Local zoning · Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach — Landscaping and Screening

Q: When does Redondo Beach require a masonry wall for a development?

A 6‑foot decorative masonry wall (or mixed construction with masonry composing at least 30% of the wall) is required along side and rear lot boundaries for developments containing two or more dwelling units (multifamily), unless waived under limited circumstances. See § 10.2.1524(c)(1) / § 10.5.1524(c)(1) .

Q: How many trees do I need if I build a new commercial parking lot?

New surface parking lots with 10 or more spaces must provide at least one shade tree per six parking spaces ; additional trees may be required during Planning Commission Design Review. See § 10.5.1900(b)(5) .

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Redondo Beach zoning ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, trees, fences, and walls under the City's zoning rules (Title 10/Title 5 references shown below). It cites the exact controlling code sections and explains how the rules apply across districts — including where the ordinance is silent or only high‑level. Verify parcel‑specific questions with the Community Development Department.

Key rules & where they live (high level)

General landscaping standards, plant sizes, irrigation, parking‑lot tree requirements, street‑tree rules, tree protection and the City's adoption of the State water‑efficient landscape rules are in § 10.5.1900 (Article 7, Landscaping Regulations).
Fences, hedges, walls, projections into setbacks, and mandatory walls for some multifamily sites are regulated in the "All Zones" rules § 10.2.1524 and the parallel text § 10.5.1524. These include the 42‑inch/front setback and 6‑foot/rear‑and‑side standards.
Landscaping is a routine application requirement (site plans must show walls/fences and existing trees ≥6" trunk) for Planning reviews, Conditional Use Permits, and Coastal Development Permits (see § 10.5.2506, § 10.5.2210).

Note: when the page discusses project approvals that trigger design criteria or review of landscaping it will refer to the City's design review rules; see the City's guidance on design review for projects subject to Planning Commission or administrative design review. For reference: first mention of parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, land use, development standards, and signage are linked to the local menu pages for navigation and permit context: parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, land use, development standards, and signage.

parking: /us/california/redondo-beach/parking
design review: /us/california/redondo-beach/design-review
overlay districts: /us/california/redondo-beach/overlay-districts
ADUs: /us/california/redondo-beach/adu
California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes
land use: /us/california/redondo-beach/land-use
development standards: /us/california/redondo-beach/development-standards
signage: /us/california/redondo-beach/signage

(Links above are the first natural mentions in the text — the ordinance is specific on landscaping content; other permit/code topics live on those pages.)

All Zones — minimums that apply everywhere

Purpose: regulate location and height of fences/walls/hedges, protect sight lines, provide for light/air/privacy, and require landscaping where appropriate. See § 10.2.1524 and § 10.5.1524.

What the code requires (summary of the operative standards):

Front setback fences/hedges/walls: no taller than 42 inches within any required front (or exterior side) setback. § 10.2.1524(b)(1)(a) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(a).
Rear and side yard fences/walls: generally limited to 6 feet in height except where the code allows exceptions (e.g., required walls for multifamily or specific conditional uses). § 10.2.1524(b)(1)(b) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(b).
Sight triangle / reverse corner lots: special triangular visibility area where no fence/wall/hedge over 42 inches is allowed; see § 10.2.1524(b)(1)(c) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(c).
Multifamily properties (two or more dwelling units): the code requires a 6‑foot decorative masonry wall (or masonry base + pilasters composing at least 30% of wall) along side and rear lot boundaries unless waived. § 10.2.1524(c)(1) / § 10.5.1524(c)(1).

Design review: If a proposed fence/wall or other design element exceeds zone height limits or is part of a project subject to review, the applicable design review rules apply — see Planning Commission or Administrative Design Review triggers in § 10.5.1522 and related design review procedures.

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential) — purpose and landscaping specifics

Purpose & where it applies: standard single‑family residential lots (see development standards for single‑family zones). The R‑1 development standards include setbacks and outdoor living standards; landscaping requirements for R‑1 front yards with no parkways are specific. See § 10.5.515 (development standards excerpt) and § 10.5.1900(e).

Practical rules affecting landscaping/screening:

Preserve existing mature front‑yard trees where feasible; where none exist a specimen tree (24‑inch box or larger) must be planted in the front yard when building new homes in areas without parkways. § 10.5.1900(e).
Front setback and fence height rules above (42 in.) still apply in R‑1. § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(a).

Multifamily / Multiple Dwelling Zones (R‑2, R‑3 and similar) — walls & screening

Multifamily developments are explicitly required to provide a 6‑foot decorative masonry wall along side and rear lot lines for two or more dwelling units, unless waived for design reasons. § 10.5.1524(c)(1).
Multifamily projects are regularly subject to Planning Commission Design Review, which will consider landscaping, screening and open‑space integration under § 10.5.2502 and associated criteria.

Commercial / Mixed‑Use Zones and Parking lots

Projections, canopies/awnings, and equipment screening rules for commercial/mixed‑use zones are in § 10.2.1522; mechanical equipment may project subject to screening requirements. § 10.2.1522.
Parking‑lot landscaping: new surface parking lots with 10+ spaces must provide a minimum of one shade tree per six spaces; the Planning Commission may require additional trees for projects undergoing design review. § 10.5.1900(b)(5).

(When you design a lot layout, account for planters that separate parking from street/frontage and vehicle sightlines; the code requires planting areas between parking and street frontage and between parking stalls "as feasible." § 10.5.1900(b)(1)(e).)

Public / Institutional (P‑zones)

Development standard sections for P‑ROW, P‑CF, P‑PRO reference that landscaping regulations of Article 7 apply to those zones; see § 10.5.1115(h) and the P‑zone development standards for project‑specific requirements. § 10.5.1115(h).

Special‑use rules that impose specific screening/wall requirements

Motor vehicle repair garages: must screen work areas — decorative masonry walls and gates are required where work areas are visible; see § 10.5.1604(b)(6).
Motor vehicle body & fender shops: require a 6‑foot high decorative masonry wall along property lines and a 6‑foot gate to screen open work areas; see § 10.2.1606 / § 10.5.1608.

Overlay districts and historic areas

Overlay districts such as (RIV) Riviera Village, (H) Historic Overlay, (IF) Industrial Flex, and (AHO) Affordable Housing Overlay are listed in Article 2 and reference "All Zones" landscaping/fence rules; overlay chapters may alter allowed materials, design review expectations, or setbacks. See the overlay index and their development standard sections (for example § 10.2.1315, § 10.5.1320, § 10.5.1410).

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic / trigger	Standard or requirement	Code Reference
Front/setback fence max height (res. & nonres.)	42 inches within required front or exterior side setbacks	§ 10.2.1524(b)(1)(a) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(a)
Rear/side fence max height	6 feet generally (exceptions exist)	§ 10.2.1524(b)(1)(b) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(b)
Required wall for multifamily	6‑foot decorative masonry wall along side/rear boundaries (may be waived)	§ 10.2.1524(c)(1) / § 10.5.1524(c)(1)
Parking‑lot trees	1 shade tree per 6 parking spaces (for new lots ≥10 spaces)	§ 10.5.1900(b)(5)
Minimum planting sizes	Trees: 15 gal. min (container), shrubs 5 gal., groundcover 1 gal.; groundcover 100% coverage in 1 year	§ 10.2.1900(3)
Irrigation	Permanent underground clock‑operated water‑efficient irrigation required for planting areas	§ 10.2.1900(4)(a) / § 10.5.1900(f)
R‑1 specimen tree	24‑inch box specimen tree required in front yard where no parkway trees exist	§ 10.5.1900(e)
Tree protection (Harbor/Pier)	Seasonal restrictions on trimming/removal to protect nesting birds; replacement at 1:1 and 36‑inch box min for some replacements	§ 10.5.1900(g)
Landscaping plan contents for discretionary reviews	Show existing trees ≥6" trunk, walls/fences (height/material), landscaping areas, irrigation	§ 10.5.2506, § 10.5.2210
State water‑efficient landscape rules adopted	City adopts the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWEL) by reference	§ 10.5.1900(f)

Checklist — what an applicant must submit / satisfy (minimum)

Site plan showing existing trees with trunk diameter ≥6 inches, proposed planting areas, irrigation, and replacement trees when removal is proposed (required for Conditional Use, Coastal, PD, and many Design Review submittals) — § 10.5.2506, § 10.5.2210.
Landscaping plan with plant palette, sizes (15 gal. trees, 5 gal. shrubs where applicable), water‑efficient irrigation details consistent with the MWEL — § 10.2.1900(3–4), § 10.5.1900(f).
Parking lot landscape plan showing one shade tree per six spaces when applicable; planters separating parking from street and abutting uses — § 10.5.1900(b)(5).
Fence/wall elevations and materials; confirm front‑yard fence height does not exceed 42 inches; show masonry walls where required for multifamily or specified special uses — § 10.5.1524, § 10.2.1524.
Mechanical equipment screening details where equipment is visible or will project above roofline — consult § 10.2.1522 and § 10.5.1530 (screening of mechanical equipment).
If in a special overlay or historic district, confirm additional materials/design restrictions and obtain appropriate review per the overlay section or Historic Overlay standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Screening standards for mechanical equipment (detailed specs)	Titles and section headers reference screening, but the explicit screening dimension/material detail is not in the retrieved excerpts	Verify full text of § 10.5.1530 and any applicable design guidelines with Planning; the excerpt list shows the section exists but detailed language was not retrieved.
Species and street‑tree lists	The code defers species/spacing decisions to the Superintendent of Parks and a City list	Ask Public Works / Parks for the current "List of Recommended Trees and Water Conserving Plants" (referenced in § 10.5.1900(d)).
ADU landscaping expectations	The ordinance has an ADU section reference but does not prescribe ADU‑specific landscape minimums in the materials retrieved	Not found in retrieved materials — verify with § 10.2.1506/ADU rules and local ADU practice. Verify with Planning.
Conflicts between MWEL and City standards	The City adopts MWEL but says the stricter water‑efficiency rule controls — may change planting choices	Confirm which specific provision (City vs MWEL) is stricter for your project; § 10.5.1900(f) describes conflict resolution.
Tree trimming rules in Harb/Pier area (nesting bird protections)	Seasonal limits, arborist findings, and 1:1 replacement with large trees (36" box) may add cost and delay	Verify whether your parcel lies within the Harbor/Pier area and get arborist/bird‑nesting clearance per § 10.5.1900(g).

Plain‑English summary

Redondo Beach requires landscape plans, water‑efficient irrigation, and minimum plant sizes; front‑yard fences are limited to 42 inches, rear/side fences to 6 feet (with a mandatory 6‑ft masonry wall in many multifamily projects), and parking lots must add shade trees at roughly one per six spaces. Preserve existing large trees where possible and follow the City’s tree list and the State Model Water Efficient Landscape rules. Key citations: § 10.5.1900, § 10.5.1524, § 10.2.1524.

Source References

City of Redondo Beach Zoning Ordinance (Title 10 / Planning & Zoning) — eCode360 (full code index). Download source: https://ecode360.com/RE4995. Representative extracted sections used below: .
§ 10.5.1900 (Landscaping regulations: plant sizes, irrigation, parking lot trees, street trees, MWEL adoption) — .
§ 10.2.1524 and § 10.5.1524 (Fences, hedges, walls, obstructions in all zones — 42" front limit, 6' side/rear, multifamily walls) — .
§ 10.5.2506 and § 10.5.2210 (site plan contents — existing trees with trunk diameters ≥6", walls/fences & landscaping shown on plans) — .
§ 10.5.1604 (Motor vehicle repair garage screening/walls) and § 10.2.1606 (motor vehicle body & fender shop walls) — .
§ 10.5.1522 / § 10.2.1522 (projections into setbacks; screening rules for mechanical equipment) — .
Tree/nesting rules in Harbor/Pier area and replacement provisions — § 10.5.1900(g).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.2506) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (chapter to) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.2502) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.402) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.1300.) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 14) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.1606) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-2.1802) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.1900) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.1900) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-2.1524.) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-5.2502) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.2210.) High relevance
Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-5.1802) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Redondo Beach code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum height for a fence in my front yard in Redondo Beach?

In both residential and non‑residential zones the ordinance limits fences, hedges, and walls to no more than 42 inches in any required front setback or exterior side setback. See § 10.2.1524(b)(1)(a) / § 10.5.1524(b)(1)(a) for the governing rule.

When does Redondo Beach require a masonry wall for a development?

A 6‑foot decorative masonry wall (or mixed construction with masonry composing at least 30% of the wall) is required along side and rear lot boundaries for developments containing two or more dwelling units (multifamily), unless waived under limited circumstances. See § 10.2.1524(c)(1) / § 10.5.1524(c)(1).

How many trees do I need if I build a new commercial parking lot?

New surface parking lots with 10 or more spaces must provide at least one shade tree per six parking spaces; additional trees may be required during Planning Commission Design Review. See § 10.5.1900(b)(5).

Do I need to show trees and landscaping on my site plan for discretionary review?

Yes — Planning, Conditional Use, Planned Development, and Coastal Development permit application checklists require a site plan showing existing trees with trunk diameter ≥6 inches, as well as walls, fences, landscaping location and materials. See § 10.5.2506 and § 10.5.2210.

What planting sizes and irrigation does the code require?

The code calls for immediate‑effect planting sizes (trees normally not less than 15‑gallon containers, shrubs 5‑gallon, groundcover 1‑gallon with 100% coverage in one year) and requires permanent underground, clock‑operated, water‑efficient irrigation systems for planting areas; the City also adopts the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWEL). See § 10.2.1900(3–4) and § 10.5.1900(f).

Can I remove an existing street tree or large front‑yard tree?

No existing street tree may be removed without City approval; for R‑1 areas with no parkways the code prefers to preserve mature front‑yard trees and requires a 24‑inch box specimen tree where no mature tree exists for new home construction. See § 10.5.1900(d–e).

Are there seasonal or wildlife protections that affect tree trimming in the Harbor area?

Yes — trimming or removal of trees used by listed or special‑concern bird species is restricted; tree work in the Harbor/Pier area has seasonal limits (generally trimming/removal only October 1–December 31) unless a qualified arborist documents a public‑safety hazard. Replacement rules and monitoring (including 36‑inch box minimums in some cases) are required. See § 10.5.1900(g).

Does the code specify how mechanical equipment must be screened?

Mechanical equipment screening is identified as a required consideration (screening of mechanical equipment appears in the "All Zones" list and § 10.5.1530 exists), but the detailed screening dimensions/materials were not present in the retrieved excerpts. Verify the full text of § 10.5.1530 and any design guidelines with Planning to determine specific screening details.

Will design review require more landscaping than the minimum standards?

Yes — projects subject to Planning Commission or Administrative Design Review are evaluated using the design criteria that explicitly require providing "sufficient area for extensive landscaping" and balancing neighborhood character; design review can impose additional landscaping, trees, or screening as conditions of approval. See § 10.5.2500 and § 10.5.2502.

Ask about any Redondo Beach property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Redondo Beach zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial