Local zoning · Napa County

Napa County — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what Title 18 (Zoning) of the Napa County Code requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, and fences in unincorporated areas. Most of the enforceable rules live in the commercial and industrial districts, plus a countywide landscape documentation requirement. If your project also triggers design review or sits in a mapped overlay, expect additional conditions.

Most nonresidential projects in unincorporated Napa County must submit and permanently maintain landscape and screening improvements, including trees along street frontages and evergreen screening where sites abut homes, with details fixed by the applicable zoning district and a county-reviewed landscape plan.

Countywide rules that affect all districts

Landscape documentation package. Before permits, projects that require site plan or discretionary approval and provide/require landscaping must submit a landscape documentation package; a completion package is needed before occupancy. Water-waste from irrigation is enforceable as a nuisance. See § 18.118.020, § 18.118.030, § 18.118.040.
Fences and walls (heights and sight triangles). In required front yards, fences up to 4 ft are allowed; side/rear yards allow up to 8 ft, with portions above 6 ft “see-through” unless a fence permit modifies standards. Special 55-ft “corner vision triangle” limits apply to solid fences at intersections/driveways. See § 18.104.270.
Loading and service area screening. All off-street loading and service areas must be screened from public streets and adjacent properties with a combination of landscaping and fencing. See § 18.110.060(A).
Utility service centers (special case). Equipment yards must be screened from streets and, where adjacent to IP or residential/agricultural zones, include specified landscaped setbacks and screens. See § 18.104.290(A).

For parking-lot landscaping and visibility standards within zoning districts, also see Napa County Parking and the district-specific sections below.

District-by-district standards (unincorporated areas)

The landscaping and screening requirements below apply in addition to any approvals required under Napa County Zoning, Napa County Development Standards, and any applicable Napa County Overlay Districts.

CL — Commercial Limited

Purpose/uses: Typical commercial; detailed permitted uses not found in retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials.
Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area: 0.5 acre with public water/sewer; otherwise 1 acre (useful context). § 18.28.040.
Landscaping and screening:
- Required front yard must be permanently landscaped and include trees at a ratio of one per 30 ft of frontage. Required landscaping must be irrigated and use drought-tolerant plantings to the maximum feasible extent. § 18.28.050(A)(1)–(2).
- Where rear/side yards adjoin residential districts/uses: match the adjoining setback and landscape that setback with a combination of solid fencing/walls and dense evergreen hedging/trees at least 6 ft high. § 18.28.050(B).
- Outdoor storage/work/service yards screened from public streets and adjacent properties with solid fencing/walls plus dense evergreen hedging/trees at least 6 ft high; maintain permanently. § 18.28.050(C).
- Parking lots: one tree per six spaces (double-loaded) and one per three (single-loaded); keep parking out of required setback areas. § 18.28.070(A).
Where it applies: Commercially zoned CL parcels in unincorporated areas. Verify with the jurisdiction.

CN — Commercial Neighborhood

Purpose/uses: Neighborhood-serving commercial; detailed permitted uses not found in retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping and screening:
- Where abutting residential uses/districts: match the adjoining setback or provide a reasonable buffer; landscape these setback areas with a combination of solid fencing/walls and dense evergreens/trees, min 6 ft high. § 18.32.060(A)–(B).
- Minimum of 10 ft of unpaved area between curb and building/side-yard enclosure must be permanently landscaped, including one tree per 30 ft of frontage; irrigation and permanent maintenance required; use drought-tolerant plantings where feasible. § 18.32.060(C)–(D).
- Outdoor storage/exterior sales/service yards: screen from public streets and adjacent properties with solid fencing/walls and dense evergreen hedging/trees not exceeding 15 ft; keep stored/displayed material 2 ft below top of the screen; maintain permanently. § 18.32.060(E).
- Parking lots: minimize views from streets and adjacent residential; plant one tree per six spaces (double-loaded) and one per three (single-loaded). § 18.32.070(B).
Where it applies: CN-zoned sites in unincorporated areas. Verify with the jurisdiction.

MC — Marine Commercial

Purpose/uses: Waterfront and boating-oriented activities (e.g., boat storage, beach clubs, marinas, small restaurants; see list). § 18.34.030 (uses, as listed in code excerpt).
Landscaping and screening:
- At least 20% of the site must be landscaped (includes the required front yard); front yard must include one tree per 30 ft of frontage; required landscaping must be irrigated, permanently maintained, and drought-tolerant to the maximum feasible extent. § 18.34.050(A).
- Submit a landscaping and screening plan; where abutting existing residential development or zoning, provide a minimum 5‑ft landscaped strip with evergreen trees and shrubs (shrubs at 7‑ft centers; trees at minimum 15‑ft on center), or substitute a 6‑ft opaque fence plus evergreen hedge if approved by the director. § 18.34.050(B).
- Screen outdoor storage/work/service yards from streets and adjacent properties with solid fencing/walls plus dense evergreen hedging/trees, minimum 6 ft high; maintain permanently. § 18.34.050(C).
- Parking lots: plant one tree per six spaces (double-loaded) and one per three (single-loaded); keep parking out of required setback areas. § 18.34.080(A).
Where it applies: MC parcels along navigable waters in unincorporated areas. Verify with the jurisdiction.

PL — Public Lands

Purpose/uses: Public land purposes; specific permitted uses not found in retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping and screening:
- Minimum 20 ft of the required front yard setback must be permanently landscaped. § 18.50.060(A).
- Where rear/side yards adjoin residential uses/districts: match the adjoining setback and screen that setback with existing vegetation, dense evergreen hedging/trees, earthen berms, and solid fencing/walls to a combined minimum height of 6 ft. § 18.50.060(B).
- Parking areas, outdoor storage/work/exterior storage/service yards: screen from streets and adjacent properties as above; maintain permanently. § 18.50.060(C).
- Preserve mature trees/shrubs and producing perennial agricultural vegetation where practical; install approved landscaping before occupancy; favor native/drought‑tolerant, hardy, low‑maintenance species. § 18.50.060(D)–(F).
Where it applies: PL-zoned public parcels in unincorporated areas.

IP — Industrial Park (Napa Airport Industrial Area)

Purpose/uses: Planned industrial/research/business park environment subject to area/specific plans. Landscaping is a core design element reviewed at building permit stage. § 18.40.110(A)(2)–(3).
Landscaping and screening:
- Extent: 20% of site landscaped for developments ≤30 acres; 15% for >30 acres; parking/roadways don’t count as landscaped; streamside setback corridors may count if § 18.40.170 is met. § 18.40.110(B)(1).
- Landscape plan required and reviewed by the County; coordinate with specific plan/master landscape plans (street trees, walkways, screening, fence treatments). § 18.40.110(A)(2)–(3).
- Parking-lot landscaping: at least 10 sq ft of landscaped area per parking space; perimeter trees at 30 ft on center; evergreen hedges/shrubs max 36 in high; interior trees at one per six spaces (double-loaded) and one per three (single-loaded); 15‑gallon minimum tree size; automatic irrigation required unless waived. See § 18.40.110(D)(2)–(8) (codified in Chapter 18.110 excerpt).
- Walkways must be located within the landscape setback along street frontages; shown on the landscape plan. § 18.40.100(B)(3)–(4).
- Stream, wetland, and habitat edges: required setbacks and restoration/planting may apply and may count toward landscape area if standards are met. § 18.40.170(B)–(D) (excerpted).
Where it applies: IP-zoned properties in the Napa Airport Industrial Area in unincorporated areas.

GI — General Industrial

Purpose/uses: General industrial uses (parking/loading/streets context provided below); landscaping standards apply districtwide. See setbacks/parking for siting context in § 18.44.060 and § 18.44.080.
Landscaping and screening:
- Parking must be screened from streets and adjacent properties by evergreen hedge, view‑obscuring wall/fence, planter or berm; minimum height 42 in. § 18.44.080(J).
- District landscaping standards (installation before occupancy; irrigation; tree placement; preservation of existing vegetation; frontage trees one per 30 ft; outdoor storage/work areas prohibited in required front yard and screened by 6‑ft evergreen hedge or opaque fencing). § 18.44.110 (Landscaping, district standards); details excerpted in the code immediately preceding § 18.44.120.
- Special landscaped/setback relationships to adjacent IP or residential zones (e.g., 30‑ft landscape setback with dense screen may substitute for 65‑ft building setback where adjoining IP; 10‑ft landscaped side/rear yard where adjoining residential). § 18.44.060(B)(1)–(2).
Where it applies: GI-zoned properties in unincorporated areas.

Quick matrix of decision-relevant standards

District	Minimum Landscaped Area	Screening at Residential Edge	Parking-Lot Tree Ratio	Outdoor Storage/Work Screening	Code Reference
CL	Front yard landscaped; irrigated; trees 1/30 ft frontage	Setback = adjoining; landscape with 6 ft min combination of walls/fences + dense evergreens/trees	1/6 spaces (double-loaded), 1/3 (single)	Screen with walls/fences + dense evergreens/trees min 6 ft; maintain	§ 18.28.050, § 18.28.070
CN	10 ft landscaped band between curb and building/screen; trees 1/30 ft; irrigated	Setback equal/reasonable buffer; landscape with 6 ft min combination	1/6 spaces (double), 1/3 (single)	Screen from streets/adjacent with walls/fences + dense evergreens/trees ≤15 ft; materials 2 ft below top of screen	§ 18.32.060, § 18.32.070
MC	≥20% of site (incl. front yard); trees 1/30 ft; drought-tolerant	5‑ft landscaped strip w/ evergreens: shrubs @ 7‑ft O.C., trees @ ≥15‑ft O.C.; or 6‑ft opaque fence + hedge (director-approval)	1/6 spaces (double), 1/3 (single)	Screen w/ solid fencing/walls + dense evergreens/trees ≥6 ft; maintain	§ 18.34.050, § 18.34.080
PL	Landscape ≥20 ft of required front yard	Match adjoining setbacks; screen with existing vegetation + dense evergreens/trees + berms + walls/fences to 6 ft total	Not specified (apply project-specific approvals)	Screen areas from streets/adjacent as above; maintain	§ 18.50.060(A)–(C)
IP	≤30 ac: ≥20%; >30 ac: ≥15% of site; landscape plan required	Via project/specific-plan conditions; stream/habitat edges per § 18.40.170	1/6 spaces (double), 1/3 (single); +10 sq ft landscaping/space; perimeter trees @ 30 ft O.C.; auto irrigation	Screen per approved plans; interior/perimeter planting per standards	§ 18.40.110, § 18.40.100
GI	Landscape and irrigation per district standards; frontage trees 1/30 ft; install before occupancy	30‑ft landscaped screen may replace 65‑ft building setback when adjoining IP; 10‑ft landscaped yard when adjoining residential	Parking screened from streets/adjacent to ≥42 in height (hedge/fence/berm/etc.)	Outdoor work/storage prohibited in required front setback; screen with 6‑ft evergreen hedge or opaque fencing	§ 18.44.110, § 18.44.060(B), § 18.44.080(J)

Practical guidance

Start with your zoning map and district text on the County site, then sync your landscape concept with required frontage trees, minimum landscaped percentages, any buffers at residential edges, and parking-lot tree ratios. The County will want a coordinated plan if you’re in IP and often in MC/PL; pair this with your design review submittals where applicable. § 18.40.110(A)(2)–(3), § 18.34.050(B), § 18.50.060(E).
Decide early whether you need fences/walls for screening and confirm maximum heights and “see‑through” requirements; if you need more height or opacity, talk to staff about a fence permit. See § 18.104.270(A)(1)–(2) and variances/exceptions.
Expect to maintain all landscaped areas permanently with automatic irrigation where required and to replace dead vegetation within specified timeframes in some districts; water waste is enforceable countywide. See § 18.44.110, § 18.50.060(F), § 18.118.040.

Checklist

Confirm parcel is in unincorporated Napa County and identify your district on Napa County Zoning.
Map all required setbacks and buffers (front, side, rear, stream/wetland where applicable). Cite IP streamside rules if in IP. § 18.40.170 (excerpted).
Size the landscaped area to district minima (e.g., MC ≥20% site; IP 15–20%; PL ≥20 ft of front yard landscaped). § 18.34.050(A); § 18.40.110(B)(1); § 18.50.060(A).
Add frontage trees at required ratios (commonly 1 per 30 ft in CL/CN/MC/GI). Cite district §.
Design buffers to residential edges with solid walls/fences plus dense evergreens/trees to at least 6 ft, using any district‑specific spacing rules. § 18.28.050(B); § 18.32.060(B); § 18.34.050(B); § 18.50.060(B).
Meet parking-lot landscaping ratios and screening. § 18.28.070(A); § 18.32.070(B); § 18.34.080(A); § 18.40.110(D)(2)–(8); § 18.44.080(J).
Select native/drought‑tolerant, hardy species; show irrigation method; preserve mature trees where practical. § 18.50.060(D)–(F); § 18.44.110.
Prepare and submit the landscape documentation package (and later the completion package). § 18.118.020–.030.
Coordinate any gates, walls, or screens with fence height/vision-triangle rules. § 18.104.270.
If signs are proposed, ensure compatibility with Napa County Signage and district sign limits. For GI example: § 18.44.120.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Site-wide landscape % vs. setback-only landscaping (non-IP)	Some districts specify site percentage (MC); others require landscaped setbacks/bands only (CL/CN/PL)	Clarify with Planning which metric governs your district; cite the exact § in your submittal.
Screening design at residential edges	Districts use different combinations of walls/fences, berms, and evergreen hedging	Use the district’s recipe and minimum height; if substituting elements (e.g., in MC), obtain director approval.
Parking-lot standards across districts	Ratios and visibility vary; IP adds interior/perimeter and sq‑ft per space	Use the stricter of district text or applicable specific plan; include tree sizing and irrigation callouts.
GI landscaping section cross-references	The GI Landscaping § precedes § 18.44.120; specifics are in the district text	Tie your plans to § 18.44.110 and the parking/screening items in § 18.44.080(J) and § 18.44.060(B).
Overlay/specific plan layers	Airport/stream/wetland corridors can change setbacks and acceptable species	Confirm applicable overlay districts and any Airport Industrial Area specific plan standards.
Fence exceptions	Some sites need taller/opaque screens than base rules allow	Whether a fence permit/exception is feasible under § 18.104.270(A)(2) and related variances and exceptions.

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building or improving a commercial or industrial site in unincorporated Napa County, plan early for landscaping and screening. Most districts require trees along the street, landscaped setbacks, evergreen screening next to homes, and a landscaped parking lot; some (like Marine Commercial or Industrial Park) require landscaping on 15–20% of the site. The County reviews your landscape plan and expects drought‑tolerant, irrigated, permanently maintained plantings, with service/loading areas and storage screened from public view.

Source References

Napa County Code Title 18 (Zoning): CL standards: § 18.28.040–.070 ; CN standards: § 18.32.050–.070 ; MC standards: § 18.34.050, § 18.34.080 and MC use list excerpt § 18.34.030 ; PL standards: § 18.50.060 .
Industrial Park (IP): Landscaping/Walkways/Streamside: § 18.40.100–.110, § 18.40.170 (excerpts) .
General Industrial (GI): Setbacks/parking/landscaping/signs: § 18.44.060(B), § 18.44.080(J), § 18.44.110, § 18.44.120 .
Countywide: Fences § 18.104.270 ; Utility service center screening § 18.104.290(A) ; Landscape documentation and enforcement § 18.118.020–.040 .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Napa County Zoning Code (§ 25) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 11) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.124) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.132) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.124) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (Section 18.66.320.) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 16) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (Chapter 18.124) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 7) Medium relevance
Napa County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Napa County code library

Frequently asked questions

What percentage of my site must be landscaped in Napa County’s Industrial Park (IP) district?

In unincorporated IP areas, developments 30 acres or smaller must landscape at least 20% of the parcel, and those larger than 30 acres must landscape at least 15%. Parking and roadways don’t count; streamside setback corridors can count if you meet the streamside standards. See § 18.40.110(B)(1).

In the Marine Commercial (MC) district, what landscaping is mandatory?

At least 20% of the site must be landscaped (including the front yard), the frontage must include one tree per 30 feet, and landscaping must be irrigated, permanently maintained, and drought‑tolerant to the maximum feasible extent. Abutting residential edges require a 5‑ft planted strip with specified spacing or a 6‑ft opaque fence with evergreen hedge if approved. See § 18.34.050(A)–(C).

How must parking lots be landscaped in commercial districts?

Typical ratios are one tree per six spaces for double‑loaded aisles and one per three spaces for single‑loaded aisles in CN, CL, and MC. IP adds at least 10 sq ft of landscaped area per stall and perimeter trees at 30 ft on center. See § 18.32.070(B), § 18.28.070(A), § 18.34.080(A), and § 18.40.110(D)(2)–(8).

What screening is required where a commercial/industrial site touches a residential area?

Districts generally require a landscaped setback equal to the adjoining district’s setback plus an evergreen/wall/fence screen at least 6 ft high; some (MC) prescribe plant spacing or allow director‑approved fence/hedge substitutions. See § 18.32.060(A)–(B), § 18.28.050(B), § 18.34.050(B), and § 18.50.060(B).

Are there countywide submittal requirements for landscaping?

Yes. A landscape documentation package must be approved before building permits; a completion package before occupancy. Water‑wasting irrigation is a code violation. See § 18.118.020–.040.

What are the fence height rules for screening?

Generally, 4 ft max in front yards; up to 8 ft in side/rear yards, with the portion above 6 ft “see‑through” unless a fence permit authorizes otherwise. Sight‑triangle rules cap solid fences to 42 in near corners/driveways. See § 18.104.270.

How are loading and service areas treated?

They must be screened from public streets and adjacent properties with landscaping and fencing, and they may not be placed within required front/landscape setbacks. See § 18.110.060(A)–(C).

Do GI sites have special landscaping or setbacks next to the IP district?

Yes. Where a GI lot adjoins or faces IP, either a 65‑ft building setback applies (reduced by 15 ft if a street intervenes) or, in lieu of that, a 30‑ft landscape setback planted with a dense landscape screen may be approved. See § 18.44.060(B)(1).

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