Local zoning · Paramount

Paramount — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Paramount's zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires for landscaping and screening (trees, planters, turf, walls/fences, equipment screening, and buffers). It interprets the ordinance text (titles and § citations below) and highlights the rules that most affect project design, from single‑family yards in R zones to sitewide requirements in O‑P and PD‑PS developments. For related procedures consult the city's general zoning & planning overview and the development standards page.

Note: this page stays within land‑use/zoning requirements (Title 17) — building permits and California Building Standards Code (Title 24) requirements are outside this page's scope.

Key takeaways (one line)

Minimum landscaped area, planter and tree sizing, irrigation and water‑efficiency, artificial turf specs, and solid screening walls between non‑residential and R properties are all set in Title 17; verify site‑specific conditions with Planning. (§17.16.150, §17.44.340, §17.80.090)

District-by-district breakdown

R (Residential) — what matters for yards, fences and screening

Purpose / where it applies: residential zones (“R” zones) regulate single‑family and multi‑family residential uses (see Chapter references for each R subclass in the municipal code). Key landscaping/screening rules appear in the general yard and landscaping chapters for R zones. (§17.44.340; vision/yard rules at §17.44.*)
Typical permitted uses: residential dwellings (details are in the R‑zone chapters; see the city's land use page).
Key dimensional/screening standards:
- Fences/walls in front yards are limited to 42 inches high (max) for visibility; elsewhere a fence/wall up to 8 feet is allowed behind the front‑yard line. No barbed/concertina/razor wire is permitted where visible from the right‑of‑way. (§17.44.340)
- Vision clearance triangles on corner lots: no vegetation or obstruction over 42 inches within the triangular sight area (see §17.44.). (§17.44.)
- Required front/side setback landscaping must be planted with drought‑resistant materials and cover at least 65% of the front yard with living plant materials or approved alternatives. (see front yard landscaping rules) (§17.44.*)

Practical guidance: For a yard fence, propose a 42‑inch front fence detail and 6‑ to 8‑foot rear fence. Submit a landscape plan showing species and irrigation (the Planning Director must approve). (§17.44.350; §17.96/17.92 cross refs)

O‑P (Office‑Professional) — landscaped setbacks, trees and planters

Purpose / where it applies: O‑P zone standards include explicit landscaping and setback rules for office/professional uses; see the O‑P chapter for applicable front/side yard depths. (§17.80.070–17.80.090)
Typical permitted uses: office and professional services (consult the zone text for exact permitted uses).
Key dimensional/screening standards:
- No building/wall/structure closer than 10 feet to the front property line; the space between the front line and structure must be landscaped and permanently maintained. (§17.80.070)
- Where O‑P abuts residential (R) property, a 6‑foot solid masonry wall is required on the common boundary (except within the residential front‑yard depth where the wall is limited to 36–42 inches). (§17.80.*)
- Landscaping minimums: planters in permanent concrete curbing, irrigation systems, and tree requirements (one 20‑inch box + three 15‑gallon trees per 50 lineal feet adjacent to right‑of‑way in some standards; check project type). (§17.80.090)

Practical guidance: For O‑P site design coordinate required front‑yard planting with vehicular circulation so parking is not in the front setback (parking rules interact with landscaping — see parking). (§17.80.070–090)

PD‑PS (Planned Development — Performance Standards)

Purpose / where it applies: the PD‑PS process promotes higher‑quality, coordinated development under a specific plan and its own adopted standards. Applicants must submit concept plans showing landscaping, walls/fences, and maintenance mechanisms. (§17.72.020–050)
Typical permitted uses: determined by the PD ordinance for each PD area (the PD supersedes ordinary code where so specified).
Key dimensional/screening standards:
- PD applications require a general development plan showing the location and height of all walls and fences, and landscaping/open space areas. (§17.72.050)
- Where buildings exceed certain heights adjacent to lower‑density zones, additional setbacks and tree planting (one tree every 30 feet as a second layer of screening) are required. (§17.16.140)

Practical guidance: In PD design materials, show permanent planters, irrigation details, and how screening walls meet the city standard (e.g., six‑foot masonry wall adjacent to R zones where applicable). (§17.72.050; §17.16.150)

Industrial / Commercial (outdoor storage, active service yards)

Where it applies: sections addressing outdoor storage, screening of outside operations, and required perimeter walls apply to commercial/industrial uses (see site‑specific zone text). (§17.* industrial/commercial chapters; representative text below).
Key screening standards:
- Outdoor storage and open uses must be concealed from view from nearby streets and adjoining property by solid masonry walls not less than 6 feet in height; the Planning Commission can require fences/walls for screening. (§17.* outdoor storage rules)
- Entry gates for screened storage must be solid, view‑obscuring materials; slatted chain link is not acceptable. (§17.*)

Practical guidance: For industrial sites, plan for continuous masonry screening walls (6' min) between industrial uses and adjacent residential properties; include gate details and show that stored material will not exceed wall height. (§17.*)

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Requirement / item	Rule or standard	Code Reference
Minimum landscaped area for developments	20% of development site (in addition to required front setback)	§ 17.16.150(A)(1)
Permanent planters and curbing	Planters planted in permanent planters surrounded by 6‑inch by 6‑inch concrete curbing; min planter width 3 ft, min area 50 sq ft (exceptions at unit entries)	§ 17.16.150(A)(1)(i); § 17.80.090(B)
Tree size & counts (multi‑site standards)	Minimum 24‑inch box trees commonly required; alternate equivalents allowed (36"=2, 48"=3, etc.). Some sections state one 24‑inch box tree to every three 24" box trees (project‑dependent)	§ 17.16.150(A)(1)(b); Tree table
Front yard plant density	Living/drought‑tolerant materials to cover 65% of front yard; max 35% non‑plant alternatives	§ 17.44. / § 17.16.150*
Parking lot landscaping	7% of parking lot area must be landscaped (parking lot islands and perimeter planting)	§ 17.44. / § 17.80.090*
Screening between non‑residential and residential	6‑foot solid masonry wall required on common boundary with R property (except front‑yard depth where wall limited to 36–42 inches)	§ 17.80.090(F); similar language in industrial/commercial sections
Fence heights in R zones	Front yard max 42 inches; rear/side behind front line up to 8 feet (retaining wall rules and open‑work fence exceptions apply)	§ 17.44.340
Irrigation / water efficiency	All landscaped areas must use water‑efficient irrigation (drip, bubblers, hydrozones); comply with MWELO and Chapter 17.96 (and some references to 17.92)	§ 17.16.150(I); multiple cross refs
Artificial turf standards	Permitted with specs (permeable, 8‑yr no‑fade warranty, pile height, face weight, separation from live plants, installation requirements)	§ 17. artificial turf provisions*

Synthesis & practical guidance (plain‑English interpretation)

Submit a landscape plan stamped by a licensed landscape architect with building permit/plan check submittals; Planning reviews for buffers, screening, hydrozones, and native‑species protection. (§17.* landscape plan submittal rules)
Expect to show: how you meet the 20% site landscaping (where applicable), permanent planters with 6"x6" curbing, tree species/sizes and spacing, irrigation details (hydrozones/separate valves), and screening walls where the site abuts residential. (§17.16.150; §17.80.090)
Design parking areas to keep the front setback clear of parking; parking landscaping (minimum 7%) is required — coordinate designs with the parking standards. (§17.80.070; §17.44.*)
For mechanical and service equipment, show screening so units are not visible from public rights‑of‑way; rooftop parapets or enclosures are used to screen roof equipment. (§17.12.120)
Use drought‑tolerant, low‑water species and meet the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) as implemented in the city code (Chapter 17.96 and cross references). If the code text references Chapter 17.92 in a place, verify which chapter applies to your project with Planning. (§17.16.150(I); see information gap below)

Links for procedure and coordination: design review interacts with landscaping requirements — consult the city's design review process early. If you have an ADU proposal, check the ADU page for zoning/landscape interactions. Large projects may be affected by overlay districts so review those overlays when preparing landscape buffers.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before Planning will sign off)

Provide a full landscape plan prepared by a California licensed landscape architect and submit with building drawings (plan must show plant species, sizes, quantities, and irrigation). (§17.* landscape plan submittal)
Demonstrate compliance with minimum landscaped area: 20% of site (where applicable) plus required front setback planting. (§17.16.150(A)(1))
Show permanent planters with 6‑inch by 6‑inch concrete curbing; indicate planter dimensions (min 3 ft width, 50 sq ft area where required). (§17.16.150(A)(1)(i))
Provide tree schedule meeting box sizes and counts (24‑inch box minimum in many sections; alternative tree equivalents table where permitted). (§17.16.150(A)(1)(b))
Irrigation plan showing hydrozones, drip/bubblers, and separate valves; compliance with MWELO / Chapter 17.96. (§17.16.150(I))
Demonstrate parking lot landscaping (7%) and that parking does not encroach into required front setback. (§17.44.*; §17.80.070)
Show screening for all ground‑ and roof‑mounted mechanical equipment so it is not visible from public rights‑of‑way. (§17.12.120)
Where property borders R zones, show required 6‑ft masonry screening walls (or lower 36–42" treatment within the residential front yard depth). (§17.80.090(F))

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Chapter reference for MWELO (17.92 vs 17.96)	Some ordinance fragments reference Chapter 17.92, others 17.96 for the city's Water‑Efficient Landscape provisions; inconsistent citation could affect exact submittal checklist.	Verify with Planning which chapter currently implements MWELO and which chapter applies to your application. (See §17.16.150(I); §17.* artificial turf)
Zone‑specific application of the 20% landscaped area	The 20% figure appears in site/design standards for some types of development (§17.16.150) but may not apply to small single‑lot residential projects.	Confirm applicability to your parcel and zone with Planning; check the specific zone chapter and any PD conditions. (§17.16.150)
Which tree standard governs (24" box vs 15‑gal)	Different sections cite 24‑inch box minimums for some project types and 15‑gallon / 20‑inch box + 15‑gal combos in others.	Verify which tree sizing/counts apply to your project type and frontage; Planning Director can grant waivers in some cases. (§17.16.150; §17.80.090)
Screening wall material and exceptions	Several sections require solid masonry walls adjacent to R zones, but exceptions exist where a building wall occupies the boundary.	Confirm whether a building wall counts in lieu of a separate fence and whether certain materials are acceptable. (§17.80.090(F))

Plain‑English Summary

Paramount's zoning code requires meaningful landscaping on most new projects (often 20% of the site plus planted front setbacks), permanent planters and irrigation, minimum tree sizes/counts, strict artificial turf and water‑efficiency specs, and solid screening (generally 6‑foot masonry walls) where commercial/industrial sites meet residential neighborhoods; front‑yard fences are limited for sightline safety. Always file a landscape plan with your building submittal and confirm zone‑specific rules with Planning. (§17.16.150; §17.44.340; §17.80.090)

Source References

Paramount Municipal Code, Title 17 — Landscape plan submittal and landscape standards, § 17.16.150 (landscape requirements, 20% rule, planters, trees, irrigation)
Title 17 provisions on artificial turf, materials and maintenance (artificial turf specs and turf replacement): relevant subsections in Title 17 (see artificial turf provisions) (various §§)
Fence/wall rules in residential zones, including heights and vision clearance: § 17.44.340 and adjacent yard/vision sections.
O‑P zone landscaping and wall requirements, including required masonry wall adjacent to R: § 17.80.070–090. cite
Outdoor storage and industrial/commercial screening rules (solid walls, gate materials, container screening): industrial/commercial chapter excerpts.
Mechanical equipment screening and service/back‑of‑house requirements: § 17.12.120.

Procedural / context links (internal resources to consult):

Paramount zoning & planning overview: /us/california/paramount
Paramount Zoning (zoning map and zone texts): /us/california/paramount/zoning
Development standards (setbacks, lots, etc.): /us/california/paramount/development-standards
Parking (interaction with landscaping): /us/california/paramount/parking
Design review (when required): /us/california/paramount/design-review
Overlay districts (special overlay rules that may add landscaping obligations): /us/california/paramount/overlay-districts
ADUs and landscaping interactions: /us/california/paramount/adu
California Building Standards Code (for building permit scope only): /us/california/building-codes

Information Gaps

The ordinance excerpts in the files reference both Chapter 17.92 and Chapter 17.96 for the city's water‑efficient landscape provisions; the authoritative chapter number and the consolidated MWELO implementation text should be verified with Planning.
The uploaded materials show multiple, sometimes overlapping tree/planting counts (24" box minima vs. 20" box + 15‑gal mixes). Which standard governs depends on project type and zone—verify by parcel with the Planning Department.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Paramount Zoning Code High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.16.140.) High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.12.120.) High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code (§ 17.12.120.) High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code (section do) High relevance
Paramount Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Official Paramount code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landscape plan with my building permit in Paramount?

Yes. The code requires a landscape and irrigation plan prepared by a California licensed landscape architect to be submitted with building construction drawings; the Planning Department reviews and approves the plan. See the landscape plan submittal rules in the Title 17 landscape provisions. (§17.16.150; landscape plan submittal language)

How much of my site must be landscaped for a new development?

Many multi‑building or non‑single‑family developments must provide 20% of the development site as landscaping in addition to front‑setback planting; verify zone and project type, as some small residential projects are treated differently. (§17.16.150(A)(1))

What minimum tree sizes and counts does Paramount require?

Tree sizing/count rules vary by section: some standards require 24‑inch box minimum trees (with table of equivalents), while others specify one 20‑inch box + three 15‑gallon trees per 50 lineal feet adjacent to rights‑of‑way; check the standard that applies to your zone/project. (§17.16.150; §17.80.090)

Can I use artificial turf in Paramount front yards?

Yes, subject to strict city specs: artificial turf must meet permeability, warranty, pile height and face‑weight standards; it must be separated from live planting areas and must not encroach tree bases. Follow the city's artificial turf subsections and MWELO requirements. (artificial turf provisions)

Are there required walls or fences when my site borders residential property?

Yes. Where a non‑residential parcel shares a common boundary with R property, a 6‑foot solid masonry wall is typically required for screening and trespass control, except within the residential front‑yard depth where the wall is limited to 36–42 inches in height. (§17.80.090(F); similar language elsewhere)

How much landscaping must be in a parking lot?

Parking lots must include landscaped areas; the code commonly requires 7% of the parking lot area be landscaped (islands, perimeters). Coordinate with the parking standards. (§17.44.*; §17.80.090)

Do I need to show irrigation details?

Yes. All landscaped areas must include a water‑efficient irrigation plan (drip or bubbler, hydrozones, pressure regulation, separate valves) and must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance as implemented in city code. (§17.16.150(I))

Will mechanical equipment need screening in my landscape plan?

Yes. Ground‑mounted and roof‑mounted mechanical equipment must be screened from public rights‑of‑way; rooftop parapets or enclosures that match building architecture are commonly required. (§17.12.120) ---

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