Local zoning · Sausalito

Sausalito — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What are the maximum fence heights in Sausalito?

Fences along any parcel line may be up to 6 ft ; in a required rear or interior side yard a fence may be 6 ft + 1 ft in height for each foot the fence is set back from the property line up to 12 ft ; special rules apply when fences sit on retaining walls greater than 3 ft § 10.44.020(D) .

Q: Where do I find district-specific setback, FAR, or coverage limits that affect how much landscaping or hardscape I can add?

Consult Tables 10.22‑1 and 10.22‑2 and Chapter 10.22 for residential districts; these list FAR, maximum coverage, impervious surface and setback requirements that determine available planting area § 10.22.040 and Table 10.22-2 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Sausalito Zoning Ordinance (Title 10 SMC) requires for landscaping, screening, fences, walls, retaining structures, and planting (including trees) on private property and where private improvements encroach on City rights-of-way. It is strictly limited to rules in the Sausalito zoning/planning ordinance (Title 10); building-code (Title 24), fire-clearance, and other permitting topics are referenced where required but not described here. Key citations to the controlling Sausalito Municipal Code are provided for every requirement. See the city's rules on design review, development standards, overlay districts, parking, and ADUs for related procedures and standards.

What the ordinance controls (high level)

Landscaping and planting (trees, shrubs, ornamental planting) are explicitly allowed as accessory uses and are regulated as part of development and design review submittals § 10.44.020 .
Fences, walls, and railings are regulated by height and placement limits; some fence/retaining wall work triggers design review or an encroachment agreement § 10.44.020, § 10.54.040, § 10.56.020 .
Major landscaping in public rights-of-way (private use of public land for planting, planters, etc.) requires encroachment review or an encroachment agreement § 10.56.020–.030 .
Design review (administrative or Planning Commission) frequently requires a detailed landscape plan showing existing trees, removals, species, irrigation and maintenance commitments § 10.54.040, design-review findings in § 10.54.050, and landscape content requirements cited elsewhere (e.g., wireless facility standards) .

District-by-district breakdown

The ordinance divides the city into base zoning districts and overlays (see Table 10.12-1 and Chapter references). Where district-specific landscaping/screening standards exist in the code excerpts, they are noted below. Where the ordinance points to a chapter for district rules but no landscaping-specific text was found in the retrieved materials, that gap is called out.

Note: each district name below is bold and each district-level standard references the chapter that governs uses and development standards.

OS / PP / PI / OA (Open Space / Public Parks / Public Institutional / Open Area)

Purpose and where it applies: public/open lands; established by the zoning map and Chapter 10.20 (Open Space/Public) § 10.12.040 .
Typical permitted uses: parks, passive recreation, public facilities (see Chapter 10.20) .
Landscaping/screening: these districts are intended to retain vegetation and open space; the code lists tree/shrub planting as accessory and public-land landscaping likely requires City approval or an encroachment agreement § 10.44.020, § 10.56.020 .
Key to applicants: any planting or hardscape on City-owned land requires encroachment review § 10.56.020 .

R-1 (Single-Family Residential) — see Chapter 10.22

Purpose: single-family residential; regulated in Chapter 10.22 § 10.12.040, § 10.22.040 .
Typical permitted uses: single-family dwellings, accessory uses including trees/shrubs/ornamental planting § 10.44.020 and the Table of allowed residential uses (Table 10.22-1) .
Key dimensional/landscape-relevant standards (common across R zones): floor area ratio, lot coverage, impervious surface, minimum setbacks (see Table 10.22-2) — these control how much landscape/hardscape you can add § 10.22.040 and Table 10.22-2 .
Fences/walls: along parcel lines up to 6 ft; in required rear or interior side yard allowed up to 6 ft plus 1 ft in height for each foot of setback from the property line up to 12 ft (special rules where retaining walls higher than 3 ft occur) § 10.44.020 .
Where it applies: standard R-1 neighborhoods across Sausalito per map; design review can impose stricter landscaping/vegetation protections § 10.54.010 .

R-2 (Two-Family Residential) and R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) — Chapter 10.22 / 10.44

Purpose and typical uses: duplexes, multifamily, accessory uses (trees, ADUs), communal open space (see Table 10.22-1) .
Key standards (from Table 10.22-2): R-2 and R-3 have specific FAR, coverage, impervious surface and setbacks that affect landscaping and required open space; see Table 10.22-2 § 10.22.040 .
Screening obligations: Planning Commission may require buffers, special yards, walls/fences and landscaping as conditions of approval for multi-family and conditional uses § 10.60.060 .
Fences and retaining wall rules above (see § 10.44.020) also apply; retaining walls over certain heights may trigger design review § 10.54.040 .

PR (Planned Residential)

Purpose and typical uses: planned developments subject to a -Pd permit. A detailed landscape plan is required for Pd permit applications and landscape/maintenance commitments are part of the findings § 10.28.060, § 10.54.040 .
Standards: Pd permit submittal must include a detailed landscaping plan (existing trees, species, irrigation, container sizes, boundaries) § 10.28.070 (Pd permit submittal content) .
Where it applies: specific Pd sites identified on the zoning map; Pd review can substitute alternative development standards subject to findings § 10.28.060 .

H (Houseboats) and A (Residential Arks)

Purpose: water-dependent residential uses (houseboats, arks) — Chapter 10.22 and specific houseboat rules in § 10.44.160 govern development and accessory uses including planting on adjacent upland parcels. Where specific landscaping standards exist for piers/wharves refer to § 10.44.070 .
Note: many waterfront improvements may also need BCDC or other agency approvals (not in Title 10).

CC / CR / CN / SC / CW / W (Commercial / Waterfront)

Purpose and typical uses: commercial retail/service, waterfront commerce. Base rules are in Chapter 10.24 and waterfront-specific rules in Chapter 10.26/10.28 per the zoning table § 10.12.040 .
Landscaping/screening: commercial projects commonly require a landscape plan under design review; specific parking-lot screening and planting standards are cross-referenced to development standards and parking rules (see parking and Chapter 10.40) § 10.54.040, § 10.40.050 .
Encroachments: any permanent landscaping on public sidewalks/easements (e.g., planter boxes, tree wells) requires an encroachment agreement § 10.56.020–.030 .

IM (Industrial Marinship) and Other Industrial Districts

Purpose and typical uses: industrial/marine uses; landscaping and screening may be required to buffer industrial uses from adjacent residential areas; specific standards referenced in Chapters 10.26 and 10.44 (Specific Use Requirements) where applicable — explicit landscaping detail for IM not found in the retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials for detailed landscaping rules in IM.

Key ordinance standards and triggers (decision-focused table)

Topic	What the code requires (plain-English)	Code reference
Accessory plantings (private property)	Trees, shrubs, and other ornamental planting are allowed accessory uses in all districts when on the same parcel as the principal use — provide them on site; they are treated as accessory uses.	§ 10.44.020
Fence height (parcel line)	Fences along any parcel line: maximum 6 ft high (subject to view/sunlight restrictions).	§ 10.44.020(D)(1)
Fence/yard set-back height allowance	Fences in a required rear or interior side yard: 6 ft + 1 ft per ft of setback up to 12 ft; special limits when placed on retaining walls >3 ft.	§ 10.44.020(D)(2)
View/sunlight protection	Fences may not be constructed/maintained so as to unreasonably obstruct a neighbor’s view or sunlight.	§ 10.44.020(D)(3)
Retaining walls & slope stabilization	Retaining walls that exceed certain heights (aggregate 6 ft within any 10 ft horizontal interval) and terraced retaining walls trigger administrative design review § 10.54.040.	§ 10.54.040(12)
Landscaping on public land / encroachments	Any landscaping that occupies public land or easements for 3+ years is an encroachment and requires review and likely an encroachment agreement; major landscaping is reviewed by the Community Development Director or Planning Commission depending on scale § 10.56.020–.030.	§ 10.56.020–.030
Design review landscaping submittal	Many permits require a detailed landscape plan showing existing trees (and which will be removed), species, container sizes, irrigation, lighting, furniture, and fencing materials. Large landscape changes may be subject to administrative or Planning Commission design review § 10.54.040 and Pd submittal requirements § 10.28.	§ 10.54.040, § 10.28.060
Landscape maintenance / bonds	The Planning Commission may require maintenance conditions (including bonds) for landscaping — a waterfront example requires a one-year maintenance bond § 10.60.060(H).	§ 10.60.060(H)

Practical guidance and synthesis (plain-English analysis)

If you plan to install trees, hedges, raised planters, or a new fence: treat them as part of your site design. On private property, trees and shrubs are permitted as accessory plantings — but fences and retaining walls have explicit height/placement rules you must meet (or you will trigger design review) § 10.44.020 .
If any planting or hardscape will occupy City right-of-way (e.g., in the public sidewalk strip, on an easement, or you propose planter boxes on City property) the encroachment rules apply and may require an encroachment agreement; “major landscaping” is a listed encroachment § 10.56.020–.030 .
Design review is the principal place where the City enforces plant selection, tree retention, irrigation, and maintenance; expect to submit a landscape plan with species, container size, irrigation, and a maintenance program for larger projects § 10.54.040, § 10.28.060 .
Retaining walls and grading that change slope by more than thresholds trigger administrative design review or Planning Commission review and may change what fence/planting heights are allowed by location § 10.54.040 .
For multi-family, planned developments, or conditional uses, the Planning Commission can require special yards, buffers, fences, and landscape performance guarantees as conditions of approval § 10.60.060 .

Checklist

Confirm whether proposed planting or hardscape will occupy private property or City right-of-way (if public land: apply for encroachment agreement) § 10.56.020 .
If constructing fences or retaining walls, confirm max height limits: 6 ft along parcel lines; check increased allowances in side/rear yards and retaining-wall interaction § 10.44.020 .
Prepare a detailed landscape plan (existing trees, removal list, species, container sizes, irrigation, lighting, fences) when design review or Pd permit is required § 10.54.040, § 10.28.060 .
Verify whether your project triggers administrative or Planning Commission design review (see list of thresholds) § 10.54.040 .
If landscaping is required as a condition, be prepared to provide a maintenance program or performance bond (waterfront example) § 10.60.060(H) .
For projects that include parking, check parking screening/landscaping rules and include that in the plan; see parking and Chapter 10.40 for surfacing/parking standards § 10.60.060(D) .
If you plan an ADU, check ADU-specific lot coverage/FAR and setbacks before adding substantial hardscape/landscaping § 10.44.080 and ADU guidance at ADUs .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Public-right-of-way planting	Planting that appears to be in a sidewalk strip may actually be an encroachment and is tightly controlled; unauthorized planting can be ordered removed.	Verify whether the planting area is City property/easement; if so, start an encroachment agreement per § 10.56.020 .
Retaining wall combined with fence	Retaining wall height can reduce allowable fence height and may trigger design review/administrative permit.	Confirm total aggregate retained slope and whether the aggregate retaining height triggers the design-review thresholds in § 10.54.040(12) .
“Unreasonable” view obstruction claim	The code prohibits fences that unreasonably obstruct view or sunlight; “unreasonable” is subjective and can lead to neighbor disputes or conditions.	Expect to justify height/opacity relative to neighbor views; verify with the Community Development Director/Planning staff and reference § 10.44.020(D)(3) .
District-specific expectations	The ordinance gives design-review discretion to the Planning Commission; code maxima are not entitlements in design-review areas.	Confirm whether your site is subject to heightened review (historic overlay, Pd, or design review) § 10.54.050, and expect conditions § 10.54.050 .
Tree protection and view preservation	Trees are allowed as accessory plantings but tree removal and protection rules (and views) can be controlled under design review and Chapter 11.12 references.	Verify tree-preservation rules and whether an arborist report or tree protection plan is required (see references to tree protection in wireless standards and design-review referral rules § 10.45.120, § 10.54.070).
Missing district-level landscaping standards	Some districts (industrial, certain commercial overlays) do not have landscaping detail in the retrieved materials.	Confirm district-specific landscape/screening standards in Chapters 10.24, 10.26, 10.40 at the Community Development counter. Not found in retrieved materials for some districts.

Plain-English Summary

Sausalito’s zoning code treats planting and screening as part of site design: simple private plantings are allowed, but fences, retaining walls, and any landscaping on City land have explicit height, setback, and encroachment rules and often trigger design-review and landscape-plan submittals; verify whether your project needs an encroachment agreement or administrative/Planning Commission design review § 10.44.020, § 10.54.040, § 10.56.020 .

Source References

Sausalito Zoning Ordinance (Title 10 SMC), Chapter listing and base district table § 10.12.040 .
Residential districts uses and site standards (Tables 10.22‑1 and 10.22‑2) and site development rules § 10.22.040 and associated tables Table 10.22-1 / Table 10.22-2 .
Accessory uses; trees, shrubs and planting allowed as accessory uses and walls/fence height rules § 10.44.020 .
Planned development submittal requirements including detailed landscape plan content § 10.28.060 (Pd permit and plan content) .
Design review thresholds and administrative design review criteria, including landscaping/maintenance expectations § 10.54.040 and § 10.54.050 .
Encroachment review and agreement (landscaping on public lands, major landscaping defined, authority and applicability) § 10.56.010–.030 .
Conditions of approval that can require landscaping maintenance and bonds (example for waterfront) § 10.60.060(H) .
Wireless telecommunications facilities landscaping and tree protection references (examples of the landscape-plan content and tree protection expectations) § 10.45.120 .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (section for) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.56.030) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (title or) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.44.030) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.45.110) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (Chapter 11.12) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.22.030) Medium relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.44.330) Medium relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.030) Medium relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CWUIC § 1276.01 (Chapter 5._) Medium relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.28.060) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Sausalito code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an encroachment agreement to plant in the sidewalk strip?

If the planting occupies City-owned land or an easement for three years or more, it is an encroachment and requires review and usually an encroachment agreement; “major landscaping” in public right-of-way is specifically listed § 10.56.020–.030 .

What are the maximum fence heights in Sausalito?

Fences along any parcel line may be up to 6 ft; in a required rear or interior side yard a fence may be 6 ft + 1 ft in height for each foot the fence is set back from the property line up to 12 ft; special rules apply when fences sit on retaining walls greater than 3 ft § 10.44.020(D) .

When will I be required to submit a landscape plan?

A detailed landscape plan is required when a project is subject to design review, Pd permit, or when the submittal checklists call for it (Pd permit submittal lists detailed landscape contents). Administrative design review thresholds list “major landscaping” as a permitable encroachment item § 10.54.040, § 10.28.060 .

Can the Planning Commission require me to maintain landscaping?

Yes. The Planning Commission and other decision authorities can impose conditions of approval requiring landscaping and maintenance guarantees or bonds (waterfront example: one-year maintenance bond) § 10.60.060(H) .

Are trees protected or treated differently under the zoning code?

Trees and shrubs are an allowed accessory use, but the code (and related chapters referenced in project submittals) frequently requires tree inventories, tree protection plans, and may require arborist reports on larger projects — these expectations show up in design-review requirements and specific-use submittals (e.g., wireless facilities reference tree protection and a required landscape maintenance program) § 10.54.040, § 10.45.120 .

Do fence permits trigger design review?

Fences that require a building permit or that exceed height thresholds (for example fences over 42 inches in certain encroachment contexts) may be subject to administrative design review or Planning Commission review as outlined in § 10.56.030 and § 10.54.040; otherwise ordinary fences within the code height limits typically do not require full Planning Commission design review but are still subject to the view/sunlight restriction § 10.44.020, § 10.54.040, § 10.56.030 .

If my project will add parking, are there landscaping requirements?

Yes — parking areas often must include landscaping and screening and the Planning Commission can condition parking surfacing and landscaping; check parking rules and Chapter 10.40 and include parking-level landscaping on your plan; see parking and § 10.60.060(D) .

Where do I find district-specific setback, FAR, or coverage limits that affect how much landscaping or hardscape I can add?

Consult Tables 10.22‑1 and 10.22‑2 and Chapter 10.22 for residential districts; these list FAR, maximum coverage, impervious surface and setback requirements that determine available planting area § 10.22.040 and Table 10.22-2 .

Do ADU rules affect landscaping/screening?

Yes. ADU development is subject to district FAR, coverage, impervious surface and setback rules; adding an ADU can change lot coverage and may require you to alter hardscape/landscape plans accordingly. See ADU rules § 10.44.080 and ADU guidance at ADUs .

Is the state building code relevant to landscaping and screening?

The state building code (Title 24) is a separate set of standards (for structures, grading and fire hardening) and may apply to retaining walls and certain structures; consult the California Building Standards Code and verify which rules are enforced in parallel to Title 10. Not found in retrieved Title 10 materials for specific Title 24 cross-references — verify with staff.

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