Local zoning · Oakdale

Oakdale — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Oakdale's zoning rules on landscaping, screening, fences/walls, and tree protection as found in the local zoning ordinance (commonly called "Title 17"/zoning code). It explains what types of landscaping and screens are allowed, how much landscaping is required in each district, installation and maintenance expectations, and where site plan or design review control applies. All requirements below are cited to the Oakdale ordinance; verify parcel-specific application with the City. (§ 36‑24 and related provisions)

Note: If you are preparing a site plan, the City's Site Plan Review rules require a landscape plan submittal and may impose modifications. See Site Plan Review. (/us/california/oakdale/design-review)

What the code says — core rules (plain-English synthesis)

  • What counts as landscaping: plantings (trees, shrubs, vines), groundcover, water features, walks and ornamentation. Paved or graveled surfaces may be included but cannot exceed 10% of any required landscaped area. (§ 36‑24.1 A)

  • Street trees: when required must follow the City street tree plan (Chapter 32) or an approved list from Public Works. (§ 36‑24.1 C)

  • Screening (purpose and types): Screening buffers a building or activity from neighbors or the street and may be a masonry wall, solid board fence, dense evergreen hedge, informal evergreen planting, or an earth berm (but berms may only provide up to two‑thirds of required height). (§ 36‑24.2 A–E)

  • Screen height and siting: unless noted otherwise, required screening is not less than 6 ft tall. In front yards or street‑side yards in R or C districts the required screening is not less than 36 in (3 ft) unless a particular standard states otherwise. Screening generally follows the lot line or the inside edge of the sidewalk, or is arranged to hide the activity being screened. (§ 36‑24.2 F–G)

  • Required landscape area by district: several districts have minimum percentages of gross site area required to be landscaped (examples below). (§ 36‑24.3 A)

  • Parking lot landscaping and shade trees: parking lots must be screened from streets by a 3 ft landscape strip; interior planter islands and shade trees are required (one tree per five parking spaces in lots with 5+ spaces). All planting areas in/adjacent to parking must be protected with concrete curbs and have irrigation. (§ 36‑24.3 3.c, 3.e–g)

  • Installation & maintenance: required landscaping must be installed by the developer prior to occupancy unless the Community Development Director approves otherwise. Plantings must be maintained in healthy condition, replaced when needed, and a permanent irrigation system provided for required planting areas. Final installation and acceptance are subject to Planning Department review. (§ 36‑24.1 n–o; maintenance clauses)

  • Fences/vision triangles: fences/hedges/walls are regulated; up to 3 ft high may extend to front property line, up to 8 ft in rear/interior side yards or behind the building setback. Vision triangle/driver sightline rules still apply. (§ 36‑18.28 A–B; see also § 36‑18.23 on vision obstructions)

  • Tree protection: existing trees over 6 in diameter (3 ft above trunk base) must be identified on site plans and retained when possible. The code has detailed safeguards for oak and "significant" trees during construction (inventory, fencing at dripline, restrictions on storage and grading near roots). (§ 36‑24.4; § 36‑28.9)

  • Downtown / C‑C special rules: the C‑C Central Commercial (Downtown) district requires landscaping and street‑front planting according to the Downtown Oakdale Commercial Center Landscape Design Plan and invokes Design Review and the Downtown landscape plan for fences/screens. (C‑C landscaping & screening rules) (§ 36‑11 / § 36‑16)

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, key landscaping/screening standards and where rules apply)

For each district below, I summarize the landscaping/screening rules that specifically apply in Oakdale's ordinance. Bold the district name and the key numeric standards.

R-1 Single-Family Residential (and R‑A / Residential‑Agricultural)

  • Purpose & uses: single‑family homes, accessory uses; rules in each residential district reference the common development standards and Site Plan Review where applicable. (§ 36‑6 et seq.; § 36‑18)
  • Landscaping / screening: front yard plantings count toward landscaping as specified by § 36‑24.1; front/exterior side yard screening minimums follow the general screening rules (front/street‑side yards in R districts — minimum 36 in where screening is required). (§ 36‑24.1; § 36‑24.2 F)
  • Fences/walls: fences up to 3 ft may extend to the property line in the front yard; fences up to 8 ft allowed in rear/interior side yards (subject to vision triangle rules). (§ 36‑18.28 A–B)
  • Where it applies: standard for most single‑family parcels; individual projects may be subject to Site Plan Review for non‑single‑family proposals. (§ 36‑19 / § 36‑6.2)

R-2 Duplex Residential and R-3 Multiple‑Family Residential

  • Purpose & uses: duplexes and multi‑family housing. (§ 36‑9, § 36‑? )
  • Key landscaping standards: 25% of gross site area must be landscaped for R‑2 and R‑3 developments. Landscaping must meet § 36‑24 installation and maintenance standards and be shown with site plan. (§ 36‑24.3 A.1.a–b; § 36‑23.35 E)
  • Screening & fences: same screening types/heights as the general rules; fencing subject to § 36‑18.28 and vision obstruction rules. (§ 36‑24.2; § 36‑18.28)
  • Where it applies: multi‑unit developments and mobile home parks; landscape plan required as part of Site/Planned Development review. (§ 36‑23.35 E; § 36‑19)

C‑1 Neighborhood Commercial and C‑2 General Commercial

  • Purpose & uses: retail and neighborhood commercial (C‑1), heavier commercial including auto service (C‑2). (§ 36‑12)
  • Landscaping requirements: C‑1 and C‑2 require 10% of site area landscaped (C‑C handled separately). (§ 36‑24.3 A.1.c,e)
  • Screening when adjacent to R: if a commercial site adjoins an R District, where fences are required an 8‑ft masonry wall is specified for some C‑1 adjacency situations (see C‑1 district provisions); commercial/industrial sites adjacent to R must landscape required fences. (§ 36‑12 / § 36‑24.3 3.g; § 36‑24)
  • Parking lot buffering and interior planting: parking lots must be screened from streets with a 3 ft landscape strip; one shade tree per five parking spaces required for lots of five or more spaces. (§ 36‑24.3 3.c,f)
  • Where it applies: all properties in C‑1 and C‑2 where new construction or significant changes occur; Site Plan Review required. (§ 36‑19; § 36‑12.1)

C‑C Central Commercial (Downtown)

  • Purpose & uses: downtown historic/commercial core; special design guidelines. (§ 36‑11)
  • Special rules: street‑front landscaping must follow the Downtown Oakdale Commercial Center Landscape Design Plan; fences and screen plantings are reviewed under the Downtown Design Guidelines and by the Design Review Committee. Landscaping may be installed/maintained by a landscape district if formed. (§ 36‑11 / § 36‑16)
  • Screening: standards may be modified by the Downtown Design Guidelines; required screening minimums (36 in front yards) still apply unless the Downtown plan sets different standards. (§ 36‑24.2 F and C‑C provisions)

L‑M Limited Industrial and M Heavy Industrial

  • Landscaping requirements: 5% of gross site area must be landscaped in L‑M and M districts. (§ 36‑24.3 A.1.f–g)
  • Screening / buffer: industrial uses adjacent to residential require landscaping of fences and other screening as appropriate; all refuse and trash areas must be screened from public view. (§ 36‑24.3 3.g; § 36‑24.3 3.h; § 36‑24.2)

P‑D Planned Development

  • Landscaping is set per the approved PD plans and, where required, the Planning Commission/City Council will specify percentages and details; landscape plans and fences/hedges/walls are part of PD submittal and review. (§ 36‑24.3 A.1.h; § 36‑23.35 E)

O‑S Open Space / Public Safety / Other special districts

  • Landscaping and screening requirements are generally subject to § 36‑24 and may be set at the time of project review; fences and screen plantings are still governed by the fence rules. (§ 36‑5.6 I–J)

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

Standard / Topic Requirement (Oakdale) Code Reference
Screening methods allowed Masonry wall; solid board fence (4x4 posts, ≥1" boards); opaque evergreen hedge (≥40% thickness); informal evergreen screen (≥50% thickness); berm (≤2/3 of height) § 36‑24.2
Default screening height 6 ft (unless otherwise specified); 36 in in front or street‑side yards in R or C districts § 36‑24.2 F
Landscaped area — R‑2, R‑3 25% of gross site area § 36‑24.3 A.1.a–b
Landscaped area — C‑1, C‑2 10% of gross site area (C‑C subject to site plan) § 36‑24.3 A.1.c,e
Landscaped area — L‑M, M 5% of gross site area § 36‑24.3 A.1.f–g
Parking lot street buffer Landscape strip screening parking from street, 3 ft high § 36‑24.3 3.c
Parking lot shade trees 1 shade tree per 5 parking spaces (if 5+ spaces) § 36‑24.3 3.f
Front yard fence max (to property line) 3 ft (may extend to property line) § 36‑18.28 A
Rear/interior side fence max 8 ft (subject to setbacks and vision triangles) § 36‑18.28 B
Existing tree protection Identify trees > 6 in diameter on site plans; retain when possible; see oak protection rules § 36‑24.4; § 36‑28.9

Information Gaps / items not explicit in retrieved materials

  • The ordinance references a Downtown Landscape Design Plan and a separate Street Tree Ordinance (Chapter 32); the full plant lists, spacing tables, and the Downtown plan specifics (species, exact spacing) are not included in the retrieved excerpts. Verify with the Public Works/Planning Dept. (§ 36‑24.1 C; Downtown plan references)
  • The code references the "current adopted edition of the Uniform Building Code" for masonry walls — the exact structural requirements and whether newer California codes (Title 24 / CBC) supersede are not shown in the retrieved snippets. Verify with Building Division. (§ 36‑24.2 A)
  • Any local landscape maintenance district fees or formation process for downtown landscaping are referenced but not detailed. (§ 36‑16 / C‑C provisions)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy, minimum)

  • Prepare a scaled site plan showing lot lines, building footprints, sidewalks, driveways, parking, refuse enclosures and all proposed fences/walls/hedges with heights and materials. (§ 36‑19.5 D–L)
  • Include a complete Landscape Plan showing plant species, sizes, irrigation, street trees per Chapter 32, and calculation of required landscaped area (include up to 50% of amenities where allowed). (§ 36‑24.1; § 36‑24.3 2)
  • Show screening where required (type, height). If proposing berms, show berm height and that berm ≤2/3 of total required screening height. (§ 36‑24.2 E–F)
  • For parking lots (≥5 spaces), show interior planters, shade tree layout (1 per 5 spaces), curbing and irrigation. (§ 36‑24.3 3.e–g)
  • Identify any existing trees >6 in diameter; include tree protection measures in construction notes (tree fencing at dripline). (§ 36‑24.4; § 36‑28.9)
  • Comply with fence height placement (3 ft front, up to 8 ft rear/interior) and ensure vision triangles are clear per § 36‑18.23. (§ 36‑18.28; § 36‑18.23)
  • If located in C‑C (downtown) or a Planned Development, confirm whether the Downtown Landscape Design Plan or PD conditions add/alter requirements and obtain Design Review or Planning Commission approval as required. (/us/california/oakdale/design-review)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Whether a berm alone meets screening Berms are limited to providing ≤2/3 of required height; relying on berms alone may fail the standard Confirm combined berm + planting height and show composition on plan (§ 36‑24.2 E)
Downtown C‑C special standards Downtown plan can impose different materials, plant lists, or require maintenance districts Ask Planning for the Downtown Oakdale Commercial Center Landscape Design Plan and check for any landscape maintenance district fees (§ 36‑11; § 36‑16)
Oak/significant tree removals during development The code requires inventory and protection measures; unauthorized removal can stop work and trigger mitigation Submit tree inventory and follow § 36‑28.9; obtain any required permits and verify mitigation/conditions (§ 36‑28.9)
Conflicts between fence height and sightline rules Maximum fence heights are allowed but vision triangle rules may reduce allowable height on driveways/corners Show sight triangle on plan and verify fence placement with Public Works/Planning (§ 36‑18.28; § 36‑18.23)
Which chapters govern street trees and specific species The zoning references Chapter 32 but species/spacing tables are in a separate ordinance Obtain Chapter 32 Street Tree list from Public Works (not in retrieved materials) (§ 36‑24.1 C)

Plain‑English summary

Oakdale requires developers to include meaningful landscaping and screening: multi‑family projects must landscape a quarter of the site, many commercial sites must landscape 10% (industrial 5%), parking lots must have planter strips and shade trees, screening can be walls, fences, evergreen hedges, or berms (but berms only count for part of the height), and existing oak/large trees must be identified and protected during construction. Submit a landscape plan with your Site Plan Review; the City will inspect and require installation and irrigation before occupancy. (§ 36‑24; § 36‑19; § 36‑28.9)

Source References

  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑24.1 (Landscaping definitions, planting materials, street trees)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑24.2 (Screening: allowed types, berm limits, height/location)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑24.3 (Required landscaped area by zone; parking lot planting; installation/maintenance)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑24.4 (Existing trees identification/retention)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑18.28 (Fences, hedges, walls — front/rear heights and location limits)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑19.5 (Site Plan Review required plan contents including landscaping)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — § 36‑28.9 (Safeguarding oak and significant trees during construction)
  • Oakdale Zoning Code — C‑C downtown provisions requiring Downtown Oakdale Landscape Design Plan (Downtown design and landscape plan references)

Additional Oakdale pages you may need (internal links cited in text above):

  • Oakdale zoning & planning overview: /us/california/oakdale
  • Oakdale Zoning: /us/california/oakdale/zoning
  • Oakdale Land Use: /us/california/oakdale/land-use
  • Oakdale Development Standards: /us/california/oakdale/development-standards
  • Oakdale Parking: /us/california/oakdale/parking
  • Oakdale Design Review: /us/california/oakdale/design-review
  • Oakdale Overlay Districts: /us/california/oakdale/overlay-districts
  • Oakdale ADUs: /us/california/oakdale/adu
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24): /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Oakdale Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • CBC § 36 (chapter shall) High relevance
  • CBC § 36 (§ 36-24.) High relevance
  • Oakdale Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Oakdale Zoning Code High relevance
  • Oakdale Zoning Code High relevance
  • Oakdale Zoning Code (§ 36-23.35.) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to submit a landscape plan with my building permit application in Oakdale?

Yes. Landscape plans showing planting locations, species, irrigation, and fences/walls are required as part of Site Plan Review for projects subject to § 36‑19. The City requires review and approval of required landscaping prior to issuance of building permits and often before occupancy. (§ 36‑19.5 K; § 36‑24.1 n–o)

How much of my lot must be landscaped in multi‑family developments?

For R‑2 and R‑3 (duplex and multiple family), the code requires 25% of the gross site area to be landscaped. Show this calculation on your landscape plan. (§ 36‑24.3 A.1.a–b)

Can I build any type of fence to screen a commercial site next to a house?

When a commercial or industrial site adjoins an R district the code expects fences to be landscaped and, in some C‑1 adjacency situations, an 8‑ft masonry wall is specifically called for along the property line; check the district provisions and show fencing/landscaping on the plan. Screening types and heights are listed in § 36‑24.2. (§ 36‑24.2; § 36‑12 / § 36‑24)

What is the maximum fence height I can have in the front yard?

Fences, hedges or walls up to 3 ft in height may extend to the property line in the front yard or exterior side yard, but must also respect the vision triangle (sightline) rules at driveways and intersections. (§ 36‑18.28 A; § 36‑18.23)

Are there rules for parking‑lot landscaping?

Yes. Parking lots must be screened from adjacent streets with a 3 ft landscape strip; interior planting and curbing are required; and where parking lots have five or more spaces, provide one shade tree per five spaces. Also provide permanent irrigation for planting areas. (§ 36‑24.3 3.c, 3.e–f)

Do I need to protect oak trees on the site?

Yes. Existing trees over 6 in diameter must be shown on site plans and retained where possible. The code contains oak/significant tree protection procedures during construction (inventory, tree protection fencing around the dripline, restrictions on storage/fill near roots). Expect conditions and possible mitigation for removal. (§ 36‑24.4; § 36‑28.9)

If my site is downtown (C‑C), are there extra landscape rules?

Yes. Downtown (the C‑C district) requires landscaping on street frontage in accordance with the Downtown Oakdale Commercial Center Landscape Design Plan and is subject to the Design Review Committee; the Downtown plan or design guidelines may add or alter materials, species, and maintenance requirements. (§ 36‑11; § 36‑16)

Can an earth berm count for my required screen height?

An earth berm may be used but no more than two‑thirds (2/3) of the required screen height may be provided by the berm; the remainder must be vegetation or other approved screen. (§ 36‑24.2 E)

Who enforces irrigation and maintenance of required landscaping?

The Planning Department monitors installation and maintenance. Required landscaping must be installed and maintained in healthy condition and a permanent irrigation system provided for required planting areas; the Planning Department inspects and approves installation prior to occupancy unless otherwise authorized by the Community Development Director. (§ 36‑24.1 o; maintenance clauses)

Where do I find the approved street tree list for Oakdale?

The zoning code directs applicants to the City’s Street Tree Ordinance (Chapter 32) or an approved list from Public Works for street tree species and spacing. The Chapter 32 list itself is not in the excerpts here — request it from Public Works. (§ 36‑24.1 C)

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