).

  • C-R / C-1 / C-2 / C-M / CR (Commercial and neighborhood/commercial zones)

    • Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood and general commercial, mixed commercial uses, and some mixed residential/commercial.
    • Key landscaping/screening rules: landscaping required in all setbacks that abut residential property and in all other open areas visible from the public street unless used for parking, access or loading; mandatory landscape plan submittal for commercial development; parking-lot internal tree requirements for certain commercial lots. See § 17.22.080 and § 17.22.090.
    • Where it applies: commercial parcels and lots regulated under the commercial development standards. For outdoor storage or heavy visual impacts see § 17.32.150 for industrial-style restrictions that may apply to some commercial uses.

  • M-1 / M-2 / CM (Manufacturing / Industrial and Commercial‑Manufacturing zones)

    • Purpose & typical uses: light and heavy manufacturing, warehousing, contractor yards and related industrial activities.
    • Key landscaping/screening rules: stricter screening from residential properties (masonry walls, planter buffers, high wall + landscaping for heavy trucking uses); landscaping required in street‑facing setbacks not used for parking; outdoor storage must be screened from public view; special industrial screening options and exceptions can apply (see § 17.32.090, § 17.32.100, and the heavy‑trucking standards at § 17.37.030).

  • Planned Development, Hillside, Brownfield, and Heavy‑use Overlays

    • Planned developments and hillside plans require landscaping shown on precise plans and include retaining walls and fence locations in the required submittal (see § 17.38 and § 17.42.030).
    • Brownfield overlay: stacking of intermodal containers is explicitly addressed; in the Brownfield overlay certain container stacking (up to four high or 40 feet) is permitted and not subject to screening; check the overlay map and standards. See the Brownfield overlay note in § 17.22.090.
    • Heavy trucking uses: require an 8‑foot solid decorative wall along property lines abutting residential zones, plus a 10‑ft irrigated landscaped planter between the zone boundary and the wall; lighting and parking separation standards accompany the wall/landscape buffer. See § 17.37.030.

Key numeric standards and screening options (decision table)

Item What the code requires Code Reference
Shrub minimum planting size Shrubs must be at least 3 feet tall at planting and cover ≥30% of the landscaped area at installation. § 17.22.090(A)(1)
Tree spacing / size 1 tree per 20 linear feet of landscaped area (excludes parking lots); trees ≥6 ft at planting, mature height ≥15 ft; of every five required trees, one must be ≥15 ft at planting. § 17.22.090(A)(2)
Irrigation Required permanent underground automated irrigation for all required landscape areas (commercial, industrial, large multifamily/public projects). § 17.22.090(B); § 17.65.030‑040
Parking‑lot edge strip If a parking lot is visible from the public street and within 50 ft of the ROW, provide a 5‑ft landscape strip adjacent to the ROW. § 17.22.090(E)(1)
Parking lot internal trees (C zones) If >10 parking spaces on a C‑zoned lot, provide 1 tree per 10 spaces, trees ≥6 ft at planting. § 17.22.090(E)(2)
Curbing for planting islands Landscaping for parking lots must be surrounded by a continuous 6‑inch concrete curb. § 17.22.090(F); § 17.52.150(B)
Parking screening options (adjacent to public street, within 50 ft) Options include 2–3 ft solid masonry wall, decorative masonry or solar screen wall, or 1–2 ft earthen mound with planting (max screen height 3 ft). 5‑ft setback with landscaping required. § 17.52.160(A)‑(B)
Walls/fence materials visible from ROW Visible screening must be decorative masonry, evergreen shrubs (closely spaced), quality wood, decorative wrought iron, or other planning‑division approved materials; no corrugated metal/fiberglass/plastic long‑term. § 17.10.130(D); § 17.22.100(C)
Residential front yard fence height 36 inches allowed generally in R zones in any part of a lot; decorative wrought‑iron fences up to 6 ft in front yard may be allowed but require planner approval for sight distance. § 17.10.130(C)
Solid wall along commercial/residential boundary Commercial properties abutting residential property must construct a minimum 6‑ft solid wall (exceptions and decorative facade provisions apply); in some heavier uses the wall must be 8 ft. § 17.22.080(C) and § 17.37.030(A)(a)
Landscape plan threshold Landscape-plan rules in § 17.65 apply to new or rehabilitated landscaped areas ≥2,500 sq ft (commercial, industrial, institutional, multi‑family common areas). Smaller single‑family homeowner landscapes are generally exempt. § 17.65.030(A)‑(B)

Practical guidance and interpretation (plain-English synthesis)

  • For most commercial or multi‑family projects you must design a landscape plan that includes trees, shrubs and an automated irrigation system, and submit it with your site plan or before building permits (landscape plan rules and submittal requirements are mandatory for areas ≥2,500 sq ft). See § 17.65.040 and § 17.22.090(B).
  • Shrubs and trees have minimum planted sizes: shrubs ≥3 ft, trees ≥6 ft at planting; and tree spacing is driven by 1 tree per 20 linear feet of planting area (non‑parking). That is a hard operational metric reviewers use; show the specified counts on your planting schedule. § 17.22.090(A).
  • If your parking lot sits within 50 ft of the street, expect a 5‑ft landscape strip at the street edge and additional internal tree requirements for commercial lots. Show curbing (6‑in) around islands. § 17.22.090(E); § 17.52.150(B).
  • Where a commercial or industrial parcel abuts residences, the code requires solid decorative walls with landscape buffers; heavy trucking and certain industrial uses require 8‑ft walls + a 10‑ft planter. Use the heavy‑trucking standard as the baseline for high‑impact uses. § 17.22.080(C) and § 17.37.030(A).
  • In residential zones the code restricts front‑yard opaque fences; decorative wrought‑iron up to 6 ft may be allowed but only with city planner sign‑off to ensure sight lines at the public street intersection. § 17.10.130(C).
  • Screening of mechanical equipment and trash areas must hide equipment from public view or adjacent residences via landscaping or compatible architectural elements. Plan for screening at the equipment design stage and show it on elevation drawings. § 17.22.050; § 17.22.090(B).

(If you need to coordinate landscaping with parking‑lot layout, see the Montebello Parking guidance for stall counts and aisle dimensions; link used earlier.)

Checklist (What an applicant must include / satisfy)

  • Prepare a landscape plan that meets § 17.65.040 content requirements (plant list with common & botanical names, container sizes, water conservation statement) for any applicable project.
  • Show tree counts and spacing that comply with 1 tree per 20 linear ft of landscaped area (or 1 per 10 parking spaces in C‑zoned parking lots when >10 spaces). § 17.22.090(E)(2).
  • Specify shrubs ≥3 ft at planting and show they cover ≥30% of landscape area at installation. § 17.22.090(A)(1).
  • Document irrigation as a permanent underground automated system and include the water conservation concept statement if subject to § 17.65.040.
  • Provide screening details for mechanical equipment, trash enclosures and outdoor storage per § 17.22.050 and § 17.32.150.
  • For fences and walls visible from the public right of way, specify approved materials (decorative masonry, quality wood, decorative wrought iron, or planning‑division‑approved alternatives) and show compliance with front‑yard height limits. § 17.10.130(D) and § 17.22.100(C).
  • Where the site abuts residential property, show the required solid wall (6 ft or 8 ft for heavy trucking uses) and any required planters or setbacks. § 17.22.080(C); § 17.37.030(A).
  • Confirm that the project is not exempt from § 17.65 (landscape‑plan thresholds); if the landscaping area is <2,500 sq ft, the director still may require or approve deviations. § 17.65.030.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Applicability threshold for landscape plans Landscape plan rules apply to areas ≥2,500 sq ft for many project types; smaller projects may be exempt but the director can still require compliance. Missing this can delay permits. Confirm whether your landscaping area triggers § 17.65.030 and discuss exemptions with the director.
Front‑yard fence height exceptions Decorative fences up to 6 ft in front yards require planner approval for sight distance; local practice varies and planner may impose conditions. Verify with the city planner the sight‑distance approval needed under § 17.10.130(C).
Electric fence approvals and permitted zones Electric fences are allowed only in certain zones or with site‑plan approval and require a perimeter protective barrier. Install without approval risks code violation. Confirm if your parcel is in CM, M‑1, M‑2 or eligible C zones with site review and obtain director approval per § 17.10.130(E).
Brownfield overlay exceptions Brownfield overlay may exempt certain container-stacking screening requirements. Assuming standard screening applies can lead to unnecessary costs or conflict. Verify overlay map and whether your parcel is within the Brownfield overlay and the specific exemption language in § 17.22.090.
Conflicting zone vs. overlay standards Where overlay or special‑use chapters (e.g., heavy trucking) set a different standard, those rules can supersede general landscaping rules. Check § 17.37.030 and overlay chapters — the ordinance states the director may grant deviations where conflicts occur.
Clearances around transformers/equipment Screening must maintain required clearances for operation and safety; design guidance exists outside zoning (utility specs). Coordinate with utility standards and the planning division; zoning requires screening but not utility clearances (see § 17.22.050).

Plain-English Summary

Montebello’s zoning code requires most commercial and multi‑family projects (and certain industrial uses) to provide functioning, permanently irrigated landscaping with minimum shrub/tree sizes and specific tree counts, and it requires screening (masonry walls, plantings or accepted decorative fences) where sites are visible from the street or adjacent to homes; front‑yard fences in residential zones face stricter height/material limits and require planner approval. See the exact code sections cited below and verify overlay-specific rules on your parcel.

Source References

  • § 17.22.090 — Development standards — Landscaping (trees, shrubs, irrigation, parking‑lot strips).
  • § 17.22.080 — Development standards — Setbacks, buffering and screening (solid walls at residential boundaries).
  • § 17.22.050 — Development standards — Mechanical equipment, utilities (screening requirements).
  • § 17.22.100 — Development standards — Building materials; allowed fence materials.
  • § 17.10.130 — Development standards — Walls, fences and hedges (residential fence heights, materials, electric fences).
  • § 17.52.150 / § 17.52.160 — Parking development landscaping and screening methods (curbs, low walls, earthen mounds).
  • § 17.32.090 / § 17.32.100 / § 17.32.150 — Industrial zone setbacks, landscaping and outdoor storage screening.
  • § 17.65.030 / § 17.65.040 — Applicability of landscape standards and landscape‑plan submission requirements (2,500 sq ft threshold and plan contents).
  • § 17.37.030 — Heavy trucking / special industrial screening and buffer rules (8‑ft walls, 10‑ft planters).
  • Montebello zoning & planning overview (for maps and zone use lists): Montebello Zoning & Planning Overview. (/us/california/montebello)
  • Montebello Development Standards (for dimensional tables and exhibits): Montebello Development Standards. (/us/california/montebello/development-standards)
  • Montebello Parking (park‑lot/layout coordination with landscape islands): Montebello Parking. (/us/california/montebello/parking)
  • Montebello Design Review (exterior materials, color, and facade treatments that affect screening decisions): Montebello Design Review. (/us/california/montebello/design-review)
  • Montebello Overlay Districts (confirm Brownfield and other overlay rules): Montebello Overlay Districts. (/us/california/montebello/overlay-districts)
  • Montebello ADUs (if adding ADU landscaping provisions are relevant): Montebello ADUs. (/us/california/montebello/adu)
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — referenced for construction and safety standards that may affect landscape/screening materials. (/us/california/building-codes)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9237.2) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section shall) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9237.2) High relevance
  • CFC § 3 (Chapter 17.62) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section 17.10.130) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9246.6) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9237.2) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit a landscape plan for a new commercial building in Montebello?

If your project creates or rehabilitates ≥2,500 sq ft of landscape for commercial, industrial, office or institutional projects, you must submit a landscape plan meeting § 17.65.040 content requirements (including a water conservation concept statement and planting list). For smaller projects, homeowner landscaping at single‑family and two‑family projects is generally exempt, but the director may require or permit exceptions. § 17.65.030‑040.

How tall can my front‑yard fence be if my home is in an R‑1 zone?

In any R‑zone a wall, fence or hedge 36 inches is allowed generally; an ornamental/non‑view‑obscuring wrought‑iron or similar decorative fence up to 6 feet in the front yard may be permitted but requires city planner approval for sight distance and traffic safety. § 17.10.130(C).

What materials are allowed for screening that faces a public street?

Screening visible from the public right‑of‑way must be decorative masonry (slumpstone, stuccoed, split‑face), closely spaced evergreen shrubs, quality wood fences, decorative wrought iron, or other materials the planning commission finds architecturally compatible; corrugated metal/fiberglass/plastic are prohibited long‑term. § 17.10.130(D); § 17.22.100(C).

If my commercial parking lot is near the street, what landscaping is required?

If the parking lot is visible from a public street and lies within 50 feet of the street right‑of‑way, you must provide a 5‑ft deep landscape strip adjacent to the ROW; internal parking‑lot trees are required in C‑zoned lots when there are more than 10 spaces (1 tree per 10 spaces). Show curbing around islands. § 17.22.090(E) and § 17.52.150(B).

Are there special rules for sites that abut residential property?

Yes — commercial and industrial properties abutting residential parcels must provide solid decorative walls (minimum 6 ft; 8 ft is required for certain heavy trucking uses) and, in some heavy uses, a 10‑ft irrigated planter to screen and separate uses. Check the heavy‑trucking standard for the strictest requirements. § 17.22.080(C); § 17.37.030(A).

Can I substitute rock mulch or pavers for plant materials?

Nonliving material cannot substitute for required landscaping except that decorative rocks or stones can replace groundcover where trees and shrubs already densely cover at least 70% of the landscaped area at planting. § 17.22.090(C).

Are trash enclosures and mechanical units required to be screened?

Yes — mechanical equipment, roof equipment and outdoor utilities must be completely screened from public view or adjacent residences using view‑obscuring landscaping or compatible architectural treatments; trash enclosures are typically required to be decorative and located with appropriate separation from residential zones. § 17.22.050; § 17.22.070; § 17.32.140.

What are acceptable screening options for parking areas next to a public street?

Options include a 2–3 ft solid masonry wall with a setback and curb, a decorative/solar masonry wall at the property line, or an earthen mound 1–2 ft high with plantings that can grow to 3 ft (plus the required 5‑ft setback with irrigation). See § 17.52.160 for the illustrated screening options.

Does the code address electric fences?

Yes — electric fences are tightly controlled (definitions and operational specs in the code) and can only be installed in CM, M‑1, M‑2 zones or in certain C zones with site‑plan approval; any electric fence must be surrounded by a protective perimeter barrier and require director approval. § 17.10.130(E).

If my property is in an overlay (e.g., Brownfield), do different screening rules apply?

Possibly. The Brownfield overlay, for example, expressly treats intermodal container stacking differently (permitting stacking up to four containers and not subject to screening in that overlay). Always check the overlay map and the overlay section; overlay rules can supersede general zoning provisions. § 17.22.090 (Brownfield note). ---

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