Local zoning · Yountville

Yountville — Landscaping and Screening

Q: What fence height can I build along my front property line in Yountville?

You cannot exceed 3 ft for a wall, fence, or landscape screening along the front property line or within the front yard/setback; heights are measured from finished grade. See § 17.136.020.E .

Q: Can I have a 6‑foot fence on my side or rear lot line?

Yes — 6 ft is the maximum allowed along most rear and side property lines, except where the code limits height within front setbacks or corner sight-li nes; measure from finished grade. See § 17.136.020.C–D .

Q: How do I get an 8‑foot tall screen (hedge or trellis)?

Title 17 allows screen extensions up to 8 ft total through an administrative approval process; extensions are limited to rear and side yard setbacks and require neighbor notice or written consent (or a 30‑day posting/appeal period). See § 17.136.020.J (1–4) .

Q: When is screening required between properties?

Screening is required where a nonresidential use abuts a residential use , and to screen open storage or display areas from abutting properties and rights‑of‑way. See § 17.136.020.B (1–3) .

Q: Are there special creekside or Old Town overlay rules I should know about?

Yes — the C (Creekside) overlay imposes creek protection and may restrict planting/placement near Hopper Creek; the H (Old Town Historic) overlay has special surface and design rules (for example permeable materials for on‑street parking shoulders). Check the overlay chapters and the zoning map for parcel applicability. See § 17.76.010 and § 17.116.090 . (link to Yountville Overlay Districts)

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Town of Yountville's Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) actually requires for landscaping, screening, walls, fences, and trees. It synthesizes the controlling ordinance chapters (not general building or statewide ADU law) and points to the exact local code sections you must rely on in applications and design review. The primary local rules live in Chapter 17.136 (Walls, Fences, and Landscape Screening), Chapter 17.124 (Water Efficient Landscaping), and Chapter 17.128 (Tree Preservation and Management) of Title 17.

Note: where the ordinance excerpts provided do not state a district-specific numeric standard (for example exact setbacks or lot coverage per district), that item is noted as "Not found in retrieved materials" and you should Verify with the jurisdiction.

What the code requires (quick synthesis)

Heights for fences, walls, and landscape screens are measured from finished grade and are controlled locally; common maxima are 3 ft (front/property-line & corner sight-lines) and 6 ft (rear/side where permitted), with controlled exceptions/ extensions up to 8 ft under administrative rules. See § 17.136.020.
Screening is mandatory where a nonresidential use abuts a residential use, where open storage or display areas exist, and for certain parking/driveway screening situations; the Zoning & Design Review Board or Council can require screening for other display uses. See § 17.136.020.B and § 17.136.020.I.
All new or rehabilitated landscaping that requires a permit must show compliance with the Town’s Water Efficient Landscaping requirements or the State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; documentation is required prior to a building or grading permit. See § 17.124.020.
Trees are protected by a Tree Preservation and Management chapter that establishes permit triggers, decision authorities, mitigation (replacement or in‑lieu fees), and special rules for heritage or native oak trees. See § 17.128.010–.070 and § 17.128.100–.110.
Landscape, screening, and screening extensions may be conditioned through the design review process; proposed landscaping is a design-review finding. See § 17.188.060.F and the design review procedures. (link to Yountville Design Review)

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the local land‑use designations in Title 17 that commonly affect landscaping and screening. For each district I list the purpose from the ordinance, where the district applies (map), and what the available Title 17 text says about landscaping/screening in that district. Where the ordinance text provided did not include district-level numeric standards, I note that fact.

Note: the Town's Zoning Map and additional district rules (e.g., Master Development Plans) control where each district applies; consult the Planning & Building Department to confirm parcel-specific district boundaries. See Yountville Zoning.

A (Agricultural)

Purpose: To maintain agricultural uses and the rural character where designated. See § 17.16.010. Not found in retrieved materials: district-specific landscaping numbers or unique screening rules for agricultural parcels.

RS, Single-Family Residential

Purpose: Regulate single-family development. See § 17.20.010. Landscaping and screening rules that apply townwide (e.g., fence heights, street corner sight-lines, tree protection, maintenance) apply here via Chapters 17.136, 17.128, and 17.124. For design review triggers on multi‑unit projects, see the Design Review chapter. Not found in retrieved materials: RS-specific setback/coverage numbers for landscaping; Verify with the jurisdiction. (link to Yountville Design Review)

RM, Mixed Residential and RM-2, Mixed Residential-2

Purpose: Allow a mix of housing types. See § 17.24.010 and § 17.26.010. The townwide screening/fence/tree chapters govern screening requirements (for example for parking or adjacent nonresidential uses) and tree protection applies equally. Not found in retrieved materials: unit-type-specific planting requirements or numeric landscaping standards by RM zone.

PP, Parks and Playfields

Purpose & permitted uses: Explicitly lists parks and conservation uses and requires Master Development Plans for site development. See § 17.44.010–.050. Landscaping standards point to the townwide Chapters 17.124, 17.128, and 17.132; screening may be required to mitigate visual impacts from outside a park/playfield. See § 17.44.050.

PF, Public Facilities

Purpose: For governmental and public facilities; new uses/expansions require use permits or Master Development Plans; landscaping and screening standards are again governed by the townwide landscaping chapters. See § 17.48.010–.020 and § 17.48.050 (general conditions reference landscaping chapters).

H, Old Town Historic (Overlay)

Purpose: Preserve the Old Town character. The ordinance contains specific site-surface rules (for example permeable materials for on‑street parking shoulders in H areas), and Historic/overlay status may bring additional design review or historic-preservation requirements that affect landscape choices and screening. See § 17.116.090 and overlay chapters. Not found in retrieved materials: overlay-specific plant lists or a complete Old Town plant palette. (link to Yountville Historic Preservation)

C, Creekside Overlay (Hopper Creek)

Purpose: Protect creek resources; special environmental/landscape constraints apply in the C overlay. Where the overlay applies, creekside protections will influence allowable planting and potentially require setbacks, revegetation, or low-impact design. See § 17.76.010. (link to Yountville Overlay Districts)

Important note on Master Development Plans: for parcels subject to a Master Development Plan the plan may set landscaping standards that differ from the general Title 17 provisions; when the Master Plan is silent, Title 17 standards apply. See § 17.72.030.A. (link to Yountville Development Standards)

Quick reference table — most decision-relevant standards

Topic / Requirement	Standard / Action	Code Reference
Measurement of fence/wall/screen height	Heights measured from finished grade	§ 17.136.020.A
Max height — front property line & front yard/setback	3 ft maximum	§ 17.136.020.E–D
Max height — rear or side property line (non-corner)	6 ft maximum	§ 17.136.020.C
Parking/driveway screening	Screening must be between 3 ft and 6 ft tall	§ 17.136.020.F (link to Yountville Parking)
Required screening cases	When nonresidential abuts residential; to screen storage/display from ROW/adjacent properties	§ 17.136.020.B (1–3)
Screening extensions (exceptions)	Extensions allowed to 8 ft total (administrative process; extensions not allowed in front yards)	§ 17.136.020.J (1–6)
Pre-permit landscape documentation	Must show compliance with Town Water Efficient Landscaping Guidelines or State Model WELMO before building/grading permit	§ 17.124.020
Tree removal / heritage tree authority	Planning Officer handles most tree permits; Town Council decides on heritage and native oak removals; mitigation (replacement/in-lieu) required	§ 17.128.060–.070
Landscape maintenance	Required plantings must be maintained and replaced as needed	§ 17.128.110

Practical guidance (plain-English synthesis / what applicants should expect)

Treat any visible fence or wall as part of the building design: materials, color, and detailing are reviewed as part of design review or permit conditions; the town specifically says street-facing fences should be integrated with architecture. § 17.136.010. (link to Yountville Design Review)
If you plan a 6 ft privacy fence along a side or rear lot line, expect staff to confirm finished‑grade measurement and to check corner sight-line limits (no taller than 3 ft within 35 ft of an intersection). § 17.136.020.C–H.
Want an 8‑ft tall hedge or trellis extension? The ordinance allows screen extensions to reach 8 ft total, but the extension must be approved administratively, may require written neighbor consent or a 30‑day notice/appeal period, and the extension material must be at least 35% open/vegetative (unless it’s live planting). § 17.136.020.J.
Projects with landscaping that require permits must submit water‑efficient landscape documentation (Town Guidelines or the State Model WELMO) prior to building/grading permit. § 17.124.020. (link to California Building Standards Code)
If your property has protected or heritage trees, anticipate stricter controls: trenching limits, no planting within 10 ft of a heritage tree trunk, special mitigation, and possible deposits to ensure protection during construction. § 17.128.100–.110.
Screening of mechanicals, refuse, or transformers is required and chain-link with slats is disallowed for trash enclosures. Expect these devices to be screened by fencing or landscaping, and the Zoning & Design Review Board can require alternative materials or conditions. § 17.72.030.F and § 17.140.020 (screening/refuse).

Checklist — what to submit / satisfy for a typical fence/screen or landscape permit

Site plan showing existing and proposed walls/fences/landscape screening measured from finished grade and showing dimensions and distances to property lines (§ 17.136.020.A).
Elevation or detail drawings (materials, color, height) of the fence, wall, or screen (§ 17.136.010–.020).
If landscaping is new/rehab and tied to building/grading permit: Water‑efficient landscape documentation meeting § 17.124.020 (Town Guidelines or State Model WELMO). (link to Yountville Development Standards)
If removing trees: tree removal permit application with arborist report, mitigation proposal, and owner contact; note heritage/native oak removals are decided by Town Council (§ 17.128.050–.070).
If your fence/screen exceeds 6 ft (or masonry > 4 ft measured from footer), confirm whether a building permit is required and provide construction details (§ 17.136.020.J.6). (link to California Building Standards Code)
Demonstrate compliance with any applicable overlay or Master Development Plan (for parcels in H Old Town or C Creekside overlays). (link to Yountville Overlay Districts)
If the project is subject to design review, include landscape palettes, species choices, and screening intent to meet design‑review findings (§ 17.188.060.F). (link to Yountville Design Review)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability of district-specific numeric standards (setbacks, lot coverage)	Many district development standards are enforced through Master Plans or district chapters; missing numbers could affect whether screening is allowed in a certain placement	Check the parcel's exact zoning chapter (e.g., § 17.20 for RS, § 17.24 for RM) and any Master Development Plan on file. Not fully provided in retrieved materials (Verify with the jurisdiction).
Plant species / WELMO/Guidelines details	The ordinance requires compliance with local Guidelines or State WELMO but the local plant matrix and allowed species are not in the retrieved excerpts	Request the Town’s Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines and verify whether a local plant palette is required. § 17.124.020.
Heritage tree locations & TPZ calculations	Heritage oak protections change what you can plant or place within the TPZ; improper work could trigger mitigation or fines	Obtain a tree inventory/arborist report early; the code sets strict TPZ rules and minimum distances (e.g., 10 ft no-planting rule near heritage trunks). § 17.128.100.
Corner sight-line enforcement	The 35 ft corner rule can limit front-yard screening and gate placement	Confirm driveway/street intersection geometry with the Planning Officer when planning front-yard fences. § 17.136.020.H.
Whether an 8‑ft extension will require neighbor consent or an appeal	Administrative screen extensions require neighbor notice/consent or a 30‑day posting/appeal period	Follow the administrative steps in § 17.136.020.J.4; if neighbor consent is not provided the 30‑day process and appeal to Town Council applies.

Plain-English Summary

In Yountville, fences, walls, and hedges are tightly controlled: measure from finished grade, keep visible front-yard screening low (3 ft), side/rear screening generally ≤ 6 ft (with controlled 8‑ft exceptions for extensions), and expect water‑efficiency documentation and tree-protection rules for any permit. The Zoning & Design Review process and overlay or Master Plan rules can add site-specific conditions — Verify with the Planning Officer. § 17.136.020, § 17.124.020, § 17.128.060–.110.

Information Gaps

Specific numeric setback, lot coverage, and landscaping area requirements for each district (e.g., RS, RM) — Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the full Title 17 chapter text for each district or Planning staff.
The Town’s Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines (plant lists, hydrozones, ET factors) were referenced but not supplied in the materials — Not found in retrieved materials. § 17.124.020.
Full Old Town Historic District (H) design palette and restrictions on plant or material choices — Not found in retrieved materials; consult Historic Preservation staff.

Source References

Yountville Zoning (Title 17) — Chapter 17.136, Walls, Fences, and Landscape Screening: § 17.136.010–.020. — downloaded from https://ecode360.com/YO5040 (see code header for Title 17).
Yountville Zoning — Chapter 17.124, Water Efficient Landscaping: § 17.124.010–.040. — downloaded from https://ecode360.com/YO5040.
Yountville Zoning — Chapter 17.128, Tree Preservation and Management: § 17.128.010–.110. — downloaded from https://ecode360.com/YO5040.
Design review findings and process — § 17.188.060 (landscape must provide visual relief and complement buildings).
District chapters and zoning map references (listing of chapters, RS/RM/PP/PF/H, etc.) — Title 17 chapter list and division headers. § 17.20, § 17.24, § 17.44, § 17.48, § 17.76 (as applicable).
Note on building permits for high walls/masonry — see § 17.136.020.J.6 (building permit required for walls/fences over specified heights) and refer to California Building Code for structural/permitting details.

Internal links (first natural mention of each related topic in the document): Yountville Zoning, Yountville Parking, Yountville Design Review, Yountville Overlay Districts, Yountville ADUs, California Building Standards Code, Yountville Development Standards, Yountville Historic Preservation.

Yountville Zoning: /us/california/yountville/zoning (first mention: district list)
Yountville Parking: /us/california/yountville/parking (first mention: parking screening)
Yountville Design Review: /us/california/yountville/design-review (first mention: design review findings)
Yountville Overlay Districts: /us/california/yountville/overlay-districts (first mention: Creekside overlay)
Yountville ADUs: /us/california/yountville/adu (first mention: ADU-related landscape references when applicable)
California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes (first mention: building‑permit threshold for tall walls)
Yountville Development Standards: /us/california/yountville/development-standards (first mention: Master Development Plans)
Yountville Historic Preservation: /us/california/yountville/historic-preservation (first mention: Old Town Historic overlay)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 17.136.020 (§ 17.136.020) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (CHAPTER 17.136) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (Chapter 17.192) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (Section 17.180.040) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (§ 17.44.030.) High relevance
CBC § 17.72.030 (Chapter 17.148) High relevance
Yountville Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Yountville code library

Frequently asked questions

What fence height can I build along my front property line in Yountville?

You cannot exceed 3 ft for a wall, fence, or landscape screening along the front property line or within the front yard/setback; heights are measured from finished grade. See § 17.136.020.E.

Can I have a 6‑foot fence on my side or rear lot line?

Yes — 6 ft is the maximum allowed along most rear and side property lines, except where the code limits height within front setbacks or corner sight-li nes; measure from finished grade. See § 17.136.020.C–D.

How do I get an 8‑foot tall screen (hedge or trellis)?

Title 17 allows screen extensions up to 8 ft total through an administrative approval process; extensions are limited to rear and side yard setbacks and require neighbor notice or written consent (or a 30‑day posting/appeal period). See § 17.136.020.J (1–4).

When is screening required between properties?

Screening is required where a nonresidential use abuts a residential use, and to screen open storage or display areas from abutting properties and rights‑of‑way. See § 17.136.020.B (1–3).

Do I need to submit a landscape water‑efficiency plan?

Yes — prior to issuance of a building or grading permit you must demonstrate compliance with the Town’s Water Efficient Landscape Guidelines or the State Model WELMO (Title 23). See § 17.124.020. (link to California Building Standards Code)

What if my property has a heritage or protected oak tree?

Heritage trees have special protections: pruning restrictions, trenching limits inside the protected zone, planting buffers (no live material within 10 ft of trunk), and the Town Council must decide heritage tree removals; mitigation and deposits may be required. See § 17.128.100–.110.

Are trash enclosures and mechanicals subject to screening rules?

Yes — trash, recycling, and mechanical equipment must be screened from public view; chain‑link enclosures with slats are disallowed for trash enclosures. See § 17.72.030.F and related utility/refuse standards.

Will design review look at my landscaping and screening?

Yes — design review findings require that proposed landscaping provide visual relief and complement buildings; the Zoning & Design Review Board can impose conditions on screening. See § 17.188.060.F and the design review procedures. (link to Yountville Design Review)

Do Master Development Plans change landscaping rules for a parcel?

Master Development Plans can establish development standards unique to a site; where the Master Plan is silent, Title 17 standards apply. See § 17.72.030.A. (link to Yountville Development Standards)

Are there special creekside or Old Town overlay rules I should know about?

Yes — the C (Creekside) overlay imposes creek protection and may restrict planting/placement near Hopper Creek; the H (Old Town Historic) overlay has special surface and design rules (for example permeable materials for on‑street parking shoulders). Check the overlay chapters and the zoning map for parcel applicability. See § 17.76.010 and § 17.116.090. (link to Yountville Overlay Districts)

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