Local zoning · Paradise
Paradise — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Paradise local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026
Overview
This page summarizes what the Town of Paradise zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires about landscaping and screening: where landscaping is allowed or required, how fences/walls and linear screening are measured and limited, parking-area landscaping standards, and special screening rules for utilities and certain land uses. The primary controlling provisions are the yard/setback rules in § 17.06.600, the linear-feature/height rules in § 17.06.500, the parking/landscape standards in § 17.38.1100, and the wireless/utility screening rules in § 17.42.080 — see sources below for the full text and context.
This page also links you to related topics: the Town's main zoning overview, applicable development standards, on-site parking, design review, overlay districts, and local ADU rules where landscaping may interact with setbacks and open-space requirements.
Key ordinance requirements (plain-English synthesis)
- Required yards are intended to remain open but may be occupied by landscaping (plants, trees, groundcover) and limited appurtenant features; this is authorized by § 17.06.600.
- Fences and walls are treated as linear features: their height is measured on average and they are limited in required yards — a solid fence up to 6 feet is allowed on property lines away from a street, and up to 4 feet in the front setback (special exceptions for wrought-iron/chain link and for certain industrial uses). Variances are required for higher or otherwise nonconforming fences; see § 17.06.600 and § 17.45.300.
- The height rule for linear features (including walls and screening plantings) uses the average height along the feature; small local exceedances (≤15%) can still comply if the average is within the limit — see § 17.06.500(C).
- Parking lots have explicit interior and perimeter landscaping requirements (percent of parking area and a 5‑ft minimum perimeter strip for lots with 12+ spaces), plus irrigation and curbing; these rules are in § 17.38.1100.
- Special land uses have tailored screening/landscaping rules: e.g., large recycling/collection facilities in C‑C and I‑S must be screened by enclosed buildings or an opaque fence (6–8 ft) with landscaping (see the standards for large collection facilities) and convenience storage (mini‑storage) may have perimeter walls/fences required by the planning director — refer to the specific use standards in Chapters cited below.
- Equipment screening (transformers, wireless ground equipment) must use vegetation where required, and building‑mounted equipment must be painted/architecturally integrated; see § 17.42.080(D–E) and Paradise’s cross-reference to Chapter 15.36 for vegetation standards.
District-by-district breakdown (how landscaping/screening rules apply)
The zoning ordinance assigns every parcel a base zone; the table of zones and the chapter references is adopted in the code (see Chapter 17.05 and the zone table). In practice, most landscaping/screening rules are either (A) general (apply in all zones) or (B) inserted into use‑specific standards. Below each district I list where the code directs you for landscaping/screening requirements.
Note: Where the code text does not set a numeric landscaping metric for a particular zone, I indicate that the detail is “Not found in retrieved materials” and tell you where the applicable general standard lives.
AR‑1 (Agricultural‑Residential‑1) — Chapter 17.11
- Purpose & uses: low‑intensity rural/residential, agricultural accessory uses (chapter reference in zone table).
- Landscaping/screening: Subject to general yard rules § 17.06.600 (yards may contain landscaping) and linear‑feature height measurement § 17.06.500. No district‑specific numeric landscape standards found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
RR / RR‑1 (Rural‑Residential) — Chapter 17.12
- Purpose & uses: rural lots, single‑family and accessory uses. Landscaping permitted in required yards per § 17.06.600; fences/walls limited as described in that section. No separate numeric landscaping schedule found.
TR / TR‑1 (Town‑Residential) — Chapter 17.14
- Purpose & uses: denser residential within town area. Town residential districts limit wireless facility types to building‑mounted and require them to be located or screened from public view under § 17.42.070 and § 17.42.080; general yard and fence rules still apply.
M‑F (Multiple‑Family Residential) — Chapter 17.17
- Purpose & uses: multi‑family dwellings. Multi‑family site plans commonly must meet parking landscaping § 17.38.1100 and any development standards in the chapter; specific numeric setbacks or plant lists for M‑F are not found in retrieved materials.
N‑C, C‑B, C‑C (Commercial zones) — Chapter 17.20
- Purpose & uses: neighborhood to central business and community commercial. Commercial projects are explicitly subject to the parking landscaping schedule and perimeter strip standards in § 17.38.1100; commercial exterior display and metallic building design provisions may trigger additional landscaping/screening (see § 17.06.940 and § 17.06.930). Large collection/recycling facilities in C‑C must meet the opaque‑fence + landscaping standards in the specific use rules.
I‑S (Industrial Services) — Chapter 17.23
- Purpose & uses: service and light industrial. Some industrial uses have exceptions to front‑yard fence heights (e.g., 8 ft with building permit for recycling, storage, impound) described in § 17.06.600(E)(4); large collection facilities are permitted in I‑S but must meet site plan/screening rules.
C‑F (Community Facilities) and C‑S (Community Services) — Chapter 17.26
- Purpose & uses: public/community facilities. § 17.26.400 lists site development regulations (setbacks, lot sizes) and notes that sign and parking rules cross‑reference other chapters; landscaping greater than code minima may be required by the Planning Director under these standards. Use § 17.26.400 plus the general yard/fence/parking rules.
P‑D (Planned Development Combining) — Chapter 17.29
- Purpose & uses: flexible master planned projects. P‑D districts can incorporate site‑specific landscaping, screening and buffer rules into the concept plan; so check the P‑D ordinance for the parcel. The general rules in § 17.06.600 and parking landscaping § 17.38.1100 still apply unless the P‑D adopts different standards.
/MH (Mobile Home Combining) — Chapter 17.31
- Purpose & uses: mobile home parks. Mobile home park development standards require that landscaping, signing and lighting be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director and the park perimeter walls/fences can be required with type/height set by the Director/Commission (see § 17.34.400–500).
If you need the exact permitted uses, setbacks, or plant lists for a specific parcel, consult the zone chapter listed above (chapter numbers in the Town's zone table) and verify with the Planning Department. The zone table mapping to chapters is in the code.
Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)
| Topic | Rule / Numeric standard | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaping allowed in required yards | Required yards "may be occupied by landscaping" (landscape allowed in setbacks) | § 17.06.600 |
| Solid fence height (non-front property line) | Up to 6 ft above grade (exceptions apply) | § 17.06.600(E)(4) |
| Solid fence into front yard setback | Up to 4 ft (wrought iron/chain‑link up to 6 ft allowed into front yard) | § 17.06.600(E)(4) |
| Variance for taller fences | Variance required for fences >6 ft (or >4 ft in front yard) | § 17.45.300 |
| Linear feature height measurement | Height measured as average along length; ±15% tolerance for localized exceedances | § 17.06.500(C) |
| Parking lot interior landscaping | 0% (<10k sf), 5% (10–19,999), 7.5% (20–29,999), 10% (≥30,000) | § 17.38.1100(D)(1) |
| Parking perimeter strip | 5 ft minimum continuous strip where parking adjoins property line (12+ spaces) | § 17.38.1100(D)(2) |
| Screening for large collection/recycling | Enclosed building or opaque fence 6–8 ft + landscaping; 150 ft separation option | Large collection facility rules (C‑C/I‑S) — see use standards |
| Utility / wireless equipment | Ground‑mounted equipment screening must include vegetation per Chapter 15.36; building‑mounted must be integrated/painted | § 17.42.080(D–E) |
| Transformer screening guidance (illustrative) | Local utility guidance recommends vegetative screens, planter walls, and clearances — nonbinding illustrative designs | PGE Greenbook (illustrative) |
Practical guidance / how to apply these rules
- Treat § 17.06.600 as your starting point for any planting in setbacks and for fence/wall questions; reference the average‑height rule in § 17.06.500 if you plan a tall hedge or wall.
- For parking and site‑plan scale projects, include a planting plan that shows interior landscaping as a percentage of the parking area and a 5‑ft perimeter strip where required — the schedule and irrigation/curb requirements are in § 17.38.1100.
- For utility equipment (pad‑mounted transformers, wireless ground equipment): the code requires vegetation screening and non‑reflective finishes; also consult the utility's screening guidance (illustrative) and the town's Chapter 15.36 tree/plant rules referenced by § 17.42.080.
- Expect use‑specific standards to override or supplement general rules: e.g., large collection/recycling, convenience storage/mini‑storage, and mobile home parks have their own screening and wall/fence provisions — review the relevant chapter for those uses.
Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)
- Confirm the parcel's base zone and any combining/overlay districts (see the zone table; Chapter 17.05) and the specific zone chapter (e.g., 17.11, 17.12, 17.20, etc.).
- Follow general yard and fence rules: ensure proposed fences/walls comply with § 17.06.600 (heights, front yard rules, public easement restrictions).
- If installing/altering a parking area, show interior and perimeter landscaping per § 17.38.1100, with irrigation and curbing details.
- For equipment (transformers, wireless stations): provide a screening plan showing vegetation per § 17.42.080(D) and reference to Chapter 15.36 plant standards.
- If any linear feature or wall will exceed normal heights, compute the average height per § 17.06.500(C) and provide variance justification if needed (§ 17.45.300).
- Check special‑use chapters (mini‑storage, recycling, mobile home parks, community‑facilities) for additional screening requirements and project‑specific setbacks (17.34, 17.38, 17.26, etc.).
- Where design compatibility or public visibility is a concern, be prepared for review under the Town’s design review procedures.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel‑risk / flammability of landscape materials | Paradise is in a WUI area; combustible landscaping close to structures can conflict with fire safety rules even if zoning allows plantings | Verify fire‑clearance / defensible‑space requirements (not governed in Title 17 zoning). See statewide WUI guidance; local fire authority may impose stricter conditions. Not found in Title 17; see state WUI file for guidance. |
| Exact district numeric setbacks or planting lists | Many district chapters reference development standards but do not publish numeric plant lists or all setbacks in the excerpts retrieved | Check the parcel’s zone chapter and any P‑D ordinance for parcel‑specific standards. Verify with the Planning Department. |
| Conflicts between landscape ordinance and parking chapter | The parking chapter says the landscape ordinance prevails where conflicts arise — but the text of the separate landscape ordinance (if adopted) is not in the retrieved files | Verify whether the Town adopted a stand‑alone landscape ordinance and its location (Not found in retrieved materials). |
| Wireless/utility clearances vs. vegetation screening | Code requires vegetation screening for ground equipment, but electrical and safety clearances (utility rules) may limit plant choices/placement | Coordinate with utility provider and reference the Town’s Chapter 15.36 and utility guidelines (illustrative guidance in PGE Greenbook). |
| Front yard fence exceptions / private easement consent | The code prohibits fences in some rights‑of‑way and requires written consent to install fences in private roadway easements; ownership/rights ambiguity can delay projects | Confirm property deed, private easement users, and whether the proposed fence is within a public right‑of‑way per § 17.06.600. |
Plain‑English summary
Paradise’s zoning code lets you plant in required yards and requires screening for parking lots, utilities, and some commercial/industrial uses; fences are limited by height (generally 4 ft in front yards, 6 ft elsewhere) and measured by average height, and certain uses (recycling, mini‑storage, wireless equipment) have specific screening rules — always start with § 17.06.600, the relevant zone chapter, and the parking standards § 17.38.1100.
Source References
- Paradise Title 17 — Zoning (Municode print export). Key chapters cited in this page: § 17.06.600 (Yards and fences); § 17.06.500 (Height / linear features); § 17.38.1100 (Parking — Landscaping); § 17.42.080 (Wireless facilities — screening); zone table and chapter references (Chapter 17.05). See file export: Paradise Title 17 (Zoning).
- Large collection and recycling facility screening rules (use standards for C‑C and I‑S zones) — Paradise code excerpts on large collection facilities.
- Convenience storage / mini‑storage development standards (walls and fencing) — Chapter excerpts.
- Equipment/transformer screening (illustrative guidance) — PGE Greenbook (illustrative examples for landscape screening of pad‑mounted transformers).
- California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (reference for fuel breaks / clearances; used here only for risk context where Title 17 is silent).
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Paradise Zoning Code (Section 17.45.300) High relevance
- CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (Section 17.45.300) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (Section 17.38.1100.) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (title showing) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Paradise Zoning Code (Section 17.40.500) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Paradise Title 17 — Zoning (Municode print export). Key chapters cited in this page: **§ 17.06.600 (Yards and fences)**; **§ 17.06.500 (Height / linear features)**; **§ 17.38.1100 (Parking — Landscaping)**; **§ 17.42.080 (Wireless facilities — screening)**; zone table and chapter references (Chapter **17.05**). See file export: Paradise Title 17 (Zoning). (Title 17)
- Large collection and recycling facility screening rules (use standards for C‑C and I‑S zones) — Paradise code excerpts on large collection facilities.
- Convenience storage / mini‑storage development standards (walls and fencing) — Chapter excerpts. (Chapter excerpts.)
- Equipment/transformer screening (illustrative guidance) — PGE Greenbook (illustrative examples for landscape screening of pad‑mounted transformers).
- California Wildland‑Urban Interface Code (reference for fuel breaks / clearances; used here only for risk context where Title 17 is silent). (Title 17)
- Paradise_ZoningCode.md
- 2022 PGE Greenbook.md
- 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.md
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to install a fence in Paradise?
Yes — fences are regulated by § 17.06.600: solid fences up to 6 ft are allowed along property lines that do not abut a street, up to 4 ft may extend into front yard setbacks (wrought iron/chain link up to 6 ft in front yards is allowed), and fences over those heights or exceeding front‑yard limits require a variance per § 17.45.300. Verify whether your fence sits in a public right‑of‑way or private easement because additional consents/permits may be required.
How much landscaping is required in a parking lot?
Parking facilities must meet the interior‑landscaping schedule in § 17.38.1100(D)(1): no requirement for lots under 10,000 sq ft, 5% for 10,000–19,999 sq ft, 7.5% for 20,000–29,999 sq ft, and 10% for 30,000+ sq ft, plus a 5‑ft perimeter landscaped strip where a lot with 12 or more spaces adjoins a property line. Irrigation and protective curbs are required for landscaped areas.
Can I plant trees in my front setback in Paradise?
Yes. The code states required yards “may be occupied by landscaping” (trees included) in § 17.06.600, but front‑yard fences and projections have limits, and tree planting that effectively creates a screen that exceeds a height limit could be treated as a linear feature subject to average‑height measurement under § 17.06.500. Also check local fire/defensible‑space rules (not set out in Title 17).
What screening is required for pad‑mounted transformers or other ground equipment?
The wireless/utility equipment rules require ground‑mounted equipment to be screened with vegetation pursuant to Chapter 15.36, and building‑mounted equipment to be integrated or painted to match surroundings under § 17.42.080; the Town also cross‑references existing landscape/plant standards — and utilities often provide illustrative guidance (example: PGE Greenbook). Confirm clearances with the utility and fire authority.
Do recycling collection or storage facilities need special walls or landscaping?
Yes — the code requires that large collection/recycling facilities in C‑C or I‑S be screened from the right‑of‑way by an enclosed building or an opaque fence at least 6 ft (up to 8 ft) with landscaping, or be set back 150 ft from residential zoning, per the use standards for collection facilities. See the large collection facility rules for full conditions.
If my design requires more landscaping than the code minimums, can the Planning Director require it?
Yes. Several provisions (including metallic‑building compatibility rules § 17.06.930 and various district site‑development standards) explicitly allow the Planning Director or Commission to require additional setbacks and landscaping to make a use compatible with surroundings. Verify applicability in the specific zone chapter and project review.
How are hedge/screen plantings measured if they are proposed as a tall screen?
Hedges and similar linear plantings are subject to the linear‑feature height rule: height is measured as the average height along the feature and localized exceedances up to 15% of the feature length may be acceptable if the average is in compliance (§ 17.06.500(C)).
Does the Town have a separate landscape ordinance that overrides parking chapter rules?
The parking landscaping section says where conflicts may arise with "the landscape ordinance of the town," that landscape ordinance shall prevail; however, the separate landscape ordinance text was not found in the retrieved materials. Verify whether the Town has a standalone landscape ordinance and where it is adopted.
Can I use landscaping requirements to deny or shrink an ADU?
No — state ADU law restricts local agencies from applying open‑space/landscaping requirements in a way that effectively denies an ADU that meets state minimums; check Paradise ADU rules and state ADU law for details. See the Town ADU page and state guidance for specifics. (Local ADU interaction with local landscaping not fully detailed in retrieved Title 17 excerpts; verify with Planning.)
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