Local zoning · Monterey County

Monterey County — Landscaping and Screening

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills how landscaping and screening are regulated in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County under the County’s zoning ordinances. Most enforceable landscaping and screening rules appear inside the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Title 20; inland areas are governed by a separate ordinance with different chapter numbers. Where the retrieved ordinance is silent, this page notes the gap and flags items to verify.

Most Coastal commercial and industrial districts in unincorporated areas require at least 10% of the site to be landscaped under a plan approved by the Director, installed before the use begins, and many require 6‑foot‑high screening of outdoor equipment or materials with solid walls, fences, or dense plantings (§ 20.26.070(D), § 20.26.080(A); § 20.24.070(D), § 20.24.080(A); § 20.28.080(A); § 20.22.070(D))

Cross-check these landscape and screening rules alongside your base zoning on the County’s broader Monterey County Zoning map, your project’s land use category, and applicable development standards. If your site is in a Design Control overlay, you will also need design review approval that considers proposed landscaping and any fences or walls.

Core Countywide context (Coastal Zone)

  • Title 20 is the Coastal Zoning Ordinance for unincorporated coastal areas; its districts regulate height, bulk, setbacks, and “site development amenities and requirements such as parking, landscaping, and lighting control” (§ 20.02.040) .
  • Setbacks in several districts are established during project review, expressly considering “provision of adequate parking and landscaping” (§ 20.26.070(A)(3); § 20.24.070(A)(3); § 20.22.070(A)(3)). Coordinate your landscape layout with parking early .

Decision-relevant standards (Coastal Zone, unincorporated areas)

Topic Standard (plain English) Where it applies Code Reference
Minimum landscaped area Provide at least 10% of total site area in landscaping; plan must be approved by the Director before permit/use; install before use begins Industrial and commercial coastal districts, including AI, LI, HI, IC, VSC § 20.24.070(D); § 20.26.070(D); § 20.28.070; § 20.21.070; § 20.22.070(D)
Screening of yards/storage Outdoor equipment and materials must be fully screened by solid walls, fences, or dense plantings at least 6 feet high Industrial and ag‑industrial coastal districts § 20.24.080(A); § 20.26.080(A); § 20.28.080(A)
Water tank screening Water tanks/wells serving up to 14 connections are allowed but require screening approval of tanks and associated structures by the Director Several districts’ principal uses § 20.17.040(J); § 20.38.040(C); § 20.40.040(B); § 20.22.050(B)
No formal landscape requirement No minimum landscaping unless required as a permit condition; retain or restore natural vegetation Resource/Conservation, some Open Space and Residential coastal districts § 20.36.060(F); § 20.38.060(G); § 20.14.060(H)
Mobilehome park edge screening Provide landscaping and fencing to screen the park from streets and adjoining properties; maintain landscaping in healthy condition Mobilehome parks in residential districts § 20.64.210(C)(6)-(7)
Design overlay submittals Design Control (“D”) overlay requires a plot plan showing proposed landscaping as part of design approval Areas mapped with “D” § 20.44.030(B)(3)

District-by-district details (Coastal Zone)

Each subsection below summarizes purpose, typical uses, key dimensional context that affects landscaping, and the controlling landscape/screening rules. All apply to unincorporated coastal areas.

AI (CZ) — Agricultural Industrial

  • Purpose/uses: Ag‑support processing and industrial activities consistent with agricultural areas; conditional uses range from ag‑industrial to related facilities (§ 20.24.010 et seq.) .
  • Key dimensional context: Max height generally 35 ft; coverage up to 50% (excluding parking and landscaping) (§ 20.24.070(A)-(B)) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Provide at least 10% site landscaping; Director approval; install before use (§ 20.24.070(D)) .
    • Screen all equipment/material storage with 6‑ft solid walls/fences or dense plantings (§ 20.24.080(A)) .

LI (CZ) — Light Industrial

  • Purpose/uses: Modern, well‑designed industrial and research uses not dependent on pedestrian traffic (§ 20.26.010 et seq.) .
  • Key dimensional context: Max height typically 35 ft; coverage up to 50%; minimum site area often 1 acre (§ 20.26.070(B),(G)) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Minimum 10% landscaped area; Director-approved plan; install before use (§ 20.26.070(D)) .
    • Outdoor storage/equipment must be screened by 6‑ft walls/fences/plantings (§ 20.26.080(A)) .
    • Setbacks may be set during review considering “adequate parking and landscaping” (§ 20.26.070(A)(3))—coordinate landscape islands and screening with circulation and parking .

HI (CZ) — Heavy Industrial

  • Purpose/uses: Heavier industrial uses with modern design and proper landscaping (§ 20.28.010) .
  • Key dimensional context: Standards parallel LI; see site development standards in this chapter.
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Require Director-approved landscaping (10% of site) installed before use (site development standards in Ch. 20.28) .
    • Screen equipment/material storage by 6‑ft solid walls/fences or dense plantings (§ 20.28.080(A)) .

IC (CZ) — Institutional Commercial

  • Purpose/uses: Public and private institutional uses (schools, hospitals, etc.) (§ 20.21.010) .
  • Key dimensional context: Coverage up to 40%–50% by district; confirm per chapter (§ 20.21.070(B)) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Provide 10% site landscaping; Director-approved; in place before use (§ 20.21.070(D)) .

VSC (CZ) — Visitor Serving Commercial

  • Purpose/uses: Accommodations and services for visitors (e.g., hotels, restaurants with permits) (§ 20.22.010; § 20.22.060) .
  • Key dimensional context: Height/setbacks often set via project review; coverage up to 50% (§ 20.22.070(A)-(B)) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Provide 10% site landscaping; Director-approved; in place pre‑operation (§ 20.22.070(D)) .
    • Water tanks/wells (small systems) require Director approval of screening (§ 20.22.050(B)) .

RC (CZ) — Resource Conservation

  • Purpose/uses: Protect sensitive resources; limited, low‑intensity use (§ 20.36.010 et seq.) .
  • Key dimensional context: Very low site coverage; strict setbacks and conservation‑driven design (§ 20.36.060) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • No minimum landscaping unless imposed as a permit condition; retain or restore natural vegetation (§ 20.36.060(F)) .

OR (CZ) — Open Space Recreation

  • Purpose/uses: Outdoor recreation facilities and compatible open space (§ 20.38.010; § 20.38.040) .
  • Key dimensional context: Governed by a General Development Plan for many projects (§ 20.38.025) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • No set landscaping minimum unless required by permit; screening of small water systems must be approved (§ 20.38.060; § 20.38.040(C)) .

LDR (CZ) — Low Density Residential

  • Purpose/uses: Low-density single-family neighborhoods with environmental protections (§ 20.14.010 et seq.) .
  • Key dimensional context: Max building site coverage 15%; setbacks as listed (§ 20.14.060) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • No minimum landscaping unless conditioned; focus on preserving site character (§ 20.14.060(H)) .
    • Small water system screening subject to Director approval in several rural/scenic districts; confirm if applicable (§ 20.17.040(J)) .

WSC (CZ) — Watershed and Scenic Conservation

  • Purpose/uses: Large-lot rural/scenic protection with limited residential/ag use (§ 20.17.010 et seq.) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Screening for small water systems (e.g., tanks) must be approved by the Director (§ 20.17.040(J)) .

PQP (CZ) — Public/Quasi‑Public

  • Purpose/uses: Public facilities, parks, and similar uses (§ 20.40.010) .
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Screening of small water system tanks and associated structures requires Director approval (§ 20.40.040(B)) .

Overlays and related processes that affect landscaping and screening

  • Design Control (“D”) overlay: Requires a design approval submittal with a scaled plot plan showing “proposed landscaping,” and empowers the County to condition materials, colors, and fences to mitigate visual impacts (§ 20.44.030(B)(3); § 20.44.060) . See Monterey County Overlay Districts and Monterey County Design Review.
  • Historic resource review (coastal): In mapped historic contexts, fences and walls can be regulated as “alterations,” while routine landscaping itself is not considered an alteration; check early if working near designated sites (§ 20.54.020; § 20.54.040-.050) . See Monterey County Historic Preservation.
  • Signs in landscaped areas: Commercial/industrial districts point to the county sign rules; coordinate sign placement with planting beds (§ 20.60 referenced in multiple districts) and see Monterey County Signage .

Practical interpretation notes

  • The 10% landscaping rule appears repeatedly across Coastal AI, LI, HI, IC, and VSC districts and is administered by the Director; budget time for a clear planting/irrigation plan and ensure it’s installed before operation (§ 20.24.070(D); § 20.26.070(D); § 20.22.070(D)) .
  • Where your district uses case‑by‑case setbacks, your landscape strips may double as buffers; the code explicitly allows the review authority to set setbacks with attention to “adequate parking and landscaping” (§ 20.24.070(A)(3); § 20.22.070(A)(3); § 20.26.070(A)(3)) .
  • For outdoor storage, the County expects a physical visual barrier: walls/fences or dense plantings to at least 6 ft. Treat this as a performance standard—if your fence is shorter, the planting height must still meet the screen threshold (§ 20.24.080(A); § 20.26.080(A); § 20.28.080(A)) .
  • In open space and conservation districts, the County generally prefers native vegetation over ornamental landscaping and may require restoration plantings instead of formal landscape beds (§ 20.36.060(F); § 20.38.060(G)) .

Checklist

  • Confirm whether your parcel is in the Coastal Zone and which district applies (e.g., AI, LI, HI, IC, VSC, RC, OR, LDR, WSC, PQP) using Monterey County Zoning.
  • If within the Coastal Zone, determine if a Coastal Development Permit is required for your overall project; landscape standards still apply even if ministerial (§ 20.70.115(F)) .
  • Prepare a landscape plan that quantifies the 10% landscaped area when required and identifies species, irrigation, and installation timing; obtain Director approval (§ 20.24.070(D); § 20.26.070(D); § 20.22.070(D)) .
  • Design screening for outdoor equipment/material storage to meet the 6‑ft visual barrier requirement via solid walls/fences or dense plantings, as applicable (§ 20.24.080(A); § 20.26.080(A); § 20.28.080(A)) .
  • If your project includes small water system tanks/wells, include screening details and seek Director approval per your district (§ 20.17.040(J); § 20.38.040(C); § 20.40.040(B)) .
  • If in a Design Control (“D”) overlay, submit a design application with a plot plan showing proposed landscaping; expect conditions on fence/wall materials and colors (§ 20.44.030(B)(3); § 20.44.060) .
  • For mobilehome parks, include perimeter landscaping/fencing and a maintenance plan (§ 20.64.210(C)(6)-(7)) .
  • Coordinate landscaped areas with setbacks and parking early, as these are reviewed together (§ 20.26.070(A)(3); § 20.24.070(A)(3); § 20.22.070(A)(3)) .
  • Ensure compliance with any sign placement relative to landscaped areas; see Monterey County Signage (multiple chapters reference Ch. 20.60) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Inland vs. Coastal standards Inland districts use a different ordinance; landscaping percentages and fence rules may differ Not found in retrieved materials for Title 21; Verify with the jurisdiction
Fence/wall height limits outside industrial screening General fence/hedge height caps can constrain screening design Not found in retrieved materials; Verify with the jurisdiction
Definition of “landscaped area” Whether paving, decomposed granite, or bio-swales count can affect the 10% calculation Not found in retrieved materials; seek Director guidance
Scenic/critical viewshed constraints Scenic overlays may tighten expectations for native planting and low‑profile screening If in “D” overlay or scenic areas, consult § 20.44.030 and applicable area plans; Verify with the jurisdiction
Screening for utility equipment (e.g., pad transformers) Clearances and utility access can conflict with landscape screens Coordinate with utility standards and County; see also PG&E guidance if applicable (informational only)

Information Gaps

  • Countywide fence/wall/hedge height standards and yard‑specific allowances: Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Inland (non‑coastal) landscaping and screening standards (Title 21): Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Any countywide water‑efficient landscape or tree protection ordinance cross‑references: Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

If you build in unincorporated coastal areas, expect to landscape at least 10% of your site in most commercial and industrial zones and to hide any outdoor storage behind a 6‑foot‑tall screen of walls, fences, or thick plants—under a landscape plan the County approves before you open. In open space, conservation, and many residential areas, the County prefers you keep or restore natural vegetation, adding landscaping only if a permit condition requires it.

Source References

  • § 20.02.040 (Coastal ordinance scope: landscaping as a site development standard)
  • § 20.24.070(D), § 20.24.080(A) (AI landscaping 10%; 6‑ft screening of storage)
  • § 20.26.070(D), § 20.26.080(A) (LI landscaping 10%; 6‑ft screening of storage)
  • § 20.28.080(A) (HI screening of storage; landscaping standard located in this chapter’s site development standards)
  • § 20.21.070(D) (IC landscaping 10%)
  • § 20.22.070(D) (VSC landscaping 10%)
  • § 20.36.060(F) (RC no minimum landscaping; retain/restore natural vegetation)
  • § 20.38.040(C), § 20.38.060(G) (OR screening of tanks; no minimum landscaping)
  • § 20.14.060(H) (LDR no minimum landscaping)
  • § 20.17.040(J) (WSC screening approval for small water systems)
  • § 20.40.040(B) (PQP small water system screening approval)
  • § 20.64.210(C)(6)-(7) (Mobilehome park edge landscaping/fencing and maintenance)
  • § 20.44.030(B)(3), § 20.44.060 (Design Control overlay: landscape plan submittal and conditioning)
  • § 20.54.020, § 20.54.040-.050 (Historic resources review: fences/walls as alterations; landscaping not an alteration)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.60.) High relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.58.) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.58.) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (section determined) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Title 20) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (section if) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Section 20.54.080) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.44) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Section determined) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Title is) Medium relevance
  • Monterey County Zoning Code (Chapter 20.58.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How much landscaping is required for a commercial project in unincorporated coastal areas?

Most Coastal commercial districts require at least 10% of the site to be landscaped under a plan approved by the Director, installed before the use begins (§ 20.22.070(D); similar language in § 20.21.070(D)) .

Do I have to screen outdoor storage or equipment?

Yes, in Coastal industrial and ag‑industrial districts, outdoor equipment and material storage must be screened by solid walls, fences, or dense plantings at least 6 feet high (§ 20.26.080(A); § 20.24.080(A); § 20.28.080(A)) .

Are there landscaping minimums in conservation or open space districts?

Typically no. Resource Conservation and some Open Space/Residential districts have no minimum landscaping unless required by permit conditions; natural vegetation should be retained or restored (§ 20.36.060(F); § 20.38.060(G); § 20.14.060(H)) .

Do small water tanks and wells need to be screened?

Often, yes. Several districts allow small water systems but require Director approval of screening for tanks and associated structures (§ 20.17.040(J); § 20.38.040(C); § 20.40.040(B); § 20.22.050(B)) .

If my site is in a Design Control overlay, what changes for landscaping and fences?

You must obtain design approval and submit a plan showing proposed landscaping; the County can condition fence/wall materials, colors, and configuration to protect views and neighborhood character (§ 20.44.030(B)(3); § 20.44.060) .

Do mobilehome parks have special screening rules?

Yes. Mobilehome parks must include landscaping and fencing that screen the park from streets and adjoining properties and must maintain plantings in a healthy condition (§ 20.64.210(C)(6)-(7)) .

How do landscaping rules interact with parking layout and setbacks?

In several districts, the review authority sets setbacks considering “adequate parking and landscaping,” so landscape islands and screens should be integrated with site circulation and parking (§ 20.24.070(A)(3); § 20.22.070(A)(3); § 20.26.070(A)(3)) .

Does this page cover building code or state requirements for plants/irrigation?

No. This page focuses on zoning. For construction standards, see the California Building Standards Code. Zoning approvals do not replace building/fire code compliance.

More in Monterey County code

Ask about any Monterey County property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Monterey County zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Monterey County zoning topics

Monterey County Zoning

Monterey County Land Use

Monterey County Development Standards

Monterey County Parking

Monterey County Design Review

Monterey County Overlay Districts

Monterey County Historic Preservation

Monterey County Signage

Monterey County Nonconforming Uses

Monterey County Variances and Exceptions

Monterey County overview