Local zoning · Ripon
Ripon — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Ripon local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 3, 2026
Overview
This page summarizes what Ripon’s Development Code requires for landscaping, screening, fences and trees — who must do what, where, and when — drawing only from the city’s zoning/development ordinances. Major rules live in the fencing and screening chapter (Chapter 16.152) and the landscaping/irrigation chapters (Chapters 16.148 and 16.20). Key administrative discretion (Planning Director, Planning Commission) and performance exceptions are also noted. See the linked entries on Ripon Zoning, Ripon Development Standards, Ripon Parking, Ripon Design Review and Ripon Overlay Districts for related processes and thresholds.
NOTE: This page only covers zoning / planning rules about landscaping and screening. Building-permit requirements (e.g., structural fences/walls over building‑code thresholds) are governed by the California Building Standards Code and are outside this summary unless the zoning code itself calls for a permit.
What the code requires (headline rules)
- Fencing and screening standards are codified in Chapter 16.152; see the chapter purpose and the lists of sections at § 16.152.010 and the material/height rules in § 16.152.020 – § 16.152.030 .
- Specific screening standards for residential properties are in § 16.152.080 (materials, placement, height, written approvals) and for non‑residential properties in § 16.152.090; noise attenuation walls are addressed in § 16.152.100 .
- Landscaping minimums, tree planting, irrigation and parking‑landscape rules are in Chapters 16.148 and 16.20; commercial/office/industrial landscaping percentages and a masonry wall requirement where non‑residential uses abut residential are in § 16.20.030(F–H) and § 16.148.050(E) .
- All new landscaping must be water‑efficient and include irrigation plans; landscaping plans must identify existing trees and proposed plantings (species, sizes, condition) as part of permit submittals (§ 16.148.040(C–F)) .
District-by-district practical breakdown
Below are the primary zoning districts where landscaping and screening rules are called out in the code. Each subsection summarizes the district purpose (as stated in the code), the landscaping/screening requirements that apply to that district, and where those rules are written. Bolded district names and standards help you scan.
Residential — R-1 (including R1‑E and R1‑R)
- Purpose / typical uses: single‑family residential neighborhoods; code references to the single‑family districts appear throughout Chapter 16.16 and the residential landscaping chapter 16.148.060 (single‑family tree requirements) .
- Landscaping / screening requirements:
- Each interior and cul‑de‑sac lot must have at least one 15‑gallon tree in the front yard; corner lots must have at least one 15‑gallon tree in the front and in the street side yard; planting distances and Public Works approval required — see § 16.148.060 .
- Residential fencing and screening materials, placement and heights are controlled by § 16.152.040 (placement and where 3 ft / 7 ft rules apply) and § 16.152.080 (screening for residential zones) — front/street‑side non‑plant screening generally limited to 3 ft, rear/non‑street side non‑plant screening limited to 9 ft; non‑plant screening over 7 ft requires a building permit and written Planning Director approval where noted (§ 16.152.080(C–D)) .
- Corners: a 7 ft fence in a street‑side yard is restricted to locations a minimum distance from the back of sidewalk (commonly 15 ft except in R1‑E/R1‑R where the district setbacks apply); see § 16.152.040 for corner‑lot specifics .
- Where it applies: all lots zoned R‑1/R1‑E/R1‑R; verify your parcel zoning on the city map — Verify with the jurisdiction.
Multifamily / Planned Developments — R‑2 / PD
- Purpose / typical uses: multiple dwelling units, planned residential developments; landscaping standards in Chapter 16.148 and PD-specific modifications in § 16.36.030 .
- Landscaping / screening requirements:
- Multifamily projects of five or more units: all non‑building/parking/walkway areas must be landscaped; PDs must provide trees equal to at least twice the number of dwelling units (site trees excluded) — see § 16.148.060(C) .
- Parking lot tree spacing and planter widths follow parking chapter rules (see § 16.148.050, § 16.144.050–060) .
Office / Commercial — C1, C2, C2‑R, C4, PO, C5, BP
- Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood to regional commercial, offices, business parks (see Chapter 16.20) .
- Landscaping / screening requirements:
- Required site landscaping minimums: 10% (C1), 15% (C2, C4, PO, C5), 20% (C2‑R, BP) of the site must be landscaped; landscaping plan approval required before permits (§ 16.20.030(F)) .
- Street‑adjacent planting strip: commercial and industrial projects must install a minimum 10‑ft planting strip along adjacent streets (continuous except for driveways) — see § 16.148.070–090 .
- If a commercial/parking area abuts a residential zone, the code typically requires a solid masonry wall 8 ft high along the shared property line plus a 9‑ft planting strip adjacent to the wall and parking area (§ 16.144.050(E)) .
Mixed Use — MU
- Purpose / typical uses: centers with combinations of commercial, office and residential uses (Chapter 16.26) .
- Landscaping / screening requirements:
- Landscaping minimums depend on the use type assigned (commercial rules vs. industrial rules) and require an approved landscaping plan; screening of service yards and roof equipment required per § 16.152.090 and § 16.26.030(F) .
Industrial — M‑1 (Light) and M‑2 (Heavy)
- Purpose / typical uses: industrial activities; see Chapter 16.24 for district intent and permitted uses .
- Landscaping / screening requirements:
- All areas not used for buildings/parking/walkways must be landscaped; 10‑ft planting strips required along streets for industrial projects (§ 16.148.090) .
- Screening of storage areas and roof equipment is required so these features are not visible from adjacent properties and public rights‑of‑way; exceptions when industrial uses abut industrial lots away from streets are given in § 16.152.090; heavy industrial may be excepted from some roof‑screening requirements (M‑2) .
Mobile Home Parks (special district rules)
- Screening and landscaping for mobile home parks are regulated in § 16.160.080: six‑foot masonry walls along park rear and side property lines, seven‑foot screens for common storage/garbage areas, and 10‑ft landscaped strips along roads; landscaping/fencing must conform to § 16.148.030 and § 16.152.040 .
Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards
| Rule / topic | Standard (what the applicant must expect) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited fence materials | Sheet metal, corrugated metal/plastic, barbed wire (except as allowed), scrap materials — broadly prohibited unless Planning Director approves | § 16.152.020 |
| Front/street‑side non‑plant screening max height | 3 ft (unless Planning Director approves) | § 16.152.080(C)(1) |
| Rear/non‑street non‑plant screening | 9 ft max; >7 ft requires building permit | § 16.152.080(C)(2) |
| Masonry wall where non‑residential abuts residential | 8 ft masonry wall required (plus 9 ft planting strip adjacent to parking) | § 16.20.030(H) and § 16.144.050(E) file |
| Commercial/office landscaping (site minimum) | 10%–20% of site, depending on district (10% C1; 15% C2/C4/PO/C5; 20% C2‑R/BP) | § 16.20.030(F) |
| Parking lot landscaping | ≥ 5% of perimeter for >20 stalls; 1 tree per 5 stalls (min 15‑gal size); planters min 5 ft wide | § 16.148.050(A–D) |
| Landscaping plans / trees | Plans must list existing trees (species/size/condition) and proposed plantings; water‑efficient design and irrigation plan required | § 16.148.040(C–F) |
| Noise attenuation walls | Allowed/required where adjacent to high noise sources; yard/height waivers may be granted by Planning Director | § 16.152.100 |
| Maintenance | All required screening materials must be maintained in good condition by owner | § 16.152.090(D) |
Plain‑English interpretation & practical guidance (original synthesis)
- If you’re building or redeveloping in Ripon, plan on a professionally drawn landscaping plan and irrigation plan (species, sizes, irrigation details) because the city requires them with most site permits and inspections; water‑efficient design is mandatory (§ 16.148.040) .
- Use plant materials for screening whenever possible: the code favors vegetative screens and explicitly restricts many non‑plant materials (corrugated metal/plastic, scrap, etc.) unless the Planning Director approves an exception (§ 16.152.020, § 16.152.080(D)) file.
- If your project is non‑residential next to residences, expect an 8‑ft masonry wall plus planting strip as a standard mitigation; plan for an 8‑ft high wall detail and coordination with Public Works for planting locations (§ 16.20.030(H); § 16.144.050(E)) file.
- For fences and free‑standing screens: front/street side non‑plant screens are usually limited to 3 ft to maintain sightlines; rear non‑plant screens can be taller but >7 ft triggers building‑permit review and the Planning Director’s written approval (§ 16.152.080(C–D)) .
Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (before / with application)
- Submit a detailed landscape plan showing species, initial sizes, spacing, existing trees (species/diameter/condition) and growth characteristics — § 16.148.040(C) .
- Submit a water‑efficient irrigation plan with construction details and controller schedules — § 16.148.040(F) .
- Demonstrate required site landscaping percentage (commercial/office) or tree counts for PD/multifamily per § 16.20.030(F) / § 16.148.060(C) file.
- Show screening of storage, rooftop equipment and service yards so they are not visible from streets/adjoining properties — § 16.152.090(A–B) .
- If proposing non‑plant screening (e.g., wall or fence panels), include material specs and obtain written Planning Director approval when required — § 16.152.080(D) .
- For fencing/screening over 7 ft (non‑plant), include structural details and apply for the building permit the code requires — § 16.152.080(C)(2) .
- Where a new commercial/industrial parking area abuts residential, provide 8‑ft masonry wall detail and adjacent 9‑ft planting strip — § 16.144.050(E) .
- Verify sight‑triangle clearance around driveways and intersections (hedges ≤ 3 ft, tree canopy clearance ≥ 6 ft) — § 16.148.040(B) .
- Expect maintenance obligations: owner must maintain required screening materials in good condition — § 16.152.090(D) .
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Exact landscape setback values in Table 16.20.2 | Many parking and perimeter landscape rules reference Table 16.20.2 (landscape setbacks for base zoning districts). The table defines measurable offsets that affect planter widths and street‑edge planting. | Table 16.20.2 content was referenced but the table detail was Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction and ask Planning for Table 16.20.2 or check § 16.20.030(C) for which table applies . |
| Planning Director discretion for non‑plant screening approvals | The code allows Director approval for materials/heights in many cases (written approvals and waivers). This means outcomes can vary by planner. | Confirm the current Planning Director’s submittal checklist and whether design review or site‑plan review is required; appeal/variance rules apply (see § 16.80 and § 16.84) file. |
| When a building permit is required vs. when only zoning approval is needed | Non‑plant screening > 7 ft triggers building‑permit requirements; local practices sometimes require engineering for tall landscape walls. | Include structural details early and coordinate with Building/Engineering; the code explicitly requires a building permit for non‑plant screening over 7 ft (§ 16.152.080(C)(2)) . |
| Conflicts with other chapters (e.g., Fire / WUI / Title 24) | Streetscape or WUI (wildland) requirements can impose non‑combustible setbacks or wall types that affect landscape designs. | Code references the need to meet other City/State rules — Verify with Fire Department, Public Works and reference California Building Standards Code where applicable; if the local code doesn’t specify, write "Verify with the jurisdiction." file. |
| Parking area shade tree matrix (species/size) | The ordinance requires tree planting in parking, but species/size matrices used by municipal standards are not fully reproduced in the retrieved text. | Request the City’s standard details/plant palette and parking shade matrix from Planning/Public Works; the code requires 15‑gal minimum and 1 per 5 stalls (§ 16.148.050(B)) . |
Plain‑English Summary
Ripon requires landscape plans, water‑efficient irrigation, street‑edge planting strips and specific screening where commercial/industrial projects meet residences; fences and non‑plant screens are limited in materials and heights (front: usually 3 ft; rear: can be taller but >7 ft has extra permitting), and non‑compliant materials (corrugated metal/plastic, scrap wood, etc.) are prohibited unless specially approved — see § 16.148 and § 16.152 for the controlling rules and talk to Planning early. file
Source References
- Chapter 16.152 — Fencing and Screening, including § 16.152.010–.100 (Purpose; materials; height measurements; fencing standards by zone; screening standards; noise attenuation) — ordinance excerpts reviewed in Ripon Zoning Code copy file.
- § 16.152.080 (Screening Standards for Residential Zones) and § 16.152.090 (Screening Standards for Non‑Residential Zones) — specifics on plant vs. non‑plant materials, height limits, and approval processes file.
- Chapter 16.148 — Landscaping and Irrigation, including § 16.148.040 (landscape plan, water‑efficient landscape, irrigation), § 16.148.050 (parking), § 16.148.060 (residential requirements), § 16.148.070–.090 (office/commercial/industrial requirements) file.
- Chapter 16.20 — Development Standards (including § 16.20.030 for commercial/office development standards and required site landscaping percentages; reference to Table 16.20.2) .
- Chapter 16.144 / 16.156 excerpts addressing parking lot landscaping, screening, and performance/noise considerations (parking design and the 8‑ft masonry-wall rule where parking abuts residential) — see § 16.144.050(E) and related § 16.148.050 file.
- Mobile home park screening and landscaping: § 16.160.080 .
- Variance and deviations procedures relevant where strict application of landscaping/screening standards are modified: § 16.84 (Variances) and § 16.80 (Deviations) file.
- For building‑permit thresholds and structural wall requirements, consult the California Building Standards Code (state code; referenced by local code for building permits) — Verify with jurisdiction.
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Ripon Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 16.152) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 16.20) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 16.20) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 13.06.) High relevance
- CFC § 1 (Chapter 16.156) High relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (§1) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 13.06.) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 16.148) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (§1) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (§2) Medium relevance
- Ripon Zoning Code (Chapter 16.32) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Chapter **16.152 — Fencing and Screening**, including **§ 16.152.010–.100** (Purpose; materials; height measurements; fencing standards by zone; screening standards; noise attenuation) — ordinance excerpts reviewed in Ripon Zoning Code copy file. (§ 16.152.010)
- **§ 16.152.080** (Screening Standards for Residential Zones) and **§ 16.152.090** (Screening Standards for Non‑Residential Zones) — specifics on plant vs. non‑plant materials, height limits, and approval processes file. (§ 16.152.080)
- Chapter **16.148 — Landscaping and Irrigation**, including **§ 16.148.040** (landscape plan, water‑efficient landscape, irrigation), **§ 16.148.050** (parking), **§ 16.148.060** (residential requirements), **§ 16.148.070–.090** (office/commercial/industrial requirements) file. (§ 16.148.040)
- Chapter **16.20 — Development Standards** (including **§ 16.20.030** for commercial/office development standards and required site landscaping percentages; reference to Table **16.20.2**) . (§ 16.20.030)
- Chapter **16.144 / 16.156** excerpts addressing parking lot landscaping, screening, and performance/noise considerations (parking design and the 8‑ft masonry-wall rule where parking abuts residential) — see **§ 16.144.050(E)** and related **§ 16.148.050** file. (§ 16.144.050)
- Mobile home park screening and landscaping: **§ 16.160.080** . (§ 16.160.080)
- Variance and deviations procedures relevant where strict application of landscaping/screening standards are modified: **§ 16.84 (Variances)** and **§ 16.80 (Deviations)** file. (§ 16.84)
- For building‑permit thresholds and structural wall requirements, consult the **California Building Standards Code** (state code; referenced by local code for building permits) — Verify with jurisdiction.
- Ripon_ZoningCode.md
- 2025 California Building Code.md
Frequently asked questions
What materials are prohibited for fences and screening in Ripon?
Ripon expressly prohibits a range of non‑durable or industrial materials for fences and screens (sheet metal, corrugated metal or plastic, scrap wood/metal, canvas, etc.), and generally prohibits barbed wire unless otherwise approved; see § 16.152.020 for the materials list and Planning Director exception language .
How tall can my backyard fence be in Ripon?
Non‑plant screening in rear or non‑street side yards may be up to 9 ft; however, any non‑plant screening proposed above 7 ft requires a building permit and Planning Director review per § 16.152.080(C–D) .
Do I need a landscape plan to build a commercial site in Ripon?
Yes. Commercial and office projects must provide a landscape plan and meet the district’s minimum landscaped percentage (e.g., 10%–20% depending on district) and water‑efficiency requirements; see § 16.20.030(F) and § 16.148.040(D) file.
If my commercial parking lot borders homes, what screening is required?
When a parking area abuts a residential zone or land designated for residential uses, the code generally requires a solid masonry wall 8 ft in height and a 9‑ft planting strip adjacent to the wall and parking area (§ 16.144.050(E)) .
Are there special tree requirements for single‑family lots?
Yes. For single‑family interior lots the code requires at least one 15‑gallon tree in the front yard; corner lots must have specified trees in the front and street side yards and minimum planting distances apply; see § 16.148.060 for the detailed planting specifications and Public Works coordination .
Do I need written approval to use non‑plant screening materials?
Yes — any proposed non‑plant screening material requires written Planning Director approval to confirm code compliance and intent (§ 16.152.080(D)) .
Are sound/noise walls covered by the same fence rules?
Noise attenuation walls are addressed in § 16.152.100 and can be required where adjacent to high noise generators; the Planning Director may waive normal yard/height restrictions when noise walls are required by the site‑specific noise response (§ 16.152.100) .
How many trees are required in parking lots?
Ripon requires tree plantings in parking areas: a minimum 15‑gallon stock in each planting area and one tree per five parking stalls; parking areas >20 stalls must provide a minimum of 5% landscaping within the parking perimeter (§ 16.148.050(A–B)) .
Where do I find the setback that dictates the planting strip width along a street?
Many landscape/parking rules refer to the landscape setback table Table 16.20.2 (Chapter 16.20) for specific widths; the code references it at § 16.20.030(C) and § 16.148.050(C), but the full table detail was Not found in retrieved materials here — Verify with the jurisdiction or Planning staff for Table 16.20.2 file.
If my project needs an exception, how do I request it?
Deviations and variances are possible; deviations are handled under § 16.80 (limited deviations to setbacks/coverage/height), and variances follow § 16.84 with findings required; early pre‑application meetings with Planning are strongly recommended file.
More in Ripon code
Ask about any Ripon property
Get a cited, plain-English answer on Ripon zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.
Start Free Trial