Pacific Grove — Landscaping and Screening

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Pacific Grove's zoning and coastal regulations require for landscaping and screening (hedges, fences, walls, tree protection, view corridors, and related planting standards). It is grounded in the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (Title 23 / zoning) and the City’s coastal development rules — with the controlling code sections quoted by § number and local citation. For how landscaping interfaces with parking, setbacks, design review, overlays, ADUs, or Title 24 building rules see the inline links below and verify project‑specific requirements with the city.

When the code assigns a specific rule to a district (residential, commercial, industrial, U), those district rules and the citywide development standards in Chapter 23.64 apply together; coastal-zone development gets additional landscaping/screening requirements in the City’s Local Coastal Program chapters. See also the citywide rules on trees and vegetation in PGMC Title 12 (referenced below) and the architectural/design review rules that require landscaping information for many discretionary permits.

Key citywide rules (short)

• Fences, hedges, screen plantings, and other visual obstructions are limited to four feet forward of the front‑yard setback, and six feet on and behind the front‑yard setback line; corner‑visibility triangles are limited to three feet in height to prevent traffic hazards — § 23.64.130 .
• A tree is not treated as a “visual obstruction” but the owner must trim trees in visibility areas as directed by the chief planner — § 23.64.130(c) .
• Certain fence materials are prohibited (barbed wire, razor ribbon, glass, etc.); exceptions and use‑permit paths are in § 23.64.135 .
• Front and side yards must be maintained with landscaping; driveways may not exceed 40% of street frontage (corner lots limited to 25% combined) — § 23.64.195 .
• Landscaping plans are required where plantings may affect public views or coastal resources; hedges adjacent to ocean‑view public areas must not exceed three feet and planting must preserve public views — see § 23.90.170 (biological resources / LCP landscaping standards) .
• Deer fencing up to six feet along front property lines is allowed only with an administrative use permit and with specified materials — § 23.64.130(d) .
• Garden structures and vertical trellises that act as fences are regulated in § 23.64.119 and treated as fences under § 23.64.130 .
• Discretionary and many ministerial permits require landscaping information per the Architectural Review / Site Plan rules; when required, landscaping must comply with PGMC Title 12 (Trees and Vegetation) and the State Model Landscape Ordinance — see architectural/permit criteria in Chapter 23.70 and related subsections .

(Where I cite a § below I also include the local file citation from the retrieved ordinance.)

District-by-district breakdown (how landscaping & screening is applied)

Below each district entry I list the district purpose (from PGMC where available), typical uses, the most relevant dimensional/landscape standards the code ties to that district, and where the district rules apply. Citywide screening and landscaping standards in Chapter 23.64 and the coastal rules in Chapter 23.90 apply across districts as noted.

Notes on sources: district chapters and numeric standards cited below are pulled from the Pacific Grove zoning code excerpts in the retrieved materials; cross-check with parcel zoning and the full code for site‑specific differences. Verify with the jurisdiction for ambiguous parcel conditions.

R‑1 (Single‑family residential)

• Purpose / typical uses: Single‑family homes and accessory structures (R districts are the city’s primary residential zones; see Chapters 23.16–23.24 for district chapters) — see PGMC general applicability § 23.04.010 .
• Landscaping / screening rules that matter here: front/side yard landscaping maintenance § 23.64.195 applies citywide; fences and hedges follow § 23.64.130 (height limits, corner‑visibility) . Deer fencing exceptions (admin permit) apply in the coastal zone per § 23.64.130(d) and permit rules in 23.70 may be triggered for coastal properties .
• Key dimensional examples (common): front yard percentages and driveway limits shown in district yard rules and site coverage tables; front yards frequently require landscaping (e.g., minimum front yard and requirement that 50% of the front yard be landscaped in some R chapters) — see the district yard rules in Chapters such as 23.20 and 23.24 (example front yard minimums and landscaping coverage) .
• Where it applies: throughout residential neighborhoods; garden structures and fences follow the garden‑structure rules § 23.64.119 and fence heights § 23.64.130 .

R‑2, R‑3, R‑4 (Multi‑family and other residential districts)

• Purpose / typical uses: Duplexes, small multi‑unit residential forms and related accessory uses; Chapters 23.20 (R‑2) and 23.24 (R‑3) set the district standards and yards/coverage (examples: R‑3 yard rules and site coverage limits appear in § 23.24.060 and § 23.24.051) .
• Landscaping / screening rules: citywide Chapter 23.64 controls fences, hedges, garden structures, and yard landscaping (§§ 23.64.119, 23.64.130, 23.64.195). For projects requiring review (multi‑unit or larger site work) the Site Plan Review Committee or Architectural Review Board will demand a landscaping plan that complies with Title 12 and the State Model Landscape Ordinance (see Chapter 23.70 requirements) .
• Key dimensional examples: R‑3 allowed site coverage 60% (where the chapter references apply) and front yard, side yard, and rear yard minimums are established in the district chapter § 23.24.060; open yard landscaping requirements (e.g., for multi‑unit site landscaping) also apply § 23.45 (PUD/condo rules) .
• Where it applies: R‑2 through R‑4 neighborhoods and the R‑3 Pacific Grove Beach special rules noted in the code; note coastal development rules may add requirements for planting, tree retention, and view protection § 23.90.170 .

R‑3 P.G.B. (Pacific Grove Beach)

• Purpose / typical uses: Special R‑3 variant tied to beach/coastal rules (there are distinct rules referenced in PGMC for the Pacific Grove Beach district). Coastal landscaping and view concerns are emphasized in the coastal chapter. See building site exceptions in § 23.64.140 (R‑3 P.G.B. references) .
• Landscaping / screening rules: coastal LCP requirements require minimizing removal of native vegetation, replacing scenic coastal trees if removed, and producing reforestation/tree protection plans where development occurs within forested areas § 23.90.170 . Hedge heights adjacent to ocean‑view public areas are limited to three feet where a landscaping plan is required § 23.90.170(3)(B) .
• Where it applies: properties inside the Pacific Grove coastal zone / P.G.B. district; CDP procedures apply for most development § 23.90.012 et seq. .

C‑1, C‑F H, C‑D, C‑2 (Commercial districts — Downtown, Forest Hill, light and general commercial)

• Purpose / typical uses: Retail, service businesses, downtown commercial uses; specific district standards are in the Chapters for commercial zones (see Tables and district chapters summarized in the development standards) .
• Landscaping / screening rules: parking areas and gas/service stations have explicit landscaping requirements (for example, at least 80% of street frontage of gas/service stations unused for driveways must be landscaped; parking lots and service yards over five vehicles must be landscaped) as part of Architectural Review and site plan criteria — see the architectural review criteria and Chapter 23.64 references § 23.70.060(e) and § 23.64.195 .
• Fencing and screening: fences and trellises that function as fences are regulated citywide § 23.64.130; prohibited fence materials are in § 23.64.135 .
• Where it applies: downtown corridors (C‑D), Forest Hill (C‑FH), light commercial strips (C‑1/C‑2). For many commercial projects the ARB / SPRC will require a formal landscape plan and maintenance commitments per Chapter 23.70 and Title 12 .

I (Industrial) and U (Unclassified / public uses)

• Purpose / typical uses: Industrial, utilities, public parks & civic uses (U district lists public parks, schools and civic buildings as permitted) — see Chapter 23.44 for U uses and Chapter(s) for I district rules .
• Landscaping / screening rules: industrial and utility sites may get exceptions for fencing materials only by use permit (see § 23.64.135 exceptions for fences bordering public utility facilities or facilities in C‑2 and I districts) . Utility equipment screening is routinely addressed by the SPRC/ARB as part of site plan/landscaping requirements (location, materials, and screening for transformers and equipment are required in development plan submittals) § 23.32.050 and SPRC review standards .
• Where it applies: industrial parks, utility sites, public open spaces; significant development near the shore (e.g., Hopkins Marine Station) has specific guidance for low‑profile, wildlife‑sensitive fencing and revegetation § 23.90 LCP language .

Quick decision‑relevant standards (table)

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain‑English synthesis)

• If you are doing ordinary yard work or replacing a small fence on a single‑family lot outside the coastal zone, you must follow the fence height rules (4 ft / 6 ft) and keep the front/side yards landscaped (driveway coverage limits) — § 23.64.130 and § 23.64.195 .
• If your project is within the coastal zone, or your planting may affect ocean views or habitat, expect to prepare a landscaping plan showing mature heights and maintenance, and expect tree‑retention / replacement conditions — § 23.90.170 (LCP) . Linkages to the city’s design review process mean an ARB or SPRC review could require plant materials, spacing, and irrigation details — see the Architectural Review and SPRC references in Chapter 23.70 .
• Garden trellises and vertical plantings that act as a fence are regulated as fences (so they count toward the height limits) — § 23.64.119(f) and § 23.64.130 .
• Chain‑link is discouraged and certain dangerous fence materials are unlawful unless a use permit is granted for specific public‑safety or utility circumstances — § 23.64.135 .
• Utility equipment and transformer screening is expected to be designed to meet clearances and also be landscaped to screen equipment; the SPRC/ARB may ask for specific screening designs — see the development submission checklist requirements and SPRC guidance § 23.32.050 and SPRC chapters .

Note: For parking‑lot landscaping details, or how landscape areas affect required parking, consult the city parking standards and development standards (linked below). For ADUs, state ADU law limits local landscaping or open‑space rules that would effectively preclude an ADU — verify with the City's ADU page and state law.

(Links — used when those topics are mentioned: Pacific Grove Parking, Pacific Grove Development Standards, Pacific Grove Design Review, Pacific Grove Overlay Districts, Pacific Grove Historic Preservation, Pacific Grove ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for landscaping / screening)

• Confirm the zoning district and whether the property is inside the coastal zone or an overlay (verify parcel zoning and overlays) — see Chapter 23.12 and coastal chapter § 23.90 .
• Follow fence/hedge height limits: 4 ft forward of front‑yard setback / 6 ft on or behind it; check corner visibility triangles (3 ft) — § 23.64.130 .
• Avoid prohibited fence materials; if you need an exception (utilities, industrial, security), apply for a use permit — § 23.64.135 .
• Prepare a landscaping plan when required by ARB, SPRC, or coastal LCP rules — include species, mature heights, irrigation/maintenance, tree protection/ replacement (see § 23.90.170 and Chapter 23.70) .
• If on or near the coast, ensure plantings preserve public views and protect biological resources (hedges adjacent to ocean‑view public areas: 3 ft max where view protection applies) — § 23.90.170(3)(B) .
• For larger projects, include the location, height, and materials for exterior walls/fences and landscaped areas in the development plan submittal — § 23.32.050 .
• If retaining walls are involved, calculate fence height from the correct grade side per § 23.64.130(e); consider whether an administrative use permit is required for a taller fence or deer fencing — § 23.64.130(e),(f) .
• Confirm whether Title 12 (Trees and Vegetation) adds tree‑removal or replacement obligations. When uncertain, check with the Community Development Department — reference to Title 12 appears in the ARB criteria § 23.70.060(e) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

Most yards in Pacific Grove must be kept landscaped and any fences, hedges or trellises that act like fences must follow the city’s height rules (typically 4 ft in front, 6 ft elsewhere) and avoid banned materials; coastal properties and projects that affect public ocean views or biological habitat will need a formal landscaping plan, special tree protection/ replacement, and possibly a coastal development permit — see § 23.64.130, § 23.64.195, and § 23.90.170 .

Source References

• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Fence / visual obstruction limits: § 23.64.130 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Landscaping of front and side yards: § 23.64.195 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Landscaping / plantings affecting public views, tree protection and LCP biological resources: § 23.90.170 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Prohibited fences and exceptions: § 23.64.135 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Garden structures and trellises treated as fences: § 23.64.119 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Development plan requirements showing fences, landscaping, and screening for condominium/complex applications: § 23.32.050 .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Architectural review / required landscaping references and when landscaping must conform to Title 12 and the State Model Landscape Ordinance: § 23.70.060(e) .
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Coastal development permit (CDP) processing and exemptions: § 23.90.012‑§ 23.90.040 (CDP applicability and exemptions for single‑family landscaping in some circumstances) .
• Note: transformer/utility screening guidance is operationally implemented by utilities and SPRC review; see the project submittal and SPRC requirements in § 23.32.050 and § 23.70.050 .

Retrieved passages

• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 23.64.130.) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 11) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (section may) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 23.64.119.) High relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Pacific Grove Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Fence / visual obstruction limits: **§ 23.64.130** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Landscaping of front and side yards: **§ 23.64.195** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Landscaping / plantings affecting public views, tree protection and LCP biological resources: **§ 23.90.170** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Prohibited fences and exceptions: **§ 23.64.135** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Garden structures and trellises treated as fences: **§ 23.64.119** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Development plan requirements showing fences, landscaping, and screening for condominium/complex applications: **§ 23.32.050** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Architectural review / required landscaping references and when landscaping must conform to Title 12 and the State Model Landscape Ordinance: **§ 23.70.060(e)** . (Title 23)
• Pacific Grove Zoning (Title 23) — Coastal development permit (CDP) processing and exemptions: **§ 23.90.012‑§ 23.90.040** (CDP applicability and exemptions for single‑family landscaping in some circumstances) . (Title 23)
• Note: transformer/utility screening guidance is operationally implemented by utilities and SPRC review; see the project submittal and SPRC requirements in **§ 23.32.050** and **§ 23.70.050** . (§ 23.32.050)
• PacificGrove_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md

• Official Pacific Grove code library