Local zoning · Norco
Norco — Landscaping and Screening
Landscaping and Screening under the Norco local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Quick answer
Most Norco sites must landscape at least 15% of the lot and provide a 10 ft street‑edge planting strip with 1 tree/25 ft; parking edges on streets need opaque 36–42 in screening and lots need 1 tree/5 stalls (§ 18.29.80; § 18.29.70(C)). Where commercial/industrial districts or service stations apply, the minimum may be 5% and a 6 ft masonry wall is required at “A”/“R” edges (§ 18.21.36; § 18.22.36; § 18.23.32; § 18.33.08(7)).
Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · detailsless
Compiled from Norco's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Norco planning staff before relying on it.
Overview
Norco’s zoning standards pair water‑efficient planting with hardscape screening to soften development and protect neighbors. Baseline rules require minimum landscaped area, street‑edge buffers, tree counts, and opaque screening of parking, equipment, and service functions. Several commercial districts and use types have their own percentages or wall requirements that override the baseline. Always cross‑check your site’s zoning on the Norco Zoning map and apply the stricter standard.
Opaque screening means you can’t see through it: along public streets, parking must be screened by a continuous, 36–42 inch landscape berm/hedge/wall, and sensitive edges next to any “A” or “R” zone require a 6‑foot masonry wall with landscaping (§ 18.29.70(C), § 18.29.70(A)).
Citywide and Cross-District Standards
- Water‑efficient landscaping baseline (MWELO). Norco implements the State model ordinance; it applies to most new or rehabilitated projects with notable landscape areas and sets performance standards for plant selection, irrigation, and maintenance (§ 18.55.01; § 18.55.02).
- Minimum landscaped area. Unless a zone/use provides a different figure, all developed property must landscape at least 15% of the site (§ 18.29.80(A)(1)).
- Street‑edge planting and trees.
- Provide a 10 ft-wide landscaped strip along street frontages (§ 18.29.80(B)(1)).
- Plant at least one 15‑gallon tree for every 25 ft of interior boundary, typically within the 10‑ft planting strip (§ 18.29.80(B)(2)).
- Parking lot landscaping and screening.
- Along public right‑of‑way, screen parking with an opaque element 36–42 in high (berm, hedge, or wall) (§ 18.29.70(C)).
- At least 25% of the required landscaping must be inside the parking area, with 1 canopy tree per 5 stalls (§ 18.29.80(C)(2)(i–ii)).
- Sight triangles. Landscaping next to streets must not exceed 3 ft high within 25 ft of driveway/street intersections (§ 18.29.80(B)(4); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(viii)).
- Equipment, trash, and loading screening. Roof/ground equipment, trash enclosures, and loading areas must be screened from public streets and neighbors with materials integrated with building design; add landscaping along screening walls (§ 18.29.70(B); § 18.24.10(A)(1), (3), (5)).
- Landscape plan review. Provide a full landscape and irrigation plan for Planning approval before building/occupancy permits (§ 18.29.80(E); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(c)). Coordinate early with Norco Design Review.
- Maintenance and irrigation. Maintain permanent irrigation; keep landscaping healthy and free of weeds/debris (§ 18.29.80(D)(1–3)).
- Plant palette and sustainability. Use drought‑tolerant, low biogenic‑emission species; avoid invasive plants per § 18.55.04, and note that palm trees are not allowed where § 18.24.10 applies (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(x); § 18.55.04).
Quick-reference — Baseline Standards
| Topic | Standard | Applies to | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum site landscaping | At least 15% of total site area | All developed sites unless a zone/use states otherwise | § 18.29.80(A)(1) |
| Street-edge landscape strip | 10 ft minimum width | Front/side yards abutting streets | § 18.29.80(B)(1) |
| Boundary trees | 1 tree (15‑gal) per 25 ft of interior boundary | Within the 10‑ft strip; trees may be clustered | § 18.29.80(B)(2) |
| Parking lot screening at street | Opaque, 36–42 in high | Edges abutting public ROW | § 18.29.70(C) |
| Parking lot interior landscaping | ≥ 25% of required landscape in lots; 1 canopy tree/5 stalls | Surface parking areas | § 18.29.80(C)(2)(i–ii) |
| Sight triangle | Max 3 ft height within 25 ft of drive/street intersections | Anywhere adjacent to streets/driveways | § 18.29.80(B)(4); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(viii) |
| Equipment/loading/trash | Screen from public/adjacent view; landscape at walls | All nonresidential/service functions | § 18.29.70(B); § 18.24.10(A)(1), (3), (5) |
| Water-efficiency | Use native/appropriate plants; efficient irrigation; maintenance | Projects meeting MWELO thresholds | § 18.55.01; § 18.55.02; § 18.55.04 |
District-by-District and Use-Specific Rules
Some districts and uses deviate from the citywide 15% landscape minimum and add wall/screening specifics. Always confirm your parcel’s zoning on the Norco Land Use map and apply the stricter standard per § 18.55.01.
C‑4 Commercial Zone
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Key standards:
- Minimum landscaped area: 5% of improved site area; at least 25% of that must be within off‑street parking areas (§ 18.23.32).
- Street‑adjacent planting: Additional 5 ft depth along any lot line abutting a public right‑of‑way (§ 18.23.32).
- Screening/walls: Where the C‑4 site abuts any “A” or “R” zone, provide a 6 ft masonry wall on the abutting lot line; open storage may be required to be screened with a ≥6 ft solid wall/fence under site plan review (§ 18.23.22).
- Variability: The Architectural Review Board may adjust the 5% minimum based on site context (§ 18.23.32).
- Where it applies: Not found in source materials.
§ 18.22 District (designation not found)
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Key standards:
- Minimum landscaped area: 5% of improved site; 25% of that within parking (§ 18.22.36).
- Street‑adjacent planting: 5 ft depth along street‑abutting lot lines (§ 18.22.36).
- Screening/walls: Where abutting any “A” or “R” zone, or an LD or OS zone, install a 6 ft masonry wall; all open storage must be screened from public view by a ≥6 ft solid wall/fence (§ 18.22.24).
- Where it applies: Not found in source materials.
§ 18.21 District (designation not found)
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Key standards:
- Minimum landscaped area: 5% of improved site; 25% of that within parking (§ 18.21.36).
- Street‑adjacent planting: 5 ft depth along street‑abutting lot lines (§ 18.21.36).
- Screening/walls: Where abutting any “A” or “R” zone, or an LD or “OS/05” zone, provide a 6 ft masonry wall. The Planning Commission may require screening of open storage by a ≥6 ft wall/fence under site plan review (§ 18.21.24).
- Where it applies: Not found in source materials.
§ 18.25 District (designation not found)
- Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
- Key standards:
- Minimum landscaped area: 5% of improved site; 25% of that within parking (§ 18.25.36).
- Street‑adjacent planting: 5 ft depth along street‑abutting lot lines (§ 18.25.36).
- Screening/walls: Not found in source materials.
- Where it applies: Not found in source materials.
Service Station Property (Use-Specific)
- Applicability: Any properly zoned site that qualifies under service station siting rules (§ 18.33.08).
- Key standards:
- Minimum landscaped area: 5% of the site; at least 25% of that within parking (§ 18.33.08(4)).
- Extra street‑edge landscaping: ≥5 ft deep along front and side yards abutting streets (access ways excluded) (§ 18.33.08(4)).
- Curb/wall separation: Landscape areas must be separated from vehicular areas by a wall or curb ≥6 in high (§ 18.33.08(4)).
- Sight distance: Landscaping by street‑abutting lot lines must be ≤ 3 ft high within 20 ft of driveway/street intersections (§ 18.33.08(4)).
- Perimeter walls: If the site abuts OS, LD, or any “A”/“R” zone, erect 6 ft solid walls on all interior property lines, reduced to 3 ft where within a required yard or corner cutoff; planter walls 6–24 in must be provided around all landscaped areas (§ 18.33.08(7)).
- Trash storage: Screened from public view on all sides by a fence; height/design set in site plan approval (§ 18.33.08(8)).
- Where it applies: As allowed by the service station siting criteria (§ 18.33.08(1)).
Other Zones Referencing Citywide Wall/Fence Standards
- Several zones defer to a central “Walls, Fences, and Structures in the Setback Areas” standard at § 18.31.08 for fence/wall placement and heights; content not provided here. See: § 18.13.24, § 18.15.24, § 18.21.24, § 18.22.24, § 18.23.22 (Not found in source materials for § 18.31.08’s details).
- One section states “No requirements” for walls/fences in setback areas (§ 18.10.24); confirm applicability to your zone.
Additional Site Design Triggers (where § 18.24.10 applies)
- Landscape percentages and widths: 15% minimum landscaped area; 25 ft planted front setback; 10 ft street side; 15 ft rear landscape when adjacent to sensitive uses (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(ii), (iv–vi)).
- Parking placement: First 10 ft from the property line in front/street‑side yards must be landscaped; no parking in minimum landscaped setbacks (§ 18.24.10(B)(1)(b–c)).
- Species/irrigation: Drought‑tolerant, no palm trees; permanent irrigation and long‑term maintenance required (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(x), (b)).
- Solar canopies: Tree/landscape standards inside parking areas do not apply where solar array shade structures occupy those sections (§ 18.24.10(B)(2)(e)).
- Equipment/trash/loading: Must be oriented away from streets and fully screened with walls/fences and landscaping (§ 18.24.10(A)(1), (3), (5)).
- Note: § 18.24.10 appears to function as a design standard set; verify applicability to your district on Norco Development Standards.
District/Use Deviations at a Glance
| District/Use | Minimum Landscaped Area | Street-Edge Planting | Required Walls/Fences | Special Notes | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline (most zones) | 15% | 10 ft along ROW | Parking screen 36–42 in; sensitive edges screened | 25% of required landscaping inside parking; 1 tree/5 stalls | § 18.29.80; § 18.29.70(C) |
| C‑4 Commercial | 5% (ARB may vary) | Additional 5 ft | 6 ft wall abutting “A”/“R”; open storage screen may be required | 25% of required landscaping inside parking | § 18.23.32; § 18.23.22 |
| § 18.22 District | 5% | Additional 5 ft | 6 ft wall abutting “A”/“R”/LD/OS; open storage: ≥6 ft solid wall | 25% of required landscaping inside parking | § 18.22.36; § 18.22.24 |
| § 18.21 District | 5% | Additional 5 ft | 6 ft wall abutting “A”/“R”/LD/OS; open storage screen may be required | 25% of required landscaping inside parking | § 18.21.36; § 18.21.24 |
| § 18.25 District | 5% | Additional 5 ft | Not found in source materials | 25% of required landscaping inside parking | § 18.25.36 |
| Service Station | 5% | Additional ≥5 ft | 6 ft interior walls at OS/LD/“A”/“R” edges; planter walls 6–24 in | 3‑ft/20‑ft sight triangle; curb/wall separation ≥6 in | § 18.33.08(4), (7) |
Information Gaps
- District names/purposes/uses for §§ 18.21, 18.22, 18.25, 18.13, 18.15 are not provided. Verify with the jurisdiction.
- Content of central wall/fence standards § 18.31.08 and § 18.29.50 is not provided. Verify fence heights/locations in setbacks before finalizing plans.
- Applicability scope of § 18.24.10 (which zones/projects it governs) is not specified in the source materials. Verify with Planning.
Checklist
- Confirm zoning district and any overlays for the parcel on Norco Zoning and Norco Overlay Districts.
- Determine if the project triggers MWELO compliance: ≥ 500 sq ft new or ≥ 2,500 sq ft rehab landscaped area (§ 18.55.02(A)).
- Calculate required landscaped area: baseline 15% (§ 18.29.80(A)(1)) or 5% where your district/use says so (§§ 18.21.36, 18.22.36, 18.23.32, 18.25.36, 18.33.08(4)).
- Lay out boundary landscaping: 10 ft along streets (§ 18.29.80(B)(1)); if § 18.24.10 applies, include 25 ft planted front, 10 ft street side, and 15 ft rear where adjacent to sensitive uses (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(iv–vi)).
- Keep sight triangles clear: landscaping ≤ 3 ft high within 25 ft (or 20 ft for service stations) of drive/street intersections (§ 18.29.80(B)(4); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(viii); § 18.33.08(4)).
- Provide parking-edge screening along streets: opaque 36–42 in berm/hedge/wall (§ 18.29.70(C)); coordinate with Norco Parking.
- Meet parking-lot interior landscaping: ≥ 25% of required landscaping within lots and 1 canopy tree/5 stalls (§ 18.29.80(C)(2)).
- Plant boundary trees: 1 15‑gal tree per 25 ft of interior boundary (§ 18.29.80(B)(2)).
- Choose compliant plant palette: drought‑tolerant, avoid invasives; where applicable, no palms (§ 18.55.04; § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(x)).
- Provide permanent irrigation and a maintenance plan (§ 18.29.80(D)).
- Screen equipment, trash, loading with architecturally compatible walls/fences and adjacent landscaping (§ 18.29.70(B); § 18.24.10(A)(1), (3), (5)).
- Add required walls at sensitive edges: 6 ft masonry walls where abutting “A”/“R” and certain open space districts (§ 18.21.24; § 18.22.24; § 18.23.22; § 18.33.08(7)).
- Prepare and submit landscape/irrigation plans for Planning approval as part of Norco Design Review (§ 18.29.80(E); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(c)).
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| 15% vs. 5% minimum landscaped area | Determines site yield and hardscape area | Whether your parcel is in a district with a 5% rule (§§ 18.21.36, 18.22.36, 18.23.32, 18.25.36) or must meet 15% (§ 18.29.80(A)(1)). Apply the stricter per § 18.55.01. |
| Applicability of § 18.24.10 | Adds 25‑ft front planting, 10‑ft street side, 15‑ft rear at sensitive edges | Whether § 18.24.10 governs your project; if unclear, ask Planning to confirm applicability. |
| “Sensitive land uses” buffer | Triggers opaque screening and potential walls | Whether the adjacent property is a school site or any “A”/“R” zone (§ 18.29.70(A)). |
| Wall/fence standards in setbacks | Several zones defer to § 18.31.08, content not provided | Exact wall/fence heights, materials, and setback allowances in § 18.31.08 and § 18.29.50. |
| Sight triangle distance | 20 ft vs. 25 ft can change plant heights near driveways | Use 25 ft baseline (§ 18.29.80(B)(4); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(viii)); use 20 ft at service stations (§ 18.33.08(4)). |
| Parking tree tradeoff with solar | Affects required canopy trees | If you install solar shade structures, sections with arrays are exempt from tree standards under § 18.24.10(B)(2)(e). Confirm that § 18.24.10 applies to your site. |
| Open storage screening | Can require 6‑ft solid walls | Whether your district mandates open storage screening (e.g., § 18.22.24) or allows Planning Commission to impose it (§ 18.21.24). |
| Overlays/specific plans | May override widths/walls | Check Norco Overlay Districts before final design. Consider Norco Variances and Exceptions only if necessary. |
Plain-English Summary
Norco generally wants at least 15% of a site landscaped, with a 10‑foot street‑edge buffer, trees around the boundary and in parking lots, and 3–4‑foot‑tall screening along streets to hide parked cars. Equipment, trash, and loading must be walled and landscaped, and sites next to residential/agricultural zones often need a 6‑foot masonry wall. Some commercial/industrial districts and service stations can use a 5% landscape minimum instead—confirm your zoning before you design.
Source References
- § 18.29.70 (Screening and Buffering)
- § 18.29.80 (Landscaping)
- § 18.24.10 (Site Design Standards; Landscaping, Screening, and Trees)
- § 18.33.08 (Service Station Property Development Standards)
- § 18.21.24; § 18.21.36 (Walls/Fences; Landscaping)
- § 18.22.24; § 18.22.36 (Walls/Fences; Landscaping)
- § 18.23.22; § 18.23.32 (C‑4 Walls/Fences; Landscaping)
- § 18.25.36 (Landscaping)
- § 18.10.24; § 18.13.24; § 18.15.24 (Walls/Fences in Setback Areas)
- § 18.55.01; § 18.55.02; § 18.55.04 (Water‑Efficient Landscaping/MWELO)
See also related topics: Norco zoning & planning overview, Norco Development Standards, Norco Parking, Norco Design Review, and California Building Standards Code.
Sources
Source passages
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.29.70) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.24.10) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.33.08) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.10.24) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.55.01) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.55.02) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.21.24) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.21.36) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.29.80) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.22.24) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.25.36) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.23.22) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.15.24) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.22.36) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.55.04) Medium relevance
- Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.13.24) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- § 18.29.70 (Screening and Buffering) (§ 18.29.70)
- § 18.29.80 (Landscaping) (§ 18.29.80)
- § 18.24.10 (Site Design Standards; Landscaping, Screening, and Trees) (§ 18.24.10)
- § 18.33.08 (Service Station Property Development Standards) (§ 18.33.08)
- § 18.21.24; § 18.21.36 (Walls/Fences; Landscaping) (§ 18.21.24)
- § 18.22.24; § 18.22.36 (Walls/Fences; Landscaping) (§ 18.22.24)
- § 18.23.22; § 18.23.32 (C‑4 Walls/Fences; Landscaping) (§ 18.23.22)
- § 18.25.36 (Landscaping) (§ 18.25.36)
- § 18.10.24; § 18.13.24; § 18.15.24 (Walls/Fences in Setback Areas) (§ 18.10.24)
- § 18.55.01; § 18.55.02; § 18.55.04 (Water‑Efficient Landscaping/MWELO) (§ 18.55.01)
Frequently asked questions
How much of my site must be landscaped in Norco?
Most sites must landscape at least 15% of the total lot area (§ 18.29.80(A)(1)). Several commercial/industrial districts and service stations allow a 5% minimum instead (§§ 18.21.36, 18.22.36, 18.23.32, 18.25.36, 18.33.08(4)). Apply the stricter rule if standards conflict (§ 18.55.01).
Does Norco require screening of parking lots along streets?
Yes. Parking areas abutting the public right‑of‑way must be screened by an opaque element between 36 and 42 inches high, using a berm, hedge, or masonry wall (§ 18.29.70(C)).
What landscape widths are required along the street and setbacks?
Provide a 10‑ft landscape strip along street frontages (§ 18.29.80(B)(1)). Where § 18.24.10 applies, also include a 25‑ft planted front setback, a 10‑ft street‑side setback, and a 15‑ft rear landscape when adjacent to sensitive uses (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(iv–vi)).
Are palm trees allowed in Norco landscaping?
Where § 18.24.10 applies, palm trees are not allowed; all landscaping must be drought‑tolerant with low biogenic emissions (§ 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(x)). Citywide, plant selection must follow water‑efficient, non‑invasive principles (§ 18.55.04). Verify applicability for your zone.
What screening is required for mechanical equipment, trash, and loading areas?
They must be fully screened from public streets and adjacent properties with materials compatible with the building, and landscaping must be installed at screening walls (§ 18.29.70(B)). Trash/refuse and loading areas must also be oriented away from streets and screened per site design standards (§ 18.24.10(A)(3), (5)).
When do I need a 6‑foot masonry wall at the property edge?
When a commercial/industrial site abuts any “A” or “R” zone (and in some cases LD/OS), a 6‑ft masonry wall is required along the abutting lot line (§ 18.21.24; § 18.22.24; § 18.23.22). Service stations must also provide 6‑ft interior walls when abutting OS, LD, or “A”/“R” zones (§ 18.33.08(7)).
How many trees are required in parking lots?
At least 25% of required landscaping must be within the parking area, and you must plant one canopy tree for every five parking stalls (§ 18.29.80(C)(2)(i–ii)). Boundary trees (one 15‑gal per 25 ft of interior boundary) can count toward parking lot trees where they provide shade (§ 18.29.80(C)(3); § 18.29.80(B)(2)).
When does Norco’s water‑efficient landscape ordinance (MWELO) apply?
It applies to new construction with ≥ 500 sq ft of landscape area and to rehab projects with ≥ 2,500 sq ft (with a prescriptive option for smaller rehabs) when a permit, plan check, or design review is required (§ 18.55.02(A)).
Can solar parking canopies substitute for parking lot trees?
In areas of the lot covered by solar array shade structures, the usual tree and landscape standards inside parking areas do not apply (§ 18.24.10(B)(2)(e)). Confirm that § 18.24.10 governs your project.
How tall can landscaping be near driveways and corners?
Generally, landscaping next to street‑abutting lot lines must stay at or below 3 ft in height within 25 ft of driveway/street intersections (§ 18.29.80(B)(4); § 18.24.10(D)(1)(a)(viii)). For service stations, use 20 ft (§ 18.33.08(4)).
General information, not legal advice.
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