Local zoning · San Ramon

San Ramon — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What are the rules for fence heights in residential areas?

Front‑yard fences are limited to 3 feet ; side/rear yard fences may be up to 7 feet (with conditions such as open lattice or architectural features). Nonresidential side/rear fences can be up to 8 feet § D3-4(B) .

Q: How much tree planting is required in parking areas?

Parking lots must provide canopy trees at a rate of one tree per four spaces (or one tree per 30 linear feet for perimeter planting in some circumstances); planters with trees must be at least 5' x 5' § D3-19 .

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes San Ramon’s local zoning standards for landscaping and screening as set out in the Unified Development Ordinance (Division D3). It covers what projects must show on a Landscape Plan, minimum landscape area by zone, fences, walls, and screening between uses, parking-lot landscaping, planting/irrigation expectations, and the administrative tools (plan approval, surety, and limited exceptions). For related requirements see the city’s pages on San Ramon Zoning, San Ramon Development Standards, and San Ramon Parking.

Key controlling rules (quick pointers)

Landscape plan submittal and approval required for most new non‑single‑family projects — § D3-18 .
Where landscaping must be located and how much is required — § D3-19 and § D3-20 .
Detailed plant material, planter, and irrigation standards — § D3-21 (Landscape Standards) and cross‑references to City MWELO / C4-122 requirements .
Fences, walls, and screening (including screening between commercial/industrial uses and residential zones) — § D3-4 .
Minor Exceptions and limited adjustments (e.g., small increases in fence height or reductions in landscape area) — § D6-24 .
Architectural / design review may consider landscaping, screening and fence/wall treatments — see San Ramon Design Review and § D6-22 / ARB factors .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are San Ramon zoning districts that are specifically named in the landscape-area table (Table 3‑6). For each district I list the landscape-area obligation from the code, then available landscape/screening-specific standards. Where the ordinance text retrieved does not include the district purpose or complete allowable uses, I state that fact and direct you to Division D2 or to verify with the City.

Note: All zone names are bolded below exactly as used in the ordinance and are subject to the general landscape rules in Division D3 (Chapter D3, Landscape Design Standards) unless the code text states an exception. Verify parcel‑specific entitlements with the jurisdiction.

RM, RMH, RH, RVH

Minimum landscaped area: 15% of lot, per Table 3‑6 § D3-20 .
Landscape and screening rules that apply: Landscape plan requirements § D3-18 and planting/plant size mix in § D3-21; fences/walls height limits in § D3-4 (residential fences: 3 ft front, up to 7 ft side/rear with conditions) .
Typical permitted uses / exact zone purpose: Not found in retrieved materials; see Division D2 or San Ramon Zoning. Verify with the jurisdiction.

OA, OL, CC, CR, M‑1, M‑2

Minimum landscaped area: 20% of lot § D3-20 .
Parking-lot perimeter and interior planting rules apply (shade tree rate, planter size) § D3-19; screening between nonresidential uses and adjacent residential zones includes a minimum 6‑ft decorative masonry/plant screen and adjacent planting strip § D3-4 .
Typical permitted uses / purpose: Not found in retrieved materials; see Division D2. Verify with the jurisdiction.

DMU‑N, DMU‑S, MUX, MUR, CT, MC, CCMU

Minimum landscaped area: 15% of lot § D3-20 .
Transit‑/mixed‑use projects still must meet Landscape Plan requirements § D3-18 and parking landscape and pedestrian circulation considerations in § D3-19 .
Typical permitted uses / purpose: Not found in retrieved materials; see Division D2. Verify with the jurisdiction.

RC, HR, RE, RS

Minimum landscaped area: 50% of lot § D3-20 .
These zones carry the highest landscape percentage requirement; Landscape Plan and maintenance obligations apply § D3-18, § D3-23 (maintenance) .
Typical permitted uses / purpose: Not found in retrieved materials; see Division D2. Verify with the jurisdiction.

CC‑R, CT‑R, CS‑R

Minimum landscaped area: 30% of lot § D3-20 .
Same Landscape Plan, planting mix, and screening standards apply. Where commercial/retail abuts residential, screening and landscape buffer requirements in § D3-19 and § D3-4 apply .
Typical permitted uses / purpose: Not found in retrieved materials; see Division D2. Verify with the jurisdiction.

If you need a parcel‑specific check (permitted uses, overlays, or special standards), consult San Ramon Overlay Districts and the Division D2 zone text. Many specific‑plan or overlay standards can alter these landscape obligations; verify with the City.

Most decision‑relevant standards (at‑a‑glance)

Standard	Requirement (plain English)	Code Reference
Landscape plan required	Most new construction (except individual single‑family parcels) and major expansions must submit a Landscape Plan with entitlement and cannot get a Building Permit until plan conformance is verified § D3-18	§ D3-18
Minimum landscaped area by zone	Percentages vary by zone (15%/20%/30%/50% shown in Table 3‑6) § D3-20	§ D3-20
Parking-lot shade trees	One canopy tree per four parking spaces; planters 5' x 5' min; interior islands count toward area § D3-19	§ D3-19
Plant material mix & sizes	Specific mix: trees (30% in 24" box / 70% in 15 gal), shrubs (25% in 5 gal), groundcover to 100% in 2 years § D3-21(B)	§ D3-21
Irrigation & MWELO	Irrigation must comply with Municipal C4‑122 and State MWELO; recycled water use / infrastructure when reasonably available § D3-21(C)	§ D3-21
Screening between commercial/industrial & residential	Decorative solid masonry/plant screen, min 6 ft height; landscaped strip 5 ft adjacent to wall (10 ft where next to parking) § D3-4(F)	§ D3-4
Fence/wall heights	Residential: 3 ft in front setback; up to 7 ft along side/rear with conditions; Nonresidential: up to 8 ft along side/rear § D3-4(B)	§ D3-4
Adjustments / Minor Exceptions	Limited increases/decreases (fence height, landscape area) may be granted via Minor Exception § D6-24	§ D6-24
Surety for installation	Zoning Administrator may require a surety equal to 150% of landscape value for 2 years to ensure installation/maintenance § D3-18(C)	§ D3-18

Practical guidance / plain‑English synthesis

If you are proposing anything other than a single‑family house on its own lot, plan on preparing a formal Landscape Plan that meets the content checklist in § D3-18 and municipal MWELO/C4‑122 requirements; the City will not issue building permits until the approved landscaping is verified .
Your required landscape area is set by the project’s zone per Table 3‑6; plan parking lot trees and planter dimensions to be consistent with § D3-19 so parking area landscaping also counts toward the minimum area .
If the project puts nonresidential activities next to residential properties expect a 6‑foot masonry/plant screen plus a planting strip, or the Zoning Administrator may require an equivalent solution § D3-4(F) .
Fence and wall heights differ between residential and nonresidential lots; front yard fences are strictly limited (3 ft) while side/rear lines can be higher under conditions § D3-4(B) . Use the Minor Exception process § D6-24 if you need small adjustments .
The Zoning Administrator can require a cash/bond surety to guarantee installation and two years of maintenance; plan budget accordingly § D3-18(C) .

Include landscape and screening elements in early design review; the Architectural Review Board factors explicitly list fences, walls, screening planting, and landscape as required considerations § D6-22 and the ARB will review these elements as part of design review . See San Ramon Design Review for process details.

Checklist

Confirm project type: Is it exempt (individual single‑family parcel) or does § D3-17 require a Landscape Plan?
Prepare a Landscape Plan that meets the Department handout, Municipal C4‑122, and State MWELO requirements § D3-18(C)
Calculate minimum landscaped area from Table 3‑6 for your zone § D3-20
Show parking-lot islands, tree locations (1 per 4 spaces), planter dimensions (min 5' x 5') per § D3-19
If adjacent to residential, design screening (6‑ft masonry + planting / 10‑ft planting next to parking) per § D3-4(F)
Specify plant sizes and mix (tree/shrub/groundcover) per § D3-21(B); note irrigation and MWELO compliance § D3-21(C)
Budget for possible surety/performance guarantee (150% for two years) § D3-18(C)
If proposing taller fences/walls or reduced landscape area, check Minor Exception or Variance options § D6-24
Coordinate screening and plant selection with design review/ARB submission where applicable § D6-22

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact zone purpose and permitted uses for a parcel	Landscaping percentages are zone‑based; permitted uses (and therefore applicable standards or exceptions) come from Division D2, not reproduced here	Confirm the parcel’s base zone and Division D2 text; contact Planning or check San Ramon Zoning. Not found in retrieved materials.
Whether a project qualifies as “single‑family parcel” exemption	Exemption removes many landscape requirements; incorrect classification can delay permits	Verify subdivision status/lot configuration with Planning. See § D3-17
Height measurement/allowance for fences adjacent to unusual lot lines	Fence height allowances vary for corner lots, setbacks, and retaining wall conditions; mismeasuring can require a Minor Exception or revision	Confirm fence height limits in § D3-4(B) and measurement rules in § D3-10 (setbacks) — verify on a parcel basis.
Overlays or specific plans that supersede Division D3	Overlay districts and specific plans can change landscaping/screening rules	Check San Ramon Overlay Districts and the parcel’s entitlement history. Not always explicit in Division D3.
Stormwater / runoff treatment requirements	Landscape areas often must be designed to filter/retain runoff (C4‑122 / MWELO); failure can cause engineering rework	Coordinate with Public Works and follow § D3-21 referencing C4‑122 and MWELO

Plain‑English Summary

If you are building anything but a single‑family house on its own lot, San Ramon requires a Landscape Plan that meets zone‑specific minimums (Table 3‑6), parking lot planting rules, irrigation/MWELO standards, and screening rules (including a typical 6‑ft masonry plus plant buffer when nonresidential uses abut residential). Certain small adjustments can be approved administratively, and the City can require a performance bond to guarantee installation. Key rules live in § D3-18, § D3-19, § D3-20, § D3-21, and § D3-4 .

Source References

Unified Development Ordinance — Chapter/Division D3: Landscape Design Standards, including § D3-14 (Purpose), § D3-17 (Applicability), § D3-18 (Landscape Plan Approval Required) — see § D3-18 .
§ D3-19 (Landscape Location Requirements) — parking-lot, perimeter, screening requirements .
§ D3-20 (Landscape Area Requirements) — Table 3‑6 (minimum landscaped area by zone) .
§ D3-21 (Landscape Standards) — plant mixes, planter dimensions, irrigation / MWELO references .
§ D3-4 (Fences, Walls, and Screening) — fence heights, prohibited materials, screening between land uses (6‑ft masonry + planting strip) .
§ D6-22 and Architectural Review factors (landscape and screening considered in ARB reviews) .
§ D6-24 (Minor Exceptions — limits on adjustments such as minor fence height or landscape area reductions) .
Municipal handouts and the City’s C4‑122 cross‑references for irrigation and stormwater (cited from § D3-21/C4‑122 text) .

(Full ordinance excerpts are available in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance; references above use the Division D3 section identifiers present in the retrieved code text.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Ramon Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (section C4-122) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section in) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D3-19) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter are) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D6-28) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D3-19) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D3-20) High relevance

Cited sections

Official San Ramon code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum landscape area required for my development in San Ramon?

Minimum percent landscape varies by zone (Table 3‑6): many residential/mixed‑use zones are 15%, many commercial/industrial zones 20%, certain commercial‑residential zones 30%, and some residential/recreational zones 50%; see § D3-20 for the full table.

Do I always need to submit a Landscape Plan?

No for individual single‑family parcels, but yes for most new construction, multi‑family, commercial, industrial projects and significant expansions; the Landscape Plan is required as part of entitlement and must be verified before building permits are issued § D3-17 and § D3-18.

What does San Ramon require where commercial property backs to a residential property?

A commercial or industrial use abutting a residential zone generally must provide a screening treatment consisting of plant materials and a solid decorative masonry (or similar) wall minimum 6 feet in height and an adjacent planting strip (5 ft normally; 10 ft where next to parking) § D3-4(F).

What are the rules for fence heights in residential areas?

Front‑yard fences are limited to 3 feet; side/rear yard fences may be up to 7 feet (with conditions such as open lattice or architectural features). Nonresidential side/rear fences can be up to 8 feet § D3-4(B).

How much tree planting is required in parking areas?

Parking lots must provide canopy trees at a rate of one tree per four spaces (or one tree per 30 linear feet for perimeter planting in some circumstances); planters with trees must be at least 5' x 5' § D3-19.

Must landscaping meet California’s water‑efficiency rules?

Yes. Irrigation systems and landscape design must comply with Municipal Code C4‑122 and the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO); recycled water infrastructure must be provided if reasonably available § D3-21(C).

Can I reduce the required landscape area or increase fence height if site constraints exist?

Possibly — the Zoning Administrator may allow Minor Exceptions for limited adjustments (e.g., small increases in fence height or reductions in landscape area) subject to findings and maximum adjustments described in § D6-24. For larger changes, a Variance may be required.

Will the Architectural Review Board evaluate my landscape and screening plans?

Yes. Architectural review explicitly considers fences, walls, screening planting, location and type of landscaping, and irrigation/maintenance as part of design review and required findings § D6-22. See San Ramon Design Review.

Do single‑family residential lots have to meet the same landscape standards?

Individual single‑family residential parcels are generally exempt from the Chapter D3 landscape plan requirements, but new single‑family subdivisions and other residential developments are not exempt and must comply with § D3-17 and related provisions. Verify whether your lot is an individual parcel or part of a larger development § D3-17.

Where can I check if an overlay or specific plan changes landscape requirements for my parcel?

Check the parcel’s overlay or specific plan in the City’s planning files and San Ramon Overlay Districts; overlays and specific plans can override Division D3 standards — Verify with Planning. Not all overlay changes are reproduced in Division D3.

Ask about any San Ramon property

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

Start Free Trial