Local zoning · Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What landscaping must I provide for a new multiunit project in Sierra Madre?

For multiunit projects (including R-3-13 ) the code requires on-site trees at a minimum of one 15‑gallon tree per dwelling unit , plus a balanced planting palette; you must submit a conceptual landscape plan showing square footage, species (botanical and common names), locations, container sizes, irrigation calculations, and a tree inventory with an arborist report per § 17.28.110(D) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Sierra Madre zoning regulations (Title 17) require for landscaping, screening and fences/walls. It pulls the city’s specific standards for plantings, tree protection, screening of parking/mechanical areas, fence heights in yards, submittal/plan requirements, and fire-related landscape controls. Where the code gives an explicit rule I cite the controlling §; where the code is silent I note that the material was not found in the retrieved files. For zoning context see the city overview and the zoning map.

(First use links in prose)

For high-level context see Sierra Madre zoning & planning overview (/us/california/sierra-madre).
For how landscaping intersects setbacks and other dimensional rules see Sierra Madre Development Standards (/us/california/sierra-madre/development-standards).
Where screening affects parking requirements see Sierra Madre Parking (/us/california/sierra-madre/parking).
Design and discretionary review references are tied to Sierra Madre Design Review (/us/california/sierra-madre/design-review).
If your lot is in a special zone check Sierra Madre Overlay Districts (/us/california/sierra-madre/overlay-districts).
ADU projects must include landscaping information — see Sierra Madre ADUs (/us/california/sierra-madre/adu).
Finally, site fire-safety landscaping ties to the California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes) and local fire-plan rules; confirm with the fire department.

Citywide landscaping & screening basics (applies unless a zone has different rules)

All open areas visible from a street must be landscaped and maintained; plant types can include grass, shrubs, trees and groundcover. Landscaping standards and required submittal contents (area, species, square footage, irrigation, tree inventory and arborist report) are listed in § 17.28.110 and accompanying submittal rules.
Screening: parking areas, refuse storage, mechanical equipment and similar elements must be screened by walls, plantings or earthworks per general site design requirements (screening guidance in § 17.30.F.9 and related site design language).
Lighting of landscaped/parking areas must meet the city's “Dark Sky” policy and be shielded/down directed (§ 17.28.120, also reiterated at § 17.52.200).
Tree protection and removal: a tree inventory and tree protection report by a licensed arborist are required with landscape plans; protected trees may not be removed except under procedures in the tree-protection chapter (see § 17.28.110(D)(7) and cross-reference to Chapter 12.20 for protected trees).
Fire-safety / fuel-modification landscaping: in applicable areas the code requires fire plans and planting of fire-resistant vegetation; fencing/landscaping plans in hillside/R-H contexts must use fire-retardant materials and comply with the city’s recommended plant lists (§ 17.52.170).
Plan effect: approved landscaping/fencing plans become binding conditions of project approvals and must be followed; failure to comply can lead to revocation (§ 17.52.190).

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Sierra Madre districts that include explicit landscaping/screening or fence standards in Title 17 as returned in the ordinance excerpts. Each district subsection includes purpose/context, typical dimensional or planting rules that affect landscaping and screening, and citations.

R-1 (single‑family residential)

Purpose / context: R-1 is the city’s base single-family residential district; general development standards including yards, lot coverage and site design are in the R-1 chapter.
Landscaping / screening rules: all open areas visible from a street must be landscaped and maintained (citywide rule reiterated for residential). Landscaping should minimize development impacts and encourage specimen tree preservation (§ 17.30.F.3 and related site design language).
Fences/walls: within required front yard setbacks fences/walls are limited to 42 inches; interior side and rear yard walls may be up to 6 feet high and must be reduced to 42 inches within required front yard areas (§ 17.48.130(A)-(B)).
Typical dimensional notes that affect landscape placement: front setback 15 ft, rear 10 ft (combined front+rear minimum 35 ft) — see development standards that determine where planting/screening is allowed in setbacks (§ 17.30.01 table excerpts).

R-2 (two‑family / small multi-family)

Purpose / context: mid-density residential; specific R-2 development standards are in Title 17 chapters for multi-family zones. Not all R-2 text about landscaping appears in the retrieved excerpts, but the general walls/fences rules apply. Verify project-level requirements for larger multifamily sites.
Fences/walls: the R-1/R-2/R-3 wall and fence height rules apply — front yard max 42 inches, side/rear up to 6 feet (§ 17.48.130).
Landscaping / screening: multi‑unit projects are subject to the city’s site design requirements for landscaping, including screening for parking/mechanical equipment; large projects must submit landscape plans with the submittal items listed in § 17.28.110(D).

R-3 and R-3-13 (higher‑density residential / mixed)

Purpose / context: higher-density residential (R-3 and the specialized R-3-13 designation referenced in the code). R-3-13 project submittal and development standards are explicitly referenced in Title 17.
Landscaping: for new construction in R-3-13 the code requires on-site trees at a minimum of one fifteen-gallon tree per dwelling unit, plus additional trees/shrubs to create a balanced plan; conceptual landscape plans and water-efficient plans are required with the first application (§ 17.28.110(A),(B),(D)).
Screening and site design: parking, refuse and mechanical equipment must be screened via walls, plantings or earthworks; lighting must be Dark-Sky compliant (§ 17.30.F.9, § 17.28.120).
Fences/walls and temporary construction site standards also apply (construction sites must be kept free of debris and nuisances — see R-3-13 development standards § 17.28.140).

R-C (residential-commercial / mixed-use)

Purpose / context: mixed residential-commercial contexts with specific side/front setbacks and combined yard rules. Landscaping and screening expectations are tied to the site plan/submittal requirements for mixed-use and commercial-adjacent residential.
Screening & plantings: site design language encourages landscaping to maximize privacy and minimize impacts on adjacent properties; mechanical equipment and similar items must be screened from public view per site plan requirements (see R-C site design and the general screening language § 17.30.F).
Fences/walls: standard fence limits in the R-1/R-2/R-3 zones are applied by cross-reference for fence heights (§ 17.48.130).

R-H (Hillside / Hillside overlay context)

Purpose / context: hillside development and hillsides (R-H references appear in the development plan chapter). Hillside projects often require a hillside development permit and have additional submittal/landscape/fuel modification rules.
Fire & landscape: hillside approvals may require a fire plan and specific fire-resistant plantings, fencing/landscape plans using fire-retardant materials, and conformance to the city’s adopted recommended/prohibited plant list; final fencing/landscaping plans for R-H lots are reviewed by the director prior to building permits (§ 17.52.170(B)(1)-(4)).
Retaining walls: special retaining wall rules and open-work fence allowances apply where there are fills or cuts; see wall/retaining wall rules § 17.48.130(E).

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

Topic	Key Rule / Limit	Code Reference
Front-yard fence height	Max 42 inches in required front yard	§ 17.48.130(A)
Side/rear fence height	Up to 6 feet; reduced to 42 inches within required front yard	§ 17.48.130(B)
Landscaping visible from street	All open areas visible from a street must be landscaped & maintained	§ 17.28.110(A)
Tree requirement (R-3-13 new construction)	Minimum one 15‑gallon tree per dwelling unit; specimen replacement minimum 24‑inch box	§ 17.28.110(A),(D)(7)
Landscape plan contents	Area, % landscape, plant list (botanical & common names), locations, container sizes, irrigation, tree inventory & arborist report	§ 17.28.110(D)
Screening of parking/refuse/mechanical	Must be screened by walls, plantings or earthworks	§ 17.30.F.9
Dark-sky lighting	Exterior/landscape lighting must be shielded/downward	§ 17.28.120; § 17.52.200
Fire-safety landscaping (hillside/R‑H)	Fire plan and fire-retardant plantings required; follow city plant list	§ 17.52.170(A),(B)
Approved plan enforcement	Approved landscape/fencing plans are binding conditions	§ 17.52.190

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain-English, city-focused)

If your project is new construction in R-3-13, plan early for a conceptual landscape plan showing square footage, species (botanical names), irrigation calculations and a tree inventory with an arborist report — the code requires these items with initial project submittal (§ 17.28.110(D)).
For single‑family (R-1) fence questions: you can build a 42‑inch fence in the front setback, 6‑ft fences along side/rear property lines (reduced to 42‑in where those fences fall within the front yard area) — submit fence location on your site plan to avoid conflicts with sight-distance rules and driveway clearances (§ 17.48.130).
Screening of HVAC, transformers or refuse enclosures should combine low walls and plantings to meet the screening requirement while preserving required clearances and access; the code expects screening but does not waive mechanical clearance needs — include screening details on your site plan per § 17.30.F.9 and the landscape-plan submittal checklist § 17.28.110(D).
Expect the city to require water-efficient landscape standards (Chapter 15.60 cross-referenced in § 17.28.110(B)); include irrigation and water-use calculations in final plans.
Hillside (R‑H) projects: provide fire plans and show fire-resistant plant palettes; the department may require fuel-modification and landscape limitations to meet fire-safety objectives (§ 17.52.170).

Checklist

Deliver a site/plot plan showing existing and proposed landscaping, fences/walls, and tree canopy notation (required scales: 1/4"=1' to 1"=100') — see general submittal requirements for ADUs and other projects (§ 17.22.100, § 17.28.110(D), § 17.30**)
Include square footage of each landscaped area and total landscape area percentage (§ 17.28.110(D)(1)-(3))
Provide plant list with botanical and common names, container sizes and locations (§ 17.28.110(D)(4)-(6))
Submit a tree inventory and tree protection report prepared by a licensed arborist; specify replacement for specimen/protected trees (§ 17.28.110(D)(7))
Show screening methods for parking, transformers, mechanical equipment and refuse (walls, plantings or earthworks) on the plan (§ 17.30.F.9)
Ensure exterior lighting is shielded and directed downward to meet Dark Sky objectives (§ 17.28.120, § 17.52.200)
For hillside/R-H sites, include a fire plan and specify fire-resistant plants/materials; confirm with the fire department for fuel-modification requirements (§ 17.52.170)
Verify that any walls/fences in the front yard meet the 42‑inch limit and side/rear 6‑ft maximum, and flag any need for conditional use permit for exceptions (§ 17.48.130, Chapter 17.60)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Protected tree removal and mitigation	Code requires arborist report and replacement; Chapter 12.20 controls protected-tree removals but full procedural details are in a different chapter	Confirm protected‑tree definitions, removal permit process, and replacement ratios in Chapter 12.20 (tree-protection chapter). Not found in retrieved materials: full Chapter 12.20 text.
Front-yard sight-distance / corner obstructions	Vegetation/fence in a corner can be ordered removed by city council if a hazard exists; enforcement can be a misdemeanor (§ 17.48.100 references)	Verify exact sight‑triangle dimensions and whether new planting will trigger removal. See § 17.48.100 and local public works standards.
Conflicts between screening and mechanical clearances	Screening that reduces required clearances for transformers/HVAC may create safety/utility conflicts	Coordinate with utility providers and follow screening plus clearance guidance; code requires screening but does not override safety clearances (see § 17.30.F.9 and transformer clearance guidance in practice). Utility-specific clearances not listed in zoning; verify with utility.
Overlay / Hillside requirements	R-H / hillside rules add fire-plan and material requirements not captured in the core zoning tables	For hillside lots verify which additional landscape/fuel-modification standards apply and whether Planning Commission or director review is required (§ 17.52.170).
Applicability to ADUs	ADU submittal lists require depiction of existing/proposed trees, fences and landscape areas, but ADU-specific exemptions elsewhere in law may apply	For ADUs include landscape and tree inventory on plans as required by § 17.22.100; check California ADU law for state-limited local requirements.

Plain-English Summary

Sierra Madre requires that any area visible from the street be landscaped and maintained, that landscape plans show square footage, species and irrigation, and that trees be inventoried and protected; front-yard fences are limited to 42 inches, side/rear fences to 6 feet, and parking/mechanical equipment must be screened. Hillside projects have extra fire-resistant planting and fence/material rules. Key citations: § 17.28.110, § 17.48.130, § 17.52.170.

Source References

Sierra Madre Title 17 — ZONING, general provisions and map overview; Title 17 print export. § 17.04.010 et seq.
Fence and wall rules: § 17.48.130 (Walls and fences in R‑zones).
Landscaping requirements, plan contents, tree inventory, tree replacement: § 17.28.110 (A–D).
R-3-13 zone submittal and development standards (landscape/plan review references): § 17.28.130–140 (see R-3-13 development / construction site standards).
Site design and screening (parking/refuse/mechanical should be screened): § 17.30.F (Site design requirements, screening) and related development standards.
Fire prevention and landscaping standards, hillside requirements (fire plan, fire-resistant plantings): § 17.52.170.
Approved-plan effect and lighting requirements (Dark Sky): § 17.52.190; § 17.28.120; § 17.52.200.
ADU application and required site plan contents (trees, landscaping, fences): § 17.22.100.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Chapter 12.20.) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.48.130) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.48.130.) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Sierra Madre code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping must I provide for a new multiunit project in Sierra Madre?

For multiunit projects (including R-3-13) the code requires on-site trees at a minimum of one 15‑gallon tree per dwelling unit, plus a balanced planting palette; you must submit a conceptual landscape plan showing square footage, species (botanical and common names), locations, container sizes, irrigation calculations, and a tree inventory with an arborist report per § 17.28.110(D).

How high can I build a fence in my front yard?

Fences and walls located within the required front yard setback are limited to 42 inches in height; interior side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet, but must be reduced to 42 inches where they fall within a required front yard area (§ 17.48.130(A)-(B)).

Are there special plant or tree rules for hillside (R‑H) properties?

Yes — hillside or R‑H projects commonly require a fire plan, fire-resistant planting and fencing/landscaping plans using fire-retardant materials; the city also requires conformance with the adopted list of recommended/prohibited plants. See § 17.52.170(A)-(B) and verify fuel-modification requirements with the fire department.

Do I need an arborist report to remove or relocate trees?

A tree inventory and tree protection report prepared by a licensed arborist must be submitted with landscape plans; protected-tree removals or substantial trimming are controlled by the tree protection provisions (cross-reference to Chapter 12.20) — see § 17.28.110(D)(7). For exact removal/mitigation rules check Chapter 12.20 and obtain the arborist report.

How must I screen HVAC units, transformers or trash enclosures?

The code requires screening of parking areas, refuse storage and mechanical equipment by walls, plantings or earthworks; show screening details on your site plan and ensure that safety and utility access/clearances are preserved (site design requirement § 17.30.F.9 and landscaping-submittal items § 17.28.110(D)).

Are landscape lighting rules in the zoning code?

Yes. Exterior and landscape lighting must comply with the city’s “Dark Sky” objectives and be shielded and directed downward; see § 17.28.120 and the reiteration in § 17.52.200.

Will an approved landscape or fencing plan be enforceable after construction?

Yes — approved plans required by the code (landscaping, fencing, grading, fire plans, etc.) become binding on the property; failure to comply is grounds for revocation of approvals (§ 17.52.190).

If my lot is a reverse-corner lot, are there special fence rules?

Yes — reverse-corner lots have specific provisions: fences on the secondary street frontage are limited to 6 feet except that the primary front yard portion must be reduced to 42 inches; driveways adjacent to rear lines may trigger special rules — see § 17.48.130(C).

Do ADU applications need to show existing trees and fences?

Yes — a complete ADU application must include an existing and proposed site plan showing existing trees (with canopies) and any fences/retaining walls; the ADU submittal checklist calls for these items specifically (§ 17.22.100(A)(3)-(4),(6)).

What plant list should I use and where do I find it?

The code requires new plant materials to conform to the city’s list of recommended and prohibited plant materials as adopted by city council (referenced in § 17.52.170(B)(3)). The ordinance text cites the list; the most recent adopted plant list is maintained by the city (verify with Planning/ Public Works).

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