Local zoning · Pasadena

Pasadena — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Can I put a decorative solid wall in front of my LA‑CG or RM‑16 property?

In LA‑CG , LA‑CL , LA‑MU‑N , and RM‑16 zones walls/fences may be permitted within the required street setback subject to specific limits: typical maximums around 42 in in some contexts, walls taller than 30 in generally must be at least 50% transparent , and a planted separation from the sidewalk (commonly 24 in ) is required; LA‑CF has separate, often taller, allowances with planting between sidewalk and wall (§ 17.40.180 and related street setback rules). Verify the applicable subzone rules and street‑front condition.

Q: Are there special landscape requirements for multi‑family projects?

Yes. Multi‑family developments in RM zones must provide a main garden or coherent central landscaped open space with minimum dimensions (minimum 20 ft ), minimum percent‑of‑site garden areas, enclosure and visibility rules, and minimum planting schedules (canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs) — see § 17.22.080 for the full formulas and planting counts.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes Pasadena's zoning rules for landscaping and screening as implemented in the Zoning Code (Title 17). The principal standards live in the Landscaping chapter and related site-planning sections: landscape plan submittal, tree retention, screening of mechanical equipment, and rules for walls and fences and garden/open-space treatment in multi‑family zones. See the city's zoning summary for context at Pasadena Zoning.

What this page covers (and what it does not)

Covers only landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and tree‑retention requirements in the Pasadena Zoning Code (Title 17), with the controlling code citations below.
Does not cover building-code (Title 24) technical requirements, general permitting, or tenant/housing law; for the state building code see California Building Standards Code.
Where the code is silent in the retrieved materials, the page flags that as "Not found in retrieved materials" and recommends verifying with the City.

Key city rules (quick synthesis)

The Landscaping chapter requires landscaping on all projects, mandates preliminary and final landscape & irrigation plans prepared by a California‑registered landscape architect (unless waived), and enforces water‑efficient landscape documentation where applicable (§ 17.44.010–.040).
Tree protection: construction that injures/removes landmark, native, or specimen trees is restricted and governed by the City Trees and Tree Protection Ordinance (Chapter 8.52); landscape plans must meet those protections (§ 17.44.020).
Mechanical equipment must be screened from public rights‑of‑way; minimum screening perforation/opening limits and location rules are provided (§ 17.40.150).
Walls and fences are regulated by zone and context; several mixed‑use/commercial and RM zones allow limited wall/fence location in street setbacks with specific height, transparency and planted‑setback rules (see § 17.40.180 and related street‑frontage rules).
Multi‑family (RM) districts have mandatory main garden / open space and screening standards (dimensions, percent of site, planting minimums) — see the RM Garden Requirements (§ 17.22.080).

District-by-district breakdown (landscaping & screening focus)

Note: each subsection below focuses only on landscaping/screening-related purposes and standards. Bolded district names are the City’s zoning labels referenced in the code.

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes (explicit use lists not reproduced here). Not all single‑family specifics appear in the retrieved landscaping chapter; verify permitted uses in the zoning district tables. Not found in retrieved materials for uses.
Landscaping & screening rules: projects are subject to Chapter 17.44 (Landscaping); required setbacks must remain open but may include trees and plant materials (§ 17.44.020; § 17.40.160).
Walls & fences: RS district projects follow the district fence standards (see § 17.40.180 referenced for fence rules).
Where it applies: citywide single‑family neighborhoods zoned RS — check site‑specific standards and any overlay. Verify with the jurisdiction.

RM-12, RM-16, RM-32, RM-48 (Multi‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: multi‑family residential development of escalating density (RM‑12 lowest, RM‑48 highest). For landscaping the code places particular emphasis on main gardens and landscaped open space. Not found in retrieved materials for full permitted‑use lists.
Key standards:
- Main garden and minimum garden area/dimensions and enclosure rules are required; main garden minimum dimension is 20 feet and other percent-of-site minimums vary by RM zone and lot width — see § 17.22.080 for the garden formulas and minimums.
- Tree planting/planting minimums for main gardens and for side/rear buffers adjacent to RS are specified (canopy tree counts, understory trees, shrubs) in the RM garden and buffer rules.
- Walls/fences and visibility rules for main gardens (openings, partial transparency) are in § 17.22.080.
Where it applies: RM‑zoned multi‑family sites and where specific plans do not supersede (§ 17.22.080 notes that a Specific Plan may supersede).

LA‑CG, LA‑CL, LA‑MU‑N (Local Activity / Mixed‑Use / Commercial‑General)

Purpose / typical uses: mixed‑use and commercial activity centers — consult the zoning tables for uses (Not found in retrieved materials for full lists).
Key landscaping/screening rules:
- Walls & fences within street setback: these zones permit walls/fences/raised planters within required street setbacks but limit maximum height (typically 42 in for many conditions), require a minimum transparency for walls over 30 in, and mandate a planted setback from the sidewalk (typically 24 in planted separation) (§ 17.40.180 and related streetsetback rules).
- Street setback areas are expected to include landscaping percentages and tree/planter requirements in buffer/setback rules for MU zones.
Where it applies: in the LA activity/mixed‑use zones across the City; Design Review exceptions may apply for projects subject to the city's design review procedures.

LA‑CF and CF (Community/Flex and Community Facilities)

Purpose / typical uses: community facility and civic‑oriented uses; CF requires all required setback areas to be landscaped (except walkways/driveways/required utilities) (§ 17.31.x / LPSP rules referenced).
Walls & fences along frontages in CF are addressed separately and may allow greater heights with landscaping between sidewalk and wall (§ 17.40.180 referenced).

OS / PS (Open Space / Public & Semi‑Public)

Purpose: parks, public uses, etc. Landscaping and buffers for OS/PS uses can be specified by Master Plan; where not yet planned, the standards of the most restrictive abutting zoning district apply (§ 17.26.040).

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic	Key rule/value	Code Reference
Landscape program required for all projects	Preliminary and Final landscape & irrigation plans must be submitted and approved; may be waived for minor remodels	§ 17.44.020, § 17.44.030, § 17.44.040
Tree protection	No construction that injures/removes landmark/native/specimen trees except per Chapter 8.52	§ 17.44.020 + Chapter 8.52
Mechanical equipment screening	New exterior mechanical equipment shall be screened or located out of view from public right‑of‑way; screening perforations ≤50%	§ 17.40.150
Walls/Fences in LA‑CG/LA‑CL/LA‑MU‑N/RM‑16 frontage	Max height typically 42 in in certain street setbacks; >30 in must be ≥50% transparent; planted separation 24 in from sidewalk; exceptions in LA‑CF	§ 17.40.180 (walls & fences rules)
RM main garden minimum dimension	Main garden shall have minimum 20 ft in one direction; percent-of-site minimums vary by RM zone and lot width (see table)	§ 17.22.080
Setback openness	Required setbacks must remain open except for trees/plantings; certain features are allowed inside street setbacks	§ 17.40.160

(Refer to § 17.22.080 for RM garden percent tables and to § 17.44.040 for detailed final landscape plan contents.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Prepare a Preliminary Landscape Plan and include it with entitlement applications when required (§ 17.44.030).
Prepare a Final Landscape & Irrigation Plan (construction documents) - drawn on project base sheets and prepared by a California‑registered landscape architect (unless waived) (§ 17.44.040).
Include a Landscape Documentation Package if subject to the Water‑Efficient Landscape requirements (§ 17.44.050 referenced in applicability).
Show tree retention measures and compliance with Chapter 8.52 on the plans; do not remove/injure landmark/native/specimen trees unless the tree code findings are met (§ 17.44.020).
Show screening for mechanical equipment consistent with § 17.40.150 (location and perforation/opening limits).
If walls/fences are proposed in a street setback (particularly in LA‑CG, LA‑CL, LA‑MU‑N, or RM‑16), dimension heights, show transparency, and provide the planted separation from the sidewalk (§ 17.40.180 and related street setback rules).
For RM projects, show main garden sizing, enclosure, planting schedules (trees/shrubs) and any subterranean parking accommodations per § 17.22.080.
Consult Design Review if project is subject to design review; some screening exceptions are allowed where equipment is integrated into architecture (§ 17.40.150.C.3). Pasadena Design Review.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability to ADUs	The landscaping chapter requires plans for "all projects", but whether small ADUs trigger full landscape plan requirements is not explicit in the retrieved sections	Verify applicability to accessory dwellings with the Zoning Administrator; consult the city's ADU guidance. Not found in retrieved materials. Pasadena ADUs
Conflicts with Specific Plans / Overlays	Specific Plans or overlays can supersede zoning standards (RM garden rules explicitly note Specific Plan precedence)	Check for applicable Specific Plan or Overlay District standards that may modify landscape/screening requirements (§ 17.22.080). Pasadena Overlay Districts
Fence/wall height exceptions and Building Code	Guardrail height exceptions and other safety exceptions defer to the state Building Code; exact allowable height and transparency may vary	Verify where guardrail or safety code requires greater heights — see California Building Standards Code and confirm with Building Division.
Historic district constraints	Historic Preservation overlays may impose different treatment for walls, fences and plantings	Check Historic Preservation standards and any design‑review conditions (Not found in retrieved landscaping chapter). Pasadena Historic Preservation
Tree protection vs. required construction	Chapter 8.52 tree protections may prohibit needed removals for development	Coordinate tree permit and mitigation required by Chapter 8.52; show retention on landscape plans (§ 17.44.020).

Plain‑English summary

If you’re building or changing a site in Pasadena, you must submit landscape plans that show how you’ll plant and water the site, protect important trees, screen rooftop and ground mechanical equipment, and follow rules for walls/fences and required open space — the detailed rules are in the Zoning Code’s Landscaping chapter and the site‑planning sections referenced below; verify whether any Specific Plan, overlay, or the tree ordinance changes the requirements.

Source References

Chapter 17.44 — Landscaping (purpose, applicability, preliminary & final plan requirements): § 17.44.010–§ 17.44.040.
RM District Garden Requirements (main garden / open space rules): § 17.22.080.
Screening (mechanical equipment, meters, screening specifications): § 17.40.150.
Setbacks & encroachment planes; required openness of setbacks: § 17.40.160.
Walls & fences rules and street setback fence specifics (including LA‑CG / LA‑CL / LA‑MU‑N / RM‑16 frontage rules): § 17.40.180 and related street setback provisions referenced in Article 4/site standards.
Specific Plan / Overlay guidance affecting landscaping: Article 3 / Article on Overlay Districts and LPSP/ECSP excerpts (see § 17.26.040 and LPSP/ECSP context).
City Trees and Tree Protection Ordinance: Chapter 8.52 (referenced in § 17.44).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 8.52) High relevance
CBC § 5 (Section 17.40.180.) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 8.52) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.40.060) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Section 17.44.050) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code (Chapter 17.56.) High relevance
Pasadena Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Official Pasadena code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a landscape plan for a remodel in Pasadena?

Generally yes: the Zoning Code requires a preliminary landscape plan as part of a land‑use entitlement and a final landscape and irrigation plan before installation; however the Zoning Administrator may waive preliminary/final plan submittal for building additions and remodels that propose only minor landscape/topography alterations (§ 17.44.030–§ 17.44.040).

What are the tree protection rules — can I remove a big tree during construction?

You cannot undertake construction that injures or removes a landmark, native, or specimen tree unless the findings required by the City Trees and Tree Protection Ordinance (Chapter 8.52) are met; landscaping plans must meet that ordinance’s intent and show retention where required (§ 17.44.020).

How must mechanical equipment be screened from the street?

All new exterior mechanical equipment (except solar collectors) must be screened or located out of view from public rights‑of‑way; screening materials must have evenly distributed openings not exceeding 50% of the surface area and must effectively screen the equipment (§ 17.40.150).

Can I put a decorative solid wall in front of my LA‑CG or RM‑16 property?

In LA‑CG, LA‑CL, LA‑MU‑N, and RM‑16 zones walls/fences may be permitted within the required street setback subject to specific limits: typical maximums around 42 in in some contexts, walls taller than 30 in generally must be at least 50% transparent, and a planted separation from the sidewalk (commonly 24 in) is required; LA‑CF has separate, often taller, allowances with planting between sidewalk and wall (§ 17.40.180 and related street setback rules). Verify the applicable subzone rules and street‑front condition.

Are there special landscape requirements for multi‑family projects?

Yes. Multi‑family developments in RM zones must provide a main garden or coherent central landscaped open space with minimum dimensions (minimum 20 ft), minimum percent‑of‑site garden areas, enclosure and visibility rules, and minimum planting schedules (canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs) — see § 17.22.080 for the full formulas and planting counts.

Will a Specific Plan or overlay change landscaping rules on my lot?

Potentially. The RM garden rules and other standards note that adopted Specific Plans or overlay districts may supersede the standard zoning requirements; always check for an applicable Specific Plan or Overlay District that applies to your parcel (the code directs that Specific Plan provisions prevail where adopted). Verify with the Planning Department and check Pasadena Overlay Districts.

Do fences have any prohibited materials?

Yes — certain materials are prohibited in specific contexts (for example, chain‑link or razor wire is prohibited for some facility designs) and the code limits spike use on lower walls; see the walls/fences provisions and SCL/facility design rules for the full list (see § 17.40.180 and related facility sections).

If my equipment is integrated into the architecture, do I still need screening?

Design Review can allow exceptions: where projects are subject to Design Review the Zoning Administrator may allow non‑screened placements if the equipment is integrated into the architecture or if a screening enclosure would substantially increase visual mass (§ 17.40.150.C.3). Pasadena Design Review.

Are water‑efficient rules part of the landscape requirements?

Yes. Projects subject to the Water Efficient Landscape requirements must include elements of the Landscape Documentation Package in the preliminary/final plans and obtain approval before installation; the landscaping chapter integrates those water‑efficiency requirements (§ 17.44.020; § 17.44.040).

What if my project abuts residential zoning — are there special buffer walls?

The code indicates required setbacks abutting residential zoning districts shall be enclosed by a solid concrete or masonry wall at least 7 feet in height in certain new projects; check the specific subsection that applies to your project. Verify with the Planning Department for parcel‑specific application.

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