Sand City — Landscaping and Screening

Overview

Sand City regulates landscaping, fences, hedges, and screening in its zoning code (Title 18), with citywide definitions and detailed standards that apply especially in the commercial and industrial districts and their coastal-zone counterparts. The code sets how “screen” elements are measured, what must be submitted on landscape plans, how irrigation and protection around parking work, and how outdoor storage must be screened. In the Coastal Zone, additional conditions apply through the CZ overlay, including use of native coastal plants and buffers.

The most important screening rule: a “screen fence” or “screen hedge” must block at least 75% of visibility (opaque-to-open ratio of 3:1 or higher), and plantings may be used if they reach the required opacity and height within four years (§ 18.04.480).

Citywide definitions, plan triggers, and maintenance

• Definitions you will see on approvals and drawings:

  • Fence or wall: a vertical barrier to delimit an area or limit access/visibility (§ 18.04.255).
  • Hedge: plants in a continuous line forming a dense barrier (§ 18.04.275).
  • Screen fence / screen hedge: provides ≥75% visibility restriction; five-gallon shrubs/trees are acceptable if they will reach the required opacity/height within four years (§ 18.04.480).
  • Wire mesh fencing: chain link/Cyclone/chicken wire (not ornamental iron) (§ 18.04.550).
  • Buffer: land area separating distinct uses (e.g., landscaping between commercial and residential) to soften impacts (§ 18.04.100).

• When a landscape plan is required (by the code or as a condition of a permit), the submittal must show plant locations/sizes, ground covers, any mounding with 1‑ft contours, irrigation layout (if required), and details of screen fences/walls and related site furnishings with proposed colors and materials (§ 18.62.050(C)). Plans are reviewed by staff and the design committee before permit issuance, and landscaping must be maintained healthy, weed‑free, and litter‑free (§ 18.62.050(D)–(E)). See design review.

• Protection and erosion control near paved areas: landscaped areas next to paved parking/driveways must be protected by a 6‑inch continuous curb or another Council‑approved method; provide positive erosion control and keep loose cover (gravel/rock/bark) from scattering, again using a 6‑inch curb or approved alternative (§ 18.62.050(F)–(G)). Coordinate with parking.

• Irrigation: provide irrigation facilities at or near each planter; a permanent system is required for planter sections over 200 sq ft, and an automatic timer is recommended over 750 sq ft (§ 18.62.050(H)).

Coastal Zone overlay — landscaping and screening conditions

For projects in the Coastal Zone (CZ), the City may impose conditions to ensure coastal program consistency. As a baseline for any coastal development permit: compliance with all provisions of Chapters 18.62 and 18.64 “regarding parking and landscaping,” use of appropriate native coastal plants, provision of buffers between conflicting uses, and drought‑tolerant, water‑conserving landscaping per Chapter 15.12 are required (§ 18.50.090(B)). Some landscaping work is categorically exempt from a coastal development permit (e.g., “landscaping on the lot” for improvements to single‑family residences or other structures), subject to the listed coastal exceptions (§ 18.50.040(A)(4), (B)(4)). See overlay districts and development standards.

Outdoor storage screening (commercial/industrial focus)

• Where it applies: In the C, IP, M, CZ C, CZ IP, and CZ M districts, outdoor storage on a parcel that abuts a residential district must be enclosed by a screen fence of 7 ft or more around the perimeter of the storage area (or parcel), using Cyclone chain link with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)). “Storage” is keeping non‑fixed equipment/materials for over two weeks; vehicles used/sold in the regular course of business are excluded (§ 18.62.060(B)(1)–(2)). This requirement is applied when a parcel is first developed for a permitted use or with a discretionary City permit (§ 18.62.060(B)(3)).

• What qualifies as “screen”: A compliant “screen fence” or “screen hedge” must restrict visibility by ≥75% (§ 18.04.480). The specified Cyclone with redwood slats is the required fencing material for outdoor storage screening in the listed districts (§ 18.62.060(B)).

Fence and hedge heights in commercial/industrial districts

In the C, IP, M, CZ C, CZ IP, and CZ M districts:

• Front yard: fences/hedges up to 30 inches are permitted, except for open storage uses (§ 18.62.060(A)(1)).
• Behind the front yard setback line, and in any required side or rear yard: fences/hedges up to 8 feet are permitted (§ 18.62.060(A)(2)).

Coordinate these limits with your site’s yard and setback lines under development standards and base zoning in Sand City Zoning.

District-by-district: Landscaping and screening rules that apply

Below are the landscaping/screening standards established in the ordinance for the listed districts. Where a detail is not established in the source materials, it is flagged.

C (Commercial)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: up to 30 in in any front yard (except open storage uses); up to 8 ft behind front yard setback and in required side/rear yards (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: perimeter screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).

IP (Industrial Park)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: 30 in front yard; 8 ft behind front yard/side/rear (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).

M (Manufacturing/Industrial)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: 30 in front yard; 8 ft behind front yard/side/rear (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).

CZ C (Coastal Zone—Commercial)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: 30 in front yard; 8 ft behind front yard/side/rear (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).
• Coastal conditions: for coastal development permits, use native coastal plants, provide buffers, and comply with landscaping provisions of Chs. 18.62 and 18.64 (§ 18.50.090(B)(2)–(5)).

CZ IP (Coastal Zone—Industrial Park)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: 30 in front yard; 8 ft behind front yard/side/rear (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).
• Coastal conditions: native coastal plants, buffers, and compliance with landscaping provisions required with coastal development permits (§ 18.50.090(B)(2)–(5)).

CZ M (Coastal Zone—Manufacturing/Industrial)

• Purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where it applies: Not found in source materials.
• Fences/hedges: 30 in front yard; 8 ft behind front yard/side/rear (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Outdoor storage abutting residential: screen fence ≥7 ft, Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats (§ 18.62.060(B)).
• Coastal conditions: native coastal plants, buffers, and compliance with landscaping provisions required with coastal development permits (§ 18.50.090(B)(2)–(5)).

Core landscaping and screening standards

Practical coordination tips

• Tie your fence/hedge locations to the site’s “front yard setback line” under development standards; the 30‑inch vs. 8‑foot limits hinge on that line (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• Where outdoor storage is near homes, plan early for a slatted Cyclone screen fence of at least 7 feet—and confirm whether a “screen hedge” can supplement to reach the 75% opacity (§ 18.62.060(B); § 18.04.480).
• Build curbs and irrigation into your parking layout; a 6‑inch continuous curb is the default for planter protection and erosion control (§ 18.62.050(F)–(G)).
• In the CZ, select native coastal, drought‑tolerant palettes and show buffers on plans; these are baseline conditions on coastal development permits (§ 18.50.090(B)).

Checklist

• Determine base zoning and whether your site is in a CZ overlay; confirm applicable yards/setbacks in Sand City Zoning and development standards.
• If a landscape plan is required, include plant schedule, ground cover/mulch, mounding contours, irrigation layout, and details/colors/materials for any screen fences/walls and site furnishings (§ 18.62.050(C)).
• Provide irrigation: permanent system for planter sections >200 sq ft; consider an automatic timer for >750 sq ft (§ 18.62.050(H)).
• Protect planters adjacent to paving with a 6‑inch continuous curb or City Council–approved alternative; include erosion/loose‑cover controls (§ 18.62.050(F)–(G)).
• In C, IP, M, CZ C, CZ IP, CZ M: keep front‑yard fences/hedges ≤30 in (except open storage uses); behind the front yard setback and in side/rear yards, ≤8 ft (§ 18.62.060(A)).
• If outdoor storage abuts a residential district: enclose the storage area (or parcel) with a ≥7 ft screen fence of Cyclone with diagonal redwood slats; apply at first development or with any discretionary permit (§ 18.62.060(B)).
• Use screens/hedges that achieve ≥75% opacity to required height within four years (§ 18.04.480).
• Maintain all required landscaping healthy, weed‑free, and litter‑free; plan for ongoing upkeep (§ 18.62.050(D)–(E)).
• If in the Coastal Zone: incorporate native coastal plants, drought‑tolerant landscaping (per Ch. 15.12), buffers, and comply with landscaping/parking provisions of Chs. 18.62 and 18.64; confirm if your landscaping work is CDP‑exempt (§ 18.50.090(B); § 18.50.040).
• If you cannot meet a clear standard, discuss relief early; see variances and exceptions. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Sand City requires well‑detailed, irrigated, and maintained landscaping where it is required by code or permit, plus protective curbs and erosion control next to paving. In commercial and industrial districts (and their Coastal Zone counterparts), front‑yard fences/hedges are limited to 30 inches, while side/rear areas can have up to 8‑foot fences. Outdoor storage next to homes must be screened by at least a 7‑foot Cyclone fence with redwood slats, or a hedge/fence that blocks 75% of views.

Source References

• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.100 (Buffer)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.255 (Fence or Wall)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.275 (Hedge)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.480 (Screen Fence or Screen Hedge)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.550 (Wire Mesh Fencing)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.50.040 (Developments Exempt From Coastal Development Permit Procedures)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.50.090 (Permit Conditions)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.62.050 (Maintenance of Landscaping)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.62.060 (Fence and Hedge Regulations in the C, IP, CZ C, CZ IP, CZ M and M Districts)
• See also: Sand City zoning & planning overview, Sand City Land Use

Source passages

• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.04.480) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.62.050) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.04.255) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.04.100) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.62.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.50.040) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.04.275) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.50.090) Medium relevance show source text
• Sand City Zoning Code (§ 18.04.550) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.100 (Buffer) (§ 18.04.100)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.255 (Fence or Wall) (§ 18.04.255)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.275 (Hedge) (§ 18.04.275)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.480 (Screen Fence or Screen Hedge) (§ 18.04.480)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.04.550 (Wire Mesh Fencing) (§ 18.04.550)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.50.040 (Developments Exempt From Coastal Development Permit Procedures) (§ 18.50.040)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.50.090 (Permit Conditions) (§ 18.50.090)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.62.050 (Maintenance of Landscaping) (§ 18.62.050)
• Sand City Zoning Code § 18.62.060 (Fence and Hedge Regulations in the C, IP, CZ C, CZ IP, CZ M and M Districts) (§ 18.62.060)
• See also: Sand City zoning & planning overview, Sand City Land Use

• Official Sand City code library