Local zoning · Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Rancho Cordova zoning code requires for landscaping, screening, and fences/walls (how high they can be, where they go, required planting, irrigation, and maintenance). Requirements are drawn directly from Title 23 (Zoning) chapters on Landscaping and on Fences, Walls, and Screening and other site-planning chapters. Verify parcel-specific requirements with the city; where the ordinance does not include a district-specific numeric rule, the approval authority can require alternative measures. See the city's main planning overview for broader context: Rancho Cordova — zoning & planning overview.

Key controlling rules are in Chapter 23.716 (Landscaping) and Chapter 23.731 (Fences, Walls, and Screening) of the Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Title 23).

District-by-district guidance (how the landscaping/screening rules are applied by district)

Notes: the landscaping/screening chapters apply citywide unless an overlay or a special-purpose chapter is explicit. Where district-level dimensional tables are used (setbacks, heights, lot coverage), the general landscaping/screening standards in Chapters 23.716 and 23.731 supplement those district tables. Where the ordinance contains district tables, I cite them below; where the code excerpts available here do not include a full numeric table for a named district, I note "Not found in retrieved materials" and direct you to verify with the jurisdiction.

Single‑Family Residential (RD series / R‑10 / RD‑5, RD‑10, etc.)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Low‑density neighborhoods (single‑family detached homes and accessory structures). See the residential district tables for exact names and lot rules.
  • Landscaping/screening rules that apply here:
    • Pervious surface requirement: at least 25% of the lot area shall be pervious for single‑family and two‑family residential projects; and no more than 40% of the front yard may be nonpervious (driveways, sidewalks) — remaining unpaved areas must be landscaped, irrigated and maintained. § 23.716.060(A).
    • Residential fences up to 7 ft are allowed by right; fences over 7 ft require an administrative use permit or zoning certification per § 23.731.020; front‑yard fences are limited (see Table 23.731‑1).
    • Tree pruning must be done by a licensed landscape contractor / ISA‑certified trimmer, and Chapter 19.12 (private tree protection) may apply. § 23.716.110.
  • Where it applies: all RD / single‑family lots across the city, unless a specific overlay modifies these rules. Verify lot‑level setbacks and lot coverage in the applicable RD table.

Multifamily (MDR / HDR / RM / RMU / mixed‑use residential zones such as RMU)

  • Purpose / typical uses: attached housing, apartments, mixed‑use residential with higher density. See the multifamily objective design standards for site specifics.
  • Key landscaping/screening requirements:
    • Landscape around building perimeters is required; trees within landscape strip between buildings and rights‑of‑way are typically planted 25 ft on center (see § 23.707.050(A)(2)).
    • Parking lot screening: surface parking must be screened from public roadways with landscaping, berms, hedges, or walls; a perimeter landscaped strip at least 10 ft wide is normally required adjacent to public streets or property lines; tree ratio 1 tree per 6 spaces in parking lots. § 23.707.050(A)(4)(b–d) and § 23.716.070.
    • Fences/walls for multifamily projects must be compatible with building materials; front yard and street‑facing side yard fences are restricted to 3 ft (often city multifamily standards cite 3 ft front / 6 ft rear). § 23.707.070(A).
  • Where it applies: RMU and other multifamily zoning districts across Rancho Cordova; multifamily projects must also meet the objective design standards and may be subject to design review.

Commercial / Mixed‑Use (for example CMU, OPMU, downtown CMU‑Downtown)

  • Purpose / typical uses: retail, office, mixed‑use centers. See the mixed‑use development standards (Table 23.313‑2).
  • Key items:
    • Landscape design is expected to be integrated with entries and plazas; plantings that emphasize drought‑tolerant and native species are encouraged; landscape plans and irrigation plans are required for new projects. §§ 23.716.050, 23.716.030.
    • Screening between commercial and adjacent residential uses: where used, a decorative masonry (or equivalent) wall minimum 6 ft in height is typical and must have landscaped strip adjacent (min 5 ft, or 6 ft with trees between parking and wall) per § 23.731.080(A).
    • Parking area landscaping and parking lot tree requirements apply (per § 23.716.070 and § 23.707.050).
  • Where it applies: CMU, OPMU and other commercial/mixed‑use zones; downtown form‑based pockets follow their own table but still must meet landscaping chapter objectives.

Industrial (Light M‑1 and Heavy M‑2)

  • Purpose / typical uses: outdoor storage, manufacturing, equipment yards, etc.
  • Key requirements specific to screening/landscaping:
    • Outdoor storage yards within 500 ft of residential uses must be visually concealed through solid screening, mature/fast‑growing landscaping and/or building placement; compliance is verified through zoning certification or design review. § 23.1005.040 and related development standards.
    • Electric fences are allowed by right in M‑2 if surrounded by M‑2 parcels; they may be allowed in M‑1/M‑2 adjacent to other zones with an administrative use permit; maximum height 10 ft; safety signs and electrical standards apply. § 23.731.080(I).
    • Chain link is limited: chain link may be used internally or where not visible from residential zones / right‑of‑way. § 23.731.070.
  • Where it applies: industrial districts; additional SSSPA (South Sunrise Special Planning Area) rules may add detail — see the specific special planning area chapter.

Quick decision‑relevant standards (table)

Issue / Standard Typical Rule Code Reference
Residential fences allowed by right Up to 7 ft; >7 ft needs administrative use permit / zoning certification § 23.731.020
Maximum fence height (front) 3 ft (can be increased to 5 ft if setback ≥ 3 ft and visually open) Table 23.731‑1 / § 23.731.040
Rear / interior side yard fence height 7 ft maximum Table 23.731‑1 / § 23.731.040
Screening wall minimum (between conflicting uses) 6 ft decorative masonry or equivalent; landscape strip min 5 ft adjacent; 6 ft with trees required between parking & screening wall § 23.731.080(A)
Residential pervious requirement ≥ 25% of lot pervious; front yard nonpervious ≤ 40% § 23.716.060(A)
Parking lot trees 1 tree per 6 parking spaces, evenly distributed; perimeter 10 ft landscape strip adjacent to street/property § 23.707.050 and § 23.716.070
Landscape plan / irrigation Preliminary and final landscape and irrigation plans required; final by licensed landscape architect § 23.716.030
Prohibited fence materials No barbed/razor wire; chain link limited/conditional; electrified allowed under strict conditions § 23.731.070 & § 23.731.080(I)
Ongoing maintenance Landscapes, fences, and walls must be maintained; graffiti‑resistant coating required where adjacent to ROW § 23.731.090

Practical guidance and interpretation (plain‑English synthesis)

  • The zoning code separates the "what" (how much planting, fence heights, tree ratios) from the "where/how designed" (site plans, design review). Expect to submit a preliminary landscape plan and a final, licensed landscape architect plan with any new nonresidential, multifamily, mixed‑use, and single‑family subdivision projects. § 23.716.030.
  • For typical single‑family homeowners: you can install a privacy fence up to 7 ft without a discretionary permit, but front‑yard fences are tightly limited (normally 3 ft, or 5 ft if set back and visually open). Always measure fence height from the highest finished grade near the fence — the code measures from the highest natural grade within six feet of the fence. §§ 23.731.020; 23.731.060.
  • Mixed‑use/commercial/industrial projects: expect buffer/landscape strips (often 10 ft for parking perimeters), screening walls for outdoor storage, and heavy emphasis on drought‑tolerant plantings and water‑efficient irrigation. §§ 23.716.050–070; 23.716.030.
  • Screening between dissimilar uses (e.g., parking lot or outdoor storage next to homes) commonly requires a decorative masonry wall (min 6 ft) and a landscape strip (min 5 ft). The designated approval authority can waive or propose alternatives if the objective is met; anticipate review under design review for exceptions. § 23.731.080(A).

Note: See the city's [Rancho Cordova Parking] page for how parking layout interacts with landscape requirements, and the [Rancho Cordova Development Standards] and [Rancho Cordova Design Review] pages for the review process and potential deviations.

(First mentions: parking; development standards; design review; overlay districts; ADUs; California Building Standards Code.)

Checklist — what an applicant must submit / satisfy

  • Preliminary landscape and irrigation plan with conceptual plant locations (§ 23.716.030(A)).
  • Final landscape and irrigation plan prepared by a registered licensed landscape architect before building permits (§ 23.716.030(B)).
  • Demonstrate compliance with water‑efficient landscape rules (Chapter 22.180) and include irrigation details. § 23.716.060(J).
  • Show parking lot shading & tree calculations (tree counts at 1 tree per 6 stalls where applicable) and perimeter landscaping (§ 23.707.050 / § 23.716.070).
  • Provide fence/wall details and heights; confirm measurement from finished grade and compliance with Table 23.731‑1; if > 7 ft or special materials, secure administrative use permit or appropriate approval (§§ 23.731.020–060).
  • If screening outdoor storage/mechanical equipment, provide wall/landscape details showing min 6 ft wall and 5–6 ft landscape buffer as required (§ 23.731.080).
  • Maintenance/operations plan: annual maintenance schedule, irrigation controller info, and a plan for replacement of dead/diseased plants within 30 days of identification (§ 23.716.100).
  • For multifamily or large projects, expect design review and possible deviations or approved alternatives; provide crime‑prevention design clarifications (tree canopies, shrub heights near paths). § 23.716.050(A).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Design‑review increases to fence heights The designated approval authority may increase fence height above the default 7 ft if design conditions are met (and transparency rules apply). This affects privacy vs. neighbor visibility. Verify whether your lot will be subject to design review and whether the portion above 7 ft must be ≥50% transparent. § 23.731.040.
Overlay or special planning area rules Overlays can override base zone landscaping/screening standards or add new requirements (e.g., South Sunrise SPA). This can change setbacks, required wall types, or landscaping palettes. Confirm whether an overlay district applies to your parcel and check the overlay chapter (verify with planning staff). § 23.301.020 notes overlays supersede.
Trees near overhead utilities and public improvements Wrong species or placement can damage sidewalks or violate utility clearance and create safety hazards. Confirm tree species from the city’s adopted master list and clearance rules: mature tree height limits within 20 ft of overhead utilities and root‑barrier requirements within 10 ft of sidewalks. § 23.716.050(B)(2–3) and § 23.716.060(I).
Parcel‑specific setbacks/lot coverage not in this excerpt District numeric setbacks, lot coverage, and buildable area are in the district tables — they affect where screening and planting can be located. Verify the applicable district development table for exact setbacks and lot coverage. Not all district table entries are reproduced here. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Interaction with building code (Title 24) and public‑safety walls/sound walls Sound walls and safety fences may be regulated by other codes (building department, fire). Confusion can cause delays. For structural, electrical or safety issues (e.g., pool fences, electrical fences), confirm building department and fire authority requirements and whether a building permit is required (not covered in this page). Not found in retrieved materials for cross‑permit procedure; verify with the city and the building code.

Plain‑English summary (for a homeowner)

In Rancho Cordova you must keep at least 25% of a single‑family lot pervious, limit hard‑surfacing in the front yard (≤ 40%), plant trees in parking and street setbacks, and file both preliminary and final landscape/irrigation plans for many project types. Privacy fences up to 7 ft are allowed; front‑yard fences are typically limited to 3 ft (or 5 ft if set back and open). Walls used to separate commercial/industrial uses from homes usually must be decorative masonry 6 ft high plus a planted buffer. See §§ 23.716 and 23.731 for the full rules and exceptions.

Information Gaps

  • The retrieved excerpts do not include the full district‑by‑district numeric tables for every base zone (for example exact RD‑5 vs RD‑10 setbacks and lot dimensions are not fully reproduced here). The district tables are referenced in Article 3 but full numbers for all zones were not available in the search results. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific dimensional standards.
  • Cross‑references to building permit thresholds (when a fence needs a building permit vs. just zoning certification) often require consulting the Building Department or Title 24; those procedural intersections are not detailed here. Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code — Chapter 23.716 (Landscaping): § 23.716.010, § 23.716.020, § 23.716.030, § 23.716.040, § 23.716.050, § 23.716.060, § 23.716.070, § 23.716.100, § 23.716.110.
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code — Chapter 23.731 (Fences, Walls, and Screening): § 23.731.010, § 23.731.020, § 23.731.030, § 23.731.040, § 23.731.050, § 23.731.060, § 23.731.070, § 23.731.080, § 23.731.090; Table 23.731‑1.
  • Multifamily objective design standards and parking/landscaping cross‑references: § 23.707.050, § 23.707.070.
  • Mixed‑use development standards (Table 23.313‑2) and downtown planning: Chapter 23.313 excerpts.
  • Industrial special provisions and outdoor storage screening (M‑2 / South Sunrise SSSPA provisions): § 23.1005.040 and related industrial chapters.
  • Electric fencing, retaining walls, and special wall design guidance: Chapter excerpts in Title 23 (see § 23.731.080(I); § 23.734.040).

Also see the Rancho Cordova zoning & planning overview for contextual links: Rancho Cordova — Zoning & Planning Overview.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (title the) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 23.731.080) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Chapter 23.1104) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 23.731.070.) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 23.731.060.) High relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Chapter 23.125) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Chapter 23.743) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Article 7.) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Cordova Zoning Code (Chapter 23.704) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What fence height is allowed without a permit in Rancho Cordova?

Residential fences up to 7 ft are allowed by right; fences over 7 ft need an administrative use permit or equivalent approval (zoning certification may also be required). Front‑yard fence heights are restricted by Table 23.731‑1 (typically 3 ft or 5 ft if set back and visually open). §§ 23.731.020; 23.731.040.

How much of my single‑family lot must remain pervious (not paved)?

For single‑family and two‑family residential lots, at least 25% of the lot must be pervious; and no more than 40% of the front yard area may be nonpervious. Remaining unpaved area must be landscaped and irrigated. § 23.716.060(A).

Do I need a landscape and irrigation plan for my project?

Yes. A preliminary landscape and irrigation plan is required with many new development applications, and a final landscape/irrigation plan prepared by a registered licensed landscape architect must be submitted prior to building permits for the project types identified in § 23.716.020 and § 23.716.030.

How must parking lots be landscaped and screened?

Surface parking must be screened from streets and adjacent properties; typically a perimeter landscaped strip at least 10 ft wide is required along streets/adjacent property lines, trees are required at a minimum ratio of 1 tree per 6 parking spaces, and screening may be via landscaping, berm, hedge, or wall. § 23.707.050 and § 23.716.070.

What are the requirements when commercial/industrial storage is next to homes?

Outdoor storage located within 500 ft of residential uses must be designed so it cannot be seen from any portion of the residence — typically achieved with solid screening (walls/fences), mature/fast‑growing landscaping, and building placement; compliance is verified through zoning certification or design review. § 23.1005.040 / § 23.731.080(A).

Are there prohibited fence materials?

Yes. Barbed wire and razor/concertina wire are prohibited except as approved for specific security reasons; chain link is restricted and generally not allowed where visible from residential zones or ROW unless conditions are met. § 23.731.070.

Can the city require a different landscaping solution than the code minimums?

Yes. The designated approval authority can require alternative landscaping, additional setbacks, fire‑resistant buffers, or revegetation programs in sensitive areas and can waive or substitute screening standards when the intent is met. See the discretionary powers in site‑planning chapters and § 23.731.080(A) for screening waivers.

Will trees near sidewalks or overhead utility lines be allowed?

Trees planted within 10 ft of a street, sidewalk, trail, or walkway must be deep‑rooted or have root barriers to prevent damage; planting within 20 ft of overhead utility lines has height and clearance restrictions to protect utilities. § 23.716.050(B)(3) and § 23.716.060(I).

Do multifamily developments have extra rules for walls/fences?

Yes — multifamily projects have accessory feature standards requiring walls and fences be compatible with building architecture, using high‑quality materials for solid perimeter walls, and limiting front yard fence height (often 3 ft front / 6 ft rear under multifamily objective standards). § 23.707.070.

If my parcel is in an overlay district, which rule controls — the base zone or the overlay?

Overlay district provisions supplement or supersede the underlying base zoning district where conflicts exist. In a conflict, the overlay provisions govern. Confirm the applicable overlays on your parcel before final design. § 23.301.020.

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