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West Sacramento — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Quick answer

Front setbacks allow fences to 3 ft (plus 1 ft if ≥50% open), with sides/rear to 7 ft in residential; non-res frontages are also 3 ft (+1 ft if open) (§ 17.22.060). Screen equipment from streets/residential, wall off visible outdoor storage with a 6 ft masonry wall, and screen loading with 8 ft planting or walls (§ 17.22.130; § 17.27.080.B.4). Required landscaping caps are 25% or 20% by zone (§ 17.25.040).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from West Sacramento's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with West Sacramento planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

West Sacramento’s zoning standards concentrate landscaping, fencing, and screening into clear, citywide rules within Title 17 Zoning. They set what must be landscaped, how much is the maximum required by zone, and how to shield equipment, storage, and loading from public view. These rules work alongside broader zoning, development standards, and project-level design review.

The city requires exterior mechanical equipment and visually intrusive outdoor areas to be screened from adjacent public streets and Residential Zones; parking lots must incorporate shade or light-colored surfaces to reduce heat island effects (§ 17.22.130; § 17.27.090.I).

What applies and when

  • Purpose of landscaping standards: improve appearance, conserve energy and water, soften parking areas, buffer incompatible uses, and sequester carbon (§ 17.25.010).
  • Applicability: landscaping standards apply to any new development or improvement needing a city approval (e.g., building permit), except business licenses; they do not apply to single-family developments of four or fewer units/lots, properties zoned POS, or riverfront parkway corridors (§ 17.25.020).
  • Required coordination: projects must conform to the City’s Landscape Development Guidelines, Post Construction Standards Plan, Tree Preservation (Chapter 8.24), and Water Efficient Landscaping (Chapter 13.04, Article XII) (§ 17.25.030). Verify current versions with the jurisdiction.

Citywide fences, walls, and hedges (§ 17.22.060)

  • Maximum heights — Residential Zones:
    • Front setback: 3 ft, plus an extra 1 ft allowed if the portion above 3 ft is at least 50% open (§ 17.22.060.A.1.a).
    • Street side within 10 ft of property line, or within 5 ft of a separated sidewalk: 3 ft, plus an extra 1 ft if ≥50% open (§ 17.22.060.A.1.b.i–ii).
    • Other street side areas: 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.1.b.iii).
    • Interior side and rear setbacks: 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.1.c–d).
  • Maximum heights — Non-Residential Zones:
    • Within 10 ft of a street-facing property line or within 5 ft of a separated sidewalk: 3 ft, plus an extra 1 ft if ≥50% open (§ 17.22.060.A.2.a).
    • All other required setbacks: 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.2.b).
    • Electric fences (where allowed elsewhere in the Municipal Code) must be at least 8 ft tall (§ 17.22.060.A.2.a.i; Municipal Code § 15.11.130).
  • Decorative features: 1 entry gateway/trellis is allowed in required front or street-facing setbacks up to 10 ft high/width and with no solid obstruction >2 in diameter between 3–10 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.3).
  • Intersection visibility: all fencing must also meet Visibility at Intersections (§ 17.22.060.B referencing § 17.22.160).
  • Materials:
    • Hazardous materials (barbed/razor wire, electrified, ultra-barrier) are generally prohibited; narrow exceptions by zone include: barbed/razor allowed for agriculture/rural estates (A-1, RRA, RE) and security in M-1, M-2, M-3; electrified allowed in ML, M-1, M-2, M-3; in BP or ML east of I‑80 requires a CUP; grazing animal temporary electric per Chapter 15.11 (§ 17.22.060.C.1 and exceptions).
    • Chain-link in non-residential zones cannot be visible from adjacent at-grade public streets, State highways, or adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.060.C.2).
    • Plain concrete block must be stuccoed or decorative split-face and capped with a decorative cap (§ 17.22.060.C.3).
  • Location: no fencing in public utility easements without written approvals (§ 17.22.060.D).

Fence height quick reference

Location/context Residential Zones — Max height Non-Residential Zones — Max height Code Reference
Required front setback 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open above 3 ft) — § 17.22.060.A.1.a
Street side: within 10 ft of property line 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open) 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open) § 17.22.060.A.1.b.i; § 17.22.060.A.2.a
Street side: within 5 ft of separated sidewalk 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open) 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open) § 17.22.060.A.1.b.ii; § 17.22.060.A.2.a
Other areas of required street side setback 7 ft — § 17.22.060.A.1.b.iii
Required interior side setback 7 ft 7 ft (all other required setbacks) § 17.22.060.A.1.c; § 17.22.060.A.2.b
Required rear setback 7 ft 7 ft (all other required setbacks) § 17.22.060.A.1.d; § 17.22.060.A.2.b
Electric fences (where permitted elsewhere) See exceptions; min 8 ft (non-res) Min 8 ft § 17.22.060.A.2.a.i; MC § 15.11.130

Screening of equipment and outdoor areas (§ 17.22.130)

  • Mechanical/electrical equipment: must be screened or integrated so it is not visible from adjacent at-grade public rights-of-way and/or adjacent Residential Zones. Includes roof equipment, meters, backflow, irrigation valves, transformers, ducting, etc. Screening materials must match building colors/materials. Zoning Administrator may grant exceptions where infeasible (health/safety, structural, utility constraints) (§ 17.22.130.A).
  • Outdoor storage areas: must be screened from any adjacent public street/freeway, existing/planned residential, or publicly accessible open space by a solid masonry wall min 6 ft high; height may need to exceed 6 ft to fully screen stored materials, but standard fence height limits still apply unless modified (§ 17.22.130.B).
  • Other outdoor activity areas: screening may be required if the Zoning Administrator finds potential detrimental effects (§ 17.22.130.C).
  • Maintenance and materials: screening walls must be maintained (painted if required), kept free of litter/ads; graffiti must be removed within two days of notice; hedges must be trimmed to meet required and maximum heights; plastic tarps are not permitted as screening; screening material types should be consistent with building style (§ 17.22.130.D–E).

Parking- and loading-related landscaping/screening

  • Parking lot heat island reduction: at least 50% of areas not landscaped must be shaded or paved with light-colored materials of solar reflectance index (SRI) ≥ 29, or a combination; if using trees, meet required shading within 15 years; choose trees from the City list maintained by the Community Development Department (§ 17.27.090.I). See parking.
  • Curbs, wheel stops, and landscape protection: install curbs/stops ≥6 in high and thick to protect buildings and landscaping; wheel stops must be ≥2 ft from landscaping/sidewalk/building edges; walkways used as wheel stops must be ≥7 ft wide (§ 17.27.090.F).
  • Perimeter curbing: for lots with 10+ spaces, provide 6" x 6" perimeter curbing; curbs between landscaped and parking areas must allow stormwater pass-through (§ 17.27.090.H).
  • Loading areas:
    • Screening: all loading zones and truck parking areas must be screened from view by a min 8‑ft high hedge, vine-covered fence, or wall plus landscaping per the City’s Landscape Development Guidelines; walls must use building-comparable materials (no metal) (§ 17.27.080.B.4).
    • Location/orientation and exceptions: location standards and potential waivers apply case-by-case (§ 17.27.080.B.2).

Refuse and recycling enclosures — required planter (§ 17.22.120.F)

  • Exterior collection areas must be fully screened from public view by an 8‑ft‑wide landscaped planter around the walls/fence perimeter (except access points), planted per the Landscape Development Guidelines (§ 17.22.120.F).
  • Exceptions: not required for existing development with <50% gross floor area increase; Zoning Administrator may waive/reduce or shift equivalent landscaping elsewhere, or require upgrades to current standards, including Water Efficient Landscaping compliance (Chapter 13.04, Article XII) (§ 17.22.120.F.1–2).

Maximum amount of required landscaping by zone (§ 17.25.040)

These are caps on how much the City can require a site to landscape; a project may propose more, but the regulatory “requirement” cannot exceed the cap below.

  • BP, C, CH, MU‑NC, MU‑C, PQP: maximum required landscaping is 25% of lot area (§ 17.25.040.A).
  • M‑L/ML, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3: maximum required landscaping is 20% of lot area (§ 17.25.040.B).
  • CBD, WF: maximum required landscaping is 20% of lot area (§ 17.25.040.C).

Maximum required landscaping — quick table

Zone or Zone Group Maximum required landscaping Code Reference
BP, C, CH, MU‑NC, MU‑C, PQP 25% of lot area § 17.25.040.A
M‑L/ML, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3 20% of lot area § 17.25.040.B
CBD, WF 20% of lot area § 17.25.040.C

District-by-district guidance (Landscaping and Screening only)

Note: This section focuses strictly on landscaping, fencing, and screening items confirmed in the source materials. For uses, purposes, and dimensional standards not listed below, see the City’s base district regulations and verify with the jurisdiction.

Residential Zones — RE, RRA, R‑1, R‑2, R‑2.5, R‑3

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Landscaping chapter applicability: single-family developments of ≤4 units/lots are exempt from Chapter 17.25 (§ 17.25.020.A).
    • Fence heights: front 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open), sides/rear 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.1).
    • Hazardous fencing: limited exceptions for agricultural/rural zones (A‑1, RRA, RE) and not generally allowed in standard residential; electrified allowed for animal control in A‑1/RRA/RE per Chapter 15.11 (§ 17.22.060.C.1).
    • Mechanical/electrical equipment must be screened from streets and adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.130.A).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Commercial — C, CH

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 25% (§ 17.25.040.A).
    • Non-res fence heights: street-edge 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open), otherwise 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A.2).
    • Chain-link: cannot be visible from streets/highways/adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.060.C.2).
    • Equipment, outdoor storage, and outdoor activity screening per § 17.22.130.
    • Parking shade/SRI and curb/wheel-stop offsets apply (§ 17.27.090.F–I).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Mixed-Use — MU‑NC, MU‑C

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 25% (§ 17.25.040.A).
    • Treat fencing as non-res for frontages and setbacks (§ 17.22.060.A.2).
    • Chain-link visibility limits; equipment and outdoor area screening required (§ 17.22.060.C.2; § 17.22.130).
    • Parking shade/SRI and landscape protection apply (§ 17.27.090.F–I).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Business Park — BP

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 25% (§ 17.25.040.A).
    • Electrified fencing requires a Conditional Use Permit in BP (§ 17.22.060.C.1.a.ii).
    • Non-res fencing rules, chain-link visibility limits, and equipment/storage screening apply (§ 17.22.060; § 17.22.130).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Public/Quasi-Public — PQP

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 25% (§ 17.25.040.A).
    • Non-res fencing rules; chain-link visibility limits; equipment/storage screening apply (§ 17.22.060; § 17.22.130).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Employment/Industrial — ML (or M‑L), M‑1, M‑2, M‑3

  • Typical permitted uses (examples from Employment Zones table): Light fleet-based services (P in all ML/M‑1/M‑2/M‑3); rail car loading facility (C in M‑1, M‑2, M‑3); freight/trucking facilities (C in M‑2, M‑3); certain recycling uses by subclassification (§ 17.10.020).
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 20% (§ 17.25.040.B).
    • Fencing: non-res height rules apply (§ 17.22.060.A.2).
    • Hazardous fencing: barbed/razor allowed for security in M‑1, M‑2, M‑3; electrified allowed in ML, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3 (with additional CUP for BP and for ML east of I‑80) (§ 17.22.060.C.1).
    • Chain-link cannot be visible from streets/highways/adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.060.C.2).
    • Outdoor storage: 6‑ft min solid masonry wall; loading: 8‑ft min hedge/fence/wall plus landscaping (§ 17.22.130.B; § 17.27.080.B.4).
    • Parking shade/SRI and landscape protection apply (§ 17.27.090.F–I).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Central Business District — CBD

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 20% (§ 17.25.040.C).
    • Non-res fencing/chain-link limits and equipment/outdoor screening apply (§ 17.22.060; § 17.22.130).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Waterfront — WF

  • Purpose/typical uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key landscaping/screening:
    • Maximum required landscaping: 20% (§ 17.25.040.C).
    • Non-res fencing/chain-link limits and equipment/outdoor screening apply (§ 17.22.060; § 17.22.130).
  • Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical cross-overs and approvals

  • Projects may also need design review for site/landscape plans (verify triggers with the City).
  • Overlay districts and special areas can add design constraints; check overlay districts before finalizing planting or screens.
  • Existing conditions may be “grandfathered,” but expansions can trigger upgrades; see nonconforming uses and potential variances/exceptions if strict compliance is impractical.

Information Gaps

  • Detailed purposes and dimensional standards for each named base district: Not found in source materials.
  • Specific landscape quantities (minimum percentages, plant counts) by use type or frontage: Not found in source materials beyond the zone-based maximum caps (§ 17.25.040).
  • Tree list and Landscape Development Guidelines contents: Not found in source materials; referenced only (§ 17.25.030; § 17.27.090.I.2).
  • Visibility at intersections criteria: Not found in source materials (referenced at § 17.22.060.B to § 17.22.160).

Checklist

  • Confirm your zone (e.g., R‑1, C, BP, ML/M‑1/M‑2/M‑3, CBD, WF) and whether Chapter 17.25 applies (single-family of ≤4 units/lots is exempt) (§ 17.25.020).
  • Keep “required landscaping” at or below the applicable cap: 25% (BP/C/CH/MU‑NC/MU‑C/PQP) or 20% (ML/M‑1/M‑2/M‑3/CBD/WF) (§ 17.25.040).
  • Design fencing to the correct maximum heights for your setback and zone; keep front/near-street fencing at 3 ft (+1 ft if ≥50% open) and other setbacks at 7 ft (§ 17.22.060.A).
  • Avoid prohibited materials (barbed/razor/electric) unless your zone qualifies and conditions are met; apply CUP where required (§ 17.22.060.C.1).
  • In non-res zones, ensure chain-link is not visible from streets/highways/adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.060.C.2).
  • Finish any concrete block fencing with stucco or decorative split-face and a decorative cap (§ 17.22.060.C.3).
  • Keep all fencing out of public utility easements unless you have City Engineer and utility approvals (§ 17.22.060.D).
  • Screen all exterior mechanical/electrical equipment from streets/adjacent Residential Zones with materials matching the building (§ 17.22.130.A).
  • Enclose and screen outdoor storage with a solid masonry wall ≥6 ft high where visible from public streets/freeways/residential/open space (§ 17.22.130.B).
  • Provide 8‑ft-high hedge/vine-covered fence/wall and landscaping to screen loading areas and truck parking (§ 17.27.080.B.4).
  • For exterior refuse/recycling enclosures, install an 8‑ft‑wide planted perimeter (with allowed exceptions/waivers) (§ 17.22.120.F).
  • Meet parking heat-island reduction: shade or SRI ≥29 over at least 50% of non-landscaped areas; reach tree shade within 15 years; select trees from City list (§ 17.27.090.I).
  • Ensure visibility at intersections per § 17.22.060.B (referencing § 17.22.160). Verify details with the jurisdiction.
  • Coordinate with Tree Preservation and the Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance; follow the City’s Landscape Development Guidelines (§ 17.25.030).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ML vs M‑L naming Both appear; could affect submittal language Confirm the official zoning label on your parcel with the City GIS/zoning map
“Visibility at intersections” details not shown Fence height/placement near corners could be more restrictive Request § 17.22.160 standards from staff before final fencing layout
Chain-link “visibility” standard “Not visible” can hinge on grade, landscaping, and angles Provide sightline diagrams or propose opaque screening to demonstrate compliance (§ 17.22.060.C.2)
Electric/barbed fence exceptions Allowances vary by zone, geography (ML east of I‑80), and may require a CUP Confirm zone eligibility and any CUP per § 17.22.060.C.1 and MC § 15.11
Outdoor storage vs. outdoor display/use Some outdoor areas require walls; others may need case-by-case screening Identify all outdoor functions; consult Zoning Administrator early (§ 17.22.130.B–C)
Exemption for small single-family projects Improperly applying the exemption can trigger corrections Document unit/lot count; confirm Chapter 17.25 applicability (§ 17.25.020)
Landscape Development Guidelines content Plant palette, irrigation, and spacing standards control approvals Obtain the latest City Guidelines; align plans (§ 17.25.030; § 17.27.080.B.4; § 17.22.120.F)

Plain-English Summary

West Sacramento caps how much landscape it can require by zone, limits fence heights near streets, and insists on screening: hide rooftop/ground equipment from streets or neighbors, wall off visible outdoor storage with at least a 6‑foot masonry wall, and block views of loading with 8‑foot planting or walls. Parking lots must add shade or light-colored paving to cool heat islands, and trash enclosures need an 8‑foot-wide planted perimeter. Chain-link can’t face the street in non-residential areas, and hazardous fencing is mostly prohibited.

Source References

  • § 17.22.060 Fences, Walls, and Hedges
  • § 17.22.130 Screening
  • § 17.22.120.F Screening and landscaping for exterior collection areas (planter requirement)
  • § 17.25.010 Purpose (Landscaping)
  • § 17.25.020 Applicability (Landscaping)
  • § 17.25.030 Requirements (Landscaping; coordination with other codes/guidelines)
  • § 17.25.040 Maximum Amount of Required Landscaping (by zone)
  • § 17.27.080 Loading (screening and related standards)
  • § 17.27.090 Parking Area Design Standards (heat island reduction; curbs/wheel stops)
  • § 17.10.020 Employment Zones — selected permitted uses context
  • Municipal Code Chapter 15.11 (Electric and Barbed Wire Fences), Chapter 8.24 (Tree Preservation), Chapter 13.04, Article XII (Water Efficient Landscaping), as referenced above

Sources

Source passages

  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.22.060) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.25.030) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.22.130) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.25.020) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.27.080) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.27.090) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.25.010) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.25.040) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.22.120) Medium relevance
  • West Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 17.10.020) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How tall can my front yard fence be in West Sacramento?

In Residential Zones, fences in the required front setback are limited to 3 ft, with an extra 1 ft allowed if the portion above 3 ft is at least 50% open (§ 17.22.060.A.1.a). On a street side within 10 ft of the property line (or within 5 ft of a separated sidewalk), the same rule applies (§ 17.22.060.A.1.b.i–ii).

Are chain-link fences allowed for commercial or industrial sites?

Chain-link is allowed, but in non-residential zones it cannot be visible from adjacent at-grade public streets, a State highway, or adjacent Residential Zones (§ 17.22.060.C.2). If you propose chain-link, plan adequate screening or placement to eliminate street/neighbor visibility.

What screening is required for rooftop units and meters?

All exterior mechanical and electrical equipment must be screened or integrated so it isn’t visible from adjacent public rights-of-way or Residential Zones, using materials consistent with the building (§ 17.22.130.A). The Zoning Administrator may allow exceptions if screening is infeasible due to safety, structural, or utility constraints.

Do outdoor storage areas need walls?

Yes. If visible from any adjacent public street or freeway, existing/planned residential area, or publicly accessible open space, outdoor storage must be screened by a solid masonry wall at least 6 ft tall (§ 17.22.130.B). The wall may need to be higher to fully screen materials, subject to standard fence height limits unless modified.

What landscaping is required around trash enclosures?

Exterior refuse/recycling enclosures must be fully screened by an 8‑ft‑wide landscaped planter around the enclosure walls/fence, except at access points (§ 17.22.120.F). Existing sites adding less than a 50% floor area increase are exempt; the Zoning Administrator may grant alternatives or require upgrades to current standards (§ 17.22.120.F.1–2).

How much landscaping can the City require on my site?

The zoning code caps “required” landscaping by zone: 25% of lot area in BP, C, CH, MU‑NC, MU‑C, PQP; and 20% in ML/M‑1/M‑2/M‑3, CBD, WF (§ 17.25.040). You may provide more than the cap, but the City cannot require more than these percentages.

What are the heat-island rules for parking lots?

At least 50% of parking area that isn’t landscaped must be shaded or surfaced with light-colored materials (SRI ≥ 29), or a combination; if using trees for shade, meet the target within 15 years and select species from the City’s list (§ 17.27.090.I).

Can I use barbed wire or electric fencing?

Generally no. Limited exceptions allow barbed/razor wire in A‑1, RRA, RE and for security in M‑1, M‑2, M‑3; electrified fencing is allowed in ML, M‑1, M‑2, M‑3 (with a CUP for BP and for ML east of I‑80). Electric fences where allowed must be at least 8 ft high (§ 17.22.060.C.1; § 17.22.060.A.2.a.i; MC § 15.11.130).

Do I need to landscape a small single-family project?

Chapter 17.25 does not apply to single-family developments of four or fewer units/lots (§ 17.25.020.A). Fencing and screening rules (Title 17, Chapter 17.22) still apply.

Are special approvals needed near intersections?

All fences/walls must comply with the City’s “Visibility at Intersections” standard (§ 17.22.060.B referencing § 17.22.160). Because details aren’t provided here, verify the sight triangle requirements with the City before finalizing fence locations.

General information, not legal advice.

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