Local zoning · Tiburon

Tiburon — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Do I need a permit to build a fence in Tiburon and how tall can it be?

A fence or wall greater than 3.5 ft in height requires Site Plan & Architectural Review; normal maximum in a setback is 6 ft , but the Review Authority can allow up to 9 ft on the lower side when a grade difference justifies it and findings are made. § 16-30.040 , § 16-30.050

Q: Can I rely on a general rule-of-thumb for fence placement near a public sidewalk?

Vehicle entry gates must be set back at least 15 ft from the roadway/curb/sidewalk; additionally, fences must not impair safe vision for vehicles/pedestrians and any fence in the public right‑of‑way requires an Encroachment Permit. § 16-30.040 ---

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Town of Tiburon’s Zoning Ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, buffers, fences, walls, and trees — and how those rules vary by zone. It is grounded in Title IV, Chapter 16 of the Tiburon Municipal Code and explains the practical implications for homeowners and applicants (site plan requirements, landscape plans, fence heights, tree protections and screening for mechanical equipment). For general context about the town rules and planning menu, see the Tiburon zoning & planning overview and the Town’s Zoning page. /us/california/tiburon and /us/california/tiburon/zoning

How to read this page

Bolded zone names (for example, R-1) and numeric standards (for example, 6 ft) come directly from the Tiburon Zoning Ordinance; the controlling code section (§) is shown after each rule and the ordinance file reference is provided.
Where the ordinance delegates design control (e.g., fencing over a threshold or landscaping on projects) the permitting path is noted and linked to Tiburon Design Review and Tiburon Development Standards. /us/california/tiburon/design-review and /us/california/tiburon/development-standards

Key ordinance rules (short list)

Landscape plans are required as part of Site Plan and Architectural Review submittals and must show plant types, heights at maturity, irrigation, walls, and irrigation; Town may require a monetary security to guarantee installation/maintenance. § 16-52.020
Resource maps / tree inventory: Preliminary application materials must show existing trees over 20 in. circumference (measured 2 ft above grade) and how they will be preserved or removed. § 16-52.060
Fences & walls: Any fence or wall over 3.5 ft in height requires Site Plan & Architectural Review; fences/walls in setbacks normally may not exceed 6 ft, with narrow exceptions allowing up to 9 ft where there is a grade differential and findings are made. § 16-30.040 and § 16-30.050
Planting in setbacks: Landscape features (patios, trellises, pergolas, planting areas) may occupy required setbacks (but not public right-of-way without an Encroachment Permit). § 16-30.030.E.3
Water-efficient landscape: Projects subject to the Town’s water-efficiency chapter must comply with Title IV, Chapter 13E and Marin Municipal Water District rules (adopted by reference). § 16-52.020

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the Tiburon zones most relevant to residential landscaping and screening. Where the ordinance prescribes generic rules (fences, landscape plans, Site Plan & Architectural Review), those rules apply across zones; zone-specific dimensional and permitting differences follow.

All zone names below are taken from the Zoning Map and Table 1-1 in the ordinance. § 16-14.020

R-1 — Single-family Residential

Purpose & typical uses: Single-family homes in medium‑high density areas; preserves neighborhood character. § 16-21.020
Key dimensional/landscape standards: Minimum lot area 10,000 s.f.; Maximum lot coverage 30%; Front setback 15 ft; Side setback 8 ft; Rear setback the lesser of 20% depth or 25 ft; Height limit primary 30 ft (see Table 2-2). Landscaping is used to protect privacy and minimize grading and tree removal, and native/drought-tolerant plantings are encouraged as part of Site Plan and Architectural Review. § 16-21.040 and § 16-52.020
Where it applies: Neighborhoods zoned R-1 on the Town Zoning Map. § 16-14.020

R-2 — Two-family Residential (Old Tiburon / Lyford’s Cove)

Purpose & typical uses: Duplexes and some multi-family forms in older neighborhoods; conversion rules apply when changing unit count. § 16-40.020
Key dimensional/landscape standards: Minimum lot area 7,500 s.f.; Maximum lot coverage 35%; Front setback 15 ft; Side setback 8 ft; Open space requirements per unit (see Table 2-2). Landscaping and tree protection are weighed heavily in review. § 16-21.040

R-3 — Multi-family Residential

Purpose & typical uses: Larger multi-family development; many improvements require a Conditional Use Permit. § 16-21.030
Key dimensional/landscape standards: Minimum lot area 10,000 s.f.; Maximum FAR .60; Minimum side setback commonly 8 ft; Lot coverage and setbacks per Table 2-2. Larger developments (including landscape/parking design) are subject to discretionary review; landscape plans must address buffering and common-area planting. § 16-21.040

RPD — Residential Planned Development

Purpose & typical uses: Master- or precise‑plan-based planned developments where building envelopes, setbacks and landscaping often are set by an adopted Precise Development Plan. § 16-21.020 and § 16-52.060
Key points: Landscaping, tree retention, and screening may be required as part of the Precise Development Plan; the ordinance expects landscaping to minimize grading and conserve vegetation. § 16-52.020

RMP — Residential Multiple Planned (and RMP/AHO)

Purpose & typical uses: Higher-density planned housing units frequently governed by a Precise Development Plan or condominium plan; FAR guidelines apply (.30 typical unless specified). Landscaping/screening requirements are set by the master plan plus Site Plan and Architectural Review conditions. § 16-21.030 and Table 5-2.

NC / VC — Neighborhood Commercial / Village Commercial

Purpose & typical uses: Retail, restaurants, and mixed commercial/residential uses in downtown/village centers. Landscaping standards emphasize streetscape, tree preservation, and buffering between commercial uses and adjacent residences. § 16-22.010 and § 16-22.040

P & P&R / OS — Public/Quasi-Public, Parks & Recreation, Open Space

Purpose & typical uses: Public facilities, parks, trails and open space. Landscaping focuses on habitat, native plant restoration, erosion control, and public safety; trail plantings and buffers are addressed by site plans and any applicable Precise Development Plan. § 16-25 through § 16-28

Decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

What you need to know	Typical numeric rule or requirement	Code Reference
Landscape plan required with discretionary review (show plant species, heights at maturity, irrigation, walls)	Required for Site Plan & Architectural Review submittals; Town may require one‑year maintenance security	§ 16-52.020
Show existing major trees on resource conservation map	Trees > 20 in. circumference (measured 2 ft above grade) must be shown and addressed	§ 16-52.060
Fence/wall permit trigger	Any fence/wall > 3.5 ft tall requires Site Plan & Architectural Review; typical max 6 ft in setbacks; exceptions up to 9 ft with findings	§ 16-30.040, § 16-30.050
Plantings in setbacks	Landscaping features (trellises, patios, pergolas, planting) allowed in setbacks (but not in public ROW without Encroachment Permit)	§ 16-30.030.E.3
Water‑efficient landscape compliance	Projects subject to Chapter 13E must follow MMWD water‑efficient landscape rules	§ 16-52.020
Buffer / screening for mechanical equipment	Screening and landscaping for noise/visual mitigation are review criteria under Site Plan & Architectural Review	§ 16-52.020

Practical guidance (how the rules get applied)

Design Review matters: Landscaping and fences are frequently reviewed under Site Plan & Architectural Review, which weighs landscaping for privacy, erosion control, noise and visual screening; use of native, drought‑tolerant species is encouraged. Expect conditions and possibly a one‑year maintenance bond to ensure plant establishment. § 16-52.020 For the Town’s process and board role, see Tiburon Design Review. /us/california/tiburon/design-review
Fences vs. grade differences: If your property sits above or below a neighbor’s yard, a retaining wall + fence combined height is calculated carefully; if two walls are closer than 3 ft they are combined for height measurement. Where the lower side would need >6 ft to provide privacy, the Review Authority can approve up to 9 ft if findings are made (no significant view obstruction). § 16-30.050
Trees are special: The permit submittal checklist asks for a resource conservation map showing large trees, and proposals should minimize tree removal and grading. Where impacts are significant, the Town will require justification and mitigation in the landscape plan. § 16-52.060
Commercial and multi‑unit projects: Expect landscaping to be integrated with parking design and circulation; see Tiburon Parking and Development Standards for plant strip dimensions and internal parking landscapes. /us/california/tiburon/parking and /us/california/tiburon/development-standards
Water rules: Projects subject to water‑efficient landscaping must comply with the Town’s Chapter on Water‑Efficient Landscape and Marin Municipal Water District rules (reference in Site Plan & Architectural Review requirements). § 16-52.020

Checklist

Submit a landscape plan with Site Plan & Architectural Review or Precise Development Plan application showing plant species, height at maturity, irrigation, walls, and walkways. § 16-52.020
Provide a resource conservation/tree map showing existing trees > 20 in. circumference and describe preservation or removal measures. § 16-52.060
If building a fence/wall > 3.5 ft, include fence elevations and materials and apply for Site Plan & Architectural Review (or confirm whether Director-level review applies). § 16-30.040
Demonstrate compliance with fence height limits (6 ft in setbacks typically; exceptions up to 9 ft require findings). § 16-30.050
If your project triggers water‑efficient landscape rules, show compliance with Chapter 13E and MMWD rules. § 16-52.020
If landscaping encroaches into public ROW, secure an Encroachment Permit from the Town. § 16-30.030.E.3
For RPD/RMP or large multiunit projects, prepare Precise Development Plan materials including grading, contour, and landscape maps per the submittal checklist. § 16-52.060

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Fence height where lots differ in elevation	Combined heights and the “lower side” allowance can push a wall to 9 ft; this can create view obstruction or neighbor disputes	Verify measured grade baseline and request Review Authority findings if >6 ft is proposed; check § 16-30.050
Large tree removal and grading	Tree protection is an explicit review standard and triggers mitigation or denial if not justified	Confirm which trees exceed 20 in. circumference and whether tree removal minimization is feasible; see § 16-52.060
Whether landscaping in setbacks is allowed	Landscape features are allowed but public ROW is different	Landscaping features may occupy setbacks but cannot be placed in the public right‑of‑way without an Encroachment Permit; see § 16-30.030.E.3
When Site Plan & Architectural Review is required	Many landscape/fence choices trigger discretionary review	Any fence/wall > 3.5 ft and any new “structure” or alterations triggering a building permit are subject to review; check § 16-52.020 and § 16-30.040
Water‑efficient landscape applicability	Certain projects must comply with Chapter 13E and MMWD rules	Determine whether the project is subject to Title IV, Chapter 13E (Water Efficient Landscape); if yes, comply with the MMWD standards cited in § 16-52.020
ADUs and landscaping treatment	ADU landscaping rules may differ or be interpreted under accessory structure rules	Not found in retrieved materials — Verify ADU landscaping/setback implications with the Town (see Tiburon ADUs) /us/california/tiburon/adu

Plain‑English Summary

Tiburon requires a landscape plan and may require design review for fences, walls, and large plant/tree removals; fences over 3.5 ft or walls that exceed 6 ft (except in narrow, justified cases) are discretionary, and the Town expects landscaping to protect privacy, views, and natural features while using native, water‑efficient plants. Verify with the Town for parcel‑specific interpretation. § 16-52.020, § 16-30.040, § 16-52.060.

Source References

Tiburon Municipal Code — Title IV, Chapter 16 (Zoning Ordinance), Site Plan & Architectural Review: § 16-52.020.
Tiburon Municipal Code — Title IV, Chapter 16, Permit submittal / Precise Development Plan requirements (resource map, landscape plan): § 16-52.060.
Tiburon Municipal Code — Title IV, Chapter 16, Fences and Walls and setbacks/height: § 16-30.040 and § 16-30.050.
Tiburon Municipal Code — Title IV, Chapter 16, Setback rules and allowed landscape projections: § 16-30.030.
Zoning Map / Zones table (list of zones including R-1, R-2, R-3, RPD, RMP, NC, VC): § 16-14.020 and Table 1‑1.
Residential Development Standards (Table 2‑2): § 16-21.040.

Related Town pages referenced in this guide:

Tiburon zoning & planning overview (/us/california/tiburon)
Tiburon Zoning (/us/california/tiburon/zoning)
Tiburon Land Use (/us/california/tiburon/land-use)
Tiburon Development Standards (/us/california/tiburon/development-standards)
Tiburon Parking (/us/california/tiburon/parking)
Tiburon Design Review (/us/california/tiburon/design-review)
Tiburon Overlay Districts (/us/california/tiburon/overlay-districts)
Tiburon ADUs (/us/california/tiburon/adu)
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) (/us/california/building-codes)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Tiburon Zoning Code (Article V) High relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (TITLE IV) High relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Section 16-30.040) High relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article V) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
CBC § 16 (Article III) Medium relevance
CBC § 1652.020 (Article III) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article V) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Title IV) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article III) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (TITLE IV) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article II) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Section 16-52.040) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article II) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article I) Medium relevance
Tiburon Zoning Code (Article II) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Tiburon code library

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping documentation does Tiburon require with a discretionary (Site Plan & Architectural Review) application?

You must include a preliminary landscape plan showing common areas, roadway berms, entrances, types of groundcover and trees (with heights at maturity), walls, irrigation and details for walkways and fencing; the ordinance lists these submittal items as part of the Precise Development / site plan packet. § 16-52.060

Do I need a permit to build a fence in Tiburon and how tall can it be?

A fence or wall greater than 3.5 ft in height requires Site Plan & Architectural Review; normal maximum in a setback is 6 ft, but the Review Authority can allow up to 9 ft on the lower side when a grade difference justifies it and findings are made. § 16-30.040, § 16-30.050

Are plants and structures allowed inside required setbacks?

Yes — landscape features such as patios, trellises, and pergolas may occupy required setbacks; however, nothing may be placed in a public right‑of‑way without an Encroachment Permit. § 16-30.030.E.3

Will the Town require a guarantee that landscaping will be maintained?

Yes — the Town may require a cash deposit or other monetary security to ensure installation and maintenance for a one‑year period for landscaping installed as a condition of approval. § 16-52.020

Does Tiburon regulate tree removal in development projects?

The ordinance requires a resource conservation map showing existing trees with trunks greater than 20 inches circumference (measured at 2 ft above grade) and the review criteria call for minimizing tree removal and grading. Expect the Town to require mitigation if significant trees are proposed for removal. § 16-52.060

How does the Town treat screening for mechanical equipment or trash enclosures?

Screening and landscaping to mitigate visual and noise impacts are review criteria in Site Plan & Architectural Review; submit elevation drawings and planting plans showing evergreen screening and access clearances. § 16-52.020

Do water‑efficient landscape rules apply, and where are they referenced?

Yes — projects subject to the Town’s landscape requirements must comply with Title IV, Chapter 13E (Water Efficient Landscape) and the Marin Municipal Water District standards adopted by reference; this is cited in the Site Plan & Architectural Review requirements. § 16-52.020

Will adding landscaping change required parking or coverage calculations?

Landscaping itself does not change the numeric parking ratio, but Site Plan & Architectural Review can impose conditions related to landscaping of parking areas (planting strips, buffering); check Tiburon Parking and Tiburon Development Standards for technical dimensions. /us/california/tiburon/parking and /us/california/tiburon/development-standards

If my lot is in an RPD or RMP zone, are landscaping rules different?

Large planned developments are governed by an adopted Precise Development Plan which will set specific landscaping and screening expectations in addition to the general Site Plan & Architectural Review rules. § 16-21.030 and § 16-52.060

Can I rely on a general rule-of-thumb for fence placement near a public sidewalk?

Vehicle entry gates must be set back at least 15 ft from the roadway/curb/sidewalk; additionally, fences must not impair safe vision for vehicles/pedestrians and any fence in the public right‑of‑way requires an Encroachment Permit. § 16-30.040 ---

Ask about any Tiburon property

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

Start Free Trial