Local zoning · Pittsburg

Pittsburg — Landscaping and Screening

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

Quick answer

Outdoor storage must be hidden by a solid fence or wall, with goods no taller than the screen (§ 18.84.440). Parking lots need 1 tree per 6 spaces and at least 35% midday shade at maturity, plus end‑row planters and curbs (§ 18.84.315(G)–(H)). Where commercial abuts residential, build an 8 ft CMU wall, limited to 3 ft within 10 ft of the street (§ 18.52.140).

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

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

Overview

Pittsburg’s zoning code sets citywide water‑efficient landscaping standards, parking‑lot shading, buffers between uses, and targeted screening for outdoor storage, vehicles, and equipment. Most projects that need zoning approval must meet Article 18.84 landscape standards, and many site plans also undergo design review, where planting quality and compatibility are evaluated. District‑specific rules apply in the C and CO commercial districts and the IP, IL, and IG industrial districts, with additional hillside standards for projects requiring a hillside planned development permit.

Core rule: In any district that allows outdoor storage or display, it must be screened from streets by a solid fence or wall, and stored items cannot exceed the screen height (§ 18.84.440).

Citywide framework — What always applies

Water‑efficient landscaping article controls minimum site landscaping and planting areas for projects needing zoning approval (§ 18.84.300). Applicability thresholds and exemptions are in § 18.84.305.
Definitions matter: a “landscape” may include planting plus compatible natural and structural features; a “fence” includes dense hedges used as screens (§§ 18.06.385, 18.06.310, 18.06.355).
Screening duties that apply where activities occur:
- Outdoor storage/display screened by solid fence or wall; items not taller than the screen (§ 18.84.440).
- Vehicle/equipment repair or storage screened on all sides by a fence, wall, or hedge (§ 18.50.210).
At design review, landscaping must use plants that thrive in Pittsburg, be sized for effect, and conceal equipment as needed (§ 18.36.220).

Water‑efficient landscaping: applicability and core design standards

Applicability (§ 18.84.305):
- New construction landscaping ≥ 500 sf; rehabilitated landscaping ≥ 2,500 sf.
- Prescriptive path for landscapes ≤ 2,500 sf or those using on‑site rainwater/graywater (§ 18.84.305(D), § 18.84.332).
- Exemptions include temporary or non‑irrigated landscapes and certain restoration/historic contexts (§ 18.84.305(E)).
Additional design standards (§ 18.84.315):
- Plant selection for energy efficiency, shading/solar access, heat‑island reduction, soils, and fire resistance; integrate with buildings, streets, and parking to achieve a desirable microclimate (§ 18.84.315(A)).
- Sight safety: at maturity, plants must not block visibility or conflict with utilities/paths (§ 18.84.315(B)).
- Minimum landscape strip width: 3 ft clear (curbs excluded) (§ 18.84.315(C)).
- Minimum plant sizes: trees 15‑gallon; specimen shrubs 5‑gallon; mass plantings 1‑gallon (§ 18.84.315(D)).
- Shrub groups without groundcover must cover ≥ 90% of the area at maturity (§ 18.84.315(E)).
- Avoid large‑area crushed rock/gravel except walkways (§ 18.84.315(F)).
- Mulch and soil health: apply 3 inches mulch; allow up to 5% un‑mulched for habitat; stabilize on slopes; use recycled organic mulch; add compost at 4 CY/1,000 sf to 6 in depth unless soil already has >6% organic matter (§ 18.84.310(5)–(10)).
- Runoff control: prevent overspray/low‑head drainage from leaving landscaped areas; limited waivers where adjacent surfaces drain to landscaping (§ 18.84.315(O)).
- Graywater must comply with the California Plumbing Code; install private submeters for nonresidential landscape areas ≥ 1,000 sf (§ 18.84.315(N); § 18.84.332(8); see California Building Standards Code).

Parking lot landscaping and shading (citywide)

End of each stall row separated from aisles by a landscaped planter or sidewalk/planter; curbs required; provide 12‑inch‑wide concrete landings behind curbs along stall length (§ 18.84.315(G)).
Shade: provide 1 tree per 6 spaces, distributed to shade ≥ 35% of paved area at midday at maturity. Shade from arbors, high‑albedo or vegetated carports, or PV carports can reduce tree count if the combination still achieves ≥ 35% shade (§ 18.84.315(H)).
Overhangs: if vehicles extend over landscaping, increase planter depth by 2 ft and keep trees/shrubs out of the overhang zone; interior double‑overhang planters ≥ 7 ft curb‑to‑curb (§ 18.84.315(I)).
Street edges and property lines: parking lots must be behind the required landscaped front/corner yard for the base district; otherwise provide ≥ 5 ft landscaping next to interior side/rear lines (§ 18.84.315(J)).

Existing landscapes — water efficiency

Pre‑Dec 1, 2015 landscapes: owners must limit irrigation to 8:00 p.m.–10:00 a.m. and prevent runoff from overspray/low‑head drainage (§ 18.84.325).

Screening rules by situation

Outdoor storage/display: solid fence or wall facing streets; merchandise/equipment may not exceed screen height; use permits may add screening or limit storage types/locations in highly visible areas (§ 18.84.440).
Vehicles/equipment (repair or storage): screened on all sides by fence, wall, or hedge (§ 18.50.210).
Commercial–residential interface: in C districts, build a solid concrete masonry wall ≥ 8 ft on interior side/rear lines between a commercial use and a residential use (other than mixed‑use residential). Within 10 ft of a street line, wall height is limited to 3 ft. Treat both faces; include a wall cap (§ 18.52.140).
Design review focus: conceal mechanical/electrical equipment and ensure “pleasing landscaping” sized for immediate effectiveness, using Pittsburg‑appropriate plants (§ 18.36.220(A)(4), (8)).

District-by-district landscaping and screening

R districts (Residential)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, base dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
What applies citywide in R:
- Fences and walls are permitted; additional use‑specific fence/wall requirements may apply elsewhere in Article 18.84 (§ 18.84.200; see definitions in §§ 18.06.310, 18.06.355).
- Vehicle/equipment storage or repair on a lot must be screened on all sides by a fence, wall, or hedge (§ 18.50.210).
- Water‑efficient landscaping thresholds and design standards apply where triggered (§§ 18.84.300, 18.84.305, 18.84.315, 18.84.325).
Where it applies: All residential zoning districts citywide (verify parcel zoning in Pittsburg Zoning).

CO (Office Commercial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, base dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Planting areas:
- Must comply with planting area requirements cross‑referenced to § 18.50.115(B) (§ 18.52.130(A) – specific standards Not found in source materials).
- Front and corner side yards abutting streets must be landscaped except for access; uncovered, pervious outdoor dining patios allowed if ≥ 5 ft from street line (§ 18.52.130(B)).
- Provide perimeter planting strips along interior lot lines per § 18.84.320 (details Not found in source materials) (§ 18.52.130(C)).
- Natural‑feature credits count toward minimum landscaped area (§ 18.52.130(D)).
Where it applies: Office commercial sites citywide (verify with Pittsburg Land Use).

C districts (Commercial)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, base dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Screening and planting:
- Build 8‑ft CMU walls on interior side/rear lines where a commercial use abuts residential (except mixed‑use residential); within 10 ft of a street line, height is max 3 ft; comparable treatment both sides; wall cap required (§ 18.52.140).
- Front/corner yards must be landscaped except access; pervious outdoor dining patios allowed if ≥ 5 ft from street line (§ 18.52.130(B)).
- Perimeter planting strips along interior lot lines per § 18.84.320 (details Not found in source materials) (§ 18.52.130(C)).
- Natural‑feature credits allowed (§ 18.52.130(D)).
Where it applies: Commercial zoning districts citywide (verify specific district in Pittsburg Zoning).

IP (Industrial Park)

Purpose, typical permitted uses, base dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Landscaping adjacent to residential:
- Landscape required in front and street side yards; landscape side/rear yards abutting residential unless used for parking/aisles (§ 18.54.130(A)).
- Plant trees along each side/rear property line abutting residential: continuous planting area or irrigated tree wells; at least 5 trees per 100 linear ft (§ 18.54.130(B)).
- Credits: preserved natural features and qualifying recreational amenities may count toward minimum site landscaping (§ 18.54.130(C)).
Where it applies: IP‑zoned sites citywide (verify in Pittsburg Zoning).

IL (Light Industrial)

Same landscaping/buffering standards as IP for residential interfaces, including the 5 trees/100 ft requirement and yard landscaping (§ 18.54.130(A)–(B)).
Credits for natural features and certain amenities apply (§ 18.54.130(C)).
Where it applies: IL‑zoned sites citywide (verify in Pittsburg Zoning).

IG (General Industrial)

Same landscaping/buffering standards as IP/IL for residential interfaces, including yard landscaping and 5 trees/100 ft along property lines abutting residential (§ 18.54.130(A)–(B)).
Credits for natural features and certain amenities apply (§ 18.54.130(C)).
Where it applies: IG‑zoned sites citywide (verify in Pittsburg Zoning).

Hillside planned development standards (projects requiring hillside permits)

Project‑wide landscaping: combine intensively planted areas with preserved open space; plant/irrigate new banks/slopes for erosion and visual control (§ 18.56.090(E)(1)).
Street‑adjacent slopes (non‑front‑yard residential) must be fully landscaped/irrigated (§ 18.56.090(E)(2)).
Street trees:
- Detached single‑family subdivisions: one per interior lot, two per corner lot, and not less than 60‑ft spacing (§ 18.56.090(E)(3)).
- All other development: minimum 30‑ft spacing (§ 18.56.090(E)(3)).
- Tree size/placement: minimum 6 ft height, 1‑inch caliper (30 inches above base); plant 5–15 ft from the right‑of‑way line and outside the ROW (§ 18.56.090(E)(4)).
Landscape plan by a licensed landscape architect; planning commission approval required (§ 18.56.090(F)).
Irrigation/maintenance: approved irrigation in all planted areas; maintain plantings healthy and weed‑free; keep site neat (§ 18.56.090(G)).

Decision‑relevant standards at a glance

Topic	Requirement	Where it applies	Code Reference
Outdoor storage/display screening	Solid fence or wall facing streets; stored items not taller than screen	Districts that allow outdoor storage/display	§ 18.84.440
Vehicle/equipment screening	Screen on all sides by fence, wall, or hedge	Citywide where such repair/storage occurs	§ 18.50.210
CMU wall at C–R interface	8 ft min wall; max 3 ft within 10 ft of street; treat both faces + cap	C sites abutting residential (except mixed‑use residential)	§ 18.52.140
Min landscape strip width	3 ft (excludes curbs)	Citywide landscaped areas	§ 18.84.315(C)
Plant sizes at install	Trees 15‑gal; specimen shrubs 5‑gal; mass plantings 1‑gal	Citywide landscaped areas	§ 18.84.315(D)
Parking lot trees/shade	1 tree per 6 spaces; ≥ 35% paved area shaded at midday	Surface parking lots	§ 18.84.315(H)
End‑row planters + curbs	Planters/sidewalks at row ends; curb + 12‑inch landing	Surface parking lots	§ 18.84.315(G)
Overhang planter depth	+2 ft if vehicles overhang; interior strips ≥ 7 ft curb‑to‑curb	Surface parking lots	§ 18.84.315(I)
Yard/lot‑line buffers for parking	Front/corner yard landscaped per base district; else 5 ft at sides/rear	Parking next to property lines	§ 18.84.315(J)
Industrial buffer trees	≥ 5 trees per 100 linear ft along sides/rear abutting residential	IP, IL, IG	§ 18.54.130(B)
Mulch depth	3 inches; up to 5% un‑mulched for habitat	Citywide landscaped areas	§ 18.84.310(5)–(6)
Compost amendment	4 CY/1,000 sf to 6 in depth (unless soil >6% OM)	Citywide landscaped areas	§ 18.84.310(10)
Irrigation window (existing)	8:00 p.m.–10:00 a.m.; prevent runoff	Pre‑12/1/2015 landscapes	§ 18.84.325
Nonres landscape submeter	Required when landscape area ≥ 1,000 sf	Nonresidential projects	§ 18.84.332(8)

How design review uses landscaping and screening

At design review, the city checks that:

Equipment is effectively concealed and attenuated; walls and screens are used appropriately (§ 18.36.220(A)(3)–(4)).
Landscaping complements structures, uses climate‑appropriate species, and is installed at sizes “large enough” to be effective (§ 18.36.220(A)(8)).
The project meets adopted design guidelines and, if in a designated historic context, complements character as required (§ 18.36.220(B)–(C)). See Pittsburg Historic Preservation.

Practical tips

Coordinate parking layout early to hit the “1 per 6” tree ratio and the 35% midday shade target (§ 18.84.315(H)).
Where a C site abuts housing, plan the 8‑ft CMU wall and check visibility near streets for the 3‑ft limit within 10 ft of the street line (§ 18.52.140).
In IP/IL/IG, budget for buffer tree counts along residential edges: 5 trees/100 ft can add up on long property lines (§ 18.54.130(B)).
For small projects (≤ 2,500 sf landscape), consider the prescriptive path; for nonresidential, remember the submeter at ≥ 1,000 sf (§ 18.84.305(D); § 18.84.332(8)).

Checklist

Confirm your zoning and whether hillside or other overlay districts apply (Verify with the jurisdiction).
Determine if landscape standards apply: ≥ 500 sf new or ≥ 2,500 sf rehab landscape (§ 18.84.305).
Prepare a compliant landscape plan: widths, plant sizes, mulch/compost, runoff control (§§ 18.84.315(C)–(E), § 18.84.310(5)–(10), § 18.84.315(O)).
Design parking lots with planters/curbs, trees at 1/6 spaces, ≥ 35% shade, and overhang allowances (§ 18.84.315(G)–(I)).
Provide required buffers: C–R 8‑ft wall; IP/IL/IG buffer trees along residential edges (§§ 18.52.140, 18.54.130(B)).
Screen outdoor storage/display and any vehicle/equipment storage per code (§§ 18.84.440, 18.50.210).
For nonresidential landscapes ≥ 1,000 sf, specify a landscape water submeter (§ 18.84.332(8)).
If hillside standards apply, include street trees, slope planting/irrigation, and submit a landscape architect–prepared plan (§ 18.56.090(E)–(F)).
Address design review criteria for landscaping and screening (§ 18.36.220).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Missing perimeter planting strip standard (§ 18.84.320)	C districts require strips per § 18.84.320, but details are not in the source materials	Obtain § 18.84.320 text from the city
Residential fence heights/setbacks	Only states fences/walls permitted; no heights for R districts in source materials	Confirm R‑district fence height/placement standards
CO district planting area cross‑reference (§ 18.50.115(B))	CO requires compliance with § 18.50.115(B), but that content is absent	Get § 18.50.115(B) to size CO planting areas
Hillside “trash enclosure walls” details	Excerpt is truncated	Request the full § 18.56.090(H) text
Shade measurement method	Code requires 35% midday shade; method not specified here	Ask planning staff how to document shade at maturity
Applicability to small projects	Prescriptive path exists, but detailed criteria are not in the excerpt	Review § 18.84.332 prescriptive provisions

Plain-English Summary

Pittsburg requires efficient, well‑designed landscaping and clear visual screening. Expect 3‑foot‑wide minimum planting strips, mulch and soil amendment, and parking lots planted one tree per six spaces to shade at least 35% of pavement. Commercial sites next to homes need an 8‑foot CMU wall (limited to 3 feet within 10 feet of the street), and any outdoor storage or vehicle/equipment storage must be screened. Extra tree buffers line industrial edges next to neighborhoods.

Source References

Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.36.220 (Design review standards)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.84.300, 18.84.305, 18.84.310, 18.84.315, 18.84.325, 18.84.332 (Water‑efficient landscaping and design standards)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.84.440 (Outdoor storage/display screening)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.50.210 (Screening of vehicles and equipment)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.52.130, 18.52.140 (C and CO district planting areas; C–R walls)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.54.130 (IP/IL/IG planting areas and buffers)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.56.090 (Hillside planned development landscaping)
Pittsburg Zoning Code §§ 18.06.310, 18.06.355, 18.06.385 (Fence, Hedge, Landscape definitions)
Pittsburg planning overview: Pittsburg zoning & planning overview, Pittsburg Zoning, Pittsburg Development Standards, Pittsburg Parking, Pittsburg Design Review, Pittsburg Overlay Districts, California Building Standards Code

Sources

Source passages

Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.36.220) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.440) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.06.385) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.50.210) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.315) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.300) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.200) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.305) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.56.090) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.325) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.06.310) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.52.130) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.54.130) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.06.355) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.52.140) Medium relevance
Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 18.84.332) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Pittsburg code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to screen outdoor storage or merchandise displays in Pittsburg?

Yes. In districts where outdoor storage or display is allowed, you must screen it from street views with a solid fence or wall, and the stored/displayed items cannot exceed the height of that screen (§ 18.84.440).

What are Pittsburg’s parking lot landscaping requirements?

Provide end‑of‑row planters with curbs and 12‑inch landings, at least one tree per six spaces, and enough trees/structures to shade at least 35% of the paved area at midday. Adjust planter depths where cars overhang and keep trees/shrubs out of the overhang zone (§ 18.84.315(G)–(I)).

Are walls required when a commercial site abuts residential?

Yes. A solid concrete masonry wall at least 8 feet high is required along interior side and rear lot lines between a commercial use and a residential use (other than mixed‑use residential). Within 10 feet of a street line, the wall may not exceed 3 feet and must have comparable finish both sides and a cap (§ 18.52.140).

What tree buffers are required for industrial properties next to homes?

In IP, IL, and IG districts, plant along each side or rear property line abutting residential: at least five trees for each 100 linear feet, in a continuous planting area or irrigated tree wells. Front and street side yards must also be landscaped (§ 18.54.130(A)–(B)).

When do Pittsburg’s water‑efficient landscape rules apply to my project?

They apply to new construction with aggregate landscape area ≥ 500 sf and to rehabilitated landscapes ≥ 2,500 sf. Smaller projects may use a prescriptive path, and some projects are exempt (e.g., temporary or non‑irrigated landscapes) (§ 18.84.305).

What mulch and soil amendment does Pittsburg require?

Apply a minimum 3‑inch layer of mulch to exposed planting soil (with up to 5% un‑mulched for habitat) and incorporate compost at 4 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet to a depth of 6 inches unless the existing soil already has more than 6% organic matter in the top 6 inches (§ 18.84.310(5)–(6), (10)).

Do I need a separate water meter for landscaping?

For nonresidential projects with landscape areas of 1,000 square feet or more, install a private submeter to measure landscape water use (§ 18.84.332(8)).

What are the street tree requirements in hillside planned developments?

In single‑family subdivisions, plant one street tree per interior lot and two per corner lot, not less than 60‑foot spacing; in other developments, plant at minimum 30‑foot intervals. Trees must be at least 6 feet tall and 1‑inch caliper at planting and set 5–15 feet from the right‑of‑way line (§ 18.56.090(E)(3)–(4)).

Are fences allowed in residential districts?

Yes. Fences and walls are permitted in every R district, and a “fence” includes dense hedges used as screens. Specific R‑district height/setback limits are not provided in the source materials (§§ 18.84.200, 18.06.310, 18.06.355). Verify with the jurisdiction.

When can I irrigate existing landscapes to avoid water waste violations?

For landscapes installed before December 1, 2015, irrigate only between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., and prevent runoff from overspray or low‑head drainage (§ 18.84.325).

General information, not legal advice.

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