Local zoning · Yucaipa

Yucaipa — Landscaping and Screening

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

Last reviewed: June 30, 2026

Overview

The City of Yucaipa regulates landscaping, screening, fences, and walls through the Development Code, including the dedicated Landscape Regulations (§§ 87.1305–87.1310), multi-family and site design standards (§§ 88.01320–88.01350), and district-specific yard and fence rules. These provisions work together with citywide development standards, zoning, and applicable overlay districts to ensure projects provide shade, visual buffering, and compatibility with surroundings. This page translates Yucaipa’s requirements into plain-English steps you can apply before design review or entitlement.

What “screening” means in Yucaipa

“Screening” is defined as the use of landscaping, earth, fences, walls, trees, shrubs, or other materials for visual, background, noise, or sun exposure control (§ 812.19010).

Citywide landscaping standards (apply to most projects)

Applicability and maintenance. All new development must provide landscaping, and all projects must maintain approved landscaping in a healthy condition (§ 87.1305(b)–(c)).
Baseline quantitative standards (§ 87.1310). Citywide minimums include compost, tree/shrub counts, spacing, groundcover, and mulch; buffer areas must include evergreen trees. See the table below for the most-used numbers (§ 87.1310).
Multi-family and major site design layers. In addition to the above, the multi-family/site design chapters require perimeter screening, parking-lot shade, and screening of utilities/trash (§§ 88.01320, 88.01325, 88.01345).
Citywide Design Guidelines. All development is reviewed for conformance with the adopted Citywide Design Guidelines, which supplement the Code for landscape quality and compatibility (§§ 87.1205–87.1210).

Most-used numeric landscape standards at a glance

Topic	Citywide Minimum/Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Compost	4 cubic yards per 1,000 sf of permeable area, tilled to 6 in. depth	All new landscaping	§ 87.1310(a)
Trees (quantity)	1 per 600 sf of landscaped area (≥80% at 15-gal); plus ≥1 per 12 parking stalls	Sitewide and parking lots	§ 87.1310(b)
Trees (mix/spacing)	Include deciduous + evergreen; small trees ≤20' O.C.; large ≤30' O.C.; street trees ≤30' O.C.	Sitewide	§ 87.1310(b)(3)–(4)
Shrubs	10 shrubs per 300 sf landscaped area; 60% at 5-gal, 40% at 1-gal	Sitewide	§ 87.1310(c)
Groundcover	Max spacing 12" O.C. (unless varietal warrants otherwise)	Sitewide	§ 87.1310(d)
Mulch	3" depth on exposed soils (allow ≤5% unmulched for habitat)	Sitewide	§ 87.1310(e)
Parking-lot planting (common layouts)	5' end-cap planters w/ shade trees; 4' diamond planters every 4 spaces; medians encouraged	Lots >4 spaces (per § 88.0225)	§ 88.0225(a)(2)
Tree replacement (when removing mature trees)	Replace 2:1 with min. 24" box trees (unless site dimensions prohibit)	Where mature trees are removed	§§ 88.0225(a)(7), 88.01325(a)(7)
Screening obligations	Screen parking areas from street; screen trash, storage, utilities; provide perimeter walls/fencing where appropriate	Citywide design/multi-family	§§ 88.01320(b)(5), 88.01345(a)(7)–(8)

Notes:

Landscape plans are reviewed/approved as part of entitlement; § 88.0225 specifies Planning Director/Commission roles for projects using that section. Coordinate early with design review (§ 88.0225(a)).
For water-efficiency submittals (hydrozones/irrigation/grading), see Division 10’s water conservation standards (§§ 810.0435–810.0445).

Parking-lot landscaping and screening

Lots with more than 4 spaces must integrate tree/shrub pockets for shade; frequent diamond islands and end-cap planters are specified, with medians encouraged (§ 88.0225(a)(2)).
Provide at least 1 tree per 12 stalls, and design for reasonable shade over time (§ 87.1310(b)(1)(C)).
Screen parking areas from the street with mounding, landscaping, low walls, or grade changes (§ 88.01345(a)(7)). Tie parking layout and planting to the city’s parking standards.

Fences, walls, hedges, and “dense hedges with a screening effect”

Yucaipa caps fence/wall/hedge heights by yard and land use district. “Fences, screening, safety guard rails, walls, and dense hedges along property lines” are allowed in all yards, with the following maximum heights (front/street side/interior side or rear). Higher fences may be allowed by approved Conditional Use Permit or variance; in the RC and RL districts, open fences may reach 5 ft in the front and street side yards (exception) (Ord. 253 § 12).

Land Use District Category	Front Yard	Street Side Yard	Interior Side & Rear Yards	Code Reference
Industrial Land Use Districts	6 ft	10 ft	10 ft	Yard encroachment/fence table (Ord. 253 § 12)
Commercial Land Use Districts	4 ft	10 ft	10 ft	Same as above
All Other Land Use Districts (typ. residential, civic, park)	4 ft	6 ft	6 ft	Same as above; RC/RL open-fence front-yard up to 5 ft allowed

“Trees, shrubs and landscaping (other than dense hedges with a screening effect)” are permitted in all yards subject to proximity to property lines and view/safety considerations in the same yard table (Ord. 253 § 12).

Overlays and special areas that affect landscaping/screening

Hillside/Ridgeline. Projects in hillside/ridgeline areas must meet special landscape review and fire-safety design. Privacy walls/fences visible from public roads must be decorative masonry or otherwise approved to blend with the landscape (§§ 87.1145–87.1150(b)); fuel modification zones are required where adjacent/exposed to hazardous fire areas (§ 87.1160(c)).
Resource/biotic overlays. If a site is in a Biotic/Cultural/Paleontologic Resources Overlay, complete the required investigations and apply mitigation measures, which can shape plant selection and site treatments (§ 88.01315(e)).
Water conservation package. Hydrozoning rules (e.g., don’t mix high/low water-use plants; show valves/zones), irrigation plan contents, and grading design plan requirements apply to most projects (§§ 810.0435–810.0445).

Note: This page stays within zoning/planning. For construction/fire detailing under state codes, see the California Building Standards Code. Not found in retrieved materials where local code explicitly modifies Title 24 planting distances or materials beyond the hillside provisions noted above.

District-by-district application (landscaping and screening lenses)

The standards above apply citywide, but how they play out can differ by district. Below are districts explicitly referenced in the retrieved code, with landscaping/screening implications.

RM-24 High Density Multiple Residential (RM-24)

Purpose/where it applies: The RM-24 district is located where designated by the General Plan (§ 84.0335).
Typical permitted uses: Multiple-family dwelling units; accessory uses; some limited agricultural cultivation uses are listed (§ 84.0335(a)).
Key dimensional standards: Max height 45 ft; minimum lot size 2 gross acres; maximum lot coverage 60%; maximum building coverage 50% (see § 84.0335(b) table for complete set).
Landscaping/screening takeaways: RM-24 projects must implement the citywide landscape minimums (§ 87.1310) and the multi-family site/architectural screening directives (e.g., screen parking, trash; provide perimeter walls/fences as appropriate) (§§ 88.01320, 88.01325, 88.01345).
Fence heights: Treated under “All Other Land Use Districts” unless otherwise approved: 4 ft front, 6 ft street side, 6 ft side/rear (Ord. 253 § 12).

CS Service Commercial (CS)

Purpose/where it applies: Located per General Plan (§ 84.0355).
Typical permitted/conditional uses: Broad commercial services, repair, retail/personal services, lodging, open-lot services, warehousing (as specified), and accessory uses (§ 84.0355(a)–(c)).
Key dimensional standards: Max height 45 ft; min lot size 1 gross acre; max lot coverage 90%; building coverage 65%; front yard 15 ft, sides 10 ft, rear 10 ft (§ 84.0355(d)).
Landscaping/screening takeaways: Apply citywide landscape minimums and the parking-lot island/median pattern for shade (§ 88.0225). Screening of trash/storage/utilities is required (§ 88.01345(a)(8)).
Fence heights: “Commercial Land Use Districts” rule applies: 4 ft front, 10 ft street side, 10 ft side/rear (Ord. 253 § 12).

P Park (P)

Purpose/where it applies: Located per General Plan; supports public parks, recreation, nature preserves, and related facilities (§ 84.0375(a)–(c)).
Key dimensional standards: Max height 45 ft; front yard 15 ft; side 10 ft; rear 10 ft (see full table in § 84.0375(c)).
Landscaping/screening takeaways: Apply citywide landscape standards and maintain sightlines/safety in public spaces; screening is typically used to buffer parking and service areas (§§ 87.1310, 88.01345).
Fence heights: Falls under “All Other Land Use Districts”: 4 ft front, 6 ft street side, 6 ft side/rear (Ord. 253 § 12).

Industrial Land Use Districts (category used in fence table)

Purpose/permitted uses/standards: Not found in retrieved materials.
Landscaping/screening takeaways: Where an industrial district applies, the fence/wall caps are higher: 6 ft front and 10 ft street side/side/rear (Ord. 253 § 12). Site design should still screen parking, storage, and utilities (§ 88.01345(a)(8)). Verify with the jurisdiction for district-specific landscaping ratios.

All Other Land Use Districts (includes most residential outside RM-24; RC/RL noted)

Purpose/permitted uses/standards: Vary by district; not summarized here.
Landscaping/screening takeaways: Citywide minimums apply; screen parking/storage/utilities; replace removed mature trees 2:1. In RC and RL, open fences may be up to 5 ft in front/street-side yards; otherwise the caps are 4 ft front, 6 ft street side/side/rear (Ord. 253 § 12; §§ 88.01320, 88.0225).

Practical screening expectations by feature

Parking lots: Shade trees in islands/medians and screening from street views (§§ 88.0225(a)(2), 88.01345(a)(7)).
Trash/service areas and mechanical equipment: Fully screened with materials compatible with the building (§§ 88.01345(a)(8), 88.01350(b)(10)).
Building faces: Use trees/landscape to soften elevations over time (§§ 88.01325(a)(10), 88.0225(a)(10)).

Checklist

Confirm your zoning and whether a special overlay district applies to the site.
Prepare a landscape plan that meets § 87.1310 minimums (trees, shrubs, groundcover, mulch, spacing) and shows compost incorporation.
Show parking-lot shade and screening: end-cap planters, diamond islands, medians, and 1 tree/12 stalls (§ 88.0225; § 87.1310(b)(1)(C)).
Identify screening for trash, storage, utilities, and rooftop/ground equipment with architecturally compatible materials (§§ 88.01345(a)(8), 88.01350(b)(10)).
Verify fence/wall/hedge heights by district and yard; note RC/RL open-fence exception (Ord. 253 § 12).
Replace any removed mature trees at 2:1 with 24" box minimum unless infeasible (§§ 88.01325(a)(7), 88.0225(a)(7)).
If in hillside/ridgeline, incorporate decorative masonry for visible fences/walls and required fuel modification (§§ 87.1150(b), 87.1160(c)).
Provide required water-efficiency documentation: hydrozones, irrigation plan, grading plan (§§ 810.0435–810.0445).
Plan for ongoing maintenance: prune hedges to preserve screening; replace dead/damaged materials within 30 days (§§ 87.1305(c), 88.01315(f)(2)).
Coordinate early with design review for approvals where § 88.0225 applies.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Which section governs your project (88.0225 vs. 88.01325 vs. 87.1310)?	Different chapters contain overlapping landscaping/screening rules	Ask Planning which section(s) apply to your entitlement; confirm with design review. Cite project’s land use and district in the plan set.
Industrial district details	Fence heights are given, but purpose/uses/landscape ratios for industrial weren’t retrieved	Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction for industrial landscaping ratios and any screening of outdoor uses.
RC/RL open-fence exception	Front-yard openness vs. privacy	The exception allows open fences up to 5 ft in RC/RL fronts/sides; confirm “open” definition and whether walls/hedges qualify.
Tree replacement feasibility	Tight sites may not fit 2-for-1 24" box trees	If constrained, document dimensions and consult staff on acceptable alternatives under the “unless prohibited by site dimensions” clause (§§ 88.01325(a)(7), 88.0225(a)(7)).
Hillside aesthetic fencing	Decorative masonry requirement when visible from roads	Confirm materials/colors with staff early for hillside/ridgeline projects (§ 87.1150(b)).
Hydrozones and irrigation submittals	Submittal completeness affects approvals	Show valve zoning, water meter, application rates, and the hydrozone map per §§ 810.0435–810.0440.

Plain-English Summary

In Yucaipa, expect to plant trees, shrubs, and groundcover to citywide minimums, shade and screen parking, and hide trash, storage, and equipment. Fence and wall heights vary by district and yard, with taller limits in commercial/industrial areas and a special open-fence allowance in rural RC/RL. Hillside/ridgeline projects add decorative masonry and fuel-modification rules. Keep hedges trimmed so they actually screen, replace dead plants quickly, and coordinate the landscape plan early with the City.

Source References

§ 87.1305 (Landscape Regulations—Intent, Applicability, Duty to Maintain)
§ 87.1310 (Landscape Development Standards—compost, trees, shrubs, groundcover, mulch, pedestrian areas)
§ 88.0225 (Landscape—plan approval; parking-lot islands/medians; tree replacement; screening)
§§ 88.01320, 88.01325, 88.01345, 88.01350 (Multi-family/site/architectural—perimeter walls/fencing; building/parking/trash screening; parking-screening methods)
Ord. 253 § 12 yard/fence table (district-by-yard fence/hedge height caps; RC/RL open-fence exception)
§ 812.19010 (Definition of Screening)
§§ 87.1145–87.1160 (Hillside/Ridgeline—landscape review; decorative masonry fences; fuel modification)
§ 88.01315(e), (f)(2) (Overlay-related resource protection; landscape maintenance specifics)
§§ 810.0435–810.0445 (Water-efficient landscapes—hydrozones, irrigation, grading)
Related city context: Yucaipa zoning & planning overview, Yucaipa Zoning, Yucaipa Development Standards, Yucaipa Parking, Yucaipa Design Review, Yucaipa Overlay Districts, Yucaipa Signage

Sources

Retrieved passages

Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance
CWUIC § 65850.6 (Title 24) High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 8) High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code High relevance
Yucaipa Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
CBC § 6 (Section 88.01315) Medium relevance
CFC § 0601 (Chapter 9) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Yucaipa code library

Frequently asked questions

What are Yucaipa’s front yard fence height limits?

Front yard fence/wall/hedge caps depend on district: 4 ft in “All Other” (typical residential), 4 ft in Commercial, and 6 ft in Industrial. In RC/RL, open fences up to 5 ft are allowed in front/street-side yards (Ord. 253 § 12).

Do I have to plant trees in my parking lot?

Yes. Provide at least 1 tree per 12 stalls and integrate planters/end-caps/diamond islands to create shade. Lots with more than 4 spaces must include these features (§§ 87.1310(b)(1)(C), 88.0225(a)(2)).

Are hedges considered “screening” in Yucaipa?

Yes—dense hedges function as screening, and they count toward fence/wall rules in the yard table. Hedges must be maintained/pruned to retain screening ability (§ 812.19010; § 88.01315(f)(2)).

What must I screen besides parking?

Screen trash enclosures, outdoor storage, utilities, and mechanical equipment with materials compatible with the building. Screen parking from street views as well (§§ 88.01345(a)(7)–(8), 88.01350(b)(10)).

How many shrubs and trees are required in landscaped areas?

At minimum, 10 shrubs per 300 sf (60% at 5-gal, 40% at 1-gal), and 1 tree per 600 sf of landscaped area (80% 15-gal or larger); spacing and species mix rules apply (§ 87.1310(b)–(c)).

What if I remove a mature tree during construction?

Replace at a 2:1 ratio with minimum 24" box trees unless site dimensions prohibit. Concentrate boxed trees at streetscapes/entries (§§ 88.01325(a)(7), 88.0225(a)(7)).

Do hillside/ridgeline areas change fence/landscape rules?

Yes. Privacy walls/fences visible from roads must be decorative masonry or approved materials that blend with surroundings, and fuel modification areas are required near hazardous fire areas (§§ 87.1150(b), 87.1160(c)).

Who approves my landscape plan?

Landscape plans are reviewed by the City; certain projects use § 88.0225 procedures (Planning Director/Commission). Coordinate during design review (§ 88.0225(a); §§ 87.1205–87.1210).

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