Local zoning · West Hollywood

West Hollywood — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of West Hollywood's Zoning Ordinance (Title 19) requires for landscaping, screening, fences/walls, and trees for development and discretionary projects. It synthesizes the rules in Chapter 19.26 (Landscaping Standards), the fences/walls rules in § 19.20.050, canopy-tree rules in § 19.20.055, and related site and parking landscaping provisions — with district-specific notes for common West Hollywood zones and overlays. For project-level decisions, always verify with the Community Development Department; some items are ministerial, others require discretionary review. See the city's rules on parking, development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the California building code as you plan.

(Links: the first mention of each related topic below goes to the city menu pages you’ll likely need — parking, development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.)

All substantive requirements cited below are drawn from the West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), particularly Chapter 19.26 and the general site-planning rules cited by number. See Source References at the end for the controlling § citations and file citations.

Key city-wide rules (quick synthesis)

  • Landscaping is mandatory for all new development and projects requiring a discretionary land-use permit; the standard authority is Chapter 19.26. Landscape plans, irrigation plans, and ornamental water features must be submitted and approved before installation; changes that affect plant character or irrigation require re-submittal. See § 19.26.020 and § 19.26.030.

  • On-site canopy-tree standards: when mature canopy trees are removed as part of development, they must be replaced on-site with new canopy trees (minimum 24‑inch box) unless the Director approves off-site replacement for technical reasons; planting details (soil mix, setbacks from foundations, minimum tree-well sizes for planters/roofs) are specified in § 19.20.055 and companion landscaping subsections.

  • Parking-area and perimeter landscaping: commercial and service-site projects must provide perimeter planters and meet parking-lot landscaping performance or point systems (see Chapter 19.28 and § 19.28.100(B) referenced in Chapter 19.26). For fences/walls on street frontages, a landscaped strip between the wall and the street is required and quantified (see § 19.26.040(B)).

  • Fences, walls, hedges: height and transparency limits depend on location (front setback, street side, interior side/rear, outside setback). Typical maxima: 42 inches in front yards unless alternate transparency/height provisions apply; 6 feet generally outside required setbacks; up to 10 feet possible when commercial land abuts residential, subject to review authority approval (see § 19.20.050). Sight-triangle and driveway-visibility rules also apply.

  • Stormwater and permeable surface: no more than 50% of required ground-level common open space and required setbacks/yards may be non-permeable; landscaping and porous paving count as permeable surfaces (§ 19.20.190).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the Zoning Ordinance establishes many districts (see § 19.04.020). Below are the West Hollywood districts most likely to raise common landscaping and screening questions; each subsection summarizes the district purpose, typical uses, the landscaping/screening rules that are most relevant, and where the district applies. For parcel-specific requirements, Verify with the jurisdiction.

R1 / R1-B (single-family / low-density residential and the West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay)

  • Purpose and typical uses: R1 districts are for single-family and two-unit residential development; R1-B is a common variant with specific lot-size and setback rules. Allowed uses and development standards are listed in Article 19-2; the WHWNOD is an overlay that modifies R1-B in a distinct neighborhood. See § 19.04.020 and WHWNOD rules in § 19.14.120.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Landscaping is required for new development and discretionary permits; parkway/sidewalk tree standards are governed by Chapter 11.36 and the Urban Forest Plan (referenced in § 19.26.020(A)(1)).
    • Front setback fencing: solid fences/walls in a required front setback are limited to 42 inches; however, a fence up to 6 feet may be allowed if it is at least 50% transparent; in certain cases where residential abuts commercial or a secondary highway, solid walls up to 6–10 feet may be allowed if approved by the Review Authority and if they do not unduly obstruct views or create safety hazards (§ 19.20.050).
    • Vegetation in front setback: any vegetation over 18 inches mature height in the space between a sidewalk and a fence must leave a clear area to the sidewalk and be irrigated; hedges may be unlimited in height so long as they do not block sightlines (Director can require trimming) (§ 19.20.050(c)(3)–(4), (d)(2)).
  • Where it applies: see the zoning map and the WHWNOD map in § 19.14.120; if in WHWNOD, supplemental neighborhood design standards apply and may change allowable fence/landscape treatments.

Norma Triangle Neighborhood Overlay (NTNOD, R1-B parcels inside Norma Triangle)

  • Purpose and typical uses: protects the Norma Triangle neighborhood character; applied to R1-B parcels in the specified triangular geography (see § 19.14.130).
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • The NTNOD adopts general landscape/fence rules from Title 19 but may add neighborhood-specific guidance and require compatibility with the Norma Triangle Single-Family Design Guidelines. Site and landscape standards reference §§ 19.20.050, 19.26.050–19.26.080 (landscaping and fences) and have the same canopy-tree replacement rules.
    • Retaining walls and small accessory structures have their own height/placement rules in the NTNOD; retainers are limited (e.g., retaining walls not to exceed 42 inches unless otherwise allowed) — verify with the NTNOD provisions for accessory structures.

Multi-family residential (R3, R4)

  • Purpose and typical uses: medium- and high-density multi-family housing; standards in Table 2-3 set setbacks, heights, and require landscaping per Chapter 19.26.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Projects must meet Chapter 19.26 requirements for canopy trees, minimum landscaped-area widths (most landscaped beds must be at least 3 feet wide), and tree-well sizing when canopy trees are part of upper-level or podium landscaping. § 19.26.050(B)(1) requires landscaped areas except strips adjacent to fences have minimum widths.
    • When multi-family abuts lower-density residential, the City may require perimeter landscaping and screening to increase compatibility; when commercial uses abut residential, a solid decorative wall of 6 to 10 feet may be required at the property line (Review Authority approval required for height/materials).

Commercial districts (CN1, CN2, CC1, CC2, CA, CR)

  • Purpose and typical uses: neighborhood or community-serving commercial and mixed uses (see § 19.04.020 for district table). Landscaping rules for commercial parcels are in § 19.26.040(B) and in parking-area standards in Chapter 19.28.
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Freestanding fences or walls adjacent to streets/sidewalks must leave a landscaped frontage strip between the fence/wall and the street; the landscaped area should have the equivalent of at least 2 sq. ft. of landscaping per linear foot of frontage (Director may reduce to 1 sq. ft./linear ft. in hardship cases in return for a wider strip) (§ 19.26.040(B)(1)(a)).
    • Parking lots must meet parking-area landscaping performance standards in § 19.28.100(B) (point system and minimum planter widths typically apply), and service stations have special perimeter landscaping rules (minimum 5 ft planting strip, 6 ft adjacent to residential, and 42‑inch screening wall between street frontage planting strip and the site interior).
    • Where commercial zoning abuts residential, the Review Authority may require a 6–10 foot decorative wall and landscape buffer to protect neighboring properties (§ 19.20.050(D)(3)).

Design Districts and Specific Plans (example: Robertson/Design District, Robertson Lane Specific Plan)

  • Purpose and typical uses: Design Districts and Specific Plans layer area-specific streetscape and landscaping rules (for example, the Design District Streetscape Master Plan and Robertson Lane Specific Plan carry required street trees, minimum sidewalk widths, and large minimum landscaping areas for sub-areas). See the Robertson/Design District provisions and the Robertson Lane Specific Plan (e.g., § 19.16/specific-plan subsections).
  • Key landscaping/screening standards:
    • Projects in certain sub-areas must provide large absolute landscaping amounts (e.g., no less than 9,000 sq ft of landscaping for Sub‑Area A in the Robertson Lane Specific Plan), specific pedestrian boulevards, and streetscape tree standards (Robertson Boulevard, North La Peer Drive, and Santa Monica Boulevard have special street-tree and sidewalk-width requirements) that supersede or supplement Chapter 19.26. § 19.16 and its subsections require compliance with the Design District Streetscape Master Plan.

Most decision-relevant standards (at-a-glance table)

Topic Typical / decision‑relevant requirement Code Reference
Landscaping required for new development or discretionary permits All new development must provide and/or maintain canopy trees and landscaping per Chapter 19.26 § 19.26.020
Minimum landscaped bed width Most landscaped areas (except narrow strips adjacent to fences/walls) must be at least 3 ft wide § 19.26.050(B)(1)
Canopy-tree minimum size and planting rules Required replacement canopy trees: 24‑inch box minimum; minimum 50% of canopy trees at grade; soil mix minimum 20% organic for tree pits § 19.26.040(A)(3–4) and § 19.20.055
Perimeter planting for commercial frontage 2 sq. ft. of landscaping per linear foot of frontage (Director may reduce to 1 sq. ft./ft in hardship with trade-off) § 19.26.040(B)(1)(a)
Fences/walls: front setback limit Solid fences/walls in a required front setback: 42 inches max; 6 ft allowed if ≥50% transparent; up to 10 ft may be approved at residential/commercial interfaces § 19.20.050(C)(1–3)
Parking-lot landscaping performance Parking lots must meet Chapter 19.28 standards (point system and minimum planter widths); service stations have 5 ft perimeter planters (6 ft where adjacent to residential) § 19.28.100(B) and § 19.36.300/19.28 references in § 19.26.020
Permeable surface in yards & setbacks No more than 50% of required ground-level common open space and required setbacks/yards may be non-permeable § 19.20.190(D)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for landscaping & screening)

  • Prepare a complete landscape plan, irrigation plan, and (if applicable) ornamental water plans; submit to Community Development before building permit issuance per § 19.26.020(B).
  • Show canopy‑tree calculations and replacement strategy: specify 24‑inch box minimum trees, soil mix, spacing, and tree wells; follow § 19.20.055 rules on replacement.
  • Provide minimum planter widths: 3 ft minimum for most landscaped beds (exceptions for strips adjacent to fences/walls), and meet parking-lot planters and perimeter planting rates (e.g., 2 sq ft per linear foot for commercial frontages) as required in § 19.26.050 and § 19.26.040(B).
  • For fences/walls, indicate heights, materials, and transparency; ensure front-setback fences do not exceed 42 inches unless compliance with the transparency exceptions or Review Authority approval (§ 19.20.050).
  • Show permeable surface calculations so no more than 50% of required setbacks/common open space are non-permeable (§ 19.20.190(D)).
  • If removing mature canopy trees, include replacement plan (on-site or approved off-site) per the replacement requirements in § 19.20.055 and obtain any required zone clearance or permit.
  • Demonstrate compliance with sight‑triangle/driveway visibility standards where landscaping or walls would affect motorist/pedestrian sightlines (§ 19.20.050(c)(2) and § 19.28.130).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Wall heights at residential/commercial interface The code allows 6–10 ft walls where commercial abuts residential but conditions and Review Authority approvals matter; excessive height can trigger required architectural integration and public-safety findings. Verify whether your site triggers the § 19.20.050(D)(3) standard and obtain Review Authority approval if >6 ft.
Tree removal/replacement feasibility The ordinance requires replacement canopy trees (24‑in box); if your lot has no room, Director can approve off-site replacement or alternate landscape in rare cases. For mature tree removals, verify replacement locations and get Director approval; prepare arborist documentation per § 19.20.055(A)(10).
Perimeter planting calculation for irregular frontages The 2 sq ft per linear ft rule leaves discretion for irregular lots (Director can reduce to 1 sq ft/ft in hardship cases). Verify acceptance of alternative planters with the Community Development Director per § 19.26.040(B)(1)(a).
Applicability vs. Specific Plans/Overlays Specific Plans and overlays (e.g., Robertson Lane, WHWNOD, NTNOD) may supersede or supplement Chapter 19.26 and require larger absolute landscaping amounts or different streetscape plantings. Check the applicable Specific Plan/Overlay section (e.g., § 19.16 for Robertson Lane, § 19.14.120/130 for WHWNOD/NTNOD) early in design.
Interaction with street‑tree rules Street-tree species, spacing and maintenance are governed by Chapter 11.36 and the Urban Forest Plan; private development that affects parkways must coordinate with Public Works. Coordinate with Public Works and reference § 19.26.020(A)(1); check Chapter 11.36 for parkway/Street Tree permitting.

Plain-English Summary

If you build or change a project in West Hollywood that needs a permit, you must submit a landscape plan and install landscaping, plant replacement canopy trees (usually 24‑inch box minimum), meet minimum planter widths and parking-lot planting rules, and make sure fences, walls, and hedges follow the city’s height and transparency limits (e.g., 42‑inch front-yard max unless special conditions apply). Many neighborhoods and Specific Plans add more requirements — so early verification with Community Development is essential. See the cited code sections for the exact technical rules.

Source References

  • City of West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), Chapter 19.26 (Landscaping Standards): § 19.26.010 – § 19.26.050, and applicability rules § 19.26.020.
  • Fence, wall, hedges and sightline requirements: § 19.20.050 (Fences, Walls, and Hedges).
  • Canopy tree rules and replacement: § 19.20.055 (Canopy Trees).
  • Parking-area landscaping and related performance standards: Chapter 19.28 and § 19.28.100(B) (Parking Area Landscaping Requirements) referenced by § 19.26.020.
  • Storm drainage and permeable-surface limit: § 19.20.190(D).
  • Zoning districts and overlay references (R1, R2, R3, R4, CN1, CN2, CC1, CC2 and overlays - see § 19.04.020 and overlay chapters): § 19.04.020, § 19.14.120 (WHWNOD), § 19.14.130 (NTNOD), and Robertson Lane / Design District sections in § 19.16.

If you need the full ordinance text or a parcel-specific interpretation, request a copy of the City’s Title 19 (Zoning) PDF or ask the Community Development Department to confirm the exact requirements that apply to your address. Not found in retrieved materials: any city administrative forms or exact plan-check submittal checklists (verify with the jurisdiction).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.28.100) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (section may) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.48.050.A) High relevance
  • CGBSC § 19.20.060 (§ 19.20.060.) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 411 Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Title 19.) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What landscaping is required for a new single‑family house in West Hollywood?

New single‑family development must submit and install landscaping and canopy trees per Chapter 19.26; front‑yard fences and vegetation must comply with fence height and visibility limits (e.g., 42 inches front‑yard fence max unless special transparency/height exceptions apply). See § 19.26.020 and § 19.20.050.

How large must replacement trees be if I remove a mature canopy tree for construction?

Replacement canopy trees generally must be at least a 24‑inch box; the code requires replacement on the same property or an approved off‑site location if on‑site replacement is infeasible. See § 19.20.055.

Do commercial properties need a planter strip between a fence/wall and the sidewalk?

Yes — freestanding fences or walls adjacent to public streets or sidewalks must provide a landscaped frontage between the wall/fence and the street; the landscaped area should contain the equivalent of 2 square feet of landscaping per linear foot of frontage (Director may adjust to 1 sq ft/ft in hardship). See § 19.26.040(B)(1)(a).

What are the height limits for fences and walls in front yards?

Solid fences/walls in a required front setback are limited to 42 inches. A fence up to 6 feet may be allowed if it is at least 50% transparent; higher solid walls (up to 10 feet) are possible where a residential property abuts commercial uses subject to Review Authority approval. See § 19.20.050(C)(1–3).

How do parking lot landscaping rules affect a retail site?

Parking lots must meet Chapter 19.28 landscaping performance standards (planters, point systems, and minimum widths). Service stations and other specific uses have additional perimeter and corner‑planter rules (e.g., 5 ft perimeter planter, 6 ft when adjacent to residential). See § 19.28.100(B) and the service-station requirements referenced in § 19.26.

If my project is in the Norma Triangle (NTNOD), does that change landscaping rules?

Yes. The NTNOD modifies and supplements Title 19 standards for the Norma Triangle neighborhood and requires compliance with the Norma Triangle Single‑Family Design Guidelines; landscaping and fence rules still reference §§ 19.20.050, 19.26.050–.080, but neighborhood guidelines and NTNOD provisions control where they conflict. See § 19.14.130 and the cited landscape sections.

Are rooftop planters or green roofs counted toward required canopy trees or landscaping?

Rooftop landscaping is allowed but roofing/upper‑level planting is not counted as a substitute for ground-level landscaping except where specific standards permit it; required canopy-tree credits preferentially require 50% of required canopy trees to be planted at grade. Intensive rooftop gardens have separate minimum area and tree‑well sizing if they are to count (see Chapter 19.26 and definitions). See § 19.26.040 and related subsections.

Will the city allow a solid privacy hedge taller than 42 inches in the front setback?

Hedges have special treatment: hedges and supporting apparatus may be allowed without a hard height cap provided they do not obstruct required sightlines for drivers or pedestrians; the Director can require trimming or removal to protect safety. Nevertheless, walls and fences have the 42‑inch front limit; verify hedge location and sight‑triangle compliance under § 19.20.050.

Does the landscaping chapter override specific plan landscaping requirements?

No — where a Specific Plan or adopted streetscape master plan applies (e.g., Robertson/Design District, Robertson Lane Specific Plan), the Specific Plan provisions may control and supersede Title 19 when a conflict exists; check the applicable Specific Plan language. See § 19.16 and § 19.03.020(D) (conflict rules).

What must I submit with my building permit application for landscape compliance?

You must submit a landscape plan and irrigation plan (and ornamental water plans if applicable) for review and approval before installing landscaping — this is required by § 19.26.020(B). Trees removed during construction typically require a zone clearance or permit and replacement per § 19.26.020(C) and § 19.20.055.

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