Local zoning · Woodside

Woodside — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Town of Woodside's zoning ordinance requires for landscaping, screening, fences, walls, gates, and berms, and related buffering measures. It is built only from the Town code text you provided (Title 17 / Town zoning code excerpts) and points to the controlling code sections. For design-review and dimensional rules mentioned here, see Woodside’s Zoning and Development Standards pages for context. This page does not cover state building-code (Title 24) compliance or general permitting procedures; for Title 24 issues see the California Building Standards Code resource.

Key rules (plain statements tied to the ordinance)

  • Fence/wall permits are required before erection; a building permit and/or fence permit is required for all fences, walls, gates, pylons, and berms (see § 153.212) .
  • Maximum ordinary fence/wall height is 6 ft (athletic court fencing excepted at 12 ft) and the Town favors open-style fencing to preserve rural character (see § 153.212) .
  • Setbacks from the edge of adjacent driving surfaces are specified by fence type in Table L‑2 (e.g., open fences 4–6 ft require 20 ft from a public driving surface; solid fences 4–6 ft require 50 ft from a public driving surface but 30 ft in R‑1) — see § 153.212 (Table L‑2) .
  • Berms must be planted with native, drought-tolerant plants; slope cannot exceed 2:1 (horizontal:vertical) and fills > 3 ft require civil‑engineer certification — see § 153.212 .
  • Where a landscape screening condition is imposed as part of approval (for fences, walls, or permits), the property owner must maintain that screening in good condition — see § 153.212(7) .
  • Multi‑family development (zones MF, MF‑20, MFRZ) must provide a 10‑foot landscape screening buffer along any property line shared with single‑family residential districts (R‑1, SR, RR, SCP) — see § 153.110(B)(1)(c) .
  • Utility/mechanical equipment in multi‑family projects must be screened by landscaping and/or a solid fence/wall at least as tall as the equipment but not taller than 6 ft; built screening should use natural wood or project façade materials — see § 153.110(B)(1)(f) .
  • Architectural and Site Review criteria explicitly call for landscape designs that minimize grading, preserve native vegetation, use informal plantings compatible with rural character, and incorporate fire‑safe and water‑efficient strategies (ASR landscape elements; see Architectural & Site Review criteria, § 153.900 series; see § 153.912 for required review) .
  • The Planning Commission may impose landscaping, fencing, and buffering as conditions on discretionary permits; those conditions may require guarantees or maintenance obligations (see § 153.928) .
  • Fences, walls, gates, pylons, and berms must not reduce usable equestrian trail width below 15 ft unless the Trails Committee approves otherwise — see § 153.212(5) .
  • Fences/walls are prohibited within stream corridors unless the Town Engineer and Planning Director make specific findings about drainage and wildlife passage — see § 153.212(10) .
  • Chain‑link fencing is generally prohibited within 50 ft of a roadway right‑of‑way unless an exception is granted; replacements and limited repairs have additional rules (see § 153.212(3) and (11)(12)) .
  • Wireless communications facilities and other utility installations that require screening must maintain required landscaping over the life of the permit (see § 153.614 re maintenance) .

District-by-district breakdown (what the code actually names and requires)

Note: the ordinance uses specific district labels; each bolded district below is the Town's zoning designation shown in the code.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / where it applies: Traditional single‑family lots and neighborhoods (including special Glens provisions). See setback rules in § 153.207 and Glens exceptions referenced there. Verify parcel zoning on the Town map.
  • Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory structures, and customary residential uses (see zoning tables). Notably, solid fences 4–6 ft have a reduced public setback 30 ft in R‑1 as noted in the fence Table L‑2 (compare to 50 ft in other zones) — see § 153.212 (Table L‑2).
  • Key landscape/screening rules: Open fencing is strongly encouraged; exceptions to fence/wall standards may be granted by the Architectural & Site Review Administrator but no fence may exceed 6 ft (except athletic fencing) — see § 153.212.

SR, RR, SCP (Other single‑family / rural residential variants)

  • These districts are treated with the same residential fence and landscape principles (open fencing preferred; same permit/height rules apply). When multi‑family projects border them, the 10‑ft landscape screening buffer applies (see § 153.110(B)(1)(c)) .

MF, MF‑20, MFRZ (Multi‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / uses: multi‑family housing types (see § 153.102 and MF tables).
  • Key screening standard: A 10‑foot deep landscape screening buffer is required along any property line shared with single‑family zones (R‑1, SR, RR, SCP) full length of shared lines — see § 153.110(B)(1)(c) .
  • Other standards: garbage and utility areas must be screened (garbage enclosures must be 6 ft and located 20 ft from adjacent single‑family districts), exterior lighting must be downward‑directed and not illuminate adjacent land — see § 153.110(B)(1)(d–f) .

CC (Community Commercial)

  • Fences/walls taller than 6 ft are treated as structures and require approval of the Planning Director and a building permit — see § 153.212(C) .

Open Space Districts (OSH, OSRL, OSRM, OSN, OSM)

  • Landscaping guidance: The open space district permitted‑uses tables explicitly list fences and planting of native vegetation among allowed activities and emphasize conservation and rural character (Table B‑1) — see Table B‑1 in the code .
  • Berms and low‑impact planting are consistent with the Town’s requirement that berms appear natural and use native, drought‑tolerant species — see § 153.212(4)(b) .

Planned Community and PCCD

  • The PCCD chapter reiterates that general zoning provisions apply to PCCD areas unless explicitly stated otherwise; landscape/screening standards of the general code remain controlling unless the PCCD text provides alternatives — see the PCCD relationship clause (PCCD reference in the code) .

Quick reference table: most decision‑relevant landscaping & screening standards

Standard / Situation Requirement Code reference
Fence/wall permit required Building permit and/or fence permit required before erection § 153.212
Max fence height (normal) 6 ft maximum (athletic fencing 12 ft) § 153.212(4)(a)
Setbacks from driving surface (Table L‑2) Examples: open fence 4–6 ft from public driving surface = 20 ft; solid fence 4–6 ft from public = 50 ft (but 30 ft in R‑1) Table L‑2 in § 153.212
Berm design Natural appearance; planted with native drought‑tolerant plants; slope ≤ 2:1; fills > 3 ft need civil‑engineer cert § 153.212(4)(b)
Landscape screening buffer (MF next to SF) 10‑ft buffer along full shared property line(s) § 153.110(B)(1)(c)
Screening maintenance Required when imposed as condition of approval § 153.212(7)
Trails / equestrian clearance Maintain 15 ft usable trail width where fences/berms are located § 153.212(5)
Stream corridor fences Not allowed unless approved (drainage/wildlife findings) § 153.212(10)
ASR landscape expectations Minimize grading, retain native vegetation, use fire‑resistant plantings and water‑efficient design § 153.900 series / § 153.912

Practical guidance for applicants (what reviewers look for)

  • Provide a clear site plan showing existing and proposed trees, shrubs, fences, gates, berms, trails, drives, and the edge of adjacent driving surfaces (the code requires site plans as part of discretionary applications) — see § 153.921 et seq. and application requirements .
  • If your project is multi‑family or adjacent to single‑family, include a 10‑ft planting strip on the site plan along shared lot lines with plant lists and irrigation notes to meet § 153.110(B)(1)(c) .
  • For fences/walls, show fence type (open vs solid), height, and distances to the adjacent driving surface and to any trails; confirm whether replacement of existing fences is treated as like‑for‑like (some replacements permitted without full review) — see § 153.212(4) and (11)(12) .
  • If a fence/wall encroaches into a public/private right‑of‑way or trail, expect an encroachment agreement and additional findings (recording requirement and indemnity language) prior to permit issuance — see the encroachment/recording rules in the fences section .
  • Design landscaping to be informal, conserve mature/native trees, minimize grading, and incorporate defensible‑space measures for fire safety per the Architectural & Site Review landscape elements — see the ASR criteria (§ 153.900 series, § 153.912) .
  • If the code requires screening (e.g., utilities, garbage enclosures, mechanicals), show built screening and plantings sized to obscure equipment while respecting 6‑ft maximum where applicable (see § 153.110(B)(1)(d–f)) .

Checklist

  • Confirm zoning district (R‑1, SR, RR, SCP, MF, MF‑20, MFRZ, CC, OSH/OSRL/OSRM/OSN/OSM, PCCD) and whether project touches a scenic corridor or trail. Verify parcel zoning with the Town.
  • Determine if the work is a permit‑triggering fence/wall/berm or part of a discretionary application; if so, prepare permit application and fees (per § 153.212) .
  • Provide a site plan showing existing/proposed landscape, plant list, irrigation, elevations for fences/walls, and setbacks to adjacent driving surfaces (use Table L‑2 for fence setbacks) — see § 153.212 (Table L‑2) .
  • If multi‑family or adjacent to single‑family, include a 10‑ft screening buffer plan (planting types and maintenance notes) per § 153.110(B)(1)(c) .
  • If landscaping is a condition of approval, prepare maintenance/irrigation plan and be ready to accept maintenance conditions or guarantees (see § 153.928 and § 153.212(7)) .
  • For fences/berms near trails or in stream corridors, show compliance with 15‑ft trail width and stream‑corridor findings (see § 153.212(5) and (10)) .
  • If you intend to use chain link within 50 ft of a roadway, prepare a justification and request an exception from the Architectural & Site Review Administrator — see § 153.212(3) .
  • If any structure or screening will exceed 6 ft, expect Architectural & Site Review or Planning Director review and, for some zones, building‑permit or Planning Commission approval (see § 153.212(C) for CC) .
  • Check for parcel‑specific overlay districts or designations that may add requirements (see Overlay Districts and ASR criteria Design Review).

(For vehicle access or parking impacts, cross‑check Woodside Parking rules as needed; for ADU projects see Woodside ADUs.)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Trails / equestrian clearance Code requires minimum 15 ft usable trail width where fencing/berms occur; noncompliance can block trail use or trigger Trails Committee review Confirm trail location and obtain Trails Committee concurrence if you propose < 15 ft; cite § 153.212(5)
Chain‑link fencing near road ROW Chain link is disfavored and prohibited within 50 ft of ROW unless exception granted; enforcement and exceptions are discretionary If you propose chain link within 50 ft, get Administrator exception and cite § 153.212(3)
Stream corridor fencing Fences in stream corridors may be prohibited unless drainage and wildlife passage findings are made Confirm whether the site is in a stream corridor (see code definition) and obtain Town Engineer/Planning Director findings per § 153.212(10)
Visual screening vs. required setbacks Table L‑2 setback requirements for solid fences can be large (50 ft) — unclear whether planting within the setback is acceptable Verify whether planting or low walls are allowed in the setback; consult § 153.212 (Table L‑2) and Planning Director on encroachments
Fire safety vs. screening density ASR requires fire‑resistant plantings and defensible space, which can conflict with dense screening hedges Balance ASR landscape guidance (minimize fuel loads) with screening requirements and confirm with Planning/Fire; see ASR landscape elements § 153.900 series (see § 153.912)
Parcel‑specific exceptions (Glens; other micro‑zones) Glens and other neighborhoods have special setback/exception rules that can affect where screening may be placed Check § 153.207 and Glens exception language and verify with the Planning Director for ministerial vs discretionary relief

Information Gaps (things not confirmed in the retrieved materials)

  • The exact planting species lists or minimum plant sizes for required screens are not specified in the retrieved excerpts (plant matrices are referenced in other guidance but not mandated here). Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Specific administrative application forms, fees, and processing timelines for fence/landscape permits were not included in the provided files. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Parcel‑level questions (e.g., whether a particular lot contains a "stream corridor" or a mapped trail easement) cannot be answered here — Verify with the jurisdiction and the Town GIS/planning staff.
  • Detailed interplay between ASR landscape requirements and the Town’s fire‑safety standards (or any Town‑adopted plant lists for defensible space) is not fully reproduced in the excerpts. Verify with Planning and Fire.

Plain‑English summary

In Woodside you generally need a permit to build fences, walls, gates, or berms; fences are limited to 6 ft (open styles preferred) and must meet setback distances measured from the road or private drive (see Table L‑2). Multi‑family projects must provide a 10‑ft landscape screen next to single‑family zones, and the Town’s design‑review rules expect native, informal planting that minimizes grading and improves fire and water performance. Most screening requirements and maintenance obligations come from § 153.212, § 153.110, and the Architectural & Site Review rules (ASR) — contact Planning to confirm parcel specifics and to check trail, stream, and easement constraints.

Source References

  • Town zoning code, Fences/Walls/Berms: § 153.212 (Fences, Walls, Gates, Pylons, and Berms)
  • Town zoning code, Multi‑Family development standards (landscape screening buffer, trash/utility screening, lighting): § 153.110(B)(1)(c–f)
  • Architectural & Site Review / design guidelines and landscape elements (ASR criteria, required review): § 153.900 series, see § 153.912 (Required review)
  • Definitions (Landscaped area; Landscape screening; fence height measurements): § 153.005 (Definitions; see LANDSCAPE SCREENING, LANDSCAPED AREA)
  • Conditions on use permits, including landscaping/fencing as conditions and guarantees: § 153.928
  • Encroachment, replacement, and recordation rules for fences/walls/berms: relevant provisions in § 153.212 (see encroachment/recording language)
  • Open Space permitted uses table (fences, planting of native vegetation): Table B‑1 in the Open Space districts (OSH, OSRL, OSRM, OSN, OSM)
  • Wireless communications facility screening and maintenance requirements: § 153.614 (Operational regulations—landscaping maintenance)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.207) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.211) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Chapter or) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.211) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (SECTION 2) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section when) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a permit to build a fence in Woodside?

Yes. The code requires a prior permit for any fence, wall, gate, pylon, or berm; a building permit and/or fence permit is required before construction (see § 153.212) .

How tall can my fence be on a residential Woodside lot?

Generally 6 ft maximum for fences and walls (athletic court fencing may be 12 ft). Exceptions are discretionary and the Architectural & Site Review Administrator can grant limited variances but no fence may exceed six feet unless explicitly allowed (see § 153.212 and Table L‑2) .

If my multi‑family building borders R‑1 lots, what screening do I need?

Multi‑family projects (MF, MF‑20, MFRZ) must provide a 10‑foot landscape screening buffer along full length of property lines shared with single‑family zones (R‑1, SR, RR, SCP) — see § 153.110(B)(1)(c) .

Can I plant a dense hedge to hide my house from the road?

Planting for screening is allowed and often required as landscape screening, but Woodside strongly prefers open fencing and informal native planting to preserve the rural character; also ASR will evaluate grading, native tree retention, and fire‑safety impacts (see § 153.212 and the ASR landscape elements in the § 153.900 series) .

Are there special rules for berms and their planting?

Yes. Berms must approximate natural slopes, be planted with native drought‑tolerant plants, have a slope no steeper than 2:1, and fills over 3 ft require certification by a civil engineer — see § 153.212(4)(b) .

What if my lot has a trail or is next to a trail?

Fences, walls, gates, pylons, or berms must be located so that a minimum of 15 ft of usable trail width remains (unless the Trails Committee agrees otherwise). Expect the Trails Committee to be involved if you propose fencing near trails — see § 153.212(5) .

Does the Town require maintenance of screening I install?

Yes. If landscape screening is required as a condition of approval for a fence or wall, the property owner must maintain it in good condition for as long as the condition applies — see § 153.212(7) .

Can I put a fence inside a stream corridor?

No—fences, walls, gates, pylons, or berms are not permitted within a stream corridor unless the Town Engineer finds that the fencing will not impede drainage flow and the Planning Director finds adequate provision for wildlife passage — see § 153.212(10) .

Do garbage and utility areas need landscape screening?

Yes. For multi‑family projects, garbage enclosures must be 6 ft high and located 20 ft away from adjacent single‑family zoning district lines; street‑level ground‑mounted utility cabinets and mechanical equipment must be screened with landscape and/or a solid fence/wall sized to the equipment but no taller than 6 ft — see § 153.110(B)(1)(d–f) .

Where do design reviewers look for landscape compliance?

Architectural and Site Review evaluates landscape elements (grading, plantings, fences, lighting, fire‑safe design, sustainability) under the ASR criteria in the § 153.900 series (see required review in § 153.912) — be prepared to show minimal grading, retention of native vegetation, and defensible‑space measures as part of your landscape submittal .

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