Local zoning · Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Scotts Valley's zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and trees. It pulls the city rules for specific zoning districts and procedural standards that control when landscaping plans, screening, or tree preservation apply. Always verify parcel‑specific requirements with the City; where the ordinance is silent, the page notes "Not found in retrieved materials." Relevant procedural topics like parking, design review, overlays, ADUs and development standards are linked to the local topic pages for easy cross‑reference.

Key takeaways up front: the code repeatedly requires a combination of vegetation, minimum landscape area, year‑round screening plantings (or solid masonry/board fences), minimum plant sizes, landscape/irrigation plans for many projects, and special rules for outdoor storage, trash areas and protected trees (tree removal and preservation). See the district breakdowns below for where each rule applies and the controlling code citations.

(Links: the first natural mention of each related topic is linked: parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, Development Standards, Scotts Valley zoning & planning overview, and the state building code.)

  • For site circulation and parking lot landscaping see Scotts Valley Parking.
  • Design review requirements that trigger landscape submittals are explained on the Scotts Valley Design Review page.
  • Combining districts and special areas that add landscaping rules are in Scotts Valley Overlay Districts.
  • ADU-specific screening/open‑space buffering rules are referenced on the Scotts Valley ADUs page.
  • For numeric development limits that affect landscape space, see Scotts Valley Development Standards.
  • For background on how the zoning ordinance is structured see Scotts Valley zoning & planning overview.
  • Where the building code matters for construction close to trees or fire‑resistant material choices, consult the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district requirements (how landscaping and screening are applied)

Each subsection below is Scotts Valley‑specific and cites the ordinance paragraphs that impose the requirement. Where a standard is stated in multiple places the most directly applicable § is cited.

C-P (Planned Commercial) — C-P

Purpose & typical uses

  • The C-P district accommodates planned commercial uses and requires higher site design controls to protect adjacent properties and public view corridors. See § 17.24.040 .

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total site area must be permanently landscaped (§ 17.24.040) .
  • At least ten feet of any yard adjoining a street must be landscaped and maintained (§ 17.24.040) .
  • Where the site adjoins an R (residential) district, a solid wall, vine‑covered fence or compact evergreen hedge of six feet in height must be located on the property line (except in required front yards); additionally a minimum five feet adjoining that property line must be landscaped when required for privacy/screening (§ 17.24.040) .
  • Trash areas must be screened by masonry or solid wood fencing six feet high (§ 17.24.050.C) .

Where it applies

  • To properties zoned C‑P across the city. Parcel‑level applicability: Verify with the jurisdiction.

C-SC (Shopping Center) — C-SC

Purpose & typical uses

  • The C-SC district regulates shopping center design and ensures visual quality and transitions to residential zones. See § 17.22.040 .

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Minimum ten percent (10%) landscaped site area and ten feet of required yard adjoining a street to be landscaped (§ 17.22.040) .
  • If adjacent to a residential district, interior side yards must be minimum ten feet and buffering/screening will be required per design review (§ 17.22.040) .
  • Trash collection areas must be screened with masonry or solid wood fences six feet in height (§ 17.22.050.C) .

Where it applies

  • Applies to mapped C‑SC sites. Parcel verification recommended.

I-L (Light Industrial) — I-L

Purpose & typical uses

  • The I-L district allows light industrial uses while minimizing impacts to nearby residential/commercial areas; landscaping is part of the performance standards to minimize nuisance and visual impacts (§ 17.26.010) .

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Parking, loading and outdoor storage must be screened, modulated, or integrated from public streets and adjacent properties; parking areas should be screened with landscaping, buildings, walls, fences, berms or other means and larger lots employ tree islands (§ 17.26.020 and related site planning standards) .
  • Outdoor storage adjacent to housing is prohibited; when allowed it requires permanent screening—solid or semi‑solid fence of brick, stone, tile, masonry or wood at least eight feet tall (chain link generally unacceptable) and stored materials may not project above the top of the screen (§ 17.26.050.O) .

Where it applies

  • Industrially‑zoned parcels citywide. Verify parcel exemptions and design review triggers.

ST (Special Treatment) combining district — ST

Purpose & typical uses

  • The ST combining district overlays base zones to require higher design standards and site planning considerations (e.g., Scotts Valley Drive study area). It adds landscape/site planning requirements to the base zone (§ 17.36.020) .

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Landscaping requirements apply to all parcels within ST: minimum ten percent (10%) landscaped site area; ten feet of required yard adjacent to streets be landscaped; preservation of existing topography/vegetation where possible; and use of landscaping as buffers between land use types (§ 17.36.020 and the ST site planning standards) .
  • Where landscaping is to serve a specific function (screen, buffer), the landscape concept must be identified on the PD/general plan submittal (§ 17.38.020) .

Where it applies

  • Only where the ST combining district is mapped; it modifies the base district standards. See the Scotts Valley Overlay Districts page.

PD (Planned Development) — PD

Purpose & typical uses

  • PD zoning permits individually designed development subject to an adopted general development plan; landscaping is a required mapped element of PD plans (§ 17.38.010–.020) .

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • A PD general development plan must map and specify landscape areas, open space, and identify landscape functions (buffers/screens) and maintenance responsibilities (§ 17.38.020.A.1–3) .
  • Design review and PD permit conditions often require landscaping to achieve screening and noise attenuation objectives; see the PD plan content requirements (§ 17.38.020) .

Where it applies

  • Applies only to sites specifically rezoned to PD and to projects proceeding under a PD permit. Verify applicability on a parcel by parcel basis.

Fences, retaining walls and special permit review — (Special Permits / 17.50)

Purpose & typical uses

  • Fences and retaining walls over certain heights, or placed in front setbacks, often require a Special Permit and must meet development standards and findings to protect neighborhood character (17.50 series) .

Key rules

  • Fence/wall setback: Fences and retaining walls should be set back a minimum of three feet from the property line to allow planting between the fence/wall and the property line (17.50 standards for review) .
  • Chain link is discouraged except where not visible or where it can be vine‑covered; proposed fences/walls should include architectural design features and articulation to minimize tunnel effects (17.50) .
  • For fences/retaining walls over three feet in the front yard setback, additional findings are required including compatibility with neighborhood character and safety considerations (17.50.030.F) .

Where it applies

  • Applies citywide where a special permit or design review is triggered by fence/wall height, location, or design.

Decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Requirement Standard (code) Code Reference
Minimum landscaped area on many commercial/major sites 10% of total site area § 17.24.040, § 17.22.040, § 17.36.020
Yard adjoining street landscaping 10 ft of required yard adjoining a street must be landscaped § 17.24.040, § 17.22.040
Required screening adjacent to residential (commercial/industrial) 6 ft solid wall, vine‑covered fence or compact evergreen hedge at property line (except front yard) and 5 ft planting strip when required § 17.24.040
Outdoor storage screening Solid/semi‑solid masonry, wood, tile, brick fence at least 8 ft; chain link generally unacceptable § 17.26.050.O
Trash/refuse screening Screened by masonry or solid wood fencing 6 ft high § 17.24.050.C, § 17.22.050.C
Street tree minimum size Trees adjacent to a street minimum 15‑gallon; all other planted trees minimum 5‑gallon ST landscape standards / combining district (applies in ST and other areas that reference same text) § 17.36.020
Shrubs for screening Minimum 5‑gallon container size § 17.36.020 (and related landscaping text)
Fence/wall setback for landscaping 3 ft setback from property line to provide space for landscaping 17.50 standards for review (§ 17.50.030 and related)
Screening of parking/loading Parking areas should be screened from streets and divided with landscaping, buildings, walls, fences, berms or other means; islands of trees required in large lots PD/ST/I‑L site‑planning and design standards (§ 17.38.020, § 17.36.020, § 17.26 )

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain-English synthesis)

  • Landscape plans and irrigation details are commonly required during design review or PD/Special Permit submittals; the design review checklist explicitly lists landscaping and irrigation plans as required materials (§ 17.50 design review standards) .
  • When a commercial or industrial site touches residential zoning, expect a mandatory six‑foot solid screen at the property line and a planting strip to achieve privacy or block views (§ 17.24.040, § 17.22.040) .
  • If you plan outdoor storage, the code expects a permanent, opaque screen up to eight feet tall and chain‑link will likely be rejected unless hidden or fully screened with vegetation (§ 17.26.050.O) .
  • Fences and retaining walls visible in front yards or over 3 feet in the front setback trigger additional findings; set fences back 3 feet from property line where feasible to provide planting space (17.50 standards) .
  • Protected trees and tree removal require separate review: tree removal permits, preservation requirements during construction (root‑zone protection, arborist reports, possible bonds), and replacement trees may be required by the planning commission (tree removal & preservation provisions) .
  • For ADUs, ground‑level private open space must be screened or buffered from the primary dwelling’s open space using landscaping, fencing, or trellises; the ADU objective design standards explicitly require buffering measures (§ 17.57.060.F.2.d) .

Checklist (what an applicant must generally satisfy)

  • Submit a landscape and irrigation plan with project/design review or PD/Special Permit submittal (show plant sizes, spacing, maintenance) (Design review / PD requirements — § 17.50, § 17.38.020)
  • Demonstrate 10% minimum landscaped area where required (commercial/SC/PD/ST) (§ 17.24.040, § 17.22.040, § 17.36.020)
  • Provide 10 ft landscaped yard along streets (where specified) (§ 17.24.040, § 17.22.040)
  • If adjacent to residential, include 6 ft solid screen (wall, fence, or evergreen hedge) or equivalent landscaping and 5 ft planting strip where required (§ 17.24.040)
  • Show trash/refuse screening (masonry or solid wood 6 ft) (§ 17.24.050.C, § 17.22.050.C)
  • If outdoor storage is proposed, provide permanent opaque screening up to 8 ft and gates; show maintenance and access (§ 17.26.050.O)
  • Label all protected trees on plans and submit arborist recommendations if construction affects tree root zones; expect preservation conditions and replacement requirements (Tree removal/preservation rules)
  • For fences/retaining walls set back 3 ft from property line to allow planting; if over 3 ft in front setback, include findings and possible special permit (17.50 standards)
  • If design review is required, coordinate landscape plan with design review board expectations (materials, irrigation, and maintenance) (§ 17.50 design review standards)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Protected trees and construction impacts The code imposes arborist review, root‑zone protection and may require bonds or special construction techniques; failure risks permit denial Verify whether trees on your parcel are "protected" under the tree ordinance and obtain arborist recommendations; consult § 17.XX (tree removal/preservation)
Fence height in front setbacks Fences/retaining walls over 3 ft in front setbacks require extra findings and may trigger a special permit Confirm fence location, setback, and whether a special permit or design review is required (see 17.50 standards)
Chain‑link acceptability Chain‑link is discouraged for visible screening and may be rejected for outdoor storage or when adjacent to residential If chain‑link is proposed, show screening vegetation or justify exception; see § 17.26.050.O and 17.50 guidance
Where 10% landscaping applies The 10% rule appears in C‑P, C‑SC, ST and other sections; applicability depends on zone and overlay Verify the base zone and any combining district on the parcel; check § 17.24.040, § 17.22.040, § 17.36.020
Parcel‑specific PD or ST rules PD or ST plans can substitute/modify base landscaping requirements If property is PD or ST, follow the PD general development plan or ST standards and check the PD ordinance notes (§ 17.38.020)
Fire hazard / WUI and plant choices The code references preservation of trees and special construction near trees, but local wildfire fuel rules and Title 24 fire provisions may also apply Verify fire department and building code (California Building Standards Code) requirements for defensible space and non‑combustible materials; consult local fire authority and state codes. Not found in retrieved materials: explicit local WUI planting lists.

Plain-English Summary

Scotts Valley's zoning code generally requires a minimum amount of permanent landscaping on many commercial and special‑treatment sites, year‑round screening where properties adjoin residential zones, minimum plant container sizes for trees and shrubs, and opaque screening for trash, parking/loading, and outdoor storage; fences and retaining walls must be designed to allow planting and may require extra review when visible from streets or in front setbacks (see § 17.24.040, § 17.22.040, § 17.36.020, 17.50).

Information Gaps

  • A consolidated, citywide "landscape ordinance" chapter number (single chapter that compiles all landscaping rules) was not located in the retrieved materials; landscaping standards are distributed across district development standards, PD/ST plan rules, and design review standards. Verify whether the city has a standalone landscape standards chapter (Not found in retrieved materials).
  • The ordinance text for protected tree definitions and exact tree removal permit section numbering is present in excerpts but the exact consolidated section number for the tree removal/permitting code was not fully extracted here; consult the City for the full tree ordinance text (partial content found — see tree preservation snippets) .
  • Local acceptable plant species lists, irrigation water‑budget requirements, or specific drought‑tolerant planting lists were not found in the retrieved material. Verify with the planning department or design review manuals (Not found in retrieved materials). .

Source References

  • Title 17 — Zoning, City of Scotts Valley: general ordinance and district headings; see § 17.02.010–.030 for title/purpose context.
  • C‑P Development standards, § 17.24.040 (landscaping, 10% site area, 10 ft street yard, 6 ft screening next to residential) and § 17.24.050 (trash screening)
  • C‑SC Development standards, § 17.22.040 and § 17.22.050 (landscaping percent, street yard landscaping, refuse screening)
  • I‑L district and outdoor storage screening, § 17.26.010 and § 17.26.050.O (eight‑foot screens for outdoor storage)
  • ST combining district standards, § 17.36.020 (landscape/site planning, minimums, buffers)
  • PD general development plan content, § 17.38.020 (landscape mapping, buffers, and plan notes)
  • Design review submittal standards (landscaping/irrigation plan requirement), design review criteria and expiration (§ 17.50 series)
  • Fences and retaining walls / Special Permit standards, including 3 ft planting setback and findings for walls/fences over 3 ft in front setbacks (17.50 standards)
  • ADU objective design standards (screening/buffering of ADU open space), § 17.57.060.F.2.d
  • Tree removal, preservation and construction protection provisions (tree zone, arborist review, replacement trees) — tree permit procedures & preservation standards (excerpted)
  • Supplemental design/site planning references about parking lot screening and landscape islands for parking areas (site planning standards)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (Section 17.44.030) High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (Section 17.46.130) High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (Section 17.50.030.D) High relevance
  • Scotts Valley Zoning Code (§ 69) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping standards apply when a commercial site in Scotts Valley touches a residential zone?

Commercial sites adjacent to residential zones are required to provide a screening device — a solid wall, vine‑covered fence, or compact evergreen hedge of six feet at the property line (except in required front yards) and typically a five‑foot planting strip when needed for privacy; see § 17.24.040.

How much of my commercial or special‑treatment site must be landscaped in Scotts Valley?

Many commercial and ST (special treatment) rules require a minimum of ten percent (10%) of total site area to be permanently landscaped; see § 17.24.040, § 17.22.040, and § 17.36.020 for district specifics.

Do I need to submit a landscape and irrigation plan for design review?

Yes — the design review standards explicitly require landscaping and irrigation plans as part of the submittal package; these plans should show existing trees to be preserved, plant sizes and spacing, and irrigation provisions (design review rules § 17.50).

What are the minimum sizes for trees and shrubs used for screening?

The ordinance requires that trees adjacent to streets be a minimum 15‑gallon size and other planted trees be minimum 5‑gallon; shrubs used for screening must be minimum 5‑gallon to ensure effective screening over time (ST/landscape standards). § 17.36.020 and related landscaping text.

Can I use chain‑link fencing for screening or outdoor storage?

Chain‑link is discouraged where visible; for outdoor storage the code prefers a solid or semi‑solid masonry, wood, tile, brick fence at least eight feet tall and states that chain‑link may not be acceptable (§ 17.26.050.O). If chain‑link is proposed, show how it will be fully screened or justify its use during review.

Are there special rules for trash and refuse screening?

Yes — trash disposal/enclosures must be screened from public view by masonry or solid wood fencing six feet in height on many commercial parcels (refer to § 17.24.050 and § 17.22.050).

If I want a tall retaining wall at the front of my lot, what happens?

Retaining walls over three feet in the front yard setback trigger additional findings under the special permit/design review standards: the project must demonstrate safety for ingress/egress, compatibility with the neighborhood, and minimize visual impacts (see 17.50 standards). Set back walls 3 ft from the property line where possible and provide landscaping between wall and property line (§ 17.50).

Does Scotts Valley require tree protection during construction?

Yes — when protected trees are identified, the ordinance requires root‑zone protection, limits on grading/paving within the tree zone, certified arborist recommendations for construction near roots, possible bonds, and replacement tree conditions if removal is approved. See the tree preservation and tree removal permit provisions (tree permit excerpts).

How are landscaping and screening handled for ADUs?

ADU objective design standards require that ground‑level private open space be screened or buffered from the primary dwelling’s open space using landscaping, fencing, walls, trellises, or other screening elements — see § 17.57.060.F.2.d.

Where do I find the design standards that the design review board will use to evaluate my landscape plan?

Design review manuals and the design review criteria in the Title (the 17.50 series) list the factors planners/commissioners will use (materials, proportion, landscaping/irrigation, preservation of existing trees). The manuals are kept on file in the planning department and are used as guidelines during review. § 17.50 and related notes. ---

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