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Santa Clarita — Landscaping and Screening

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

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Front yard walls/fences/vegetation along streets or driveways are limited to 42 in (or 48 in if non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail), while side/rear fences can be 6 ft (§ 17.57.070). Commercial/industrial and mixed‑use sites next to homes must build a 6‑ft masonry wall on common lines (§ 17.53.050; § 17.55.070). Landscape areas must be ≥ 5 ft wide with 6 in x 6 in curbs, use drought‑tolerant plants and 2 in mulch, and artificial turf can count for up to 50% (§ 17.51.030).

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

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

Overview

Santa Clarita’s Title 17 Zoning sets citywide rules for landscape design, slope planting/erosion control, and how walls, fences, and retaining walls function as screening. Core standards live in § 17.51.030 (Landscaping and Irrigation), with slope and hillside requirements in § 17.87.020 and § 17.51.020. Screening walls and fences are governed citywide by § 17.57.070, with additional buffer-wall rules for commercial/industrial and mixed-use sites abutting homes in § 17.53.050 and § 17.55.070.

Along street frontages and driveways, any wall, fence, or view‑obscuring vegetation is capped at 42 inches (48 inches if non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail), while side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet; taller screens need an adjustment (§ 17.57.070).

Citywide Landscaping and Irrigation Standards (Title 17.51.030)

Applies to projects that need an administrative or discretionary land use permit; landscape and irrigation plan submittal is required per § 17.51.030(B)(1) and design review routing may apply via § 17.23.150.

  • Minimum widths and protection
    • Landscape areas must be at least 5 ft wide (§ 17.51.030(C)(1)(c)).
    • At driveways/parking, protect planters with a minimum 6 in x 6 in concrete curb or approved barrier (§ 17.51.030(C)(1)(d)).
  • Shade and heat‑island mitigation
    • Provide shade trees around buildings and within parking lots to reduce heat islands (§ 17.51.030(C)(1)(e)). Coordinate with parking layout early.
  • Plant palette and performance
    • Emphasize drought‑tolerant/native species (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(b)); exclude Cal‑IPC invasive plants (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(d)).
    • Eucalyptus, pepper, and palms are discouraged; palms generally limited to community pools/recreation unless approved (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(c)).
    • Trees in public view; clustering encouraged; provide mature specimen boxes (24/36/48/60‑inch) at focal areas (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(e)).
    • Protect sight lines, service lines, solar access, and public improvements (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(f)).
  • Groundcover and mulch
    • Groundcover must be live plants; decorative rock/bark allowed in limited amounts with living cover (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(g)).
    • Apply minimum 2 in mulch on exposed soil; use stabilizing mulch on slopes (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(h)).
  • Cut/fill slopes (citywide, non‑hillside)
    • Plant and irrigate all new cut/fill slopes; use jute netting or similar until plants establish (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(j)).
    • Slopes > 5 ft vertical: at least 1 shrub per 225 sf and 1 tree per 225 sf, with complete groundcover within 6 months (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(j)(i)).
    • Slopes < 5 ft: groundcover to full coverage within 6 months (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(j)(ii)).
  • Artificial turf
    • Allowed (Class I application); may count for up to 50% of required landscaping (§ 17.51.030(C)(3)).
    • Submittal required; use permeable soil fabric; 3–5 in compactable aggregate base; acceptable fibers: PE, PP, nylon; minimum 6‑year warranty for nylon (§ 17.51.030(C)(3)(a)–(d)).

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) compliance is required where triggered by state thresholds; Santa Clarita adopts the state model by reference (§ 17.51.030(B)(2), (A)(10)).

Slopes, Hillsides, and Erosion Control

  • Slope planting and erosion control (Citywide grading)
    • Prepare and maintain cut/fill slopes to control erosion (planting, jute netting, blankets, stabilizers) and install early, before final inspection (§ 17.87.020(A)).
    • For slopes ≥ 7 ft tall and steeper than 3:1 (H:V), install jute netting immediately (§ 17.87.020(B)).
    • Slopes (not subject to hillside chapter): plant cut slopes > 5 ft and fill slopes > 3 ft; add shrubs at ≤ 10 ft o.c. and 15‑gal trees at ≤ 20 ft o.c. (or equivalent), plus groundcover (§ 17.87.020(D)).
    • Irrigation required; hose bibs acceptable for slopes < 20 ft vertical if within 50 ft reach (§ 17.87.020(E)).
    • Plans for slopes ≥ 20 ft vertical must be prepared by a civil engineer or landscape architect (§ 17.87.020(G)).
  • Hillside Development (average slopes >10%)
    • Purpose includes preserving landforms/vegetation/views and integrating landscape architecture into hillside design (§ 17.51.020(A)).
    • Projects on avg. slopes >10% and >100 cy grading are subject to hillside provisions (§ 17.87.020(C)) and § 17.51.020; clustering favored on ≤25% slopes (§ 17.51.020(B)(1)(b)).
    • Ridgeline Preservation (RP) overlay constraints may apply; compliance required where present (§ 17.51.020(B)(1)(d)). See overlay districts.

Walls, Fences, and Retaining Walls (Screening)

  • Heights and locations (§ 17.57.070)
    • Interior side/rear yards: up to 6 ft high; taller (up to 15 ft) in rear yard by adjustment, staying ≥ 5 ft off interior lines (§ 17.57.070(A); § 17.24.100).
    • Along streets/driveways: max 42 in; up to 48 in if non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail (§ 17.57.070(B)).
    • Outside any required yard: > 6 ft and < 15 ft requires Director approval; > 15 ft needs adjustment (§ 17.57.070(C)).
    • Height measured at highest average ground within 3 ft of either side; ≤ 6 in variation permitted (§ 17.57.070(H)).
  • Access and materials
    • Don’t block vehicular access to any dedicated or implied alley/way (§ 17.57.070(D)).
    • Prohibited: fiberglass/bamboo sheeting, barbed wire, razor ribbon; chain link prohibited in front yards and visible ROW unless approved (§ 17.57.070(E)).
    • Temporary construction/vacant-lot fences up to 6 ft non‑view‑obscuring for ≤ 1 year (§ 17.57.070(F)).
  • Retaining walls (§ 17.57.070(G))
    • If retaining cut within a required yard, a top fence is allowed up to the otherwise permitted height if the property is on the lower side (§ 17.57.070(G)(1)).
    • If retaining fill within a required yard, a non‑view‑obscuring top fence up to 3.5 ft is allowed for safety (§ 17.57.070(G)(2)).
    • Where a fence sits adjacent to a fill‑retaining wall, set it back 1 ft per 1 ft of fence height; landscape and maintain the in‑between area (§ 17.57.070(G)(3)).
    • Retaining walls > 6 ft high measured from a neighboring parcel require an adjustment (§ 17.57.070(G)(4); § 17.24.100).

Edge Buffers by Use

  • Commercial/Industrial next to residential
    • Provide a minimum 6 ft high masonry wall along shared lines (front setback portions: 30–42 in high), with decorative materials when visible from ROW; materials must match site architecture (§ 17.53.050(A)).
    • Prohibitions also include chain link and barbed/razor wire; temporary construction fabric may be allowed with an active permit (§ 17.53.050(C)).
  • Mixed‑Use next to residential
    • Same: minimum 6 ft masonry wall at shared lines (front setback portions: 30–42 in), decorative materials if visible (§ 17.55.070(A)).
    • Similar access/material prohibitions apply (§ 17.55.070(B)–(D)).

Residential Front Yard Landscaping Touchpoints

  • Driveway paving/hardscape can extend up to 10 ft into the adjacent side yard past garage width on the side opposite the front door, subject to Director review beyond that (§ 17.57.020(O)(1)–(2)).
  • For side‑entry garages, additional paving may be allowed on the front‑door side; provide landscaping elsewhere in the front yard (§ 17.57.020(O)(4)).
  • No vehicles may traverse designated landscaping in the required front yard (§ 17.57.020(O)(5)).
  • City approval does not supersede HOA/CC&Rs (§ 17.57.020(O)(3)).

Subdivision Context: Planting Strips and Conformity

  • The Director advises subdividers on tree/groundcover/shrub selection for required private planting strips (§ 16.21.160).
  • All subdivisions must conform to Title 17 (including landscaping, walls, and screening) unless specifically modified (§ 16.01.060).

Vegetation Removal on Slopes

  • Removing/destroying natural vegetation on sloping terrain requires written City Engineer approval, with limited exceptions (e.g., within 150 ft of a permitted building, utility work, public projects, firebreaks, specific Fire Dept. orders, or grading under a building permit with erosion controls) (§ 17.85.020(A)–(B)).
  • Fees for approvals are set by acreage (§ 17.85.020(C)).

District-by-District Highlights (as they affect landscaping/screening)

Residential districts — Landscaping & screening

  • Purpose: Preserve neighborhood character while ensuring safe sightlines and appropriate screening (§ 17.57.020; § 17.57.070).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front area screens along streets/driveways: ≤ 42 in (≤ 48 in if non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail) (§ 17.57.070(B)).
    • Side/rear fences: ≤ 6 ft; more by adjustment in limited cases (§ 17.57.070(A); § 17.24.100).
    • Front yard paving allowances and “no driving over landscaping” (§ 17.57.020(O)).
  • Where it applies: All residentially zoned lots citywide.

Commercial & Industrial districts — Edge buffers and materials

  • Purpose: Buffer nonresidential impacts on homes with durable, compatible walls (§ 17.53.050(A)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Common lot lines next to residential: 6 ft masonry wall; within front setback: 30–42 in (§ 17.53.050(A)).
    • Decorative finishes when visible from the ROW; chain link and barbed/razor wire prohibited (§ 17.53.050(A), (C)).
  • Where it applies: Commercial/industrial sites adjacent to or across a street/alley from residential property.

Mixed Use districts — Residential adjacency walls

  • Purpose: Ensure compatibility of mixed residential/commercial environments at edges (§ 17.55.070(A)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Common lot lines next to residential: 6 ft masonry wall; front setback portions 30–42 in; decorative when visible (§ 17.55.070(A)).
    • Similar access/material controls as C/I (§ 17.55.070(B)–(D)).
  • Where it applies: Mixed‑use sites abutting residential properties.

Hillside Development (overlay conditions)

  • Purpose: Maintain landforms, vegetation, views; integrate landscape architecture; manage densities on slopes (§ 17.51.020(A)–(B)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional/technical standards:
    • Slope‑based planting/erosion controls (jute netting triggers; shrub/tree spacings) (§ 17.87.020(A)–(E)).
    • Clustering on ≤ 25% slopes preferred; hillside guidelines apply; RP Overlay conformance where mapped (§ 17.51.020(B)(1)(b), (d)).
  • Where it applies: Sites with average slopes > 10% or as otherwise subject to Hillside Development standards.

Special Standards District: Sand Canyon (selected screening rules)

  • Purpose: Maintain rural character; manage frontage fencing and landscaping (§ 17.39.030).
  • Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Non‑view‑obscuring fences up to 5 ft allowed within the 20 ft front setback, with required frontage landscaping; view‑obscuring walls/fences > 3 ft 6 in not allowed in that setback (§ 17.39.030(m)).
    • Dumpster screening required in new residential development (§ 17.39.030(k)).
  • Where it applies: Within the Sand Canyon Special Standards District boundaries (verify extents in § 17.39.030(C); Verify with the jurisdiction).

Key Standards at a Glance

Requirement Standard Applies to Code Reference
Minimum planter width ≥ 5 ft All applicable projects § 17.51.030(C)(1)(c)
Curbing at planters by parking 6 in x 6 in barrier Nonresidential near parking/driveways § 17.51.030(C)(1)(d)
Shade trees for heat island Provide in lots/building areas Sites with parking § 17.51.030(C)(1)(e)
Mulch depth ≥ 2 in (stabilizing on slopes) All planting areas § 17.51.030(C)(2)(h)
Slopes >5 ft vertical (planting) 1 shrub/ 225 sf + 1 tree/ 225 sf; full groundcover in 6 mo New cut/fill slopes § 17.51.030(C)(2)(j)(i)
Artificial turf credit ≤ 50% of required landscaping Citywide (Class I) § 17.51.030(C)(3)
Front fences by streets/driveways ≤ 42 in (≤ 48 in if non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail) Citywide § 17.57.070(B)
Side/rear fences ≤ 6 ft (up to 15 ft by adjustment) Citywide § 17.57.070(A); § 17.24.100
C/I or MU next to residential 6 ft masonry wall (front setback: 30–42 in) Shared lines § 17.53.050(A); § 17.55.070(A)
Retaining wall + fence (fill) Fence setback = 1 ft/ft of fence height; landscape in‑between Adjacent to fill walls § 17.57.070(G)(3)
Vegetation removal on slopes City Engineer approval required; limited exceptions Sloping terrain § 17.85.020(A)–(B)

Information Gaps

  • Exact zoning district names (e.g., “R-1,” “C-N”) and district‑specific landscape quantities or frontage tree ratios: Not found in source materials.
  • MWELO trigger thresholds (landscape area size, rehab triggers) specific to Santa Clarita submittals: Not found in source materials.
  • Full boundaries of the Sand Canyon Special Standards District and full RP Overlay standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

  • Confirm your site’s context: residential, commercial/industrial, or mixed use abutting residential edges (§ 17.53.050; § 17.55.070).
  • Prepare landscape/irrigation plans meeting § 17.51.030 and submit per design review and § 17.23.150.
  • Use drought‑tolerant/non‑invasive plants; include shade trees in parking; keep planters ≥ 5 ft wide with 6 in x 6 in curbs (§ 17.51.030(C)).
  • Detail slopes: planting densities, erosion controls, and irrigation; provide engineered plans if slopes ≥ 20 ft vertical (§ 17.87.020(D)–(G)).
  • Site walls/fences within height/location limits; specify materials; show required buffer walls where abutting homes (§ 17.57.070; § 17.53.050; § 17.55.070).
  • If proposing artificial turf, limit to ≤ 50% of required landscaping and provide required layers/specs (§ 17.51.030(C)(3)).
  • For retaining walls, apply separation and landscaping rules; seek an adjustment if heights exceed limits (§ 17.57.070(G); § 17.24.100). Consider variances and exceptions if needed.
  • On sloping terrain, obtain City Engineer approval before removing native vegetation unless an exception applies (§ 17.85.020).
  • If within hillside or special overlay areas, coordinate with applicable overlay districts standards (§ 17.51.020).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
MWELO trigger thresholds Determines whether water budget/calcs and specific irrigation design are required Project’s landscape area and scope under § 17.51.030(B)(2) (state MWELO)
Front fence classification “Non‑view‑obscuring” vs. view‑obscuring affects 42–48 inch allowance Fence design openness with Planning under § 17.57.070(B)
Chain link visibility Chain link is barred in front yards and from ROW views unless approved Sightlines and screening from public ROW under § 17.57.070(E)
Retaining wall + fence stacking Combined height, setbacks, and required landscaping can reshape grading Wall heights/measurement and 1:1 setback under § 17.57.070(G)
Hillside vs. non‑hillside slope rules Different planting/erosion standards and design expectations apply Whether site is subject to § 17.51.020; average slope calc; grading volumes
Special districts/overlays Sand Canyon and RP overlays change front fencing and view protection Whether parcel lies in special/overlay areas (§ 17.39.030; § 17.51.020(B)(1)(d))
HOA restrictions City approval doesn’t override CC&Rs HOA design rules per § 17.57.020(O)(3)

Plain-English Summary

If your project needs a land use permit, plan on submitting landscape/irrigation plans that use drought‑tolerant, non‑invasive plants, mulch at least 2 inches deep, and shade trees in parking lots. Front fences along streets or driveways are generally limited to 42 inches (48 inches if open pipe/rail), with 6‑foot fences allowed in side and rear yards. Where commercial/industrial or mixed‑use properties abut homes, a 6‑foot masonry wall is required, and new slopes must be planted and stabilized to stop erosion.

Source References

Also see related guidance:

Sources

Source passages

  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.51.020) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.51.030) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.57.070) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 16.21.160) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.87.020) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.55.070) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.53.050) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.23.150) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.57.020) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.85.020 (§ 17.85.020) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 16.01.060) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.39.030) Medium relevance
  • Santa Clarita Zoning Code (§ 17.23.110) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How tall can my front yard fence or hedge be in Santa Clarita?

Along a street or a driveway, walls, fences, or view‑obscuring vegetation are capped at 42 inches, or up to 48 inches for non‑view‑obscuring pipe/rail fencing (§ 17.57.070(B)). Side and rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet (§ 17.57.070(A)).

Do commercial sites need a buffer wall next to homes?

Yes. Commercial and industrial sites adjacent to or across a street/alley from residential property must build a minimum 6‑foot masonry wall on common lot lines (front setback segments reduced to 30–42 inches), with decorative finishes if visible (§ 17.53.050(A)).

What landscaping widths and curb protection are required?

Planter areas must be at least 5 feet wide, and planters adjacent to parking/driveways must be protected by a 6‑inch‑high, 6‑inch‑wide concrete curb or approved barrier (§ 17.51.030(C)(1)(c)–(d)).

Can artificial turf count toward required landscaping?

Yes. Artificial/synthetic turf is allowed as a Class I application and may count toward up to 50% of the required landscaping area, with specific base, fabric, and fiber specifications (§ 17.51.030(C)(3)).

What are the rules for planting on slopes?

New cut and fill slopes must be planted and stabilized. Slopes over 5 feet vertical require at least one shrub per 225 square feet and one tree per 225 square feet, plus full groundcover within six months (§ 17.51.030(C)(2)(j)). Additional erosion control and irrigation requirements apply under § 17.87.020.

Can I stack a fence on top of a retaining wall?

If retaining a cut within a required yard, you may add a top fence up to the otherwise allowed height on the lower side (§ 17.57.070(G)(1)). For fill conditions, a non‑view‑obscuring top fence up to 3.5 feet is allowed; separate adjacent fences from the retaining wall by 1 foot per foot of fence height and landscape the gap (§ 17.57.070(G)(2)–(3)).

Do mixed‑use projects need buffer walls next to residences?

Yes. Mixed‑use sites next to residential property must provide a 6‑foot masonry wall on common lines (30–42 inches within the front setback) and use decorative materials where visible (§ 17.55.070(A)).

Do I need approval to clear brush on a hillside?

Removing or destroying natural vegetation on sloping terrain requires written approval from the City Engineer unless an explicit exception applies (e.g., within 150 feet of a permitted building, certain utility/public projects, firebreaks) (§ 17.85.020(A)–(B)).

General information, not legal advice.

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