Santa Barbara Municipal Code Ch. 30.175 Parking Regulations

The purposes of these parking regulations are to:

A. Provide for parking facilities and site design that allow for choice in transportation modes;

B. Provide sufficient off-street automobile and bicycle parking spaces to accommodate the majority of users of a site over time;

C. Provide standards for safe and well-designed parking, loading and vehicle circulation areas, promote attractive pedestrian routes, and provide landscaping requirements to screen, shade, and beautify parking and circulation areas;

D. Promote community character, protect historic resources, and limit the environmental and urban design impacts that can result from off-street parking and circulation;

E. Create buffers between parking facilities and surrounding sensitive land uses;

F. Allow for reductions of the number of required spaces where warranted; and

G. Allow for flexibility in parking design where warranted.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

The requirements of this chapter apply to the establishment, alteration, addition to, or change in any use of a building, structure, or site development, as provided in this section.

A. New Structures and New Land Uses. Automobile and bicycle parking in conformity with this chapter shall be provided at the time any structure is erected, or any new land use or new residential unit is established.

B. Existing Structures and Existing Land Uses.

1. Additions. Existing structures and land uses, whether conforming or nonconforming to the minimum number of automobile parking spaces, may be enlarged as follows:

a. Projects that Result in a Higher Parking Requirement. Additional automobile parking spaces shall be provided pursuant to this chapter for any addition of new floor area that increases the minimum number of required parking spaces. The number of additional spaces required shall be equal to the number required for the new floor area only.

b. Projects that Result in the Same or Lower Parking Requirement. If an addition of new floor area results in the same or fewer required automobile parking spaces, no additional parking shall be required.

2. Alterations and Change of Use.

a. Alterations and Change to Use with Same or Lower Parking Requirement. When an existing building, structure or land use is altered or changed to another land use that requires the same or fewer automobile parking spaces, no additional parking shall be required.

b. Alterations and Change to Use with Higher Parking Requirement.

i. Industrial Uses. In the M-C, M-I, CO-MI, and CO-CAR zones, when an industrial land use is changed to a commercial land use or any other non-industrial land use that requires more parking, automobile parking in conformity with this chapter shall be provided for all new and existing land uses on-site.

ii. Hotel Conversions. When an existing residential use is proposed to be converted to a hotel or similar use that requires more parking, automobile parking in conformity with this chapter must be provided for all new and existing land uses on site.

iii. All Other Uses. Except as provided in subsections B.2.b.i and ii, above, when an existing land use is changed to another land use that requires more parking, no additional automobile parking is required, provided there is no increase in building floor area; and there is no reduction in the existing on-site parking supply, except as otherwise allowed by this chapter.

3. Nonconforming Parking.

a. Right to Continue. Existing structures and land uses on lots that are nonconforming to the minimum number of automobile parking spaces, may be continued, altered, or enlarged, subject to the requirements of this chapter. The right to continue shall attach to the land and shall not be affected by a change in ownership, tenancy, or management. The right to continue shall terminate once the nonconforming parking becomes conforming, is made more conforming, or if the existing structures are demolished or substantially redeveloped but shall not terminate due to a discontinuation of use or if the demolished or substantially redeveloped structure is reconstructed, pursuant to subsection B.3.b, below. When nonconforming parking becomes more conforming, the right to continue shall only be applicable to the most conforming parking configuration.

b. Substantial Redevelopment and Replacement of Existing Structures. Existing structures on lots that are nonconforming to the minimum number of automobile parking spaces may be demolished or substantially redeveloped and rebuilt without conforming to the minimum number of automobile parking spaces, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

i. The use of the new or reconstructed structure is the same Use Classification as the existing structure.

ii. All conditions specified in Section 30.165.080, Substantial Redevelopment and Replacement of Demolished Nonconforming Structures, are met.

iii. Any new, altered, or reconstructed parking area and landscape area conforms to all standards in Section 30.175.090, Parking Area Design and Development Standards, and Section 30.175.080, Parking Area Landscape and Fence Standards.

c. Nonconforming Bicycle Parking.

i. Sites that are nonconforming to the minimum number of bicycle parking spaces required by this chapter shall provide conforming long term and short term bicycle parking for all new structures constructed, reconstructed, or when any addition, alteration, or change of use results in a requirement for additional automobile parking spaces.

ii. Bicycle parking shall also be required on any project that includes a change of use, substantial exterior remodel, or alteration to the existing parking areas. Nonresidential bicycle parking provided pursuant to this paragraph may be provided in a short term configuration.

d. Nonconforming Parking Lot Landscaping. Sites that are nonconforming to the parking lot landscaping required by this chapter shall provide conforming landscaping for any new, altered, or reconstructed parking areas for the area that is altered. If conforming landscaping would result in a reduction of required automobile parking spaces, an alternative landscape design may be approved by the applicable Design Review body, pursuant to Section 30.175.080E, Alternative Landscape Designs.

4. Determination of Number of Spaces. If the City discovers unpermitted or unauthorized site development affecting parking or parking configuration during application review, or when the permit record is unclear, the Community Development Director shall have the authority to determine the number of existing conforming or nonconforming automobile and bicycle parking spaces for a site based on the requirements of this chapter. The Director may also make such a determination when a parking configuration was previously approved by the City but does not comply with current standards. Elements to be considered when making this determination include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. The current, actual, physical configuration of existing parking spaces located on the site, including any site constraints not previously or accurately identified on any issued Building Permit, such as topography, lot dimensions, and building locations;

b. Whether existing parking spaces are consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Standards; and

c. The dimensions of an existing garage or carport, including the existence of any obstructions, and the width of the garage or carport opening.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Permit Required. A permit is required to establish any new driveway, parking area, or vehicle maneuvering area or for any change to an existing driveway, parking area, or vehicle maneuvering area.

B. Off-Street Parking Required. Whenever automobile or bicycle parking spaces are required pursuant to this chapter, they shall be located off street.

C. Conversion or Demolition of Parking. Any permit to allow the conversion, demolition, or substantial redevelopment of any required automobile or bicycle parking space shall not be approved unless replacement parking is included under the same permit.

D. New and Existing Parking Areas. All new, reconstructed or altered driveways, parking areas, or vehicle maneuvering areas shall be designed and developed consistent with the standards of this chapter and the City Access and Parking Design Standards. These standards shall apply to both required and voluntary parking spaces. All paved areas and structures accessible to vehicles shall be reviewed as potential parking areas. No vehicle shall be stored or parked on a lot in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter.

E. Minimum Size of Nonconforming Two-Car Garage or Carport. If an existing garage or carport legally constructed with a Building Permit has an exterior dimension less than 16 feet wide, it is considered physically unsuitable for two cars and shall be considered a single car garage or carport.

F. Timing of Construction. All parking facilities required by this chapter shall be constructed or installed prior to passing final inspection or the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the uses that they serve.

G. Parking and Loading to be Maintained. All required parking and loading spaces shall be maintained in amount, design, and location, unless equivalent substitute facilities are approved and provided.

H. Availability. All parking required by this chapter must be available for its intended purpose during business hours for all nonresidential uses and at all times for residential uses, and shall remain accessible and available to all occupants and patrons of uses and structures. In no event shall parking facilities that are required for a structure or use be considered as providing any of the required parking spaces for any other structure or use.

I. Accessible Parking. Each lot where automobile parking is provided for the public as clients, guests, or employees shall include automobile parking accessible to disabled persons, in compliance with the Building Code.

1. New Structures and New Land Uses. Accessible parking spaces must be provided in addition to the minimum number of automobile parking spaces required if both of the following apply:

a. One or fewer automobile parking spaces are required and provided for the new structure or new use; and

b. Signed, accessible, automobile parking spaces are required by the Building Code.

If voluntary automobile parking spaces are provided where there are no parking minimums, accessible parking shall be provided as required by the Building Code; however, the total number of parking spaces shall not exceed any maximum parking requirement.

2. Existing Structures and Existing Land Uses. The conversion of one or more existing automobile parking spaces to accessible uncovered automobile parking spaces, associated access aisles, and components of an accessible route (sloped walkways and ramps/landings/guard rails), is allowed, even if the conversion results in fewer automobile parking spaces on the lot than required, pursuant to the following:

a. Configuration. The accessibility improvement is designed and provided for persons with disabilities as required by the Building Code, on existing multi-unit residential, mixed-use, or nonresidential development.

b. Existing Development. This allowance is applicable to existing automobile parking spaces on existing development only, and shall not be used to provide fewer automobile parking spaces than are required for a project consisting of new or reconstructed structures.

c. Minimum Size. The accessibility improvement is the minimum size required by the Building Code.

d. Modifications. If the accessibility improvement does not meet these criteria, a Modification for reasonable accommodations will be made, if found to be consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act;[1] see Chapter 30.250, Modifications.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.

J. Assigned Parking. Lots developed with multiple uses and a shared parking area shall not assign automobile and bicycle parking spaces to individual tenant spaces or uses, with the following exceptions:

1. Required residential automobile and bicycle parking spaces in any mixed-use development shall be assigned to residential occupants;

2. Designated off-site automobile parking spaces, approved pursuant to Section 30.175.060A.1, Allowance for Off-Site Parking, shall be assigned; and

3. When parking spaces are provided in tandem configuration or in mechanical lifts they may be required to be assigned to residential occupants, or individual tenant spaces or users, as determined by the Public Works Director.

K. Recorded Agreement. A Recorded Agreement, pursuant to Chapter 30.260, Recorded Agreements, shall be required by the Community Development Director whenever there is a special circumstance which requires a written agreement between one or more landowners and the City is required to guarantee permanent access to, or use of, any parking facility, loading area, driveway, or maneuvering area. Examples include, but are not limited to, offsite parking and maneuvering areas, or parking and maneuvering areas that overlap multiple property lines.

L. Commercial Vehicles. Parking of commercial vehicles on any lot developed solely with residential uses is limited to the time necessary to transact business or provide a service at a residence.

M. Inoperable and Unregistered Vehicles. All vehicles incapable of movement under their own power or vehicles not currently registered for use on the street shall be stored in an entirely enclosed space. This provision does not apply to Automobile and Vehicle Repair, Major, Salvage and Wrecking, and Towing and Impound establishments.

N. Covered Parking. Automobile parking spaces required for all uses may be provided as either covered parking (e.g., garage, carport, podium parking, underground parking), or uncovered parking (e.g., surface parking or parking lots) or a combination of both, subject to the standards in this chapter and the following provisions:

1. Automobile parking spaces for any nonresidential use are not allowed in individual garages or carports to ensure that such spaces remain available for use by the public. An exception may be approved by the Public Works Director upon determining whether the use or location has adequate parking areas available for public use.

2. Existing covered parking may be converted to residential use or other allowed accessory uses pursuant to Sections 30.185.040, Accessory Dwelling Units, and 30.140.112, Garage Conversions.

O. Guest Parking. Except for residential development located in the Central Business District, guest automobile parking is required for all multi-unit residential development and for residential units in a mixed-use development, as follows:

1. One to Five Units: None required.

2. Six to Seven Units: One parking space.

3. Eight or More Units: One space per four units.

P. Maintenance. Parking lots, including all landscaped areas, parking spaces, driveways, and loading areas, shall be maintained free of refuse, debris, weeds, or other accumulated matter and shall be kept in good repair at all times.

Q. Standards for Voluntary Parking. If a project provides parking voluntarily, where there are no parking minimums per this Title or any other provision of local, state, or federal law, or where more spaces than the minimum required are provided, the total number of parking spaces shall not exceed any maximum parking allowance in this Title, and the following standards shall apply:

1. Accessible Parking and Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Required. All new residential and nonresidential structures shall provide electric vehicle charging spaces and parking spaces that are accessible to persons with disabilities based on the number of voluntary parking spaces provided.

2. Bicycle Parking Required. Bicycle parking is required pursuant to Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, even if automobile parking is not required.

3. Parking Costs Unbundled from the Cost of Other Goods and Services. Voluntary off-street parking spaces may be leased or sold separately from the rental, lease or purchase fees for residential units or nonresidential tenant spaces for the life of the building. Renters or buyers of on-site affordable units shall have an equal opportunity to rent or buy a parking space on the same terms and conditions as offered to renters or buyers of other residential units.

4. Design Standards. All voluntary parking areas shall be designed and developed consistent with the standards of this chapter and the City Access and Parking Design Standards.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. Each lot shall provide the minimum number of automobile and bicycle parking spaces stated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, except as provided below.

1. Minimum Number of Spaces. Fractions shall be rounded pursuant to Section 30.15.050, Fractions.

a. Automobile Parking. If the result of rounding is less than one automobile parking space, a minimum of one automobile parking space shall be required for every new use established and new main building constructed.

b. Bicycle Parking. When bicycle parking is required pursuant to this chapter, and the result of rounding is less than one space, a minimum of one bicycle parking space shall be provided. Rounding for bicycle parking shall take place prior to the determination of the numbers of short term and long term bicycle parking, as described below.

c. Short-Term and Long-Term Bicycle Parking. When the numbers of short- and long-term bicycle parking spaces required per Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, result in fractions of a space, the one remaining required bicycle parking space represented by the sum of the fractions may be provided as either short term or long term.

2. Central Business District. Lots within the Central Business District shown on Figure 30.175B, Central Business District and Parking Zones of Benefit,[1] are subject to the parking requirements of Section 30.175.050B, Central Business District (CBD).

[1]

Editor's Note: Figure 30.175 is included as an attachment to this title.

3. Exceptions and Reductions. The required number of automobile and bicycle parking spaces may be reduced if an exception applies, or a reduction is approved pursuant to Section 30.175.050, Parking Exceptions and Reductions.

TABLE 30.175.040: REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES

B. Standards for Specific Uses and Activities. The number of required automobile and bicycle parking spaces for the following specific uses and activities shall be calculated as follows:

1. Parking for Multiple Uses. For uses other than shopping centers and accessory uses, if more than one use is proposed on a lot, the number of required automobile and bicycle parking spaces shall be equal to the sum of the parking requirement calculated separately for each use as described below.

a. Separation. Multiple uses with different automobile and bicycle parking requirements located in the same building must be physically separated with a fixed barrier, of a sufficient height and material to adequately separate uses, or the automobile and bicycle parking requirement shall be calculated at the highest rate for all uses.

b. Common Areas. Common areas, such as hallways or shared bathrooms, for multiple uses shall be calculated using the highest automobile and bicycle parking rate for all proposed uses.

2. Parking for Shopping Centers. Shopping centers may provide required automobile parking spaces at a rate of one space per 250 square feet of net floor area, and bicycle parking at a rate of one space per 1,750 square feet of net floor area, of all buildings occupied with a commercial use, even if a higher minimum parking requirement is indicated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, for individual uses. This provision does not apply if the shopping center includes any of the following uses: Hotels and Similar Uses, Residential, Public and Semi-Public, Industrial, or Transportation, Communication and Utilities.

3. Parking for Accessory Uses. If the floor area of any accessory use does not exceed the maximum size, as described in Section 30.185.030, Accessory Uses, additional automobile and bicycle parking spaces shall not be required for any accessory use, even if a higher minimum parking requirement is indicated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. However, manufacturing, warehouse, or storage use that is incidental, or accessory to, a primary use shall not be parked at a lower rate than that required for the primary use.

4. Parking for Outdoor Uses. The area of any outdoor use that requires automobile or bicycle parking spaces per Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, shall be identified on an approved plan and shall be demarcated on the site with a fixed barrier which may include, but is not limited to, bollards, railings, posts, walls, fences, patios, planters, or any similar visual or physical border.

5. Parking for Fleet Vehicles. Any use that operates more than three fleet vehicles shall provide off-street parking spaces for all fleet vehicles in addition to the automobile and bicycle parking spaces required by Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, for employee and customer parking.

6. Vehicles as Inventory. Any use that retains an inventory of vehicles for sale, repair, or rental shall provide off-street storage space for those vehicles and shall not utilize the automobile or bicycle parking spaces required by Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, for vehicle storage or vehicle inventory.

7. Parking for Group Residential, Hotels and Similar Uses. Required automobile parking for Group Residential, Hotels and Similar Uses, is as follows:

a. Guestrooms without kitchens provided in the unit: shall provide one automobile parking space per guestroom, plus one automobile parking space per caretaker's unit in a Hotel and Similar Uses, if applicable.

b. Guestrooms with kitchens provided in the unit: shall provide either one automobile parking space per guestroom, or per the automobile parking requirements for the Residential Housing Type in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, whichever is greater.

c. If individual beds are provided for rent, rather than rooms (e.g., youth hostel or dormitory), the automobile parking requirement is one automobile parking space per two beds. A "bed" for the purposes of this section shall mean 70 square feet in any guestroom.

d. Auxiliary uses, including restaurants, spas, fitness centers, retail or similar uses, which are restricted to hotel occupants and their guests, shall require no additional automobile or bicycle parking spaces.

e. Auxiliary uses, including restaurants, spas, fitness centers, retail or similar uses, which are available to members of the public and hotel occupants and their guests, shall require additional automobile and bicycle parking spaces pursuant to Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. However, no conference centers in a hotel shall require additional automobile or bicycle parking spaces.

f. For automobile and bicycle parking required for Hotels and Similar Uses in the Central Business District, see Section 30.175.050B.1.a.ii.

8. Vehicle Repair Bays. Vehicle repair bays for any use shall not be counted as parking spaces.

9. Parking for Warehousing and Storage. Warehousing and storage uses that meet the following standards may use the automobile and bicycle parking requirement for Warehousing and Storage uses in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. Other warehousing and storage uses shall use the required automobile and bicycle parking rate for the most similar industrial or commercial use.

a. Warehousing and Storage is an allowed use in the Zone.

b. With the exception of Personal Storage, a minimum of 1,000 net square feet of contiguous, undivided warehouse or storage area is provided.

c. The warehouse or storage use is not accessory to a primary use.

10. Uses Not Specified. If automobile and bicycle parking requirements for a use are not specified in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, automobile and bicycle parking spaces shall be required in an amount adequate to meet the purpose of this chapter, as determined by the Community Development Director, in consultation with the Public Works Director taking into consideration factors such as parking demand and similar uses listed in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

(Ord. 5815, 2017; Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Affordable and Senior Housing. Unless further reduced by any applicable State law, development in which 100% of the units are developed as affordable to very low or low income households, or Senior Housing, may reduce the number of automobile parking spaces to one uncovered automobile parking space per unit, and units restricted to Low Income Senior Housing may reduce the number of automobile parking spaces to one automobile parking space for every two units, provided the following conditions are met:

1. Storage Space. Each unit shall have a minimum of 200 cubic feet of enclosed, weatherproofed, and lockable private storage space for the sole use of the unit tenant. Such space shall be accessible from the exterior of the unit it serves and shall have a minimum dimension of three feet.

2. Recorded Covenant. A covenant is recorded in the County Land Records against the title stating the following. The City shall be a party to the covenant.

a. All of the residential units on real property shall be rented or sold to very low, or low income households or seniors; the maximum rent or sales price and the maximum household income of occupants or owners shall be determined as set forth in State law or the Affordable Housing Policies and Procedures Manual. Affordability shall continue for a minimum of 90 years from the initial occupancy of the residential unit, unless otherwise stipulated.

b. The development has received a reduction in the amount of automobile parking required because it is a 100% affordable or senior project. In the event that the real property, or any portion thereof, is not or cannot be used solely for very low or low income or senior housing, either (i) the structure(s) shall be redesigned and possibly reconstructed and the number of residential units shall be reduced so that the maximum number of residential units on real property does not exceed the number of residential units that would be allowed if there is compliance with the City's parking requirements then in effect; or (ii) the owner shall provide the number of automobile parking spaces required by this chapter for the new use.

3. Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking is provided pursuant to Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

B. Central Business District (CBD).

1. Automobile Parking. The number of automobile parking spaces required within the Central Business District (CBD) delineated in Figure 30.175, Central Business District and Parking Zones of Benefit,[1] shall be as follows.

a. Nonresidential Parking. One automobile parking space per 500 square feet of net floor area.

i. Zone of Benefit Reduction. The number of required automobile parking spaces shall be reduced by the applicable Zone of Benefit Reduction percentage. If more than one Zone of Benefit reduction applies, the applicable percentage is the sum of all applicable Zones of Benefit percentages.

ii. Hotels and Similar Uses. The number of required automobile parking spaces shall be the lesser of one space per 500 square feet or per Section 30.175.040B.7, Parking for Group Residential, Hotels and Similar Uses.

b. Residential Only Parking. Residential-only developments shall provide automobile parking in accordance with Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces; however, guest parking is not required.

c. Mixed-Use Developments. The residential parking requirement for mixed-use developments in the CBD is one uncovered automobile parking space per residential unit, and guest parking is not required.

[1]

Editor's Note: Figure 30.175 is included as an attachment to this title.

2. Bicycle Parking. The number of bicycle parking spaces required within the Central Business District delineated in Figure 30.175, Central Business District and Parking Zones of Benefit, shall be as stated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. However, short term bicycle parking is not required for any nonresidential uses on State Street and in the first block east or west of State Street.

C. Mixed-Use Developments. Where residential uses occupy less than 50% of the total net floor area of a mixed-use development, the number of required residential automobile parking spaces shall be one space per unit unless fewer are allowed by Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces. Guest parking is required. Required bicycle parking shall be as stated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

D. Reduction for Bicycle Parking. In an existing parking lot, uncovered automobile parking spaces required for any residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development may be substituted with bicycle parking, pursuant to the following:

1. One of every seven required automobile parking spaces, up to a maximum of two spaces, may be substituted with bicycle parking;

2. Six bicycle parking spaces shall be provided for each substituted automobile parking space;

3. An adequate maneuvering aisle shall be provided;

4. Bicycle parking spaces provided shall be consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Guidelines;

5. The bicycle parking spaces shall be located as near as practical to the primary entrance of the main building or buildings; and

6. This allowance is applicable to existing automobile parking spaces on existing development only, and shall not be used to provide fewer automobile parking spaces than are required for a project consisting of new or reconstructed buildings.

E. Reduction for Motorcycle Parking. In an existing parking lot, uncovered automobile parking spaces required for any nonresidential development may be substituted with motorcycle parking, pursuant to the following:

1. One of every 20 required automobile parking spaces up to a maximum of five spaces, may be substituted with motorcycle parking;

2. Two motorcycle parking spaces shall be provided for each substituted automobile parking space;

3. An adequate maneuvering aisle shall be provided;

4. Motorcycle parking spaces provided shall be consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Guidelines;

5. The motorcycle parking spaces shall be located as near as practical to the primary entrance of the main building or buildings; and

6. This allowance is applicable to existing automobile parking spaces on existing development only, and shall not be used to provide fewer automobile parking spaces than are required for a project consisting of new or reconstructed buildings.

F. Reduction for Parking Area Improvements. In an existing parking lot, the Community Development Director may approve a reduction of up to 10% of the required parking spaces, or two required automobile parking spaces, whichever is greater, for multi-unit residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development, in order to:

1. Provide appropriately screened and located trash and recycling areas, or

2. Make an improvement to the existing circulation, safety or other required parking lot design and development standards.

This reduction is allowed only if the Community Development Director finds that no alternative methods for achieving the same result can be made without a reduction in automobile parking spaces. This allowance is applicable to existing automobile parking spaces on existing development only, and shall not be used to provide fewer automobile parking spaces than are required for a project consisting of new or reconstructed buildings.

G. Reduction for Carsharing Program. Required automobile parking spaces may be substituted with designated Carshare Vehicle parking spaces on multi-unit residential, nonresidential and mixed-use development, pursuant to the following:

1. Up to a maximum of 10% of the required automobile parking spaces required for any multi-unit residential or mixed-use development, may be designated as Carshare Vehicle parking spaces. Up to a maximum of 25% of required automobile parking spaces may be designated as Carshare Vehicle parking spaces on a site developed with exclusively nonresidential uses.

2. Carshare Vehicles shall be maintained for active use by Carshare Service and not for other purposes. No sales, servicing, storage, repair, administrative or similar functions shall occur, and no personnel shall be employed on the site except for occasional short-term maintenance of vehicles unless otherwise allowed by the land use regulations in the zoning district.

3. Carshare Vehicles shall be made available to members of the Carsharing Service through an unattended, self-service operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

4. All owners of a lot, including any applicable Homeowner's Associations, shall be required to grant permission for the operation or parking of a Carshare Vehicle on their property.

5. A permit is required to establish Carsharing Service on any lot.

H. Small Residential Unit Reduction. Required automobile parking for any residential unit with 600 square feet or less of livable floor area, excluding covered parking, and no more than one bedroom, is one uncovered automobile parking space per unit. Required bicycle parking shall be as stated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces.

I. Reduction for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) shall be designed and provided in compliance with the Building Code. Required automobile parking spaces may be substituted with designated electric vehicle charging stations, pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22511.2 and the following:

1. The electric vehicle charging space shall comply with all standards for parking areas pursuant to this chapter;

2. The location of electric vehicle charging stations, and associated equipment, shall meet the standards in Section 30.140.130, Mechanical and Other Equipment.

J. Reduction for Development Near Major Public Transit. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65863.2, new residential or nonresidential development, located within one-half mile of a major transit stop as defined in Public Resources Code, Section 21155, subdivision (b), shall have no minimum vehicular parking requirement; provided that:

1. The development would not have a substantially negative impact as described in Government Code Section 65863.2(b);

2. The development does not include Hotels and Similar Uses.

a. Exception. Portions of the development reserved for residential use or any commercial areas that are separate and distinct from the hotel use, cannot be accessed from the interior of the hotel, and are leased to a concessionaire for public use (e.g., restaurant, bar, market, etc.), do qualify for parking exemptions under Government Code Section 65863.2;

3. The development does not include Large-Scale Commercial Entertainment and Recreation; and

4. If voluntary parking is provided, all of the standards in Section 30.175.030Q, Standards for Voluntary Parking, are met.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

A. Applicability. These location standards apply to passenger vehicles, including automobiles and motorcycles, and to bicycles and light-duty trucks used primarily for personal transportation. Buses, commercial vehicles, and other non-passenger vehicles are subject to the regulations in Section 30.175.030L, Commercial Vehicles. The outdoor storage of trailers, airplanes, boats, recreational vehicles (RVs), and other non-passenger vehicles is subject to Section 30.140.220, Trash, Recycling, and Personal Outdoor Storage.

B. On-Site Parking Required. Required automobile and bicycle parking shall be located on the same lot as the use served except as allowed below.

1. Allowance for Off-Site Parking. Required automobile parking may be located in an offsite facility, subject to approval by the Community Development Director, provided the following conditions are met:

a. Location. Any off-site automobile parking facility must be located closer than 500 feet, along a designated pedestrian route, of the principal entrance containing the use for which the parking is required. The Public Works Director may approve a distance of up to 1,250 feet for nonresidential uses only.

b. Assigned. Off-site automobile parking areas shall be assigned to the site with parking directional signs, both on-site and off-site.

c. Recorded Agreement. A Recorded Agreement is required pursuant to Chapter 30.260, Recorded Agreements.

C. Uncovered Parking. Uncovered automobile and bicycle parking must comply with the required setbacks of the applicable zone, unless otherwise provided in this section. Where no specific setback is identified for uncovered parking, the required setback is the same as that required for covered parking, or the smallest required setback in the zone, whichever is greater.

D. Setbacks. Automobile, bicycle, and other vehicle parking shall not be located within any front or interior setback, except as follows:

1. Front Setback Reduction for Uncovered Bicycle Parking. Uncovered bicycle parking may be located within the front setback for nonresidential, multi-unit residential, and mixed-use developments, provided it does not exceed 50% of the total front setback area, exclusive of driveways, turnarounds, or parking areas.

2. Interior Setback Reduction for Covered Bicycle Parking. Covered bicycle parking lockers may be located within interior setbacks in accordance with Section 30.140.240, Yard Buildings.

E. Front Yard Parking — Single-Unit and Two-Unit Residential Development. Uncovered automobile, bicycle, and vehicle parking in the front yard, as defined in Section 30.300.250 "Y," Yard, Front, is prohibited on any single-unit or two-unit residential development unless it is screened pursuant to Section 30.140.155, Screening.

F. Vehicle Overhang. The vehicle overhang is considered part of the parking space and shall not encroach into any sidewalk, roadway, setback, adjoining property lines, or reduce the clear area of walkways or access aisles.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

Bicycle parking shall be provided in accordance with the Building Code except where greater requirements are identified below.

A. Bicycle Parking Spaces Required. Each land use shall be provided at least the number of long-term and short term bicycle parking spaces stated in Table 30.175.040, Required Off-Street Parking Spaces, unless a reduction is approved pursuant to Section 30.175.070B, Bicycle Parking Reductions.

1. Long-term bicycle parking is covered and secured, and intended for use by residents, employees or students for long time periods.

2. Short-term bicycle parking is conveniently located and intended for use by business patrons, visitors, and guests for a shorter time.

3. Bicycle parking is required even if automobile parking is not required.

B. Bicycle Parking Facility Design. All bicycle parking facilities shall be designed and constructed consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Standards, as determined by the Public Works Director.

C. Bicycle Parking Reductions. The number, percentages, or other standards for required long term and short term bicycle parking spaces may be reduced or waived if the Public Works Director finds that:

1. Adequate site space is not available on an existing development to provide bicycle parking; or

2. Reduced bicycle parking is justified by reasonably anticipated demand; or

3. Other criteria based on unusual or specific circumstances of the particular case as deemed appropriate by the Public Works Director.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

These standards are intended to create a landscaped setback area that will appropriately limit and screen vehicle parking areas to protect adjacent land uses and pedestrians; enhance privacy; attenuate noise; control dust; and reduce glare and light trespass.

A. Landscape. Public and private parking lots with four or more uncovered parking spaces, driveways, and areas between driveways and buildings, shall include minimum landscape areas in compliance with Table 30.175.080.A: Parking Area Landscape.

TABLE 30.175.080.A: PARKING AREA LANDSCAPE Perimeter Planters

B. Fences and Hedges. On a site with five or more uncovered surface automobile parking spaces, parking and loading areas shall be screened from adjacent residential uses or zones by a six-foot-tall wall, fence, or hedge, except within the visibility triangle described in Section 30.140.230, Visibility at Driveways and Intersections, where the maximum height is 42 inches.

C. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be set back a minimum of three feet from parking areas and driveways. Footing design shall allow for planting in the space between the parking area and retaining wall.

D. Visibility. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, fences, hedges, and landscape must comply with Section 30.140.230, Visibility at Driveways and Intersections.

E. Licensed Architect Required. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared by an architect or landscape architect registered in the State of California, unless reduced or waived by the Review Authority.

F. Maintenance. All vegetation shown on an approved parking area landscape plan shall be maintained and shall not be altered or removed except as allowed pursuant to Chapter 22.11, Maintenance of Approved Landscape Plans, and Chapter 15.24, Preservation of Trees, of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code.

G. Alternative Landscape Designs. Where an applicant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the applicable Design Review Body that variations in the requirements of this section are warranted in order to provide relief for existing site constraints, or to achieve a superior aesthetic or environmental design, an alternative parking area landscape design with modified planter widths or quantity of trees may be approved.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)

All new or altered covered and uncovered parking areas shall be designed and developed consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Standards and the following standards.

A. Circulation and Safety.

1. Visibility shall be assured for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists entering, circulating within and leaving a parking facility consistent with Section 30.140.230, Visibility at Driveways and Intersections.

2. Parking lots shall be designed so that sanitation, emergency, and other public service vehicles can provide service without backing out or making other dangerous or hazardous turning movements.

3. Backing out onto a public street or sidewalk from a parking space shall be allowed only for Single-Unit and Two-Unit Residential, and where not more than four parking spaces are provided.

4. All turnaround movements shall be accomplished in one maneuver. One maneuver is considered to be one back up and one forward movement.

5. All automobile parking spaces shall be clearly marked with paint or other similar distinguishable material, unless reduced or waived by the Public Works Director.

B. Pedestrian Access. Safe, accessible, direct and convenient off-street pedestrian circulation consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Standards shall be provided for all developments unless reduced or waived by the Public Works Director.

C. Driveways. Driveway access to automobile parking areas shall be consistent with the City Access and Parking Design Standards and the California Fire Code as amended and adopted by ordinance of this City.

1. Driveways, fire lanes, or other required vehicular maneuvering areas in any parking lot shall not be used for parking of vehicles or other storage that prohibits access.

2. Circular driveways, multiple driveways, or motor courts in any setback are prohibited, unless determined by the Public Works Director to be necessary for safety or necessary to serve permitted parking spaces.

3. All driveways and turnarounds shall serve approved parking areas or loading areas only, and shall not exceed the minimum dimensions necessary for vehicular maneuvering. If a driveway or driveway approach is no longer necessary to serve an approved parking area or loading area, all paving shall be removed, and the curb, gutter, and sidewalk shall be replaced to meet City Construction Standard Details.

D. Gates. In order to prevent vehicle obstructions of the street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, all driveway gates shall be setback a minimum of 20 feet from the front lot line for any use. Driveway gates for nonresidential uses may be located closer than 20 feet if the gates remain open during business hours. A waiver to this standard may be approved by the Public Works Director when it is determined the gate would not create potential street obstructions.

E. Loading. For residential developments, loading activities (e.g., move in and move out, deliveries, and servicing) can be accommodated on-street if there is on-street parking adjacent to the property and would not conflict with street traffic operations. For all new mixed-use and nonresidential development, off-street loading is required unless a waiver is granted from the Public Works Director.

F. Tandem Parking. Tandem parking is prohibited unless approved with a waiver by the Public Works Director and in accordance with the following.

1. Residential Uses.

a. Accessory Dwelling Unit, Multi-Unit, Two-Unit, and Mixed-Use Development. Tandem automobile parking for projects where the parking for the primary unit was displaced by the addition of an accessory dwelling unit, or multi-unit residential, or for residential uses in a mixed-use development, shall meet the following:

i. No more than two automobiles shall be placed one behind the other;

ii. Both automobile parking spaces parked in tandem shall be assigned to the same residential unit;

iii. Automobile movements necessary to move cars parked in a tandem arrangement shall not take place on any street or alley, unless approved by the Public Works Director; and

iv. Vertical or stackable tandem parking, provided by means of mechanical lifts, is subject to approval by the Public Works Director. Mechanical lifts shall be fully enclosed within a structure and shall require a recorded maintenance agreement, pursuant to Chapter 30.260, Recorded Agreements.

b. Single-Unit Development. For single-unit residences, not including accessory dwelling units, tandem automobile parking shall only be approved with a waiver if the Public Works Director finds that the tandem parking is needed for flexibility on a constrained lot, and where tandem parking does not create a safety hazard or traffic impacts. If approved, no more than two automobile spaces shall be placed one behind the other, and both automobile spaces parked in tandem shall be assigned to the same residential unit.

2. Nonresidential Uses. Tandem automobile parking for nonresidential uses shall meet the following:

a. Allowed Uses. Limited to Hospitals and Clinics, Medical and Dental Offices, and Hotels and Similar Uses or other uses as determined by the Public Works Director;

b. Minimum Number of Spaces. Parking lots used for tandem automobile parking shall contain a minimum of 20 automobile parking spaces;

c. Design and Operation. Shall be designed and operated as valet parking in compliance with all standards in Section 30.175.090G, Valet Parking; and

d. Recorded Agreement Required. A recorded agreement shall be executed establishing the valet parking will be maintained and reserved for the uses served for as long as such uses are in operation.

G. Valet Parking. Valet parking is prohibited unless a Valet Parking Plan is submitted to the City and approved by the Public Works Director demonstrating compliance with the requirements of this section. Valet parking shall comply with all of the following:

1. Sites utilizing valet parking shall not use any street, alley, or City-owned parking facilities for automobile storage, pickup, drop-off, or interfere with any right-of-way without approval of the Public Works Director;

2. Vehicle movements in a tandem arrangement shall not take place on any street or alley without approval of the Public Works Director;

3. The valet drop-off lanes, and any associated kiosks or other similar items, shall be located to allow for the safe and efficient function of the valet operation, in that it will neither adversely impact the parking and internal circulation of the parking lot or any adjacent right-of-way, nor encroach into any required fire lane access area;

4. Valet parking shall not interfere with, reduce, remove, or utilize any automobile or bicycle parking spaces required for any other use; and

5. Sites utilizing valet parking shall ensure a parking attendant will be on duty at all times that the facility is in use, and sufficient staff and facilities to ensure that automobiles are moved for parking promptly. No automobile queuing or parking is allowed in travel lanes at any time. If the site is unable to satisfy the valet parking demand and queuing or double-parking occurs, the operation shall be temporarily closed, until the demand can be properly handled, and shall display a sign with the word "FULL" that is clearly visible to approaching traffic.

Valet parking may be required by the Public Works Director for projects with parking lifts or parking machines serving nonresidential uses in which the parking facility serves infrequent users (e.g., customers), or where the duration of visit is anticipated to be for a short period of time.

H. Parking Lifts and Machines. Parking lifts and parking machines may be allowed per the criteria outlined in the City Access and Parking Design Standards.

I. Materials. All required automobile parking areas and driveways shall be fully hard surfaced with asphaltic concrete of minimum thickness of two inches, with four inches compacted base, or other techniques or materials providing equivalent service. Gravel, dirt, and other similar loose materials are prohibited in driveways, turnarounds, or parking areas. The Public Works Director may grant a waiver to allow gravel or other loose material in any driveway, turnaround, or surface parking space if the gravel or loose materials are a minimum of 100 feet from any right-of-way, or if other site conditions do not present a safety hazard such as the roadway volumes or slope of driveway, and provided that the borders of any such parking spaces are clearly delineated with a hard-surfaced edging material such as pavers or raised blocks.

J. Waiver. The Public Works Director may approve waivers to parking area standards whenever specified in this Title or as specified within the City Access and Parking Design Standards.

(Ord. 6171, 2/25/2025; Ord. 6217, 4/21/2026)