Local zoning · Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills what the Siskiyou County Zoning Ordinance (Title 10) requires for landscaping and screening in the unincorporated areas. The key countywide rule lives in the County’s improvement standards and sets minimum on-site landscape percentages for commercial and industrial projects; several district chapters also require fencing or landscape screens to hide outdoor storage or rental equipment. Use this alongside the County’s broader Development Standards, Zoning, and Design Review guidance when shaping site plans.

The most important baseline rule: in unincorporated Siskiyou County, commercial and industrial projects must provide landscaping equal to at least 6% of the site frontage area and at least 6% of the interior of each parking lot, with shade trees as the primary parking-lot landscaping per § 10-6.5609.

Countywide concepts and definitions

Screening is expressly defined as visual shielding using fencing, walls, berms, or densely planted vegetation per § 10-6.3602.171.
Countywide improvement standards include a dedicated landscaping standard for commercial and industrial developments: the 6% frontage and 6% parking-lot interior landscaping requirements, with trees as the primary parking-lot element and dispersion/protection of planting areas per § 10-6.5609(b).
Solid walls are not allowed within the countywide roadway building-line setback; only open fences are exempt. This matters if you intend to use walls for screening near frontages; see § 10-3.02 (county road setback line restrictions).
The list of zoning districts where these rules apply includes the residential districts (Res-1, Res-2, Res-3, Res-4), commercial districts (C-R, C-U, C-C, C-H), industrial districts (M-L, M-M, M-H), and others (e.g., R-R, AG-1/AG-2, TPZ, O, and combining districts). See § 10-6.202.
Where a formally adopted plan is processed as a Planned Development, submittals must include a “landscaping and tree planting program” per § 10-6.1187(b)(4).
In the Airport Environs combining zone, the County regulates heights of “structures and trees,” and separately flags any tree growth over 200 feet AGL anywhere in the County; check early if trees are a design element near airports per § 10-1.03(b).

What the code requires: landscaping and screening standards

Commercial and industrial sites:
- At least 6% of the required 20-foot front yard setback (or added frontage area) must be landscaped, and at least 6% of the calculated parking-lot interior must be landscaped with shade trees as the primary element and planters protected by barriers per § 10-6.5609(b).
- Parking-lot “interior” area is calculated as number of spaces × 280 sq. ft.; landscaping must be reasonably dispersed; berms and existing topography may count where appropriate per § 10-6.5609(b). Coordinate with County Parking ratios during site layout.
Screening triggers in industrial districts:
- In the M-L (Limited Industrial) district, “appurtenant outside storage” is allowed only when contained within a solid fence at least 6 ft high per § 10-6.4503(f).
- In the M-M (Light Industrial) district, “equipment rental and leasing” uses are allowed only when all equipment is screened by a wall, fence, or landscaping screen at least 6 ft high per § 10-6.4602(f).
Wireless communications facilities: the ordinance describes vegetation and visual-compatibility measures (landscape plan, protection of existing vegetation, replanting disturbed areas, and vegetative screening in the lease area). A specific § citation number was not identified in the retrieved materials; Verify with the jurisdiction.

District-by-district: how landscaping and screening apply

Note: The County lists these districts in § 10-6.202; only districts with retrieved, landscaping/screening-specific standards are detailed below. Others are shown with what could be confirmed.

C-R (Rural Neighborhood Commercial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial landscaping minimums apply (6% frontage, 6% parking-lot interior) per § 10-6.5609(b).

C-U (Neighborhood Commercial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b).

C-C (Town Center)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b).

C-H (Highway Commercial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b).

M-L (Limited Industrial)

Purpose: Provide an environment for compatible, non-nuisance industrial uses, largely within buildings (clean, quiet operations) per § 10-6.4501.
Typical permitted uses: Office components accessory to industry, assembly/packaging of products, wholesale in conjunction with allowed uses, storage facilities, labs, trade schools, cabinet shops per § 10-6.4502.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial/industrial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b). Outside storage is only allowed when fully contained within a solid fence at least 6 ft high per § 10-6.4503(f).

M-M (Light Industrial)

Purpose: Areas for light manufacturing and less abrasive industrial activities, with uses in confined areas, balancing circulation, fire safety, and access per § 10-6.4601.
Typical permitted uses: Animal hospitals, nurseries/greenhouses, vehicle repair (indoors), equipment rental and leasing (subject to screening), warehouses and distribution, certain assembly operations, bulk storage of fuels, etc., per § 10-6.4602.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Commercial/industrial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b). Equipment rental/lease yards must screen equipment with a wall, fence, or landscape screen at least 6 ft high per § 10-6.4602(f).

M-H (Heavy Industrial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: Industrial landscaping minimums apply per § 10-6.5609(b).

Res-1, Res-2, Res-3, Res-4 (Residential districts)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: A specific minimum landscape percentage is not stated for residential districts in § 10-6.5609; general landscaping purposes still apply countywide (e.g., buffering, shade) per § 10-6.5609(a). Not found in retrieved materials beyond this.

R-R (Rural Residential Agricultural), AG-1/AG-2, TPZ, O (Open Space)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, key dimensional standards: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Landscaping/screening: No district-specific landscaping or screening mandates were retrieved; the countywide commercial/industrial standards do not apply to agricultural/open space unless a site includes commercial/industrial development, per § 10-6.5609. Not found in retrieved materials for additional requirements.

Quick-reference standards table

Topic	Where it applies	Minimum/Requirement	Code Reference
Frontage landscaping	All commercial and industrial projects in unincorporated areas	≥ 6% of the 20-ft front setback/frontage area landscaped	§ 10-6.5609(b)
Parking-lot interior landscaping	All commercial and industrial projects in unincorporated areas	≥ 6% of parking-lot interior (spaces × 280 sq ft); trees are the primary landscape element; planters protected by barriers; dispersion required	§ 10-6.5609(b)
Definition of “screening”	Countywide	Fencing, walls, berms, or dense vegetation can be used to visually shield uses	§ 10-6.3602.171
Outside storage in M-L	Limited Industrial	Allowed only if fully contained within a solid fence ≥ 6 ft high	§ 10-6.4503(f)
Equipment rental in M-M	Light Industrial	All equipment must be screened by a wall, fence, or landscaping screen ≥ 6 ft high	§ 10-6.4602(f)
Solid walls in road setbacks	Countywide setbacks along public roads	Solid walls are prohibited within the building-line setback; open fences exempt	§ 10-3.02
Trees near airports (height)	Airport Environs combining zone and countywide for very tall trees	Tree/structure heights are regulated; >200 ft AGL triggers review anywhere in the County	§ 10-1.03(b)

Practical tips for submittals

Tie landscape areas to circulation and Parking early; use the 6% interior rule to size planters, then plant canopy trees to meet the ordinance’s “shade at maturity” intent per § 10-6.5609(b).
Near county road frontages, avoid solid walls in the front setback; if you need visual screening at the frontage, favor open fencing plus dense planting or berming consistent with the screening definition and the setback rule in § 10-3.02 and § 10-6.3602.171.
In M-L and M-M, confirm whether your use triggers the district-specific 6-foot screening fence/wall requirement (e.g., outside storage, equipment rental) per § 10-6.4503(f) and § 10-6.4602(f).
If you are packaging a larger site under a Planned Development, include a “landscaping and tree planting program” in the PD plan set per § 10-6.1187(b)(4) and be ready for Design Review.
If overlays are present, check Overlay Districts. Airport environs height limits apply to trees; verify early per § 10-1.03(b).
Separate from zoning, fire-safe planting and building requirements live in the California Building Standards Code; coordinate defensible-space choices with your landscape architect, but keep them distinct from zoning minimums.

Checklist

Confirm your site’s base zoning and any overlays in the unincorporated areas via the County’s Zoning map and § 10-6.202.
Calculate frontage and parking-lot interior landscaping to meet the 6% + 6% minima per § 10-6.5609(b).
Select tree species that provide shade at maturity; disperse planters and protect them with curbs or wheels stops per § 10-6.5609(b).
If proposing outside storage (M-L) or equipment rental (M-M), detail a 6-ft screening fence/wall/landscaping system per § 10-6.4503(f) and § 10-6.4602(f).
Keep solid walls out of the countywide road setback; consider open fencing + planting if screening is required at the frontage per § 10-3.02.
If near an airport influence area, check tree height limits and plan accordingly per § 10-1.03(b).
If using a Planned Development entitlement, include a “landscaping and tree planting program” per § 10-6.1187(b)(4).
If your plan cannot meet a standard, discuss Variances and Exceptions early.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
District-specific commercial standards	Some commercial districts may refine frontage or yard treatments	Not found in retrieved materials. Verify purpose/uses/dimensional standards for C‑R, C‑U, C‑C, C‑H
Residential landscaping minimums	Applicants often ask if a fixed % applies to homes	§ 10-6.5609 applies to commercial/industrial; no residential % found. Verify if any area plan adds requirements
Wireless facility screening citation	The ordinance text includes vegetation/screening direction but no § citation surfaced	Confirm the exact § (Ord. 9806) before relying on it for submittals
Solid walls near frontages	Using walls for screening in front setbacks can conflict with countywide road setback rules	Confirm setbacks and allowable “open” fence designs per § 10-3.02
Tree heights near airports	Tall trees as screening/amenity may be restricted	Check Airport Environs mapping and § 10-1.03(b) applicability

Plain-English Summary

If you are landscaping a commercial or industrial project in unincorporated Siskiyou County, plan for two 6% thresholds: at least 6% of your frontage area and at least 6% of the interior of each parking lot must be landscaped, and trees should be the main shade element in parking areas. Some industrial uses (like outside storage or equipment rental) must be hidden behind at least a 6-foot-tall fence, wall, or landscape screen. Avoid solid walls in the front road setback; if you need to hide something at the street, use open fencing plus dense planting.

Source References

Siskiyou County Zoning Ordinance (Title 10), Landscaping standards: § 10-6.5609 (landscaping purpose; 6% frontage; 6% parking-lot interior; shade trees; planter protection/dispersion)
Definitions (Screening): § 10-6.3602.171 (screening methods)
Industrial districts: § 10-6.4501 (M-L purpose), § 10-6.4502 (M-L uses), § 10-6.4503(f) (outside storage within 6’ solid fence)
Industrial districts: § 10-6.4601 (M-M purpose), § 10-6.4602(f) (equipment rental screened by 6’ wall/fence/landscape screen)
Countywide roadway setbacks affecting walls/fences: § 10-3.02 (solid walls prohibited within the road setback; open fences excluded)
Zoning districts list: § 10-6.202 (district names)
Planned Development submittal content: § 10-6.1187(b)(4) (landscaping and tree-planting program)
Airport Environs combining district and tall structures/trees: § 10-1.03(b) (tree/structure heights, including >200 ft AGL)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Siskiyou County Zoning Code High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) High relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (chapter also) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
CBC § 10 (Section 10-6.1515) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code Medium relevance
CRC § R608.5.4.7 (Section R608.5.4.7) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ 2.1) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
CWUIC § 603.4.2.1 (Section 603.4.2.1._) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (Article 15) Medium relevance
CRC § R324 (SECTION BF103) Medium relevance
CRC § R608.6.5 (Section R608.6.5) Medium relevance
CRC § R608.6.5 (Section R608.6.5) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ II) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (chapter classifies) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (Article 12.) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code (§ I) Medium relevance
Siskiyou County Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Siskiyou County code library

Frequently asked questions

How much landscaping is required for a commercial site in unincorporated Siskiyou County?

At least 6% of the 20-foot front yard setback/frontage area must be landscaped, and at least 6% of the parking-lot interior must be landscaped. Trees should be the primary element for parking-lot landscaping, and planters need protective barriers with reasonable dispersion across the lot, per § 10-6.5609(b).

Do industrial projects need fences or screens for outdoor areas?

Often yes. In the M-L district, outside storage is allowed only when contained within a solid fence at least 6 feet high (§ 10-6.4503(f)). In the M-M district, equipment rental/lease operations must screen equipment with a wall, fence, or landscaping screen at least 6 feet high (§ 10-6.4602(f)).

Can I build a solid wall in the front setback along a county road for screening?

Not in the county road building-line setback: solid walls are prohibited within that setback. Open fences are allowed. Design street-facing screening with open fencing plus dense planting to comply with § 10-3.02 and the screening definition in § 10-6.3602.171.

What counts as “screening” in Siskiyou County?

Screening means visually shielding a use by fencing, walls, berms, or densely planted vegetation per § 10-6.3602.171. This definition supports using either structural or landscape solutions depending on your district’s trigger.

Do residential projects have a fixed landscape percentage requirement?

A fixed percentage wasn’t found for residential districts in the landscaping standard. The 6% frontage and 6% parking-lot interior rules are written for commercial and industrial projects per § 10-6.5609(b). Verify if a specific plan, overlay, or permit condition adds residential landscape requirements.

I’m near an airport—are there limits on trees used for screening?

Yes. In the Airport Environs combining zone and countywide for very tall trees, the County regulates tree/structure heights; proposals over 200 feet AGL are flagged anywhere in the County. Check § 10-1.03(b) before finalizing species and mature heights.

Does a Planned Development require a landscape plan?

Yes. A Planned Development submittal must include a “landscaping and tree planting program” per § 10-6.1187(b)(4). Expect coordination with Design Review.

Are wireless facilities required to be landscaped or screened?

The code text indicates landscape plans, protection/replanting of vegetation, vegetative screening, and visual compatibility measures, but a precise § citation number was not surfaced in the retrieved materials. Verify the controlling § with the Planning Department.

What if my site can’t meet the frontage or parking-lot landscape minimums?

Discuss options with Planning staff; in rare cases, relief may require a variance. See Variances and Exceptions and be prepared to justify why strict application would deprive you of privileges enjoyed by similar properties.

Do I need to coordinate with state fire/defensible-space rules?

Yes, but those live in the California Building Standards Code and fire regulations rather than zoning. Keep fire-smart planting decisions separate from zoning compliance, and coordinate with your design team.

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