Local zoning · Tulare County

Tulare County — Landscaping and Screening

Q: Do single‑family yards need to meet the County Landscape Standards?

Single‑family residential projects are generally exempt from the Countywide landscaping chapter, except when the landscaping is part of common open space required by subdivision approvals; see § 7-31-1030 (exemptions) — verify if the lot is within a subdivision plan that requires common‑area landscaping .

Q: How does Tulare County require water‑efficient planting?

The County requires plants be grouped by hydrozone ( H , M , L ), shows hydrozone area calculations, and ensures total landscape water use does not exceed the equivalent of an all‑ M hydrozone unless the applicant demonstrates otherwise — see § 7-31-1040 (hydrozones and hydrozone percentage calculations) .

Q: How close to a County road can I plant trees or vines?

You may not plant a tree, shrub, or vine less than 10 feet from the edge of the right‑of‑way (or half the customary orchard/vine spacing if greater); this rule is meant to prevent encroachment on County roads. The rule excludes residential landscaping in the text, but verify with Public Works before planting adjacent to ROW (§ 7-19-1210 ) .

Q: What fence and wall rules affect landscape screening near the street?

County rules allow an open fence (clear, unobstructed vision through at least 50% of the fence area) to be placed within building line setbacks; corner‑lot fence placement must still respect building line setbacks and a 5 ft minimum from the right‑of‑way on the longest frontage is noted unless other zoning or highway rules apply (§ 7-19-1195 / § 7-19-1010 ) .

Q: Where are the per‑zone (R‑1, A‑1, C‑1, etc.) landscaping rules found?

Per‑zone standards and permitted uses are in Ordinance No. 352 and on the Supplemental Zoning Map. The retrieved County files reference Ordinance No. 352 and the map (§ 7-11-1010 ) but the list of district names and per‑district landscaping/screening details were Not found in the retrieved materials; verify the exact zone text and any zone‑specific landscaping requirements with the County Resource Management Agency or by providing the Ordinance No. 352 text for review .

Q: Can I use reclaimed water for irrigation?

The County defines reclaimed water in the landscaping chapter and allows it for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation; any use must still comply with County Landscape Standards and health/safety rules (see the definitions in § 7-31-1020 ) .

Q: If my project is small (e.g., 1,500 sq ft landscaping), am I automatically exempt?

The landscaping chapter lists a 2,500 sq ft threshold for exemption (projects with landscaped area < 2,500 sq ft are exempt but encouraged to follow the guidelines). However, verify whether other triggers (site plan, subdivision conditions, or overlay requirements) still require compliance (§ 7-31-1030 ) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Tulare County ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, buffering, fences/walls, and trees on properties in the unincorporated areas of Tulare County. It is grounded in the County code provisions for landscaping and related site features (not building code Title 24 matters). Landscaping rules in Tulare County are implemented as a County-wide chapter (landscape standards and documentation) and by other chapters that control fences, roadside planting, and safety barriers; site- and zone‑specific rules come from Ordinance No. 352 and the Supplemental Zoning Map. For site plans and parking design that interact with landscaping see the County’s parking and development-standards rules and design-review processes linked below. For state construction standards see the California Building Standards Code link; for ADU-specific rules see the ADU law link.

Parking (landscape screens around lots) — Tulare County Parking
Setbacks / development rules — Tulare County Development Standards
Design-review procedures that can change screening or planting requirements — Tulare County Design Review
Overlays (fire, foothill, SRA) that affect landscape/fire‑safe planting — Tulare County Overlay Districts
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — California Building Standards Code
ADU rules that may affect perimeter landscaping on small lots — California ADU law

Key County rules (countywide landscaping & screening)

The County maintains a stand‑alone landscaping chapter that applies to new or rehabilitated landscaping for projects that require permits. The landscaping chapter defines "landscaped area", hydrozones (H, M, L), xeriscape, and requires a Landscape Documentation Package for most non‑single‑family projects (§ 7-31-1020 et seq.) .
Which projects must follow the landscaping chapter: generally all new and rehabilitated landscaping in conjunction with public agency or private projects that require a building permit, developer/builder-installed landscaping for multi‑family projects, and developer/builder-installed common open space for single‑family subdivisions (§ 7-31-1025) .
Exemptions: single‑family residential projects (except common open space required by subdivision approvals), homeowner‑provided landscaping at multi‑family projects, cemeteries, small projects (< 2,500 sq ft of landscaped area), and several ecological/mined‑land reclamation exceptions (§ 7-31-1030) .
Required documentation: A Landscape Documentation Package (plan sheets, planting list with botanical names, hydrozone labels, irrigation details, soil prep, mulch, calculation of landscaped area and hydrozone percentages, and a short Water Conservation Concept Statement) must be submitted where the chapter applies (§ 7-31-1035 / § 7-31-1040) .
Hydrozones and water budgeting: Hydrozones shall be labeled H, M, L by highest water‑use plants in a valve zone. The overall landscape water use may not exceed the equivalent of an all‑M hydrozone — the % of H must be balanced by equal/greater L area unless the applicant proves overall consumption meets the standard (§ 7-31-1040 (c)) .
Irrigation and efficiency: Irrigation systems must meet efficiency expectations (irrigation efficiency to exceed 60%) and include valve layout; plant grouping by hydrozone is required (§ 7-31-1040 subsections) .
Planting, mulch, and mounds: Mulch minimums (e.g., 3" where required), mound slope limits for turf (1:8) and for groundcover (1:5) unless alternative erosion controls are used, and soil amendment/installation details are prescribed (§ 7-31-1040 subsections) .
Fire‑safety and native species: Plant choice must consider local climate and fire safety; the County encourages protection of native species (e.g., oaks) and requires addressing fire prevention in fire‑prone areas (§ 7-31-1040 (3)(C)–(D)) .

Screening, Fences, Walls, Trees, and Setbacks (site and roadside)

Fences and setback exceptions: A fence that is at least 50% open (clear, unobstructed vision) may be constructed inside building line setbacks; other exceptions apply for public utilities or permitted structures (§ 7-19-1195) . Corner‑lot fences/walls may not be within the building line setback; a fence/wall may be placed no less than 5 ft from the right‑of‑way edge on the longest frontage unless a zone or highway standard requires more (§ 7-19-1010 / § 7-19-1195) .
Planting distances from County roads: It is unlawful to plant trees, shrubs or vines less than 10 feet from the edge of the right‑of‑way (or half the customary orchard/vine spacing where greater) to prevent encroachment onto County roads; residential landscaping is exempted from that specific rule (§ 7-19-1210) .
Pool and safety barriers: Barriers and access gates around pools are regulated under a separate County pool/barrier article (barrier standards, self‑closing gates, latch heights, etc.) — see § 7-15-1630 et seq. for barrier rules (these affect fence design where fences are used for pool barriers) .
Fire & defensible space overlays: In wildland/Very‑High Fire Hazard or State Responsibility Areas, landscaping and screening will be evaluated for defensible space and fuel management. The County references fire guidance and may require non‑combustible or reduced‑fuel landscaping approaches (see overlay rules and fire guidance links) — specific overlay procedures are controlled elsewhere (overlay maps / Site Plan Review) and are frequently coordinated with the Fire Chief for approvals (see § 7-31-1040 and overlay chapters) .

District-by-district breakdown — (What the retrieval shows)

The Tulare County Code repeatedly references the Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 352) and the Supplemental Zoning Map for zone‑specific rules; the landscaping chapter sets County‑wide standards and leaves zoning‑specific development standards and permitted uses to Ordinance No. 352 and the Supplemental Zoning Map (Article 11). The uploaded / retrieved materials do not include the full text list of zoning district names and the per‑district landscaping/screening tables.

Ordinance No. 352 / Zoning classifications — Not found in retrieved materials
- What the code says: the County’s zoning classifications and zone boundaries are adopted by Ordinance No. 352 and shown on the Supplemental Zoning Map; the general rules in Part VII apply to land within each zone (§ 7-11-1010). District‑specific permitted uses, lot standards, and any district landscaping/screening text are in Ordinance No. 352, which is referenced throughout the retrieved materials but the actual district tables and per‑zone landscaping prescriptions were not included in the retrieved files .
- Practical note: Verify the zone for your parcel on the County Supplemental Zoning Map and then read the corresponding section of Ordinance No. 352 (verify with the Resource Management Agency). The County applies the Countywide landscaping chapter to most permit‑triggering projects and supplements it with zone‑ or overlay‑specific standards via Ordinance No. 352 or Site Plan Review conditions (see § 7-31-1025 and § 7-11-1010) .

(If you want me to produce a district‑by‑district table, upload the specific Ordinance No. 352 text or the zoning district index/Map and I will extract and synthesize the exact per‑district landscaping and screening provisions. Currently that zone list and per‑zone tables are Not found in retrieved materials.)

Decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic	Key rule / requirement	Code Reference
Which projects must submit landscape package	All new/rehab landscaping for projects requiring building permits; developer/builder multi‑family; common open space in single‑family subdivisions	§ 7-31-1025
Exemptions	Single‑family residential (except required common open space), homeowner‑installed multi‑family landscaping, projects <2,500 sq ft of landscaped area	§ 7-31-1030
Landscape Documentation Package contents	Property lines, buildings, driveways, existing trees to remain, grading, hardscapes, plant list (botanical name), hydrozones, soil prep, irrigation, calculation of hydrozone areas, Water Conservation Concept Statement	§ 7-31-1040
Hydrozones and water budget	Hydrozones: H, M, L. Total water use must not exceed the equivalent of all M hydrozone; %H balanced by %L unless proven otherwise	§ 7-31-1040(c)
Irrigation efficiency	System design must achieve irrigation efficiency > 60%; hydrozone grouping required	§ 7-31-1040 / definitions
Mulch, mounds, soil	Mulch min 3 in; mounds slope limits for turf (1:8) and groundcover (1:5); topsoil mix and organic matter requirements	§ 7-31-1040
Tree/shrub near County roads	No planting < 10 ft from edge of ROW (or half orchard spacing) — residential landscaping exempt	§ 7-19-1210
Fence/setback exceptions	Open fences (≥ 50% open) may be inside setbacks; corner lot fence min 5 ft from long frontage ROW edge unless another provision applies	§ 7-19-1195 / § 7-19-1010
Pool barrier rules (gates, latch, openings)	Pool barriers and gates have specific safety requirements (self‑closing, latch geometry, openings not permitting a 4‑in sphere)	§ 7-15-1630 et seq.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Determine whether the project is in the unincorporated area and whether the landscaping chapter applies (see § 7-31-1025) .
If applicable, prepare a complete Landscape Documentation Package: site plan, planting schedule with botanical names, hydrozone map (H/M/L), irrigation plans, soil and mulch specs, mounded areas and slopes, and hydrozone area calculations (§ 7-31-1040) .
Demonstrate water budget compliance (overall landscape water use ≤ equivalent M hydrozone) or justify a higher H percentage with a water‑use analysis (§ 7-31-1040(c)) .
For fences/walls, confirm building line setbacks and visibility rules or the 50% open fence allowance (§ 7-19-1195) .
Confirm road planting setbacks: no trees/shrubs within 10 ft of ROW (except for residential landscaping exemption) (§ 7-19-1210) .
Coordinate with Site Plan Review / Design Review if the property sits in an overlay (e.g., foothill, SRA) or if a planned development/use permit is required (Ordinance No. 352 references) — verify zone‑specific standards (§ 7-11-1010) .
Confirm pool barrier & gate details if the fence is part of a pool barrier (see § 7-15-1630) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
District‑specific landscaping rules not present in the Countywide chapter	Ordinance No. 352 may add per‑zone requirements or stricter setbacks	Verify the parcel’s zoning and the specific Ordinance No. 352 provisions for that zone; the Supplemental Zoning Map and Ordinance No. 352 are the source of district standards (Not found in retrieved materials)
Whether a small residential yard is exempt	Single‑family residential projects are generally exempt but subdivisions’ common open space is not	If the work is for a single family lot confirm the § 7-31-1030 exemptions and whether the lot is part of a subdivision requiring common‑area landscaping
Roadside planting vs. County ROW encroachment	Planting within ROW or too close to ROW can create maintenance and safety issues	Confirm property line vs. ROW edge with Public Works; verify § 7-19-1210 distances before planting near roads
Fire and SRA overlay requirements	Fire safety can require non‑combustible plantings and clearances that override aesthetic screening	Determine overlay status (State Responsibility Area, Very High Fire Hazard) and coordinate with Fire Chief and Site Plan Review; see overlay/district pages
Irrigation efficiency verification	The code requires irrigation efficiency > 60% and hydrozone grouping; demonstrating actual efficiency can be technical	Provide irrigation calculations, valve schedules and manufacturer data; verify with County plan reviewer (§ 7-31-1040)

Plain‑English summary

If your project in unincorporated Tulare County needs a permit, you will likely need a landscape plan that groups plants into H/M/L hydrozones, shows irrigation and soil details, and proves the landscape’s water use stays within the County’s water‑budget rules; fences and trees near County roads have specific setbacks and visibility rules. Check your parcel’s zone in Ordinance No. 352 (Supplemental Zoning Map) for any extra zone‑specific rules — the County’s landscape chapter sets the baseline standards (§ 7-31-1020 et seq.) .

Source References

Tulare County Code — Landscaping chapter: § 7-31-1020 through § 7-31-1040 (definitions; regulation; exemptions; Landscape Documentation Package; hydrozones; plant selection; water features; plan specs) .
Tulare County Code — Exceptions, setbacks and trees near roadways: § 7-19-1195, § 7-19-1210 (fence setback exceptions; planting distances from ROW) .
Tulare County Code — Pool barriers / barriers standards: § 7-15-1630 et seq. (barriers, gates, latches) .
Tulare County Code — Zoning classifications & relation to Ordinance No. 352: § 7-11-1010 (Zoning classifications; Supplemental Zoning Map; reference to Ordinance No. 352) — district lists were referenced but full district text not included in retrieved materials .
Tulare County Code — Grading and re‑vegetation standards (related to landscaping after grading): § 7-15-1420 (grading standards, re‑vegetation timing) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Tulare County Zoning Code (section 2710) High relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-19-1210.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-31-1040) Medium relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) Medium relevance
CRC § 7 (§ 7-15-2415.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (Section III.a) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-31-1020) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-31-1040) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-27-1185.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (Section 7-15-1630) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1025) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (section 7-19-1010) Medium relevance
CBC § 7 (Section 18.7.B.2) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1010.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-09-1375.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1455) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (Chapter is) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-19-1235.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-15-1420) Medium relevance
CBC § 7 (§ 7-15-1420.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-11-1040.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-09-1315.) Medium relevance
Tulare County Zoning Code (§ 7-01-1530.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Tulare County Code — Landscaping chapter: § **7-31-1020** through § **7-31-1040** (definitions; regulation; exemptions; Landscape Documentation Package; hydrozones; plant selection; water features; plan specs) .
Tulare County Code — Exceptions, setbacks and trees near roadways: § **7-19-1195**, § **7-19-1210** (fence setback exceptions; planting distances from ROW) .
Tulare County Code — Pool barriers / barriers standards: § **7-15-1630** et seq. (barriers, gates, latches) .
Tulare County Code — Zoning classifications & relation to Ordinance No. **352**: § **7-11-1010** (Zoning classifications; Supplemental Zoning Map; reference to Ordinance No. **352**) — district lists were referenced but full district text not included in retrieved materials .
Tulare County Code — Grading and re‑vegetation standards (related to landscaping after grading): § **7-15-1420** (grading standards, re‑vegetation timing) .
TulareCounty_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping projects in unincorporated Tulare County require a formal landscape plan?

If the project is new or rehabilitated landscaping accompanying a building permit, developer/builder-installed landscaping on multi‑family projects, or common open space landscaping in a single‑family subdivision, you must submit a Landscape Documentation Package under the County landscaping chapter (§ 7-31-1025 / § 7-31-1040) .

Do single‑family yards need to meet the County Landscape Standards?

Single‑family residential projects are generally exempt from the Countywide landscaping chapter, except when the landscaping is part of common open space required by subdivision approvals; see § 7-31-1030 (exemptions) — verify if the lot is within a subdivision plan that requires common‑area landscaping .

How does Tulare County require water‑efficient planting?

The County requires plants be grouped by hydrozone (H, M, L), shows hydrozone area calculations, and ensures total landscape water use does not exceed the equivalent of an all‑M hydrozone unless the applicant demonstrates otherwise — see § 7-31-1040 (hydrozones and hydrozone percentage calculations) .

How close to a County road can I plant trees or vines?

You may not plant a tree, shrub, or vine less than 10 feet from the edge of the right‑of‑way (or half the customary orchard/vine spacing if greater); this rule is meant to prevent encroachment on County roads. The rule excludes residential landscaping in the text, but verify with Public Works before planting adjacent to ROW (§ 7-19-1210) .

What fence and wall rules affect landscape screening near the street?

County rules allow an open fence (clear, unobstructed vision through at least 50% of the fence area) to be placed within building line setbacks; corner‑lot fence placement must still respect building line setbacks and a 5 ft minimum from the right‑of‑way on the longest frontage is noted unless other zoning or highway rules apply (§ 7-19-1195 / § 7-19-1010) .

Where are the per‑zone (R‑1, A‑1, C‑1, etc.) landscaping rules found?

Per‑zone standards and permitted uses are in Ordinance No. 352 and on the Supplemental Zoning Map. The retrieved County files reference Ordinance No. 352 and the map (§ 7-11-1010) but the list of district names and per‑district landscaping/screening details were Not found in the retrieved materials; verify the exact zone text and any zone‑specific landscaping requirements with the County Resource Management Agency or by providing the Ordinance No. 352 text for review .

Are there special rules for landscaping in fire‑prone foothill or SRA areas?

Yes — the County references fire prevention in planting selection and requires landscape decisions to address fire risk in fire‑prone areas; overlay district standards and Site Plan Review conditions (and fire authority consultation) will apply in SRAs and Very High Fire Hazard areas. Check overlay maps and coordinate with Fire for required defensible space measures (landscape chapter and overlay provisions) (§ 7-31-1040 and overlay material) .

Do landscape plans need irrigation equipment details?

Yes — irrigation emitters, valve schedules, and irrigation efficiency calculations are required in landscape documentation; hydrozones must be valve‑based and systems must meet irrigation efficiency expectations (irrigation efficiency > 60%) (§ 7-31-1040) .

Can I use reclaimed water for irrigation?

The County defines reclaimed water in the landscaping chapter and allows it for nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation; any use must still comply with County Landscape Standards and health/safety rules (see the definitions in § 7-31-1020) .

If my project is small (e.g., 1,500 sq ft landscaping), am I automatically exempt?

The landscaping chapter lists a 2,500 sq ft threshold for exemption (projects with landscaped area < 2,500 sq ft are exempt but encouraged to follow the guidelines). However, verify whether other triggers (site plan, subdivision conditions, or overlay requirements) still require compliance (§ 7-31-1030) .

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