El Cerrito Municipal Code Ch. 19.24 Off-Street Parking and Loading

This Chapter provides off-street auto parking, loading, and bicycle parking standards to:

A. Ensure that sufficient off-street parking and loading facilities are provided to meet the needs created by new land uses and by major alterations and enlargements of existing uses.

B. Provide safe and orderly circulation, loading, unloading, parking, and vehicle storage within parking areas, and minimize conflicts between pedestrian and vehicular circulation.

C. Encourage the development of common parking areas and common access for adjoining lots.

D. Contribute to a balanced transportation system with choice of transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and private automobile modes.

E. Ensure that business areas have adequate pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

F. Reflect the parking needs of diverse housing types desired in the General Plan.

G. Minimize non-residential parking intrusion into residential neighborhoods.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

The regulations of this Chapter apply to:

A. New development, and

B. Any alterations or additions to an existing building or change in use that increases the number of parking spaces required by this Chapter by more than 10 percent of the total number of required spaces before the alteration or enlargement.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

The design, location, and surfacing of required parking shall be subject to design review for all projects except for single-family dwellings, which shall be reviewed by staff.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

Off-street motor vehicle parking shall be provided in all residential, commercial and other districts in accordance with the following provisions:

A. Number of Spaces Required. Each land use shall be provided at least the minimum number of off-street parking spaces stated in Table 19.24-A, except where a parking reduction has been granted in compliance with Section 19.24.050.

B. When Constructed. Off-street parking facilities and off-street loading facilities required by this Chapter shall be provided prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the use they serve.

C. Calculation of Required Spaces.

1. Fractions. If a calculation of the number of required off-street parking spaces results in a fraction that is 0.50 or higher, the fraction shall be rounded up to the next whole number. If such calculation results in a fraction that is less than 0.50, the fraction shall be rounded down to the preceding whole number. For example, if computed requirements equal 9.5 spaces, 10 spaces will be required. If computed requirements equal 9.4 spaces, 9.0 spaces will be required.

2. Floor Area. Where an off-street parking or loading requirement is stated in Table 19.24-A as a ratio of parking spaces to floor area, floor area is assumed to be gross floor area, unless otherwise stated.

3. Employees. Where an off-street parking or loading requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to employees, the number of employees shall be based on the largest shift that occurs in a typical week.

D. Small Commercial Uses Exempt. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, the following commercial uses are not required to provide off-street parking when they contain less than 1,500 square feet of floor area: Retail Sales, Personal Services, Eating and Drinking Establishments, Offices - Medical and Dental, Offices — Business and Professional — Walk-in Clientele, and Banks and Financial Institutions. However, when more than four such establishments are located on a single lot, their floor areas shall be aggregated with all other establishments located on the lot in order to determine required parking.

E. Reduced Parking for Uses Located Near Major Transit Stations. For any land use except Single-Family Dwelling, Second Unit, and Two Family Dwelling, if any portion of a lot is located within one-quarter (¼) mile of a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station, the number of normally required parking spaces stated in Table 19.24-A is reduced by 25 percent. Additional reductions of required spaces may be approved with a Use Permit pursuant to Section 19.24.050.

F. Parking Requirement for Uses Located on the Theater Block Fronting San Pablo Avenue. The Theater Block shall be defined as the block bounded by San Pablo Avenue to the west, Fairmount Avenue to the south, Central Avenue to the north and Kearney Street to the east. The provisions of required parking spaces, as stated in Table 19.24-A, are eliminated for any commercial land uses, within existing building footprints, including new development renovations, or change of occupancy of buildings on the Theater Block that front on San Pablo Avenue.

G. Multiple Land Uses. When two or more primary uses are located on the same lot or within the same building, the number of off-street parking spaces required shall be the sum total of the requirements of the various individual uses, except where a use permit for shared parking is approved.

H. Uses Not Specified. In the case of a land use for which off-street parking requirements are not specified in this Section, the Zoning Administrator shall establish a requirement considering the parking requirements for the most nearly similar use for which off-street parking requirements are specified, and any other relevant studies and data regarding parking demand.

I. Substitution of Compact for Standard Parking Stalls. 15 percent of required spaces may be compact spaces. However, only 5% of required spaces serving the following uses may be compact size: Building Materials and Services, and Home Improvement Sales and Service. Required dimensions for standard-size and compact spaces are stated in Tables 19.24-B and 19.24-C. Compact spaces shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking areas they are within.

TABLE 19.24-A REQUIRED PARKING

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008; Ord. No. 2010-05, § 1, 4-19-2010; Ord. No. 2017-04, § 3, 6-6-2017; Ord. No. 2021-03, § 6, 11-16-2021)

The required number of parking spaces may be reduced in accordance with the following provisions.

A. Shared Parking.

1. Use Permit for Shared Parking. A use permit may be approved for shared parking facilities serving more than one use on a site or serving more than one property. The use permit may allow for a reduction of the total number of spaces required by this Chapter if the following findings are made:

a. The peak hours of parking demand from all uses do not coincide so that peak demand will be greater than the parking provided;

b. The efficiency of parking provided will equal or exceed the level that can be expected if parking for each use were provided separately.

2. Shared Parking Agreement. A written agreement between the landowner(s) and the City that runs with the land shall be filed, in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney, and including:

a. A guarantee that there will be no substantial alteration in the uses that will create a greater demand for parking without application for approval of an amended use permit;

b. A guarantee among the business operators and the landowner(s) for access to and use of the shared parking facilities;

c. Evidence that the agreement has been recorded in the County Recorder's office.

B. Other Parking Reductions. Required parking for any use except a Single Family Dwelling, Second Unit, or Two Family Dwelling may be reduced through approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission.

1. Criteria for Approval. The Planning Commission will only grant a Conditional Use Permit for reduced parking if it finds that the project meets all of the Conditional Use Permit criteria in Chapter 19.34, Use Permits and that three or more of the following are true:

a. The use will be adequately served by the proposed parking due to the nature of the proposed operation; proximity to frequent transit service; transportation characteristics of persons residing, working or visiting the site; or because the applicant has undertaken a transportation demand management program that will reduce parking demand at the site.

b. Parking demand generated by the project will not exceed the capacity of or have a detrimental impact on the supply of on-street parking in the surrounding area.

c. The project furthers the implementation of land use or redevelopment goals of the El Cerrito General Plan more effectively than the project would if it met the parking standards of this Chapter.

d. The site plan is consistent with the objectives of the zoning district, and incorporates features such as unobtrusive off-street parking placed below the ground level of the project with commercial uses above, or enclosed parking on the ground floor.

e. The applicant has provided onsite parking for car share vehicles via recorded written agreement between the landowner and the City that runs with the land. Agreement shall provide for proof of a perpetual agreement with a car share agency to provide at least one car share vehicle onsite.

2. Application Submittal Requirements. In order to evaluate a proposed project's compliance with the above criteria, the Zoning Administrator may require submittal of a Parking Demand Study that substantiates the basis for granting a reduced number of spaces and includes the following information:

a. Total square footage of all uses within existing and proposed development and the square footage devoted to each type of use;

b. Existing parking surveys of the surrounding area;

c. Trip generation rates expected for existing and proposed development;

d. A description of any Transportation Demand Management Program that would result in reduced parking demand through measures such as preferential carpool spaces, telecommuting or staggered works shifts, provision of transit passes or other transit incentives for residents or employees, incorporation of spaces for car share vehicles, significant measures for the use of clean air or alternative full vehicles, bicycle trip-end facilities, provision of shuttles to transit stations, or other measures; and

e. The lot or business owner's plan to reasonably provide alternative solutions to off-street parking on the lot.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

A. Applicability. The standards of this section shall apply to all required parking spaces as well as spaces provided in excess of the minimum requirements.

B. Property on Which Parking and Loading Must Be Provided. Required off-street parking spaces and loading berths must be located on the same lot as the use they serve, except:

1. When shared parking consistent with Section 19.24.050(A) has been approved; or

2. Upon the granting of a use permit by the Planning Commission, parking may be located within 300 feet of the use served. The Planning Commission shall only approve a use permit for parking located on a different lot than the use served if it finds that the parking will be convenient and accessible to residents, employees, or patrons of the use. The owners of both lots shall prepare and execute to the satisfaction of the City Attorney, and file with the Contra Costa County Recorder, an agreement guaranteeing that parking facilities will be maintained and reserved for the use served, for the duration of such use.

C. Minimum Parking Space Dimensions - Standard. Off-street parking spaces shall have the minimum dimensions stated in Table 19.24-B, according to the angle of spaces in relation to adjacent aisles. The minimum basic dimension of a standard-size parking stall shall be nine feet by 18 feet. In addition, any parking space located adjacent and parallel to a wall or other solid barrier shall be at least 11 feet wide. See Figure 19.24-A.

TABLE 19.24-B PARKING AREA SPACE DIMENSIONS FOR AUTOMOBILES — STANDARD SPACES

* Most frequently used angles.

[Figure]

D. Minimum Parking Space Dimensions — Compact. Compact parking spaces, where permitted by this Zoning Ordinance, shall have the minimum dimensions stated in Table 19.24-C, according to the angle of spaces in relation to adjacent aisles. The minimum basic dimension of a compact-size parking stall shall be eight feet by 16 feet. In addition, any compact parking space located adjacent and parallel to a wall or other solid barrier shall be at least 10 feet wide. The maneuvering aisle width listed in the table applies only where compact spaces are designated on both sides of a one-way aisle. All other aisle widths must meet corresponding standard aisle width requirements. Each compact space shall be clearly and distinctively marked as a compact space.

TABLE 19.24-C PARKING AREA SPACE DIMENSIONS FOR AUTOMOBILES — COMPACT SPACES

* Most frequently used angles.

1 Aisle width applies only to where compact spaces are double-loaded on both sides of a one-way aisle. All other aisle widths must meet corresponding standard aisle width requirements.

2 Parking area width where all spaces are both sides of the aisle are compact spaces.

E. Standards for Handicapped Parking Spaces. Parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities shall comply with Chapter 11B of the California Building Code or any successor regulations.

F. Access to Spaces. Except where otherwise specified by this Zoning Ordinance, each parking space shall have unobstructed access from a street or from an aisle or drive connecting with a street without requiring moving another vehicle. However, required parking spaces for any dwelling unit may be arranged in tandem, so long as parking required for any dwelling unit is arranged independently from parking serving any other dwelling unit, with unobstructed access from a street for at least one of the spaces required for each dwelling unit. Notwithstanding the requirements above, parking spaces for accessory dwelling units may be tandem, per the requirements of Section 19.20.190. Tandem parking for commercial uses is prohibited, unless it is for valet parking.

G. Vertical Clearance. A minimum height of 14 feet shall be maintained clear of obstructions from the parking surface to any structure or landscape feature above that may interfere with the safe passage of vehicles, except within garages, carports, or parking structures, where the minimum clearance shall be eight feet six inches.

H. Direction of Vehicle Ingress/Egress. Off-street parking areas shall allow vehicles to enter and exit from or onto a public street by a forward motion only. Off-street parking areas for Single Family Dwellings, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Two Family Dwellings are exempted.

I. Pedestrian Walkways.

1. Materials. Where a pedestrian walkway crosses parking areas, it must be clearly identifiable through the use of elevation changes, calming measures such as speed bumps, a different paving material, or other similar method. Striping does not meet this requirement. Elevation changes and speed bumps designed to meet this requirement must be at least four inches high.

2. Separation. Where a required walkway is parallel and adjacent to an auto travel lane, it must be raised or separated from the auto travel lane by a raised curb, bollards, landscaping or other physical barrier. If a raised path is used, it must be at least six inches high and the ends of the raised portions must be equipped with curb ramps. Bollard spacing must be no further apart than five feet on center.

J. Surfacing. All parking areas shall be improved with surfacing such as asphalt, concrete, or a comparable permanent nonabsorbent surface. Other surfacing may be permitted subject to approval by the Public Works Department and the Design Review Board.

1. Landscaping In-lieu of Paving. A maximum of two feet of the parking stall depth may be landscaped with low-growth, hardy materials in-lieu of paving, allowing a bumper overhang while maintaining the required parking dimensions. However, the overhang area shall not be counted as part of the minimum required perimeter or interior landscaping. See Figure 19.24-B.

[Figure]

K. Drainage. Parking and loading areas shall be designed and constructed:

1. So that surface water will not drain over sidewalks or adjacent parcels; and

2. In compliance with the storm water quality and quantity standards of the City's best management practices.

L. Landscaping. All parking areas shall be landscaped according to the provisions of Section 19.25.060.

M. Screening. Where a parking lot is adjacent to a public right-of-way, it shall be screened according to the standards in Section 19.25.060(E).

N. Lighting. Adequate lighting shall be provided for the illumination and protection of the premises. Lighting shall be directed away from adjacent streets and properties. All light standards and luminaries shall be clearly identified on all site plans. Lights shall not blink, flash, change intensity, or cause glare. String lights are prohibited. The type of lighting (e.g., mercury vapor, sodium vapor, fluorescent, etc.) shall be approved by the Design Review Board.

O. Wheel Stops and Curbing. Concrete curbing at least six inches high and six inches wide, with breaks to allow on-site drainage, shall be provided for parking spaces located adjacent to fences, walls, property lines, landscaped areas, and structures. Individual wheel stops may be provided in-lieu of continuous curbing when the parking is adjacent to a landscaped area and the drainage is directed to the landscaped area. Alternative barriers designed to protect landscaped areas from vehicle damage may be approved by the Zoning Administrator and Public Works Department. Wheel stops shall be placed to allow for two feet of vehicle overhang area within the dimension of the parking space.

P. Markings. Each parking space and parking facility shall be identified by surface markings and shall be maintained in a manner so as to be readily visible and accessible at all times. Such markings shall be arranged to provide for orderly and safe loading, unloading, parking, and storage of vehicles. Marking required to be maintained in a highly visible condition includes striping, directional arrows, lettering and field color on signs in handicapped-designated areas.

Q. Utilization of Required Parking Spaces. Storage of merchandise, cartons, trash, equipment or other materials shall not be permitted in required parking areas, driveways, or landscaped areas.

R. Internal Circulation. The design of the parking facility shall provide an internal circulation pattern that is safe and efficient for motorists and pedestrians as determined by the City Engineer.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

(Ord. No. 2009-03, § XIII, 4-20-2009; Ord. No. 2017-04, § 3, 6-6-2017)

A. Driveway Width. Minimum and maximum driveway widths are prescribed in the base zoning district regulations.

B. Driveway Separation. Driveways serving the same parking facility shall be located at least 35 feet apart.

C. Driveway Visibility. Visibility of a driveway crossing a street property line shall not be blocked at or above a height of 3.5 feet for a depth of ten feet from the street property line as viewed from the edge of the right-of-way on either side of the driveway at a distance of ten feet or at the nearest property line intersecting the street property line, whichever is less. See Figure 19.24-C.

[Figure]

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

A. Required Loading Spaces for Delivery and Distribution. A building, or part thereof, having a floor area of 10,000 square feet or more that is to be occupied by any use requiring the receipt or distribution by vehicles or trucks of material or merchandise must provide at least one off-street loading space, plus one additional such loading space for each additional 40,000 square feet of floor area. The off-street loading space(s) must be maintained during the existence of the building or use it is required to serve. Truck-maneuvering areas must not encroach into required parking areas, travelways, or street rights-of-way.

B. Required Loading Spaces for Customers. Customer loading spaces allow bulky merchandise to be loaded into customers' vehicles. Each Home Improvement Sales and Service use shall provide at least two customer loading spaces per business establishment or one customer loading space per 40,000 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater. Customer loading spaces shall be located adjacent to the building or to an outdoor sales area where bulky merchandise is stored and shall be clearly visible from the main building entry or through directional signage visible from the main entry. Customer loading spaces shall be not be located in such a way that they impede on-site or off-site traffic circulation, as determined by the Director of Public Works.

C. Standards for Off-street Loading Spaces.

1. Minimum Size. Each off-street loading space required by this Section must be not less than 12 feet wide, 30 feet long, and 15 feet high, exclusive of driveways for ingress and egress and maneuvering areas. Loading spaces for customers may be 12 feet wide, 26 feet long, and 12 feet high.

2. Driveways for Ingress and Egress and Maneuvering Areas. Each off-street loading space required by this Section must be provided with driveways for ingress and egress and maneuvering space adequate for trucks, per City standards.

3. Location of Loading Areas. An off-street loading space (excluding loading spaces for customers) required by this Section must not be located closer than 30 feet to any lot or parcel of land in a residential district, unless such off-street loading space is wholly enclosed within a building or on all sides by a wall not less than eight feet in height. Except in industrial districts, a loading door or loading dock that is visible from a public street must be screened with an 8-foot-high, solid masonry or other sound-absorbing wall, with landscaping planted between the wall and the right-of-way.

4. Idling. Idling of vehicles loading or unloading shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

A. Applicability. Bicycle parking shall be provided for all new construction, additions of 10 percent or more floor area to existing buildings, and changes in land use classification. Single family homes, duplexes and multi-family dwellings of less than four units are exempt.

B. Definitions.

1. Long-Term Bicycle Parking. Long-term bicycle parking serves employees, students, residents, commuters, and others who generally stay at a site for four hours or longer.

2. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. Short-term bicycle parking serves shoppers, customers, messengers, and other visitors to a site who generally stay for a short time.

C. Number of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces. The required minimum number of bicycle parking spaces for each use category is shown on Table 19.24-D. Uses that are not listed in the table are not required to provide short-term bicycle parking. Uses that are not listed in the table or for which no long-term spaces are prescribed are not required to provide long-term bicycle parking unless there are 50 or more employees, in which case, one long-term space shall be provided for each 25 employees.

TABLE 19.24-D REQUIRED BICYCLE PARKING

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)

A. Standards for Short-term Bicycle Parking. Required short-term bicycle parking must meet the standards of subsection (C) below as well as the following standards:

1. Location. Short-term bicycle parking must be located:

a. Outside a building, in a designated interior location near the principal entrance of a building, or in a parking structure that serves the subject use; and

b. Within 50 feet of an entrance to the building it serves. However, in the case of a multi-tenant shopping center, bike parking for the center must be located within 50 feet of an entrance to each anchor store.

2. Size. Each required short-term bicycle parking space must be at least two feet by six feet.

B. Standards for Long-term Bicycle Parking. Required long-term bicycle parking must meet the standards of subsection (C) below as well as the following standards:

1. Location. Long-term bicycle parking must be located on the site of the use it serves.

2. Covered Spaces. At least 50 percent of required long-term bicycle parking must be covered. Covered parking can be provided inside buildings, under roof overhangs or awnings, in bicycle lockers, or within or under other structures.

3. Security. To provide security, long-term bicycle parking must be in at least one of the following locations:

a. In a locked room;

b. In an area that is enclosed by a fence with a locked gate. The fence must be either eight feet high, or be floor-to-ceiling;

c. Within view of an attendant or security guard;

d. Within 100 feet of an attendant or security guard;

e. In an area that is monitored by a security camera;

f. In an area that is visible from employee work areas; or

g. Within a dwelling unit, dormitory or other group housing unit, live/work unit, or artists' studio. If long-term bicycle parking is provided within a unit, neither long-term racks nor lockers are required.

C. Standards for All Bicycle Parking.

1. Bicycle Lockers. Where required bicycle parking is provided in lockers, the lockers must be securely anchored.

2. Bicycle Racks. Required bicycle parking may be provided in floor, wall, or ceiling racks. Where required bicycle parking is provided in racks, the racks must meet the following standards:

a. The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high-security U-shaped shackle lock if both wheels are left on the bicycle;

b. A bicycle six feet long can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheels or components; and

c. The rack must be securely anchored.

3. Parking and Maneuvering Areas.

a. Each required bicycle parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle;

b. There must be an aisle at least five feet wide adjacent to all required bicycle parking to allow room for bicycle maneuvering. Where the bicycle parking is adjacent to a sidewalk, the maneuvering area may extend into the right-of-way; and

c. The area devoted to bicycle parking must be hard surfaced.

4. Visibility. If required bicycle parking is not visible from the street or main building entrance, a sign must be posted at the main building entrance indicating the location of the parking.

5. Security Lighting. Bicycle parking areas shall be lit in accordance with the lighting performance standards in Section 19.21.050. All exterior bulbs shall be protected by weather- and-vandal resistant covers.

(Ord. 2008-2 Div. II (part), 2008.)