Local zoning · Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills — Landscaping and Screening

Q: How tall and how dense must screening trees be for a two‑unit project?

Two‑unit projects must plant evergreen screening at specified spacing: at least one 15‑gallon plant per 5 linear feet of exterior wall (alternatively one 24‑inch box per 10 ft), and specimens must be at least 8 ft tall at installation; plants must be drought‑tolerant and from the City’s approved list § 17.16.210(j)(i–iv)

Q: Can I build a 4‑ft garden wall in the front yard?

No — walls above 3 ft are subject to site plan review and generally are not permitted in the front yard or setback unless a variance is approved; the code caps overall wall height rules and requires discretionary review for walls >3 ft § 17.27.040(F)

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Rolling Hills Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) actually requires for landscaping, screening, fences/walls and trees — focused only on landscaping and screening rules, planting specs, view-preservation and how screening interacts with site review and accessory uses. It interprets the code for applicants and homeowners and points you to the exact controlling code sections. Verify parcel-specific application with the City; where the ordinance text is silent I mark that as Not found in retrieved materials.

How to read this page

Bolded terms are the code names you’ll scan for (districts, standards).
The first time a related topic appears it is linked to the Rolling Hills menu: parking, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code are linked inline below where they arise.

District-by-district breakdown

RA-S (Residential Agriculture–Suburban; Chapter 17.16)

Purpose and typical uses

The RA-S district is the City’s large‑lot single‑family / equestrian residential district; it is the primary residential zone in Rolling Hills § 17.08.010 .
Accessory equestrian and residential amenities (stables, corrals, game courts, guest houses, cabanas) are permitted but often require site plan review or a conditional use permit § 17.16.040–17.16.210 .

Key dimensional and landscape-related standards (where landscaping/screening matters)

Minimum lot size / dimensions: RA-S-1 minimum net lot area 43,560 sf; RA-S-2 87,120 sf; minimum lot width at any point 150 ft; full table of development standards in the RA-S chapter § 17.16.060 .
Setbacks: front 50 ft, side 20 ft (RA-S-1) or 35 ft (RA-S-2), rear 50 ft; see § 17.16.110–17.16.130 .
Required landscaping for specific projects:
- Two‑unit projects in RA‑S must provide evergreen landscape screening between dwellings and adjacent lots — spacing and sizes are mandatory (see next table) § 17.16.210(j) .
- Game courts must be screened on all four sides with native or drought‑tolerant mature trees/shrubs; screening height is subject to Planning Commission determination and approved through site plan review § 17.16.210(A) (game court rules) .
Many accessory features (pools, play structures, garden walls) must be screened from rights‑of‑way and neighbors as a condition of discretionary approvals § 17.16.200(G), (H) .

Where it applies

Citywide to the RA‑S mapped lots; consult the zoning map (Chapter 17.08) for whether a parcel is RA‑S or part of an overlay § 17.08.010 .

Practical note

For any project that triggers site plan review in RA‑S, the City will use the site plan findings to require landscaping that preserves native vegetation and adds drought‑tolerant buffers § 17.46.050(B)(3)–(7) .

PF (Public Facilities; Chapter 17.20)

Purpose and typical uses

PF is for civic, recreational and community facilities (civic center, parks, gatehouses) § 17.20.010–17.20.020 .

Landscape & screening notes

Development in the PF zone requires site plan review (so landscaping and screening are addressed at review) § 17.20.050 .
Lot coverage and dimensional rules are set in Chapter 17.20; landscaping must comply with City water‑efficiency rules (RHMC Chapter 13.18) where applicable § 17.20.070; 17.19.110(B) .

OZD‑1 (Overlay Zoning District‑1; Chapter 17.17)

Purpose and where it applies

OZD‑1 overlies specific RA‑S‑1 lots and modifies setbacks and some development standards for those parcels (reduced setbacks, special front‑yard landscaping requirements) § 17.17.020–17.17.030 .
For lots in OZD‑1, front‑yard landscaping minimums and reduced setback rules apply (e.g., front setback as low as 30 ft subject to conditions) § 17.17.030(C) .

Practical note

If your parcel sits inside OZD‑1, check § 17.17.030 when planning screening or fences; some walls/fences/setback allowances differ from base RA‑S standards § 17.17.030 .

Multifamily / Mixed‑use development rules (Chapter 17.19)

Where landscaping/screening shows up

Multifamily operational standards require that mechanical equipment and trash facilities be architecturally screened and buffered from view § 17.19.110(C) .
Landscaping for multifamily must follow the City’s water efficiency code (RHMC Chapter 13.18) § 17.19.110(B) .

Decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic	Requirement / trigger	Code reference
Evergreen screening for two‑unit projects	At least one 15‑gal plant per 5 linear ft of exterior wall (or 24‑in box per 10 ft); specimens ≥ 8 ft tall at planting; drought‑tolerant; from City’s approved plant list	§ 17.16.210(j)(i–iv)
Site plan review triggers / findings	Many landscaping/screening measures are imposed through site plan review; findings require preservation of mature vegetation and drought‑tolerant buffering § 17.46.010–17.46.050
Game court screening	Game courts must be screened on all four sides with native/drought‑tolerant mature trees/shrubs; approved through site plan review; must not exceed mature height set by Planning Commission or Council § 17.16.210(A)(7)(l–m)
Boundary fences in setbacks	Boundary fence is permitted on the perimeter easement line or property line (see permitted locations in setbacks) § 17.16.150(A)
Walls & retaining walls	Maximum permitted wall height 5 ft (averaging 2.5 ft measured from finished grade); any wall >3 ft triggers site plan review and may not be in front yard/setback unless variance approved; retaining wall supporting surcharge requires building permit § 17.27.040 (Walls)
Mechanical / trash screening	Mechanical equipment, HVAC and trash enclosures must be architecturally screened and buffered § 17.19.110(C)
Landscaping definition & plan	“Landscaping” and “landscaping plan” are defined; plans must show type, size, irrigation and drainage; preliminary and final plan review process described § 17.12.120 (definitions)
Zone clearance / minor hardscape	Small walls (≤ 3 ft) and minor garden walls can be approved administratively; larger walls and many landscape changes may require zone clearance or site plan review § 17.44.020(D); 17.46.040(C)
View preservation / trees	The City has a view‑preservation chapter giving a private process (mediation/arbitration/litigation) and restorative actions (pruning, crown reduction, removal) for view disputes § 17.26.010; 17.26.050; 17.26.060

Practical guidance / plain‑English synthesis

If your project is more than minor (pools, accessory structures >120 sf, guest houses, two‑unit projects, game courts, new walls over 3 ft), expect to submit a landscaping plan showing species, irrigation and maintenance and to undergo either site plan review or zone clearance. The ordinance defines landscaping and requires plans showing plant size, spacing, irrigation and drainage § 17.12.120; § 17.44.030 .
For multi‑unit or mechanically intensive projects plan to screen HVAC and trash with architectural enclosures and landscape buffers — the code requires screening and buffering as an operational standard § 17.19.110(C) .
Fence and wall rules matter: small decorative/garden walls (≤ 3 ft) are typically allowed; any wall above 3 ft triggers discretionary review and walls are limited overall to 5 ft maximum, averaged 2.5 ft § 17.27.040(F) .
Trees and views: the City provides a private remedy process for view impairment (mediation/arbitration; restorative pruning/removal). The City does not act as an enforcer between neighbors — enforcement is by the affected private parties § 17.26.010; § 17.26.090 .
Where the code requires drought‑tolerant planting or refers to the City's plant list (for example the two‑unit evergreen screening rule), provide species and irrigation details and reference RHMC water‑efficiency rules § 17.16.210(j); 17.19.110(B) .

Inline helpful links (first natural mention)

If your plan affects on‑site parking include how landscape islands and pervious surfaces interact with the parking standard in Rolling Hills parking (/us/california/rolling-hills/parking).
If your project is discretionary, expect design review (/us/california/rolling-hills/design-review) through the site plan review process § 17.46.010–020 .
Check whether your lot sits in an overlay (OZD‑1) that changes setbacks or front yard landscaping overlays (/us/california/rolling-hills/overlay-districts) § 17.17.020–030 .
Landscaping plans will intersect with standards for ADUs where those structures are proposed; see the Rolling Hills ADU rules ADUs (/us/california/rolling-hills/adu) and zone clearance thresholds § 17.44.020 .
Where structural elements (walls, retaining walls) are involved, the project will also reference the California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes) for permitting (building permits for retaining walls supporting surcharge) § 17.27.040(F) .

Checklist

Determine zoning and overlays for property (Chapter 17.08) § 17.08.010 .
Confirm whether project triggers site plan review or zone clearance (see § 17.46.020 and § 17.44.020) .
Prepare a written landscaping plan (species, sizes, spacing, irrigation, drainage) per the definition of landscaping plan § 17.12.120 .
For two‑unit projects, include evergreen screening to the spacing and minimum sizes required (15‑gal per 5 ft or 24‑in box per 10 ft; ≥8 ft tall at planting) § 17.16.210(j) .
For game courts, include screening on all four sides and a maintenance plan for native/drought‑tolerant trees/shrubs; include noise/visual mitigation measures § 17.16.210(A)(7)(l–p) .
Keep proposed walls ≤3 ft to avoid site plan review where possible; if >3 ft, prepare to justify height and show material, grading and drainage § 17.27.040(F) .
For mechanical equipment, show architectural screening and landscape buffering § 17.19.110(C) .
If trees may block neighbor views, be prepared for the City's view preservation process (mediation/arbitration, restorative actions) § 17.26.010–090 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Approved plant list details	Several rules require plants “from the City’s approved plant list” but the ordinance does not publish the list in Title 17	Verify the current City approved plant list with Planning staff (Not found in retrieved materials) § 17.16.210(j)(iv)
Exact subsection applicability for game courts	Game courts have many site‑specific conditions (grading limits, screening heights determined by Commission) — height limits are discretionary	Verify required mature height ceiling and screening species with Planning Commission during site plan review § 17.16.210(A)(7)(l–m)
Whether a particular wall is “retaining” (permits/building code overlap)	Retaining walls that support surcharge require building permits and may trigger different review	Confirm with Building Official whether proposed wall requires a building permit in addition to any Planning review § 17.27.040(F)
View preservation remedies vs. enforcement	Chapter 17.26 provides private remedies; City does not enforce view disputes	If the project may affect neighbor views, expect private mediation/arbitration or litigation; City’s role is advisory § 17.26.090
Interaction with water‑efficiency chapter	Landscaping must comply with RHMC Chapter 13.18 for water efficiency, but the code text is in a separate chapter	Provide irrigation schedules and water‑efficient species to meet RHMC Chapter 13.18 (verify current Chapter 13.18 requirements with City) § 17.19.110(B)

Plain‑English Summary

Rolling Hills requires plans for most non‑trivial landscaping and screens mechanical equipment, pools, game courts and multi‑unit features from neighbors and rights‑of‑way; walls over 3 ft trigger discretionary review and large lot rules in the RA‑S zone require drought‑tolerant, often evergreen screening at specified sizes and spacings — see § 17.16.210, § 17.46.020, § 17.27.040, and the view rules in § 17.26.010–060 .

Source References

Title 17 — Zoning Ordinance of the City of Rolling Hills (print export). See in‑code citations below:
- Definitions — “Landscaping” and “Landscaping plan”: § 17.12.120
- RA‑S development standards, lot dimensions, minimum lot area: § 17.16.060 (development standards table)
- RA‑S setbacks and accessory uses: § 17.16.110–130 and § 17.16.040 (permitted/conditional uses)
- Conditions for conditional uses and landscaping (two‑unit evergreen screening; game court screening): § 17.16.210 (A & j)
- Structures permitted in setbacks (boundary fences, small walls): § 17.16.150
- Zone clearance applicability and plans: § 17.44.020–030
- Site Plan Review purpose, applicability and findings: § 17.46.010; § 17.46.020; § 17.46.050
- Walls height and review trigger: § 17.27.040 (Walls, including retaining walls)
- Multifamily landscaping and screening of mechanical equipment/trash: § 17.19.110(B–C)
- View preservation (trees, restorative action, arbitration, enforcement): § 17.26.010; § 17.26.050; § 17.26.060; § 17.26.090
Note: the municipal code excerpts above are taken from the uploaded Rolling Hills Title 17 Zoning file (library export) provided for this analysis. Additional implementation details (e.g., the City's approved plant list; current RHMC Chapter 13.18 text) were not embedded in the Title 17 export and should be requested from City planning staff (Not found in retrieved materials).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Rolling Hills Zoning Code (section must) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.46) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (title must) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (title for) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 22) High relevance
CBC § 17.27.040 (Section is) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 13.18) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 7) High relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (section the) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 7) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.18) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.18) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§7) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§11) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Section 17.16.210) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.28) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (title in) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.28) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Chapter 17.17) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Rolling Hills code library

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of projects in Rolling Hills require a landscaping plan?

If a project triggers site plan review, a landscaping plan will be required; zone clearance and some conditional permits also require a plan. The code defines a landscaping plan and requires plans for discretionary projects per § 17.12.120 and the zone clearance/site plan review rules § 17.44.020–030; § 17.46.020

How tall and how dense must screening trees be for a two‑unit project?

Two‑unit projects must plant evergreen screening at specified spacing: at least one 15‑gallon plant per 5 linear feet of exterior wall (alternatively one 24‑inch box per 10 ft), and specimens must be at least 8 ft tall at installation; plants must be drought‑tolerant and from the City’s approved list § 17.16.210(j)(i–iv)

Can I build a 4‑ft garden wall in the front yard?

No — walls above 3 ft are subject to site plan review and generally are not permitted in the front yard or setback unless a variance is approved; the code caps overall wall height rules and requires discretionary review for walls >3 ft § 17.27.040(F)

Do I need to screen mechanical equipment and trash enclosures?

Yes. Multifamily and similar projects must architecturally screen mechanical equipment and buffer trash facilities from view; include screening in your site plans § 17.19.110(C)

If my neighbor’s tree blocks my view, can the City force removal?

The City provides a view‑preservation process (mediation/arbitration and restorative actions such as pruning or removal) but does not enforce view disputes itself; remedies are private and the code sets procedures and factors to consider § 17.26.010; § 17.26.050–090

Are there limits on plant species or water use for required landscaping?

Yes — Title 17 requires drought‑tolerant plantings in several places and refers to the City’s approved plant list; landscaping must also comply with the City’s water efficiency requirements (RHMC Chapter 13.18) § 17.16.210(j)(iii–iv); § 17.19.110(B)

Where can I locate a boundary fence relative to a setback?

A boundary fence is permitted either on the perimeter easement line or not more than five feet outside of it (toward the structure); absent an easement, it may be on the property line § 17.16.150(A)

How does a game court affect landscaping requirements?

Game courts must be screened on all four sides with native or drought‑tolerant mature trees/shrubs, approved through site plan review; screening height is set by the Planning Commission or City Council § 17.16.210(A)(7)(l–m)

If I propose an ADU, does landscaping/screening still apply?

Yes — ADUs have separate chapter references but landscaping/hardscape thresholds can still trigger zone clearance or site plan review; see the zone clearance applicability and site plan review rules § 17.44.020(D); § 17.46.020

Who approves plant lists and exact screening details?

The Planning Department (and Planning Commission when site plan review applies) approve final landscaping plans; the code references the City’s approved plant list but does not publish the list in Title 17 — request the list from Planning staff (Not found in retrieved materials) § 17.16.210(j)(iv)

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