Local zoning · South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe — Landscaping and Screening

Landscaping and Screening under the South Lake Tahoe local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the City of South Lake Tahoe's local zoning and planning ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences/walls, and trees. All material below is drawn from the city's adopted development and plan-area rules (Title 6 / development services) and the community-plan special standards; each rule is cited to the controlling code section so you can verify the language with the city. For related topics see the city's South Lake Tahoe Zoning, South Lake Tahoe Development Standards, and South Lake Tahoe Parking pages.

Key city documents that control landscaping & screening

  • City-wide site design and screening policies: § 6.10.110 (Site design; screening of service areas, mechanical equipment, dumpsters) — see city design standards and fencing/wall rules .
  • Fence & wall construction, setbacks and maximum heights: Article VI, § 6.10.210–§ 6.10.250 (Fences and walls design standards and specifics, plus Table 6.85-2 for residential fence heights) .
  • Water-efficient landscaping & irrigation requirements: Chapter 6.80 (Water efficient landscape ordinance; definitions, compliance, certificates) .
  • Tree protection and removal permits: Chapter 6.50 (Tree removal permits, inspections, purpose) .
  • Industrial / “South Y” community plan special landscape and screening rules (buffers, berms, eight‑foot fence for Lake Tahoe Blvd frontage, screening of service areas): § 6.10.070 and related Industrial Tract standards .
  • Plan-area / community plan applicability and overriding rules (plan areas supersede city-wide standards where noted): § 6.55.030–§ 6.55.050 .

Below you’ll find a district-by-district breakdown (the city uses plan areas / community-plan districts rather than only one-letter zoning codes). Each subsection states the district name as it appears in the City Code, the local purpose, typical uses, and the most relevant landscaping/screening standards (with the controlling §).

Bijou / Al Tahoe community plan — Bijou (District 1), Harrison (District 2), Lucky/Payless (District 3), Government Center (District 4)

  • Purpose & typical uses: commercial / pedestrian commercial themes for Bijou, Harrison, Lucky/Payless; Government Center (4) is public service / recreation (Tulip civic uses). See community plan mapping and use matrix in the Bijou/Al Tahoe plan area statements (§ 6.10.030–§ 6.10.060) .
  • Landscaping & screening highlights:
    • Boulevard/streetscape tree and planting spacing: e.g., conifer trees at 30 ft on center and shrub pockets 20 ft on center where required by the plan area; projects must include landscaping consistent with the plan's “landscape boulevard” theme (§ 6.10.050 / public improvements) .
    • Screening of parking/government center lots: parking fronting Johnson Blvd must be screened with mounding, shrubs and trees; landscape plans require TRPA and city review (§ 6.10.060) .
    • Design standards (materials, colors, mechanical screening) still apply under the city-wide design rules and must accompany any site landscape plan (§ 6.10.110, § 6.10.120) .

Where it applies: Bijou/Al Tahoe Community Plan area — check the plan-area maps in § 6.55 for exact boundaries .

Tourist Core Area Plan (tourist center / mixed-use)

  • Purpose & typical uses: high-intensity tourist commercial / mixed-use development intended to shape streetscape and visual character (§ 6.10.010) .
  • Landscaping & screening highlights:
    • Streetscape landscaping and pedestrian-oriented plantings are emphasized; projects in scenic corridors must screen poles, lines and mechanical equipment from highway viewlines (§ 6.10.190) .
    • Screening of mechanical equipment and service areas is required using either building orientation, low walls, sight-obscuring fencing, or evergreen plantings; fences used for screening must meet Article VI fence standards (§ 6.10.110) .

Where it applies: properties inside the Tourist Core Area Plan boundaries — see plan-area maps in § 6.55 .

South "Y" Industrial Tract (preferred industrial area)

  • Purpose & typical uses: industrial uses concentrated in the South “Y” Industrial Tract; the community plan explicitly allows industrial character while requiring strong perimeter screening to protect adjacent residential and roadways (§ 6.10.070) .
  • Landscaping & screening highlights (special standards supersede city-wide where noted):
    • Properties abutting Lake Tahoe Boulevard must provide continuous screening (historically required an 8‑ft solid wood fence of specified design along the entire frontage unless grandfathered) — see the Industrial Tract fence checklist referenced in the industrial plan standards (§ 6.10.070 special standard) .
    • For properties fronting D Street, service areas and open storage must be screened from nearby residences and Lake Tahoe Boulevard by landscaped berms and solid wood fence or masonry wall integrated with planting; undeveloped properties may be required to provide a 20‑ft landscaped strip incorporating sidewalks and berms to achieve effective screening (§ 6.10.070; Industrial Tract standards) .
    • SEZ (stream environment zone) constraints: if landscaping is within an SEZ, only SEZ‑appropriate native species are allowed; no irrigated turf, no fill in SEZ, and no fertilizer (§ 6.10.070 special standards) .

Where it applies: South “Y” Industrial Tract community plan area; these special standards override city-wide design rules where they conflict (§ 6.10.070) .

Single‑family / Duplex / Triplex Residential Plan Areas (city-wide residential standards)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes (standards collected under Chapter 6.85) — used for residential plan areas and superseded where a community plan applies (§ 6.85.030) .
  • Landscaping & screening highlights:
    • Clear‑zone rules: maintain visibility triangles and clear zones — no structure, fence, sign, or landscaping over 3 ft high in the clear zone triangle; trees allowed only if branches are ≥8 ft above grade (§ 6.85 / figures & clear zone rules) .
    • Residential fence heights and setbacks: see Table 6.85‑2 (Maximum Height of Fences in Residential Setback Areas). Example excerpt: front yard fences within 0–10 ft of property line max 3 ft; beyond 20 ft from property line max 6 ft; rear and interior side yard commonly 6 ft (§ 6.85; Table 6.85‑2) .
    • Alternative fence placement for commercial/public service uses has restricted exceptions but requires landscaped buffer on the street side and planning‑division review (§ 6.10.240) .

Where it applies: all single‑family/duplex/triplex plan areas unless the property is inside a community plan that supersedes the residential rules (§ 6.85.030) .

Multifamily residential (4+ units) — multifamily design standards

  • Purpose & typical uses: multifamily dwellings with design and landscape standards to protect neighboring single‑family uses (§ 6.85 multifamily design rules) .
  • Landscaping & screening highlights:
    • Equipment screening (all exterior grade‑mounted electrical/mechanical equipment visible from public view must be screened) — screening may be masonry/low walls, integrated into building facades, or evergreen plantings maintained to screening height (§ 6.85 multifamily screening) .
    • Tree screening required where multifamily abuts single‑family — planting of trees or trellises or supplementary fencing to obscure sightlines into yards/windows is required (§ 6.85) .
    • Parking lots must include landscaping and barriers to prevent vehicle encroachment into non‑impervious landscape areas (§ 6.85 parking landscape) .

Where it applies: multifamily projects (4 or more units) across the city unless a community plan supersedes (§ 6.85) .

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

Requirement / item What the code requires Code reference
Mechanical & service area screening Positive visual screening by landscaping, walls, fences, building orientation; sight‑obscuring fences/walls must meet Article VI standards and be minimum 6 ft where called for § 6.10.110
Residential fence heights (front yard) Examples: 0–10 ft from property line → 3 ft max; >20 ft → 6 ft max; see full table for intermediate bands Table 6.85‑2 / § 6.85
Industrial Tract Lake Tahoe Blvd screening Continuous screening along Lake Tahoe Blvd — historically an 8‑ft solid wood fence per Industrial Tract fence checklist § 6.10.070 (Industrial Tract special standards)
Water efficient landscape compliance Projects must follow Chapter 6.80 rules (definitions, irrigation design, prescriptive compliance options, certificates) Chapter 6.80
Tree removal Permit required to remove trees ≥ 6 in trunk dia. (measured 24 in above ground); director inspects and issues permit or denial Chapter 6.50 § 6.50.020–.040
Clear zones at corners / drives Visibility triangles: maintain 25 ft from corner; nothing over 3 ft high in clear zone; trees permitted if branch clearance ≥ 8 ft § 6.10.250 / clear zone figures (6.85 illustrations)

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain‑English)

  • Assume every commercial or multifamily project needs a landscape plan that shows how service areas, dumpsters, and mechanical equipment will be hidden from public streets — the city expects either planted screens, low masonry walls, or fences built to Article VI standards (§ 6.10.110, Article VI) .
  • If your property sits in a community plan area (Bijou/Al Tahoe, South “Y”, Tourist Core, Tahoe Valley, etc.) that plan's standards may add or replace city-wide landscaping rules; check the plan area statements in § 6.55 and the specific community plan (e.g., South "Y" Industrial Tract rules in § 6.10.070) before designing landscaping or fences .
  • When in doubt about trees, remember the city requires a permit to remove trees 6‑inch+ DBH; the Director of Public Works inspects and can deny removal if the tree contributes to neighborhood character or is restorable (§ 6.50) .
  • For residential fences, use Table 6.85‑2 to size and place fences relative to the front setback; keep sight triangles and driveway clear zones free of tall planting (branches must be 8 ft above ground) (§ 6.85) .

Important related city procedures and resources: you will likely need a landscape plan included with your site plan (see parking/driveway and development standards) — check the city's South Lake Tahoe Development Standards and prepare for design review if your project is in a design review overlay or community plan area.

Internal links you may need (first natural mentions on this page):

Checklist — what the applicant must include / satisfy

  • Confirm whether property lies in a community plan/plan-area that supersedes city-wide rules (see § 6.55).
  • Provide a landscape plan showing species (native/drought tolerant where required), irrigation design or prescriptive compliance per Chapter 6.80.
  • Show screening for mechanical equipment, dumpsters, service yards, and parking; indicate walls/fences, planting size and maintenance plan in the site plan (§ 6.10.110).
  • For fences — dimension distances from property lines and apply Table 6.85‑2 for residential fence heights or Article VI standards for materials and detailing (§ 6.10.240–§ 6.10.250).
  • If removing trees ≥6" DBH, submit a tree removal permit application with justification and replacement plan per Chapter 6.50.
  • If in the South “Y” Industrial Tract or D Street area, include specific screening/berm/fence details (20‑ft landscape strips, berm heights, or 8‑ft Lake Tahoe Blvd fence where required) and SEZ species limits where applicable (§ 6.10.070).
  • Check parking landscaping and snow‑storage areas and show barriers to prevent vehicle encroachment into landscape pockets (§ 6.85 parking standards).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Conflicting plan-area vs. city‑wide rules Community plans (Bijou, South “Y”, Tourist Core, etc.) can override city‑wide standards for landscaping and screening Verify which plan area applies to the parcel (see § 6.55 plan area maps) and use the community plan text where it supersedes
SEZ (Stream Environment Zone) constraints Landscaping in SEZs is restricted: native species only, no irrigated turf, no fill or fertilizer — noncompliant planting will be rejected and may violate TRPA rules Confirm SEZ mapping on the parcel and reference Industrial Tract SEZ rules or TRPA guidance when planting near mapped SEZs (§ 6.10.070 special standard)
Fence height vs. clear‑zone conflicts A tall fence in a visibility triangle or clear zone is prohibited; failing to maintain sightlines is a safety and code enforcement issue Check Table 6.85‑2 and the clear‑zone diagrams; verify driveway, corner and garage sightline constraints (§ 6.85 / Figure 6.85‑3)
Tree removal criteria (6" dbh) Removing larger trees without a permit risks fines and permit denials; trees can be found to be public nuisances if hazardous Confirm trunk diameter measurement protocol and submit required permit material to Director of Public Works (§ 6.50.020–.040)
“Positive visual screen” standard vagueness The code requires a "positive visual screen" but leaves method open (wall, fence, plantings) — this creates discretion at review For project certainty, propose a combined solution (wall + evergreen planting) and reference the Article VI fence standards and § 6.10.110 so review authority has concrete specs

Plain‑English Summary

South Lake Tahoe requires approved landscape plans, water‑efficient plantings, and purposeful screening of service areas and mechanical equipment; fences and walls must meet the city’s Article VI construction and setback rules (with special, stronger screening in the South “Y” Industrial Tract and certain community plan areas). Always check the parcel’s community plan overlay first — plan standards can change the requirements — and get a tree‑removal permit before cutting trees 6 inches or larger. See § 6.10.110, Article VI, Chapter 6.80, and Chapter 6.50 for the controlling rules.

Source References

  • City site design & screening standards: § 6.10.110 (Site design—screening of service areas, mechanical equipment) .
  • Fences & walls design standards and setbacks: Article VI, § 6.10.210–§ 6.10.250 (Fences and walls; construction, prohibited materials, chain link standards) .
  • Residential fence height table: Table 6.85‑2 (Maximum Height of Fences in Residential Setback Areas) and associated residential fence text (§ 6.85) .
  • Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance: Chapter 6.80 (definitions, prescriptive compliance, certificates) .
  • Tree protection, permits and removals: Chapter 6.50, including § 6.50.020–§ 6.50.040 (permits and inspections) .
  • South “Y” Industrial Tract special standards (screening, berms, eight‑foot fences, SEZ rules): § 6.10.070 and related industrial tract standards .
  • Plan area statements and applicability (community plans that supersede city‑wide standards): Chapter 6.55 (Plan Area Statements) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (chapter by) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 6.10.080) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 6.55.070.) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 6.10.080) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 6.55.030.) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (section regarding) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • South Lake Tahoe Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a landscape plan for a small remodel at my South Lake Tahoe house?

Yes — if the remodel includes site work, changes to impervious area, or adds fences/walls within setbacks you will generally need a landscape/site plan showing plantings and irrigation compliance. The city enforces landscape and site design under § 6.10.110 and the water‑efficient landscape rules in Chapter 6.80 (prescriptive forms are allowed for small areas) .

What heights are allowed for front‑yard fences on single‑family lots?

Residential fence heights are set by Table 6.85‑2: e.g., fences within 0–10 ft of the front property line are max 3 ft, fences beyond 20 ft are max 6 ft; check the full table and clear‑zone diagrams for exact bands and exceptions (§ 6.85, Table 6.85‑2) .

Do I need a permit to remove large trees on my lot?

Yes. Any tree with trunk diameter ≥ 6 inches measured 24 inches above ground requires a tree‑removal permit from the Director of Public Works; the director inspects and may deny removal if the tree should be preserved (§ 6.50.020–.040) .

My property is on Lake Tahoe Boulevard — are there special screening requirements?

If your property is in the South “Y” Industrial Tract or other plan areas that front Lake Tahoe Blvd, special standards require continuous screening along the frontage (the Industrial Tract historically required an 8‑ft solid wood fence of specified design) and may require berms and 20‑ft landscape strips for undeveloped parcels (§ 6.10.070 / Industrial Tract special standards) .

What must screen mechanical equipment and dumpsters?

The city requires a "positive visual screen" for all mechanical equipment and dumpsters visible from D Street or Lake Tahoe Boulevard; screening may be low walls, sight‑obscuring fences that meet Article VI standards, building integration, or evergreen plantings maintained to the required height (see § 6.10.110) .

Can landscaping be irrigated turf anywhere in the city?

Not always. Where landscaping is placed within mapped SEZs (stream environment zones) the code restricts planting to SEZ‑appropriate native species, prohibits irrigated turf, fill, and fertilizer; elsewhere the city's Chapter 6.80 requires water‑efficient design and may limit turf via prescriptive or performance compliance .

Are there different fence rules for commercial vs. residential properties?

Yes. Commercial/public service properties can apply specific alternatives for fence placement (with conditions like landscaped strips and hold‑harmless agreements); residential fence heights and setbacks are governed by Table 6.85‑2 and Article VI materials/construct standards apply broadly (§ 6.10.240, Article VI) .

Will my landscaping plan trigger design review?

Possibly. Projects in community plans or those affecting public view corridors, scenic highways, or the tourist core may be subject to the city's design review process; see the community plan and city‑wide design standards for triggers and exceptions (§ 6.10.010–§ 6.10.120) .

Does the city require native/drought‑tolerant plants?

The Industrial Tract special standards and the water‑efficient landscape code require native, drought‑resistant plantings where specified; Chapter 6.80 sets the water‑efficient framework and the community plans specify species/spacing where applicable (§ 6.10.070 & Chapter 6.80) .

Who enforces fence maintenance and nonconforming fences?

Fence maintenance and nonconforming fence rules are enforced under the fence/wall standards — neglected or unsafe fences are code violations; nonconforming fences may be maintained but not expanded (§ 6.10.250; nonconforming fence rules) .

More in South Lake Tahoe code

Ask about any South Lake Tahoe property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on South Lake Tahoe zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More South Lake Tahoe zoning topics

South Lake Tahoe Zoning

South Lake Tahoe Land Use

South Lake Tahoe Development Standards

South Lake Tahoe Parking

South Lake Tahoe Design Review

South Lake Tahoe Overlay Districts

South Lake Tahoe Historic Preservation

South Lake Tahoe Signage

South Lake Tahoe Nonconforming Uses

South Lake Tahoe Variances and Exceptions

South Lake Tahoe overview