Local zoning · Upland

Upland — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Upland Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) actually requires for landscaping, screening, fences, walls, buffer yards, and planting/irrigation standards. It pulls directly from Title 17 chapters most relevant to landscape and screening (including Chapter 17.12 — Landscaping, Chapter 17.13 — Fences and Walls, and industrial buffering standards) and explains how those rules apply in common zoning groups in Upland. For related project topics see the Upland pages for parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Key Upland chapters and controlling sections (quick pointers)

  • Landscaping program and applicability: § 17.12.010 and following.
  • Parking-area landscaping standards: § 17.12.080.
  • Residential landscaping / outdoor living expectations: § 17.04.040.
  • Industrial buffer yards: § 17.07.050 (25‑ft buffer & 6‑ft masonry wall) and related industrial landscaping rules § 17.07.040.
  • Fences & wall measurement, height, materials: § 17.13.030–§ 17.13.060 (Table 17.13.1).
  • Screening for commercial outdoor display, parking abutting residential: § 17.16.040 and related site-development rules.

District-by-district breakdown

All Residential Zones (example districts: R‑1, R‑2, R‑3 — referenced collectively as All Residential Zones in the code)

Purpose & where it applies

  • The code treats single‑ and multi‑family areas as “All Residential Zones” for landscape/amenity minimums; requirements apply to new development, subdivisions, and multi‑unit projects. See § 17.04.040 and the Landscaping chapter.

Typical permitted uses (context)

  • Normal residential uses; landscaping rules are tied to new construction, subdivisions and multi‑family projects (not to day‑to‑day tenant issues). See § 17.04.040.

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Landscape and irrigation plans must follow Chapter 17.12.
  • Mechanical equipment (AC, meters, pool equipment) must be screened from public view with landscaping, compatible screens, or comparable features. § 17.04.040(A)(3).
  • For projects created by an urban lot split: evergreen screening between dwellings and adjacent lots is required (minimum one 15‑gallon per 5 linear feet of exterior wall OR one 24" box per 10 linear feet; plants must be at least six feet tall at installation, or a solid 6‑ft fence may be used). § 17.04.040 (urban lot split landscaping rules).

Where to verify

  • If your parcel is a single‑family lot vs. a multi‑family or a lot created by an urban lot split, the exact plan and review process differs—check with the Development Services Director. See the design review and permit flow in § 17.43.010.

All Commercial & Professional Zones (including OP, NC, RC, CA — excluding HC and MU per the sign rules)

Purpose & where it applies

  • Commercial/professional zones have site landscape, perimeter planting, and sign‑landscaping expectations; the sign chapter explicitly requires dense landscaping to reduce sign mass in commercial zones. See § 17.15.230 and related sign provisions.

Typical permitted uses

  • Office, retail, service uses as listed in the land‑use tables (see Part 2 land‑use tables in Title 17). Landscaping expectations apply to new commercial development, expansions, and certain outdoor displays.

Key landscaping/screening standards

  • Parking‑area landscape minimums and distribution (see parking table below) and screening of outdoor display/vehicle sales from residential property: decorative walls, planting strips, and a minimum planting size/spacing apply. See § 17.12.080 and § 17.16.040.

Industrial Zones (LI = Light Industrial, GI = General Industrial)

Purpose & where it applies

  • Industrial zones require special transitional buffering where industrial properties abut residential uses to mitigate noise, light, visual impact and debris. See § 17.07.050 and Figure 17.07‑1.

Typical permitted uses

  • Manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and industrial services listed in the industrial land‑use tables; landscape standards apply to the site and setbacks.

Key buffering & screening standards

  • A 25‑foot industrial buffer yard is required when a development is adjacent to residential use or zone. § 17.07.050(B).
  • Buffer yards must include a solid masonry or equivalent wall no less than six feet high and year‑round screening by a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees/shrubs planted and maintained per Chapter 17.12; paved surfaces and parking are prohibited inside the buffer. § 17.07.050(C).

Fences and Walls (applies citywide; Chapter 17.13)

Purpose & where it applies

  • Chapter 17.13 sets measurement, permitted heights, locations and prohibited materials for fences and walls across zones. Use these rules whenever you plan a fence or masonry wall. § 17.13.010–.060.

Key standards (decision‑relevant)

  • Height measurement rules: measure from adjacent finished grade to the top of the fence/wall; if grades differ, measure from the higher side. § 17.13.030.
  • Maximum heights (Table 17.13.1): in Industrial Zones, rear/interior side setbacks may allow up to 8 ft; in All Other Zones, rear/interior side maximum is 6 ft; front/street‑side setback area max is 3.5 ft. § 17.13.040 and Table 17.13.1.
  • Chain‑link (with or without slats), barbed wire, razor wire are prohibited in residential zones and visible street areas; permitted materials include decorative masonry, ornamental iron/steel or wood unless the Director approves an alternative. § 17.13.060.

Project‑scale / special categories

  • Parking lot landscaping, tree sizes, and irrigation standards are in Chapter 17.12; parking lots must achieve specific shading and minimum landscape percentages. § 17.12.070 and § 17.12.080.
  • Outdoor display/sales areas visible to residences must be screened (fences, walls, landscaping) and the height of displayed merchandise may not exceed the screening element. § 17.16.040.
  • Wireless, utilities and accessory equipment must be screened and camouflaged by landscaping or architectural screens where feasible. See wireless facility conditions and screening expectations in § 17.40.100 and wireless facility chapter.

Decision‑relevant quick reference table

Topic Requirement (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
Industrial buffer yard width 25 ft buffer required where industrial adjoins residential § 17.07.050
Buffer wall Solid masonry or equivalent wall, minimum 6 ft high § 17.07.050(C)(2)
Parking lot landscape area Minimum 8% of parking lot area landscaped; 50% inside parking area, 50% perimeter § 17.12.080(A)–(B)
Parking lot shade trees One tree per 4 parking spaces; 50% shade within 10 years § 17.12.080(6)
Fence height (rear/interior) Up to 8 ft in industrial zones; 6 ft in other zones (see Table 17.13.1) § 17.13.040 / Table 17.13.1
Urban lot split screening Evergreen screening: 1 × 15‑gal plant per 5 ft of exterior wall (or 24" box/10 ft); 6 ft tall at install OR solid 6‑ft fence § 17.04.040(9)
Mechanical equipment Screen from public view with landscaping or compatible architectural screens § 17.04.040(A)(3)

Checklist

  • Prepare a landscape and irrigation plan that meets Chapter 17.12 submittal contents and sizing rules (plant sizes, tree wells, irrigation details). § 17.12.010–.070.
  • For any parking lot, size landscaped area to achieve at least 8% coverage and the tree planting rate (one tree per four spaces). § 17.12.080.
  • If adjacent to residential and you are industrial/commercial, provide an industrial buffer or equivalent screening: 25 ft buffer and 6‑ft masonry wall where triggered. § 17.07.050.
  • For fences/walls, confirm height measured from highest finished grade adjacent to the fence and comply with Table 17.13.1 limits (front/street‑side 3.5 ft, rear/interior 6–8 ft depending on zone). § 17.13.030–.040.
  • Screen mechanical units from public view with landscaping or compatible screening. § 17.04.040.
  • Make sure plant palettes are drought tolerant and avoid invasive species; comply with fire‑department requirements where fire‑hazard mitigation applies. § 17.04.040(9) and § 17.12.070(F).
  • Submit all plans for review as required by the Development Services Director (Design Review / Development Plan Review process). See § 17.43.010.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Conflicts with private CC&Rs City enforces Title 17, but private covenants can still restrict plantings/fences Verify restrictive covenants and consult an HOA/attorney; note City is not responsible for enforcing private agreements. § 17.01.070(D).
Exact fence height at grade changes Height is measured from the higher adjacent finished grade; grade changes can reduce allowable height Confirm base grade used for measurement with Building/Planning staff and apply § 17.13.030 rules.
Specific overlay restrictions (e.g., Euclid Scenic Corridor) Overlays can impose special setbacks, landscape treatments not in the base zones Check overlay applicability (map and text in Title 17); the code references Scenic Corridor § 17.09.030, but text not included here—Verify with Planning. Not found in retrieved materials for full text.
Species & fire safety tension Landscapes must be drought tolerant but also meet fire‑department clearance where parcel is in a high fire area Coordinate landscape plans with Upland Fire and follow § 17.12.070(F) and any fire‑hazard mitigation measures.
When masonry wall vs planting can be used Some rules require masonry (e.g., industrial buffer) while others allow plantings; these are not interchangeable in every location Read the specific code clause (e.g., § 17.07.050(C)(2) requires masonry in industrial buffer) before proposing alternatives; request Director discretion/Condition of Approval if needed.

Plain‑English Summary

Upland’s zoning rules make landscaping and screening part of project approval: submit a plan that follows Chapter 17.12, provide required parking‑lot landscaping and trees, build fences/walls to the height limits in Chapter 17.13, and if your industrial project touches housing you must provide a 25‑ft buffer with a 6‑ft masonry wall and year‑round plantings. Always confirm overlays, fire‑clearance, and any HOA rules before you build. See the controlling code citations listed below.

Information Gaps

  • Full text of the Scenic Corridor Overlay (§ 17.09.030) and any overlay‑specific landscape modifications were referenced but the detailed overlay text was not retrieved here. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Parcel‑specific applicability (e.g., whether a lot falls in a Scenic Corridor or special overlay, or whether a parcel is in a very high fire hazard zone) must be confirmed with the City; these are not determinable from the general code excerpts. Verify with the Development Services Department.

Source References

  • Upland Zoning Ordinance, Title 17 — General and purpose provisions; applicability. § 17.01.010, § 17.01.070.
  • § 17.12.010 et seq., Chapter 17.12 (Landscaping): Purpose, applicability, plant sizes, § 17.12.070 (general design criteria) and § 17.12.080 (parking area landscape).
  • § 17.04.040 (Landscaping and Outdoor Living Space / All Residential Zones; urban lot split evergreen screening).
  • § 17.07.040 and § 17.07.050 (Industrial landscaping and Industrial Buffer Yards — 25‑ft buffer and 6‑ft masonry wall).
  • Chapter 17.13, § 17.13.030–§ 17.13.060 (Fences and Walls: measurement, Table 17.13.1 heights, materials).
  • § 17.16.040 (Outdoor display screening requirements).
  • Development review / application process references for required submittals: § 17.43.010 and related plan submittal lists (landscape plan contents).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Upland Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (§ 17.04.040.) High relevance
  • CFC § 150 (Title 17) High relevance
  • CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (Title 16) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (§ 17.07.050.) High relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code (§ 17.12.080.) Medium relevance
  • Upland Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping plan does Upland require for a new commercial parking lot?

You must submit a landscape and irrigation plan per Chapter 17.12 showing at least 8% of the parking area landscaped, distribution of that landscaping (50% interior/50% perimeter), continuous curbing around planting areas, and the shade‑tree rate (one tree per four parking spaces; 50% shade within 10 years). See § 17.12.080.

How tall can my backyard fence be in Upland?

Fence height is measured from the adjacent finished grade; the general limits are 6 ft maximum in rear/interior side yards in non‑industrial zones and 8 ft in industrial zones (Table 17.13.1). Front and street‑side setback fences are limited to 3.5 ft. See § 17.13.030–.040.

If my industrial site borders houses, what screening is required?

Where an industrial development abuts residential uses the code requires a 25‑ft industrial buffer yard with a solid masonry (or equivalent) wall at least 6 ft high plus a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees/shrubs maintained per Chapter 17.12; paving and parking inside the buffer are prohibited. § 17.07.050(C).

Does Upland require drought‑tolerant plants?

Yes — the Upland code requires drought‑tolerant landscaping in certain contexts (notably urban lot split screening) and the Landscaping chapter is explicitly intended to promote efficient water use; follow § 17.04.040(9) and § 17.12.010 and the plant palette/irrigation requirements in Chapter 17.12.

Can I replace required plant screening with a fence?

Some locations allow a solid 6‑ft fence in lieu of plantings (for example the urban lot split screening option), but in other situations (industrial buffer yards) the code specifically requires a masonry or equivalent wall and mixed planting per § 17.07.050; check the specific clause before substituting. § 17.04.040(9) and § 17.07.050(C)(2).

Do parking lots have tree‑spacing or tree size minimums?

Yes. Parking areas must provide shade trees so that 50% of the parking area is shaded within 10 years; the baseline rate is at least one tree per four parking spaces and no more than 30 ft spacing between trees or clusters. See § 17.12.080(6).

If my project needs design review, will landscaping be examined?

Yes — design review and development plan review authorities evaluate proposed landscaping (color, location, size, coverage, irrigation and maintenance) as part of the findings for approval; see the Development Services review authority and findings in § 17.43.010 and the design review findings referencing landscaping.

Does Title 17 say anything about screening utilities or mechanical equipment?

Yes — mechanical equipment such as air conditioners, meters and pool equipment must be screened from public view using landscaping, architecturally compatible screens, or other features acceptable to the review authority. See § 17.04.040(A)(3).

Are chain‑link fences allowed in residential areas?

No. Chain‑link fencing (with or without slats), barbed wire, razor wire and similar materials are prohibited in residential zones and in areas visible from a public or private street. See § 17.13.060(C).

Will an ADU trigger new landscape requirements?

Possibly — ADU work that changes the site or creates a new unit could trigger landscape/irrigation plan requirements under Chapter 17.12 or other project submittal rules; check the ADU page and the Development Services submittal list and confirm with planning. See § 17.12.020 for applicability and consult the City's ADU guidance.

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