Local zoning · Salinas

Salinas — Landscaping and Screening

Q: How tall can my front‑yard fence be in Salinas?

In residential and agricultural districts the maximum front‑yard fence height is 3 ft ; a corner side yard within 10 ft of the street is also 3 ft , or set back 10 ft it may be 8 ft (subject to visibility rules). Height measurement rules are in § 37-50.090(c–d) .

Q: Are there limits on turf and water‑intensive planting?

Yes. Turf is limited to 25% of total landscaping and is prohibited in planting areas narrower than 8 ft or on slopes over 10% . Plant palettes must favor drought‑tolerant species and at least 90% of non‑turf material shall be drought resistant where specified. See § 37-50.690(e)(1,3) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Salinas regulates landscaping, irrigation, screening, fences, and walls through the Zoning Code’s Article V, Division 4: Landscaping and Irrigation (Division 4) and related development standards (primarily Sec. 37-50.680 through Sec. 37-50.700 and Sec. 37-50.090 for fences/walls). The rules set minimum yard/planter landscaping, parking-lot planting and tree spacing, drought- and stormwater-related irrigation standards, and screening requirements for outdoor storage, mechanical equipment, and loading/service areas. See the city’s zoning rules for project-level exceptions and the city planner’s authority to approve alternatives.

Note: This page focuses strictly on landscaping and screening in the Salinas Zoning Code (landscape planters, screening, fences/walls, trees, parking-lot planting, irrigation). For parking layout, building setbacks, design review, overlays, ADUs, or Title 24 compliance see the linked topic pages below for procedural or code cross-reference.

parking → /us/california/salinas/parking
development standards (setbacks, lot coverage, etc.) → /us/california/salinas/development-standards
design review → /us/california/salinas/design-review
overlays → /us/california/salinas/overlay-districts
ADUs → /us/california/salinas/adu
California Building Standards Code → /us/california/building-codes
Salinas zoning overview → /us/california/salinas

All citations in the body point to the Salinas code sections indicated (see Source References).

How the code is organized (short)

Division 4 (Landscaping and Irrigation): purpose, applicability, required yards, design standards, material/irrigation rules, parking-lot landscaping, plan requirements and maintenance (see § 37-50.680 through § 37-50.700).
Fences, walls, and hedges: measurement method, maximum heights by district, exceptions, and prohibited fencing (barbed/razor wire, chain link visible from public ways) in § 37-50.090.
Development- and district-level standards that modify landscaping/screening (e.g., special frontages along U.S. 101) are in § 37-40.170 and various district tables referenced in Division 4.

District-by-district – landscaping & screening (practical summary)

Below are the specific Salinas zoning district names used in the landscaping tables and the code provisions that control what landscaping or screening is required. For each district I list the landscaping/screening purpose as applied in the code, where the requirement appears, and the key dimensional/maintenance rules that matter for applicants.

Note: Permitted uses for each district are part of the broader zoning chapters; this section limits itself to the landscaping/screening standards that apply to the district. For full permitted-use lists consult the Salinas zoning use tables. Verify parcel-specific standards with the city planner.

A (Agricultural)

Purpose / where applied: Landscape yard requirements listed in Table 37-50.190; Division 4 applies to yards as provided/required for the district. See § 37-50.690(b).
Typical permitted uses: Not reproduced here; see district use tables. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key landscaping rules: Table 37-50.190 indicates front yards are No (landscaping not required) in A; fences/walls height rules for residential/agricultural front yards apply: front yard max 3 ft, interior side/rear max 8 ft per § 37-50.090(d)(1).

RL (Low-density Residential)

Purpose / where applied: Required front-yard landscaping is indicated in Table 37-50.190; Division 4 standards apply.
Typical permitted uses: Residential (single-family). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key rules: Table 37-50.190 shows front yards: Yes (landscaping required); fences in front yards limited to 3 ft, interior side/rear 8 ft (see § 37-50.090(d)(1)). Landscaping must use xeriscape principles and be permanently maintained per § 37-50.690(c)(1–2).

RM 3.6 (Medium-density Residential — 3.6 du/ac)

Purpose / where applied: Landscaping required in front yards per Table 37-50.190; multifamily landscaping sizing and immediate effect plant sizes apply (see § 37-50.690(e)(2)).
Typical permitted uses: Multifamily residential; check use tables. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key rules: Front yard landscaping Yes; for multifamily projects plant material sizing minimums (typically 15‑gal for trees, 5‑gal shrubs, 1‑gal mass plantings) and turf limited to 25% of total landscaping (§ 37-50.690(e)(1),(3)).

RM 2.9 (Medium-density Residential — 2.9 du/ac)

Purpose / where applied: Same landscaping rules as other RM categories where Table 37-50.190 shows front: Yes, interior side: Yes, corner side: Yes, rear: Yes.
Key rules: Required yards landscaped; maintenance and xeriscape rules apply (see § 37-50.690(c)(1–3) and § 37-50.700(b)).

RH (High-density Residential)

Purpose / where applied: Full-yard landscaping required (Table 37-50.190) and multifamily sizing standards apply.
Key rules: Same plant size/spacing, turf limits, irrigation requirements, and mandatory landscape plans for projects with landscaping (§ 37-50.690(d–g)).

C (Commercial — all)

Purpose / where applied: Table 37-50.190 lists landscaping required in front/corner/side/rear yards; § 37-40.170(d) requires a 15 ft landscaping planter along public street frontages in commercial districts. Screening rules for outdoor storage and visible service areas are in § 37-40.170(b).
Typical permitted uses: Commercial uses (see use tables). Verify with the jurisdiction.
Key rules: Frontage planter: minimum 15 ft depth in commercial districts § 37-40.170(d)(1); chain-link fencing with/without slats prohibited when visible from public rights-of-way § 37-40.170(b)(2); parking-lot planting and screening per Division 4 apply.

MU (Mixed Use — all)

Purpose / where applied: Table 37-50.190 indicates full-yard landscaping required; multifamily plant sizing and xeriscape principles apply.
Key rules: Landscape plans, irrigation standards, and plant sizing per § 37-50.690(d–f); screening of mechanical and storage areas required § 37-50.240 and § 37-50.170(v).

NU (Neighborhood/Urban — all)

Purpose / where applied: Table 37-50.190 shows Yes for most yards; in some NU variants (e.g., VC) multifamily and commercial plant sizing/requirements apply.
Key rules: Landscape plan requirements, turf limits, plant sizes as in § 37-50.690(e–g).

IGC (General Commercial/Industrial)

Purpose / where applied: Table 37-50.190 lists landscaping requirements; parking and visibility rules may be waived where areas are not substantially visible per § 37-50.690(g)(9).
Key rules: Landscaping required where visible; city planner may waive landscaping for portions not visible from public areas § 37-50.690(g)(9). Fences/walls: industrial fence heights differ; front/corner side planters front limits apply per § 37-50.090(d)(3).

IG (General Industrial)

Purpose / where applied: Industrial landscape and screening guidance (use of berms, masonry walls, vines on walls) are in the design standards and development regs § 37-50.700 and § 37-50.170.
Key rules: Industrial front/corner yard fence height: 3 ft if sight‑obscuring at the front; set back 10 ft for nonsight‑obscuring to reach 8 ft (see § 37-50.090(d)(3)). Chain‑link visible screening is not acceptable.

IBP (Industrial Business Park)

Purpose / where applied: Listed in Table 37-50.190 as requiring yards; follows Division 4 design/maintenance rules.
Key rules: Landscape plan, plant sizing, parking-lot islands/trees and planter protection apply as per Division 4 §§ 37-50.690–700.

P (Public)

Purpose / where applied: Public/semi-public projects follow SPR/CUP-specific development regs; landscaping is required pursuant to SPR/CUP and Division 4 § 37-30.180/Table 37-30.180.
Key rules: Refer to SPR or CUP conditions; Division 4 sets landscape and irrigation standards (plant sizing, MWELO compliance, maintenance).

OS (Open Space)

Purpose / where applied: Table 37-50.190 shows No for required yards; Division 4 still applies where landscaping is provided.

PS (Public/Semi-public)

Purpose / where applied: PS district development regs reference Division 4 for landscaping and note SPR/CUP-specific standards in Table 37-30.180 and the PS development table; landscaping percent and fences reference Division 4 § 37-30.180 and § 37-50.090.

Quick standards table (decision-relevant)

Topic	Standard or requirement	Code reference
Applicability — which projects must follow MWELO/City water rules	New landscapes ≥ 500 sq ft or rehabilitation ≥ 2,500 sq ft and other triggers; cemeteries have separate limits.	§ 37-50.690(a)(1–4)
Frontage planter depth — commercial districts	15 ft minimum landscaping planter along public street frontages in commercial districts.	§ 37-40.170(d)(1)
Parking-lot street planter depth	Minimum 10 ft planter between street and parking; trees at ~30 ft on center and screening 32–42 in. high.	§ 37-50.690(g)(2)(A)
Tree spacing in parking islands	Minimum one tree per 5 parking spaces; islands min 5 ft dimension (exclusive of curbs).	§ 37-50.690(g)(4)
Maximum front-yard fence height (residential/ag)	3 ft in front yards; corner side within 10 ft: 3 ft, or set back 10 ft then 8 ft allowed.	§ 37-50.090(d)(1)
Interior side/rear fence height (residential/ag)	8 ft maximum (interior side/rear).	§ 37-50.090(d)(1)(C)
Turf limit	Turf limited to 25% of total landscaping; no turf in areas < 8 ft dimension or slopes > 10%.	§ 37-50.690(e)(3)
Plant material sizing (multifamily, C, MU, NU, PS, I)	Trees normally ≥15-gal, shrubs ≥5-gal, mass plantings ≥1-gal; 90% non‑turf drought resistant.	§ 37-50.690(e)(1–2)
Screening of outdoor storage/loading/service areas	Must screen by masonry wall and/or landscaped berm equal to height of materials; chain link with slats prohibited when visible from public rights-of-way.	§ 37-40.170(b)(1–2)
Fence/wall design exceptions	Decorative posts/arbors or pedestrian gates may exceed fence height within limits; long screening walls require architectural treatment and plants/vines.	§ 37-50.090(f–g)

Checklist (what an applicant must provide / satisfy)

Provide a site landscape plan showing all planting areas, plant species/types, sizes at installation, tree locations and spacing, and irrigation schematic (Landscape plans required: § 37-50.690(d)).
Demonstrate MWELO/Chapter 36A compliance if project meets the square‑foot/trigger thresholds (§ 37-50.690(a)).
Show parking-lot planters, minimum dimensions, one tree/5 spaces and planter protection (curbs/raised surfaces) (§ 37-50.690(g)).
For frontage along public streets in commercial or industrial contexts show 15 ft (commercial) / 20 ft (industrial per § 37-40.170(d) and related) where applicable (§ 37-40.170(d)).
Indicate turf area (≤ 25% of total landscaping) and water‑efficient plant palette (≥ 90% non‑turf drought‑resistant where required) (§ 37-50.690(e)(1),(3)).
Fence/wall details showing heights measured per code (from curb or finished grade), materials, and any decorative features to meet the exceptions (§ 37-50.090(c–f)).
If using high screening walls (commercial/industrial), include a planner justification and show how the wall integrates with architecture and landscaping (§ 37-50.090(g); may require SPR/CUP).
Show protection measures for landscaping (curbs, depressed walks) and maintenance plan (permanent maintenance required § 37-50.690(c)(2)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
When fence height is measured (curb vs. grade)	Different measurement method within front/corner yards vs other yards affects maximum allowed height and could require lowering or raising a fence.	Verify grade/curb elevations on your lot and apply § 37-50.090(c) measurement rules; request city determination for split grades.
Chain‑link fencing visibility prohibition	Chain link with slats is prohibited when visible from public rights‑of‑way — could invalidate proposed screening.	Confirm whether the fence location is “visible from public rights‑of‑way”; if visible, plan masonry/architectural wall or landscaping per § 37-40.170(b)(2).
Industrial district landscaping waivers	Code allows waivers for not‑substantially‑visible industrial areas — relying on this without planner sign‑off risks noncompliance.	If you intend to waive landscaping in IGC/IG, get written city planner determination per § 37-50.690(g)(9).
Species and MWELO triggers	MWELO and Chapter 36A requirements apply and can add irrigation plan and compliance obligations.	Confirm MWELO applicability (landscape area thresholds in § 37-50.690(a)) and check Chapter 36A for the plant lists and irrigation documentation.
“Screening equal to height of material” standard	Code requires screening equal to the height of material being screened — ambiguous for irregular stacks or angled loads.	Provide elevations/section drawings showing max stacked height and proposed wall/berm height; the planner uses § 37-40.170(b)(1) to judge adequacy.
“Visible from public rights-of-way” definition	Many screening/fence rules hinge on visibility; the code leaves some evaluation to the planner.	Verify visibility determination and get plan review comments early; city planner discretion noted in multiple sections (e.g., § 37-50.690(a), § 37-50.090(g)).

Plain-English summary

Salinas requires landscape planters, drought‑efficient planting, and screening for things like parking, outdoor storage, loading areas and mechanical equipment; specific numeric rules cover planter widths (10–15 ft depending on context), tree spacing (about 30 ft), parking‑lot tree counts (1 tree/5 spaces), turf limits (25%), and fence/wall height limits (3 ft in front yards, 8 ft inside yards) — all documented in the Zoning Code’s landscaping and fences sections. Always submit a landscape plan that meets the stated §§ and get a planner confirmation for any waivers or taller screening walls.

Information Gaps

A definitive list of approved plant species and local plant palette for compliance with Chapter 36A / MWELO is Not found in retrieved materials here — consult Chapter 36A or the water purveyor. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Graphic figures (Figure 37‑50.140, Figure 37‑50.20, etc.) that illustrate planter/curb/feature layouts were referenced in the code snippets but not reproduced in the retrieved text — inspect the full Zoning Code for the figures. Verify with the jurisdiction.
District permitted‑use tables and some district‑specific purposes are not reproduced here — see the zoning use tables for parcel‑level permitted uses. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

Salinas Zoning Code, Division 4 — Landscaping and Irrigation: § 37-50.680 – § 37-50.700 (purpose, applicability, required yards, design standards, parking-lot landscaping, plan requirements).
Salinas Zoning Code, Landscaping general requirements and Table 37‑50.190 (landscaping in yards): § 37-50.690 and Table 37‑50.190.
Salinas Zoning Code, Fences, Walls, and Hedges: § 37-50.090 (definitions, height measurement, maximum heights by district, exceptions).
Salinas Zoning Code, Development regulations and design standards (U.S. 101 / frontage/ screening): § 37-40.170(d) and § 37-40.170(b) (frontage planters, screening, chain-link restrictions).
Salinas Zoning Code, Landscaping design standards and guidance: § 37-50.700 (design standards, planting tiers, maintenance).
Salinas Zoning Code, Parking-lot landscaping specifics (planter widths, trees, islands): § 37-50.690(g).
Salinas zoning & planning overview → /us/california/salinas

Sources

Retrieved passages

Salinas Zoning Code (Section 37-50.090) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code (Section 37-50.270) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code (section for) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code (§ 39) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code (Section 37-50.300) High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code High relevance
Salinas Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Official Salinas code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is required for a commercial site in Salinas?

Commercial sites must provide street‑front landscaping planters (a minimum 15 ft depth along public streets) and comply with Division 4 parking and planting rules (parking‑lot planters, tree counts, irrigation). Landscaping plans, maintenance commitments, and MWELO/Chapter 36A compliance (if triggered) are required. See § 37-40.170(d)(1) and § 37-50.690(g) for the specifics.

How tall can my front‑yard fence be in Salinas?

In residential and agricultural districts the maximum front‑yard fence height is 3 ft; a corner side yard within 10 ft of the street is also 3 ft, or set back 10 ft it may be 8 ft (subject to visibility rules). Height measurement rules are in § 37-50.090(c–d).

Do parking lots have to have trees or planters?

Yes — parking lots must include perimeter and interior landscaping. Parking-lot street planters must be at least 10 ft where parking adjoins a street, with trees generally 30 ft on center, and a minimum of 1 tree per 5 parking spaces; interior islands must be at least 5 ft (exclusive of curbs). See § 37-50.690(g).

Can I use chain‑link fence with slats to screen my storage area?

Not if the storage area or fence is visible from public rights‑of‑way or U.S. 101. The code prohibits chain link (with or without slats) for visible fencing/screening; masonry walls, berms, or planted screens are required instead (§ 37-40.170(b)(2) and related screening sections).

When do I need to submit a landscape plan and comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)?

A landscape plan is required where landscaping is included, and MWELO/Chapter 36A applies when new landscape area is ≥ 500 sq ft, rehabilitation is ≥ 2,500 sq ft, or other triggers in § 37-50.690(a) are met. Provide plant lists, irrigation details, and water‑efficiency measures as required.

What counts as a “screen” for outdoor equipment or storage?

Screening should hide materials from public view using a combination of solid masonry walls, berms, and landscaping sized to equal the height of materials being screened; the screening must be architecturally integrated where adjacent to buildings (§ 37-40.170(b)(1) and § 37-50.170(v)).

Are there limits on turf and water‑intensive planting?

Yes. Turf is limited to 25% of total landscaping and is prohibited in planting areas narrower than 8 ft or on slopes over 10%. Plant palettes must favor drought‑tolerant species and at least 90% of non‑turf material shall be drought resistant where specified. See § 37-50.690(e)(1,3).

Can the city allow alternative landscaping that doesn’t strictly match the numeric rules?

Yes — the city planner may allow alternative means of compliance if the alternative achieves comparable results; however, exceptions (including waivers in visible industrial areas) are at planner discretion and should be documented in approvals (§ 37-50.690(i) and § 37-50.690(g)(9)). Verify with the jurisdiction.

How is fence height measured where the street curb is different from my lot grade?

Fence height in front and corner side yards is measured from the top of the nearest street curb; elsewhere it’s measured from the existing or finished grade — see measurement rules in § 37-50.090(c). If adjoining lots differ in grade, measurement uses the higher finished grade.

Do I need to screen rooftop mechanical equipment?

Yes — any rooftop or ground equipment visible from public view must be screened and the method of screening should be architecturally integrated (materials, color, shape, size), per the screening requirements and design standards in Division 4 and related sections (§ 37-50.700, § 37-50.170(v)).

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