Chapter 20.40 — OFF-STREET PARKING

The purpose of this chapter is to provide off-street parking and loading standards to:

A. Provide for the general welfare and convenience of persons within the City by ensuring that
sufficient parking facilities are available to meet the needs generated by specific uses and
that adequate parking is provided, to the extent feasible;

B. Provide accessible, attractive, secure, and well-maintained off-street parking and loading
facilities;

C. Increase public safety by reducing congestion on public streets and to minimize impacts to
public street parking available for coastal access and recreation;

D. Ensure access and maneuverability for emergency vehicles; and

E. Provide loading and delivery facilities in proportion to the needs of allowed uses.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Off-Street Parking Required. Each use, including a change or expansion of a use or structure, except as otherwise provided for in Chapter 20.38 (Nonconforming Uses and Structures) shall have appropriately maintained off-street parking and loading areas in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A use shall not be commenced and structures shall not be occupied until improvements required by this chapter are satisfactorily completed.

B. Change, Enlargement, or Intensification of Use. Changes in use and enlargement or
intensification of an existing use shall require compliance with the off-street parking
requirements of this chapter, except as allowed in Chapter 20.38 (Nonconforming Uses and
Structures).
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Parking Required to Be On-Site. Parking shall be located on the same lot or development site as the uses served, except for the following:

1. Townhouses and Multi-Tenant Uses. Where parking is provided on another lot within
the same development site, the parking shall be located within two hundred (200) feet
of the units they are intended to serve.

2. Off-Site Parking Agreement. Parking may be located off-site with the approval of an
off-site parking agreement in compliance with Section 20.40.100(C) (Parking
Agreement).

B. Permanent Availability Required. Each parking and loading space shall be permanently
available and maintained for parking purposes for the use it is intended to serve. The
Director may authorize the temporary use of parking or loading spaces for other than

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.030 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.040

parking or loading in conjunction with a seasonal or intermittent use allowed in compliance
with Section 20.52.040 (Limited Term Permits).

C. Maintenance. Parking spaces, driveways, maneuvering aisles, turnaround areas, and
landscaping areas shall be kept free of dust, graffiti, and litter. Striping, paving, walls, light
standards, and all other facilities shall be permanently maintained in good condition.

D. Vehicles for Sale. Vehicles, trailers, or other personal property shall not be parked upon a
private street, parking lot, or private property for the primary purpose of displaying the
vehicle, trailer, or other personal property for sale, hire, or rental, unless the property is
appropriately zoned, and the vendor is licensed to transact a vehicle sales business at that
location.

E. Calculation of Spaces Required.

1. Fractional Spaces. Fractional parking space requirements shall be rounded up to the
next whole space.

2. Bench Seating. Where bench seating or pews are provided, eighteen (18) linear inches
of seating shall be considered to constitute a separate or individual seat.

3. Gross Floor Area. References to spaces per square foot are to be calculated on the
basis of gross floor area unless otherwise specified.

4. Net Public Area. “Net public area” shall be defined as the total area accessible to the
public within an eating and/or drinking establishment, excluding kitchens, restrooms,
offices pertaining to the use, and storage areas.

5. Spaces per Occupant. References to spaces per occupant are to be calculated on the
basis of maximum occupancy approved by the City of Newport Beach Fire
Department.

6. Spaces Required for Multiple Uses. If more than one use is located on a site, the number of required off-street parking spaces shall be equal to the sum of the requirements prescribed for each use.

   F. Nonconforming Parking and Loading. Land uses and structures that are nonconforming due solely to the lack of off-street parking or loading facilities required by this chapter shall be subject to the provisions of Section 20.38.060 (Nonconforming Parking). (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

Off-street parking spaces shall be provided in compliance with Table 3.10. These standards shall be considered the minimum required to preserve the public health, safety, and welfare, and more extensive parking provisions may be required by the review authority in particular circumstances. Unless otherwise noted parking requirements are calculated based on gross floor area.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.040

TABLE 3-10
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Land Use Parking Spaces Required

Industry, Manufacturing and Processing, Warehousing Uses

Food Processing 1 per 2,000 sq. ft.

Handicraft Industry 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Industry

Small—5,000 sq. ft. or less 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Large—Over 5,000 sq. ft. 1 per 1,000 sq. ft.

Industry, Marine-Related 1 per 750 sq. ft.

Personal Storage (Mini Storage) 2 for resident manager, plus additional for office
as required by minor use permit

Research and Development 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Warehousing and Storage 1 per 2,000 sq. ft., plus one per 350 sq. ft. for
offices. Minimum of 10 spaces per use

Wholesaling 1 per 1,000 sq. ft.

Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses

Assembly/Meeting Facilities 1 per 3 seats or one per 35 sq. ft. used for
assembly purposes

Commercial Recreation and Entertainment As required by conditional use permit

Cultural Institutions 1 per 300 sq. ft.

Schools, Public and Private As required by conditional/minor use permit

Residential Uses

Accessory Dwelling Units As required per Section 20.48.200

Single-Unit Dwellings—Attached 2 per unit in a garage

Single-Unit Dwellings—Detached and less than 2 per unit in a garage
4,000 sq. ft. of floor area

Single-Unit Dwellings—Detached and 4,000 sq. 3 per unit in a garage
ft. or greater of floor area

Single-Unit Dwellings—Balboa Island 2 per unit in a garage

Multi-Unit Dwellings—3 units 2 per unit covered, plus guest parking; 1—2 units, no guest parking required 3 units, 1 guest parking space

Multi-Unit Dwellings—4 units or more 2 per unit covered, plus 0.5 space per unit for
guest parking

Two-Unit Dwellings 2 per unit; 1 in a garage and 1 covered or in a
garage

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.040

TABLE 3-10
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Land Use Parking Spaces Required

Live/Work Units 2 per unit in a garage, plus 2 for guest/customer
parking

Senior Housing—Market rate 1.2 per unit

Senior Housing—Affordable 1 per unit

Retail Trade Uses

Appliances, Building Materials, Home 1st 10,000 sq. ft.—1 space per 300 sq. ft. Over
Electronics, Furniture, Nurseries, and Similar 10,000 sq. ft.—1 space per 500 sq. ft. Plus 1 per
Large Warehouse-type Retail Sales and Bulk 1,000 sq. ft. of outdoor merchandise areas
Merchandise Facilities

Food and Beverage Sales 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Marine Rentals and Sales

Boat Rentals and Sales 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area, plus 1 per 350 sq. ft.
of office area

Marine Retail Sales 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Retail Sales 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Shopping Centers 1 per 200 sq. ft. See Section 20.40.050

Service Uses—Business, Financial, Medical, and Professional

Convalescent Facilities 1 per 3 beds or as required by conditional use
permit

Emergency Health Facilities 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Financial Institutions and Related Services 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Hospitals 1 per bed; plus 1 per resident doctor and 1 per
employee.

Offices*—Business, Corporate, General,
Governmental

First 50,000 sq. ft. 1 per 250 sq. ft. net floor area

Next 75,000 sq. ft. 1 per 300 sq. ft. net floor area

Floor area above 125,001 sq. ft. 1 per 350 sq. ft. net floor area

* Not more than 20% medical office uses.

Offices—Medical and Dental Offices 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Outpatient Surgery Facility 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Service Uses—General

Adult-Oriented Businesses 1 per 1.5 occupants or as required by conditional
use permit

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.040

TABLE 3-10
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Land Use Parking Spaces Required

Ambulance Services 1 per 500 sq. ft.; plus 2 storage spaces.

Animal Sales and Services

Animal Boarding/Kennels 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Animal Grooming 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Animal Hospitals/Clinics 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Animal Retail Sales 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Artists’ Studios 1 per 1,000 sq. ft.

Catering Services 1 per 400 sq. ft.

Care Uses

Adult Day Care—Small (6 or fewer) Spaces required for dwelling unit only

Adult Day Care—Large (7 or more) 2 per site for drop-off and pick-up purposes (in
addition to the spaces required for the dwelling
unit)

Child Day Care—Small (6 or fewer) Spaces required for dwelling unit only

Child Day Care—Large (9 to 14) 2 per site for drop-off and pick-up purposes (in
addition to the spaces required for the dwelling
unit)

Day Care—General 1 per 7 occupants based on maximum occupancy
allowed per license

Residential Care—General (7 to 14) 1 per 3 beds

Eating and Drinking Establishments

Accessory (open to public) 1 per each 3 seats or 1 per each 75 sq. ft. of net
public area, whichever is greater

Bars, Lounges, and Nightclubs 1 per each 4 persons based on allowed occupancy
load or as required by conditional use permit

Food Service with/without alcohol, with/without 1 per 100 sq. ft., and 1 per 150 sq. ft. for outdoor
late hours dining areas

Food Service—Fast Food 1 per 50 sq. ft., and 1 per 100 sq. ft. for outdoor
dining areas

Take-Out Service—Fast-Casual (up to 20 seats) 1 per 250 sq. ft., including outdoor dining areas

Wine Tasting Room 1 per each 4 persons based on allowed occupancy
load or as required by conditional use permit

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.040 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.040

TABLE 3-10
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Land Use Parking Spaces Required

Emergency Shelter 1 per 4 beds plus 1 per staff; and if shelter is
designed with designated family units then 0.5
parking space per bedroom designated for family
units

Funeral Homes and Mortuaries 1 per 35 sq. ft. of assembly area

Health/Fitness Facilities

Small—2,000 sq. ft. or less 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Large—Over 2,000 sq. ft. 1 per 200 sq. ft.

Laboratories (medical, dental, and similar) 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Maintenance and Repair Services 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Marine Services

Boat Storage—Dry 0.33 per storage space or as required by
conditional use permit

Boat Yards As required by conditional use permit

Dry Docks 2 per dry dock

Entertainment and Excursion Services 1 per each 3 passengers and crew members

Marine Service Stations As required by conditional use permit

Sport Fishing Charters 1 per each 2 passengers and crew members

Water Transportation Services—Office 1 per 100 sq. ft., minimum 2 spaces

Personal Services

Massage Establishments 1 per 200 sq. ft. or as required by conditional use
permit

Nail Salons 1 per 80 sq. ft.

Personal Services, General 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Studio (dance, music, and similar) 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Postal Services 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Printing and Duplicating Services 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Recycling Facilities

Collection Facility—Large 4 spaces minimum, but more may be required by
the review authority

Collection Facility—Small As required by the review authority

Visitor Accommodations

Bed and Breakfast Inns 1 per guest room, plus 2 spaces

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.040 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.050

TABLE 3-10
OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS

Land Use Parking Spaces Required

Hotels and accessory uses As required by conditional use permit

Motels 1 per guest room or unit

Recreational Vehicle Parks As required by conditional use permit

Time Shares As required by conditional use permit

Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses

Communication Facilities 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Heliports and Helistops As required by conditional use permit

Marinas 0.75 per slip or 0.75 per 25 feet of mooring space

Vehicle Rental, Sale, and Service Uses

Vehicle/Equipment Rentals

Office Only 1 per 250 sq. ft.

Limited 1 per 300 sq. ft., plus 1 per rental vehicle (not
including bicycles and similar vehicles)

Vehicle/Equipment Rentals and Sales 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of lot area

Vehicles for Hire 1 per 300 sq. ft., plus 1 per each vehicle associated
with the use and stored on the same site

Vehicle Sales, Office Only 1 per 250 sq. ft., plus 1 as required by DMV

Vehicle/Equipment Repair (General and Limited) 1 per 300 sq. ft. or 5 per service bay, whichever is
more

Vehicle/Equipment Services

Automobile Washing 1 per 200 sq. ft. of office or lounge area; plus
queue for 5 cars per washing station

Service Station 1 per 300 sq. ft. or 5 per service bay, whichever is
more; minimum of 4

Service Station with Convenience Market 1 per 200 sq. ft., in addition to 5 per service bay

Vehicle Storage 1 per 500 sq. ft.

Other Uses

Caretaker Residence 1 per unit

Special Events As required by Chapter 11.03

Temporary Uses As required by the limited term permit in
compliance with Section 20.52.040

(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2013-4 § 3, 2013; Ord. 2015-15 § 8, 2015; Ord. 2017-11 § 5, 2017; Ord. 2021-6 § 2, 2021; Ord. 2023-6 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.050 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.070

A. An off-street parking space requirement of one space for each two hundred (200) square feet of gross floor area may be used for shopping centers meeting the following criteria:

1. The gross floor area of the shopping center does not exceed 100,000 square feet; and

2. The gross floor area of all eating and drinking establishments does not exceed fifteen
(15) percent of the gross floor area of the shopping center.

B. Individual tenants with a gross floor area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more shall
meet the parking space requirement for the applicable use in compliance with Section

C. Shopping centers with gross floor areas in excess of 100,000 square feet or with eating and drinking establishments occupying more than fifteen (15) percent of the gross floor area of the center shall use a parking requirement equal to the sum of the requirements prescribed for each use in the shopping center. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

§ 20.40.060. (Reserved) (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2023-6 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)

A. Access to Parking Areas. Access to off-street parking areas shall be provided in the following manner:

1. Nonresidential and Multi-Unit. Parking areas for nonresidential and multi-unit uses:

a. Adequate and safe maneuvering aisles shall be provided within each parking
area so that vehicles enter an abutting street or alley in a forward direction.

b. The Director may approve exceptions to the above requirement for parking
spaces immediately adjoining a public alley, provided not more than ten (10)
feet of the alley right-of-way is used to accommodate the required aisle width,
and provided the spaces are set back from the alley the required minimum
distances shown in Table 3-11.

TABLE 3-11
PARKING SETBACK FROM ALLEY

Alley Width Minimum Setback

15'0" or less 5'0"

15'1" to 19'11" 3'9"

20'0" or more 2'6"

c. The first parking space within a parking area accessed from a public street shall
be set back a minimum of five feet from the property line.

2. Access Ramps. Ramps providing vehicle access to parking areas shall not exceed a

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.070 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.070

slope of fifteen (15) percent. Changes in the slope of a ramp shall not exceed eleven
(11) percent and may occur at five-foot intervals. Refer to Public Works Standard
160L-B, C and 805L-B. The Director of Public Works may modify these standards to
accommodate specific site conditions.

B. Location of Parking Facilities.

1. Residential Uses. Parking facilities serving residential uses shall be located on the
same site as the use the parking is intended to serve. Additional requirements are
provided in Section 20.40.090 (Parking Standards for Residential Uses).

2. Nonresidential Uses. Parking facilities for nonresidential uses shall be located on the
same site as the use the parking is intended to serve, except where an off-site parking
facility is approved in compliance with Section 20.40.100 (Off-Site Parking).

3. Parking Structures. When adjacent to a residential zoning district, the development of
structured parking, including rooftop parking, shall require the approval of a
conditional use permit to address potential impacts to adjacent residential uses.

4. Parking on Slopes. Parking shall not be allowed on slopes greater than five percent. This shall not apply to parking spaces located within a parking structure. The Director of Public Works may adjust these standards to accommodate specific site conditions. C. Parking Space and Lot Dimensions. 1. Minimum Parking Space and Drive Aisle Dimensions. Each parking space, drive aisle, and other parking lot features shall comply with the minimum dimension requirements in Tables 3-13 and 3-14 and as illustrated in Figure 3-6. 2. Width of Parking Aisle. The width of parking aisles may be reduced by the Public Works Director in unique situations arising from narrow lots or existing built conditions when traffic safety concerns have been addressed. TABLE 3-12 MINIMUM STANDARD PARKING SPACE SIZE Minimum Standard Space Requirements Width Length 8 ft. 6 in. 17 ft. TABLE 3-13 STANDARD VEHICLE SPACE REQUIREMENTS Stall Aisle Width Angle Width Stall Depth Stall (degrees) (1)(3) (2) Length (3) One-Way Two-Way Parallel 8 ft. N/A 22 ft. 14 ft. 24 ft. 30 8 ft. 6 in. 16 ft. 17 ft. 14 ft. N/A 45 8 ft. 6 in. 18 ft. 17 ft. 14 ft. N/A

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.070 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.070

TABLE 3-13
STANDARD VEHICLE SPACE REQUIREMENTS

Stall Aisle Width
Angle Width Stall Depth Stall
(degrees) (1)(3) (2) Length (3) One-Way Two-Way

60 8 ft. 6 in. 19 ft. 17 ft. 18 ft. N/A

90 8 ft. 6 in. 17 ft. 17 ft. 26 ft. 26 ft.

Notes:
(1) When the length of a parking space abuts a wall, or similar obstruction, the
required width of the space shall be increased to nine feet.
(2) Measured perpendicular to aisle.
(3) Structural elements shall not encroach into the required stall, with the exception
of a one square foot area at the front corners.

3. Bumper Overhang Areas. A maximum of two and one-half feet of the parking stall
depth may be landscaped with low-growing, hearty materials in lieu of paving or an
adjacent walkway may be increased, allowing a two and one-half foot bumper
overhang while maintaining the required parking dimensions.

4. Compact Parking. Compact parking spaces shall not be allowed. However, where
they exist at the time of adoption of this Zoning Code they may remain and shall not
be considered a nonconforming condition.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.070 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.070

Figure 3-6
Parking Lot Dimensions

D. Required Parking Area Improvements. Off-street parking areas shall have the following
improvements:

1. Curbing and Wheel Stops.

a. Continuous concrete curbing shall be installed a minimum of five feet from a
wall, fence, building, or other structure. Curbs shall be a minimum of four
inches high.

b. The minimum standard curb radius shall be six feet at all aisle corners.
Alternative curb radii may be approved by the Director of Public Works.

c. Individual wheel stops may be provided in lieu of continuous curbing when the
parking is adjacent to a landscaped area, and the parking area drainage is
directed to the landscaped area subject to the approval of the Director of Public
Works. Wheel stops shall be placed to allow for two feet of vehicle overhang
area within the dimension of the parking space. Wheel stops shall not be used in
conjunction with continuous curbing, including adjacent to raised walkways.

2. Drainage. Parking lots shall be designed in compliance with the stormwater quality

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.070 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.070

and quantity standards of the City’s best management practices and the City’s Standard Specifications and Plans.

3. Landscaping. Landscaping for new surface parking lots with ten (10) or more spaces shall be provided as indicated below. These requirements do not apply to routine maintenance and restriping of existing parking lots. a. Perimeter Parking Lot Landscaping. i. Adjacent to Streets. (A) Parking areas abutting a public street shall be designed to provide a perimeter landscape strip a minimum five feet wide between the street right-of-way and parking area. The Director may grant an exception to this requirement if existing structures, substandard lots, or unique site conditions preclude its implementation. In this case, the maximum feasible planting strip area shall be provided based on site conditions. (B) Landscaping, other than trees, shall be designed and maintained to screen cars from view from the street and shall be maintained at approximately thirty-six (36) inches in height. (C) Screening materials may include a combination of plant materials, earth berms, raised planters, low walls, or other screening devices that meet the intent of this requirement as approved by the Director. (D) Plant materials, walls, or structures within a traffic sight area of a driveway shall not exceed thirty-six (36) inches in height in compliance with Section 20.30.130 (Traffic Safety Visibility Area). ii. Adjacent to Residential Use. (A) Parking areas for nonresidential uses adjoining residential uses shall provide a landscaped buffer yard with a minimum of five feet in width between the parking area and the common property line bordering the residential use. A solid masonry wall and landscaping in compliance with Section 20.30.020(D) (Screening and Buffering Between Different Zoning Districts) shall be provided along the property line. (B) Trees shall be provided at a rate of one for each thirty (30) square feet of landscaped area and shall be a minimum twenty-four (24) inch box container at time of planting. b. Interior Parking Lot Landscaping. i. Trees Required.

(A) Number and Location. Trees shall be evenly spaced throughout the interior parking area at a rate of one tree for every five parking spaces. Trees shall be located in planters that are bounded on at least two sides by parking area paving. Planters shall have a minimum

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.070 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.080

exterior dimension of five feet.

(B) Size. All trees within the parking area shall be a minimum twenty-
four (24) inch box container at time of planting.

ii. Ends of Aisles. All ends of parking aisles shall have landscaped islands
planted with trees, shrubs, and groundcover.

iii. Larger Projects. Parking lots with more than one hundred (100) spaces
shall provide an appropriate entry feature consisting of a concentration of
landscape elements, including specimen trees, flowering plants, enhanced
paving, and project identification.

4. Lighting. Parking lots shall be lighted so that there is a minimum illumination over
the entire lot of 1.0 footcandle and an average over the entire lot of 2.5 footcandles.
Lighting shall comply with the standards in Section 20.30.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

5. Stall Markings, Directional Arrows, and Signs.

a. Parking spaces shall be clearly outlined with four-inch-wide lines painted on the
surface of the parking facility. Carpool and vanpool spaces shall be clearly
identified for exclusive use of carpools and vanpools.

b. Parking spaces for the disabled shall be striped and marked so as to be clearly
identified in compliance with the applicable Federal, State, and City standards.

c. Driveways, circulation aisles, and maneuvering areas shall be clearly marked
with directional arrows and lines to ensure the safe and efficient flow of
vehicles.

d. The Director of Public Works may require the installation of traffic signs in
addition to directional arrows to ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicles in
a parking facility.

6. Surfacing. Parking spaces and maneuvering areas shall be paved and permanently
maintained with asphalt, concrete, or interlocking paving stones or other City-
approved surfaces.

E. Enclosed Parking. The following regulations shall apply to enclosed commercial off-street parking:

1. Doors shall remain open during regular business hours;

2. A sign shall be posted on the business frontage that advises patrons of the availability
and location of parking spaces;

3. Signs shall be posted on the site containing the following information:

a. Doors are to remain open during business hours; and

b. A number to call for Code Enforcement.

4. The location, size, and color of the signs required above shall be approved by the
Department.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.080 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.090

Where parking lots for nonresidential uses are allowed in residential zoning districts in compliance with Chapter 20.18 (Residential Zoning Districts), they shall be developed in compliance with the following requirements in addition to other applicable standards provided in this chapter.

A. Conditional Use Permit Required. Approval of a conditional use permit shall be required
in order to locate a parking lot intended for nonresidential use within a residential zoning
district.

B. Location of Parking Area. The parking area shall be accessory to, and for use of, one or
more abutting nonresidential uses allowed in an abutting commercial zoning district. The
Commission may grant a waiver for noncontiguous parking lots, but only under all of the
following conditions:

1. The parking lot is designed to be compatible with the neighborhood;

2. There are no residential uses between the parking lot and the commercial zoning
district;

3. The location of the parking lot does not fragment the adjacent neighborhood;

4. The parking lot is not detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the
neighborhood; and

5. The parking lot is located within a reasonable walking distance of the use to which it
is an accessory.

C. Access. Access to parking lots shall be from commercial streets or alleys. An exception
may be granted by the Commission if no commercial streets are available for access.

D. Passenger Vehicle Parking Only. Parking lots shall be used solely for the parking of
passenger vehicles.

E. Signs. No signs, other than signs designating entrances, exits, and conditions of use shall
be maintained in parking areas. Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and five feet
in height. The number and location shall be approved by the Director before installation.

F. Perimeter Wall. The parking lot shall have a solid masonry wall six feet in height along all
interior property lines adjacent to residential zoning districts and thirty-six (36) inches in
height adjacent to streets and the front setback area of an abutting residential use.

G. Development Standards. The parking lot shall be developed in compliance with the
development standards of this chapter and the outdoor lighting standards in Section

H. No Overnight Parking. Overnight parking shall be prohibited and the parking lot shall be secured after business hours to prevent any use of the facility. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Parking Space and Driveway Dimensions.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.090 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.090

1. Minimum Interior Dimensions. The minimum interior dimensions for parking spaces
in residential zoning districts shall be as provided in Table 3-14. The Director may
approve a reduced width for duplex units when two separate single car garages are
proposed side by side and the applicant has proposed the maximum width possible.

TABLE 3-14
MINIMUM INTERIOR DIMENSIONS

Lot Width Single Car/Tandem* Two Car

30 feet or less 9'3" x 19' (35')* 17'6" x 19'

30.1—39.99 feet 10' x 19' (35')* 18'6" x 19'

40 feet or more 10' x 20' 20' x 20'

Notes:
* The minimum depth for a two-car tandem space is thirty-five (35) feet.

2. Tandem Parking. Tandem parking for a maximum of two cars in depth shall be
allowed in residential districts subject to the minimum interior dimensions provided
in Table 3-14.

3. Driveway Width. Driveways visible from a public right-of-way shall not be wider
than required to access an adjacent garage as follows:

a. One car garage: ten (10) feet wide.

b. Two car garage: twenty (20) feet wide.

c. Three car garage: twenty-five (25) feet wide.

d. Four car garage: thirty-two (32) feet wide.

4. Vertical Clearances. The minimum unobstructed vertical clearance for parking spaces
shall be seven feet, except that the front four feet may have a minimum vertical
clearance of four feet.

B. Access to Parking.

1. Direct Access Required. Each parking space shall be capable of being accessed
directly from an adjoining vehicular right-of-way or over an improved hard surfaced
driveway, except for approved tandem parking spaces.

2. Clear Access Required. Where access to a required parking space is taken over a
driveway, the driveway shall be maintained free and clear at all times except for the
parking of currently registered, licensed motor vehicles, and for temporary
obstructions that are incidental to the use of the property. Temporary obstructions in
the driveway shall be allowed only for a period up to seventy-two (72) hours.

C. Location of Parking.

1. Allowed Parking Areas. Parking of vehicles is allowed only in permanent parking areas and on driveways leading to allowed parking areas. Under no circumstances

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.090 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.100

shall landscaped areas or hardscaped areas in front yards, other than driveways, be
used for the parking of vehicles.

2. Garages Facing the Street. Garages with doors that face the street that are located
within twenty (20) feet of the front property line shall be equipped with automatic
roll-up doors.

3. Parking Located in Required Setback Areas. The following requirements shall apply
to the parking or storage of motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, watercraft, trailers,
and similar items in residential zoning districts:

a. Front Setback Areas. Parking or storage in required front setback areas shall be
prohibited, except on driveways in front of garages that set back a minimum of
twenty (20) feet from the front property line.

b. Side Setback Areas. Parking or storage in required side setback areas (behind
the rear line of the required front setback area) shall be allowed.

c. Rear Setback Areas Without Alleys. Parking or storage in required rear setback
areas shall be allowed.

d. Rear Setback Areas with Alleys. Parking or storage in required rear setback
areas shall not be allowed.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

A. Conditional Use Permit Required. Approval of a conditional use permit shall be required for a parking facility or any portion of required parking that is not located on the same site it is intended to serve.

B. Findings. In order to approve a conditional use permit for an off-site parking facility the
Commission shall make all of the following findings in addition to those required for the
approval of a conditional use permit:

1. The parking facility is located within a convenient distance to the use it is intended to
serve;

2. On-street parking is not being counted towards meeting parking requirements;

3. Use of the parking facility will not create undue traffic hazards or impacts in the
surrounding area; and

4. The parking facility will be permanently available, marked, and maintained for the
use it is intended to serve.

C. Parking Agreement. A parking agreement, which guarantees the long-term availability of
the parking facility for the use it is intended to serve, shall be recorded with the County
Recorder’s Office. The agreement shall be in a form approved by the City Attorney and the
Director.

D. Loss of Off-Site Parking.

1. Notification of City. The owner or operator of a business that uses an approved off-

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.100 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.110

site parking facility to satisfy the parking requirements of this chapter shall
immediately notify the Director of any change of ownership or use of the property
where the spaces are located, or changes in the use that the spaces are intended to
serve, or of any termination or default of the agreement between the parties.

2. Effect of Termination of Agreement. Upon notification that the agreement for the
required off-site parking has terminated, the Director shall establish a reasonable time
in which one of the following shall occur:

a. Substitute parking is provided that is acceptable to the Director; or

b. The size or capacity of the use is reduced in proportion to the parking spaces
lost.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

The number of parking spaces required by this chapter may be reduced only in compliance with the following standards and procedures:

A. ADA Compliance. The Director may administratively reduce parking requirements due to
a loss of parking spaces because of ADA requirements associated with tenant
improvements.

B. Reduction of Required Off-Street Parking. Residential and nonresidential off-street parking
requirements may be reduced with the approval of a conditional use permit in compliance
with Section 20.52.020 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Use Permits) and in
compliance with the following conditions:

1. The applicant has provided sufficient data, including a parking study if required by
the Director, to indicate that parking demand will be less than the required number of
spaces or that other parking is available (e.g., City parking lot located nearby, on-
street parking available, greater than normal walk-in trade, mixed-use development);
and

2. A parking management plan shall be prepared in compliance with subsection (C) of
this section (Parking Management Plan).

C. Parking Management Plan. When a parking management plan to mitigate impacts
associated with a reduction in the number of required parking spaces is required by this
chapter, the parking management plan may include, but is not limited to, the following
when required by the review authority:

1. Restricting land uses to those that have hours or days of operation so that the same
parking spaces can be used by two or more uses without conflict;

2. Restricting land uses with high parking demand characteristics;

3. Securing off-site parking in compliance with Section 20.40.100 (Off-Site Parking);

4. Providing parking attendants and valet parking; and

5. Other appropriate mitigation measures.

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.110 NEWPORT BEACH CODE § 20.40.110

D. Reduction of Required Off-Street Parking by Director. Nonresidential off-street parking
requirements may be reduced by a maximum of twenty (20) percent with the approval of
the Director using any combination of the following:

1. The applicant has provided sufficient data, including a parking study if required by
the Director, to indicate that parking demand will be less than the required number of
spaces or that other parking is available (e.g., City parking lot located nearby, on-
street parking available, greater than normal walk-in trade, mixed-use development).

2. On-Site Bicycle Facilities. Required nonresidential off-street parking may be reduced
where there is a demonstrated use of bicycles as a mode of transportation. The
Director may reduce the number of required parking spaces by one space for every
three bicycle parking spaces provided on the same site they serve, up to five percent
of the total requirement in compliance with the following conditions:

a. The applicant has provided sufficient evidence to substantiate that there exists a
demand for bicycle parking; and

b. The bicycle parking spaces are located completely within the private property
they serve.

c. An additional five percent reduction may be allowed when enhanced end-of-trip
facilities are provided on the same site they serve, including, but not limited to,
showers and locker facilities.

3. Space for Shared Mobility. Required nonresidential off-street parking may be reduced
by up to ten (10) percent in compliance with the following conditions:

a. Exclusive of curb space needed for emergency access purposes (e.g., a fire lane),
the development includes at least twenty (20) linear and contiguous feet of on-
site dedicated curb-space located entirely on private property; or

b. There is one off-street parking space designated and with proper signage for the
use of shared-mobility vehicles and/or pick-up/drop-off located on private
property and on the same site it is intended to serve.

E. Joint Use of Parking Facilities. Required nonresidential off-street parking may be reduced
where two or more nonresidential uses on the same site have distinct and differing peak
parking demands (e.g., a theater and a bank). The Director may grant a joint use of parking
spaces between the uses that results in a reduction in the total number of required parking
spaces in compliance subject to the following conditions:

1. The most remote space is located within a convenient distance to the use it is intended
to serve;

2. The amount of reduction is no greater than the number of spaces required for the least
intensive of the uses sharing the parking;

3. The probable long-term occupancy of the structures, based on their design, will not
generate additional parking demand;

4. The applicant has provided sufficient data, including a parking study if required by the Director, to indicate that there is no conflict in the peak parking demand for the

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.40.110 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.40.130

uses proposing to make joint use of the parking facilities; and

5. A parking management plan shall be prepared in compliance with subsection (C) of
this section (Parking Management Plan).

F. Required Data. In reaching a decision to allow a reduction of required parking spaces, the
review authority shall consider data submitted by the applicant or collected/prepared at the
applicant’s expense.
(Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010; Ord. 2023-6 § 1 (Exh. A), 2023)

Properties within a parking management district, established through the Parking Management (PM) Overlay District, may be exempted from all or part of the off-street parking requirements of this chapter in compliance with the provisions of the adopted parking management district plan. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

The number of parking spaces required by Section 20.40.040 (Off-Street Parking Spaces Required) may be reduced if the review authority authorizes the use of an in-lieu fee to be paid by the applicant towards the development of public parking facilities. The in-lieu fee shall be paid to the Citywide Parking Improvement Trust Fund. The amount of the fee and time of payment shall be established by Council resolution. (Ord. 2010-21 § 1 (Exh. A)(part), 2010)

Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/NE4559 on 2026-09-25

City of Newport Beach, CA § 20.42.010 PLANNING AND ZONING § 20.42.020