Local zoning · Patterson

Patterson — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Patterson's zoning code requires for landscaping and screening (trees, buffers, fences, walls, parking‑lot planting) and where those rules apply. The controlling regulations are in the Patterson Municipal Code chapters on Landscaping (Chapter 18.78) and Fences, Walls, and Screening (Chapter 18.70); the rules tie into district development standards elsewhere in the code (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, and public/quasi‑public tables). See the city's zoning overview for context at the Patterson zoning & planning page.

Note: this page stays strictly within the zoning/planning ordinance — building permits and Title 24 technical requirements are outside the scope (see the California Building Standards Code link for building‑code matters).

Key code chapters (quick pointers)

  • Chapter 18.78 — Landscaping (plan submission, parking lot planting, tree removal/replacement, single‑family front‑yard rules) — see § 18.78.010 et seq.
  • Chapter 18.70 — Fences, Walls, and Screening (permit, heights, materials, residential buffers) — see § 18.70.010 et seq.
  • Vision triangle / sight‑distance limits that affect planting and fence opacity are in § 18.60.050.

Before getting into design details, remember the landscaping and screening rules are coordinated with the city's development standards, zoning, and site review processes (including design review). Required parking landscaping details are tied to the parking rules.

District‑by‑district (how landscaping & screening apply locally)

Below are Patterson's base zoning districts with the ordinance references that control landscaping/screening for projects in each district. Each subsection gives the district name, short purpose, typical uses, the most relevant dimensional/landscape standards and where they are required. Bolded district names and numeric standards highlight the decision‑critical items.

Residential districts (ER, LR‑n, LR‑w, DR, MR, HR)

  • Purpose & typical uses: Estate and low/medium/high density housing types (single‑family, multifamily, second units where allowed); development standards summarized in Table 18.38.040‑1.
  • Where landscaping/screening applies: All required setbacks and open‑space areas must be landscaped except single‑family is exempt from some nonresidential rules; single‑family properties have specific front‑yard rules (§ 18.78.070).
  • Key dimensional/landscape items:
    • Front yard (general): 20' typical (varies by residential district) — see § 18.38.040.
    • Single‑family front yards: no more than 50% of the front/street side setback may be non‑pervious; remaining area must be irrigated and maintained, with at least 1/3 of the landscaped portion provided by trees/shrubs (§ 18.78.070).
    • Accessory structure setbacks, lot coverage, and fence rules (see Chapter 18.62 and Chapter 18.70) also apply.
  • Where to check: residential development standards table and Chapter 18.78 for planting/maintenance.

Commercial / Medical‑Office districts (NC, HSC, DC, GC, MPO)

  • Purpose & typical uses: Neighborhood and regional commercial, downtown core, highway service, and medical/professional uses. See Table 18.42.040‑2 for dimensions.
  • Landscaping/screening rules:
    • Parking‑lot landscaping and screening requirements apply to lots with 5 or more spaces (trees per stall, minimum landscaped percent, perimeter strips) — see § 18.78.020.
    • Fencing along public frontages must be open view (≥ 50% open) unless solidity is required for noise attenuation (§ 18.70.050).
  • Key numeric summaries:
    • Parking lot trees: 1 tree per 10 stalls; minimum 10% of parking area landscaped; perimeter landscape strip: 15 ft where parking adjoins property line (§ 18.78.020).
  • Where to check: commercial tables and Chapter 18.78.

Industrial districts (LI, HI, IBP)

  • Purpose & typical uses: Light industrial, heavy industrial, West Patterson business park; HI permits more intensive uses and may require extra buffering. See § 18.46.010–.020.
  • Landscaping/screening rules:
    • Chain‑link fencing is generally prohibited in residential, commercial and PQP districts and allowed in industrial with restrictions and slatting; barbed wire is limited (see § 18.70.050).
    • Fences may be taller in industrial areas — e.g., fences up to 8' in the HI district may be permitted and 10' with a CUP (§ 18.70.040).
    • When industrial abuts residential uses, the code may require increased setbacks, landscaping, and screening; an 8‑ft solid masonry wall is required in many residential/nonresidential interfaces (§ 18.70.040.D).
  • Where to check: § 18.46.020 characteristics and Chapters 18.70/18.78 for specific screening treatments.

Public / Quasi‑Public and Parks & Recreation (PQP, PR)

  • Purpose & typical uses: Schools, parks, plazas, public facilities — see § 18.50.020 and associated use tables.
  • Landscaping/screening:
    • Development standards point to Chapter 18.78 for landscaping and Chapter 18.70 for fences/walls; front yard minima are 15' (PQP) and 20' (PR) in the table.
    • Street‑facing setbacks/back‑of‑sidewalk areas between sidewalk and fence/retaining wall must be landscaped (§ 18.70.050.D).

Planned Development (PD) and Historic Preservation overlays

  • Overlays modify base standards where applied. The PD overlay encourages integrated projects with flexible standards; overlays can require supplemental landscaping/screening as part of a project plan (§ 18.54.020). Historic overlay imposes preservation review that can affect visible walls/fences. Verify overlay conditions on the zoning map.

Decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic Requirement / standard Code reference
Landscape plan required for land‑use entitlements and building permits Preliminary plan with entitlement; final plan prior to construction/building permit § 18.78.010
Parking lot trees 1 tree per 10 stalls; planter min 6 ft width; perimeter shade tree 1 per 30 ft § 18.78.020 (1)
Parking lot landscaping percent Minimum 10% of total off‑street parking area landscaped § 18.78.020 (2)
Perimeter parking landscape strip 15 ft minimum continuous where parking adjoins property line § 18.78.020 (4)
Screening height for parked cars from street 30–42 inches (landscape or combined wall/berm) § 18.78.020 (5)
Residential buffer between multi‑family (>5 units) & single‑family 8‑ft solid masonry wall (unless alternative approved) § 18.70.040.D.1
Front yard fence opacity Front‑setback fences must be ≥ 50% open (≥50% open view) § 18.70.040 / § 18.70.050.A
Landscape materials in vision triangle Planting ≤ 3 ft high in vision triangle or ≥50% opacity if taller § 18.60.050
Tree removal/replacement Planning director approval required before removal; replacement per table (e.g., 36‑inch box for trees 6"+) §§ 18.78.050–060

Plain‑English guidance and interpretation

  • If your project triggers a land‑use entitlement or building permit, plan to supply a preliminary landscape/irrigation plan with the entitlement and a final landscape/irrigation plan before any soil disturbance or building permit issuance — the planning director reviews both (§ 18.78.010).
  • For any parking area with five or more spaces, design to include shade trees (1 per 10 spaces), at least 10% landscaped area, and a continuous 15‑ft perimeter strip where parking meets the property line; screen parked cars from street view to 30–42 inches (§ 18.78.020).
  • Fences in the front setback generally must be open (≥ 50% transparency); landscape walls within yards are limited to 36 inches; solid masonry 8‑ft walls are required where specified buffers are listed (e.g., between certain residential and nonresidential uses) (§§ 18.70.040–050).
  • Preserve mature, healthy trees when feasible; tree removals require director approval and replacement sizing follows a specific schedule (§§ 18.78.050–060).

Practical note: landscaping plans must comply with Patterson's water‑efficient landscape ordinance (Ordinance No. 485) and may require a surety (performance bond) covering 150% of plant/irrigation value for a two‑year maintenance period if requested (§ 18.78.010.E).

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

  • Submit a preliminary landscape & irrigation plan with any land‑use entitlement (per § 18.78.010.A).
  • Provide a final landscape & irrigation plan with the building permit; get planning director approval before site work (§ 18.78.010.B–D).
  • For parking lots (≥5 stalls), show tree counts (1/10 stalls), ≥10% landscaped area, planter dimensions (min 6 ft) and 15‑ft perimeter strips where required (§ 18.78.020).
  • Show screening treatments adjacent to streets/residences — heights, materials and opacity of fences/hedges consistent with Chapter 18.70; if > front‑setback, ensure 50% open or justify solid material for noise (§ 18.70.040–050).
  • If removing trees, attach an arborist report and replacement schedule per § 18.78.050–060; obtain planning director approval.
  • Demonstrate irrigation/water‑efficiency compliance (Ordinance No. 485) and include maintenance plan; expect possible 150% surety for two years (§ 18.78.010.E).
  • Get a fence permit where required (per § 18.70.025) unless exempt; if chain‑link, slats or planning commission approval may be required (§ 18.70.050.B).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which projects need a full landscape plan vs. minor changes The planning director may require preliminary and final plans for entitlements and larger projects — smaller or "minor" changes may be administratively adjusted Verify with planner whether the work triggers § 18.78.010 plan submittal or may be handled as a minor change.
Fence height and type at a particular property line Fence limits differ by district, setback, and whether adjacency is residential/nonresidential; vision triangles limit opacity Confirm permitted height/opacity under § 18.70.040–050, and check the local finished grade used to measure height (public works director may determine) (§ 18.70.030).
Tree removal allowed vs. replacement amount Removing an approved tree without director approval triggers replacement and fees (§ 18.78.050–060) Obtain written planning director approval and follow the replacement schedule in § 18.78.060.
Chain‑link or barbed wire fence exceptions Chain‑link is broadly discouraged in residential/commercial districts; industrial contexts may allow greater flexibility (§ 18.70.050) If proposing chain‑link or barbed wire, confirm whether planning commission or director approval is required under § 18.70.050.
Overlay district requirements Overlays can override base zoning requirements (e.g., PD, historic) Verify overlay map and any PD/historic conditions (see § 18.54).

Source References

  • Patterson Municipal Code — Chapter 18.78 (Landscaping): §§ 18.78.010–18.78.070 (plan submittal, parking lot landscaping, tree removal/replacement, single‑family rules).
  • Patterson Municipal Code — Chapter 18.70 (Fences, Walls, and Screening): §§ 18.70.010–18.70.070 (permit, heights, materials, buffers).
  • Vision triangle and general development standards affecting plant height/opacities: § 18.60.050.
  • Residential development standards and permitted uses (district names/descriptions): Table 18.38.040‑1 and § 18.38 (ER, LR‑n, LR‑w, DR, MR, HR).
  • Commercial district development standards and reference to landscaping: Table 18.42.040‑2 and § 18.42.
  • Industrial districts purpose and buffering guidance: § 18.46.010–.020.
  • Public/Quasi‑Public and Parks & Recreation development standards: Table 18.50.040‑2 (see § 18.50).

Internal planning pages referenced for process/context:

(Each internal link above is included inline at its first natural mention in the text. For building‑code technical rules, consult the California Building Standards Code — zoning references here do not replace Title 24 permits.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Chapter 18.70.) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Section 18.50.020) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Chapter 18.78.) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Section 18.42.020) Medium relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Section 18.38.020) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Patterson Zoning Code (Section 18.38.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping plans do I need for a new commercial project in Patterson?

You must submit a preliminary landscape and irrigation plan with your land‑use entitlement and a final landscape/irrigation plan with your building permit; the planning director reviews and must approve final plans prior to soil disturbance or building permit issuance (see § 18.78.010).

How many trees do I need in a parking lot?

The code requires one tree per ten parking stalls, plus perimeter shade trees at one per 30 linear feet; parking lots must also provide at least 10% of their area as landscaping and meet planter width minimums (see § 18.78.020(1–2,4)).

Can I build a 6‑foot fence in my front yard?

Front‑setback fences must generally be open view (≥ 50% open); specific height limits and allowances (including decorative lattice exceptions) are in Chapter 18.70. Measure height from the finished grade as defined by the code. Check §§ 18.70.030–040 for measuring and height/opacity rules.

Do I need a permit to install a fence or wall?

Yes — a fence permit is required unless the fence is exempt under § 18.70.020 (e.g., certain temporary or legally required fences). Repairs to existing fences may be exempt; see § 18.70.025.

What must I do before removing a mature tree on my site?

You must obtain planning director approval before removing an on‑site tree that is protected by an approved landscape plan or tree removal permit; submit a certified arborist statement and a replacement plan. Replacement sizes and fees are specified in §§ 18.78.050–060.

Are there specific screening requirements between industrial/commercial sites and homes?

Yes. When new nonresidential or higher‑intensity uses abut residential uses (or certain institutions), an 8‑ft solid masonry wall is required unless the planning commission approves an alternative as part of site/architectural review (see § 18.70.040.D.1–2).

Does the code control plant heights near street corners or driveways?

Yes. The code limits landscape/fence height in the vision triangle to keep sight lines clear; materials taller than 3 ft in the vision triangle must maintain at least 50% opacity so sight lines are preserved (§ 18.60.050).

Is there a water‑efficiency requirement for landscaping?

All landscape and irrigation plans must comply with Patterson Ordinance No. 485 (the Water‑Efficient Landscape Ordinance) and the planning director enforces water‑efficiency measures on plans for new development (§ 18.78.010.G).

Can I substitute plant screening for a masonry wall?

The code allows screen planting or wooden fences in lieu of the required 8‑ft masonry wall in certain hardship or aesthetic cases, but the design and plant materials must be approved by the planning director (see § 18.70.040.D).

Where do I find the district‑specific development standards that reference landscaping and fencing?

District development tables (e.g., Table 18.38.040‑1 for residential and Table 18.42.040‑2 for commercial) explicitly point to Chapter 18.78 for landscaping and Chapter 18.70 for fences/walls; check those tables and the referenced chapters for the full rules.

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