Part 3 — OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES

• Editor’s Note: This part was originally adopted as a part of the underlying zoning ordinance, Ord. 85-05. It was revised in its entirety by Ord. 85-46, adopted 5-2585, effective as of 6-27-85.

The purpose of the regulations contained herein is to reduce street congestion and traffic hazards and to add to the safety and convenience of citizens, by providing adequate, attractively designed, and functional facilities for off-street parking and loading as an integral part of every use of land in the city. A further purpose is to promote sustainable and alternative transportation practices and transportation/ parking management. This section of the zoning ordinance is also part of the Local Coastal Implementation Plan.

(Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2017-02 § 1, 2017: Ord. 2013-10 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 200225 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 94-33 § 59, 1994: Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

At the time any building or structure is constructed, erected or modified, or a use established, there shall be provided on the same site, for the use of the occupants, guests, clients, customers or visitors thereof, off-street parking spaces for vehicles in accordance with the requirements herein. Alternatives in lieu of or in addition to parking may be required.

(Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2013-10 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2002-25 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

1. Off-street parking and loading require-

ments set forth in this part shall not apply to:

• a. Agricultural uses; or

• b. Development within one-half mile of a

• major transit stop.

(i) This exception shall not apply to any lodging use or where the city is authorized to enforce minimum auto parking requirements pursuant to California Government Code Section 65863.2(b).

2. The off-street loading facilities (Section 24.12.295) set forth in this part shall not apply when:

a. A project, pursuant to subsection (1)(b), provides zero off-street parking.

b. The total length of existing on-street loading zones, measured around the block perimeter, satisfy the requirements of Section 24.12.295(3).

(Ord. 2025-15 § 33, 2025; Ord. 2023-06 § 1, 2023; Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2013-10 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2002-25 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

A design permit is required for a new facility or an existing facility proposed for modification, containing five or more spaces. (Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2013-10 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2002-25 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

1. Where the computation of required parking spaces produces a fractional result, fractions of one-half or greater shall require one full parking space.

24-147

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.240

24-148

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.240

24-148.1

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.240

24-148.2

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.240

==> picture [456 x 345] intentionally omitted <==

2. Covered Parking. All residential development has the option of including covered or enclosed parking, consistent with other zoning standards. No covered or enclosed parking is required for any residential or mixed-use housing unit.

3. Unbundled Parking. All residential development has the option to rent or sell offstreet parking spaces separately from the rental or purchase of dwelling units for the life of the dwelling units, such that potential renters or buyers shall have the option of renting or buying a dwelling unit at a price lower than would be the case if there were a single price for both the dwelling unit and the parking space(s). Unbundled parking will qualify for a reduced parking requirement when executed in conformance with the requirements of Section 24.12.290(3)(e).

4. The following exceptions may be granted for specific types of residential projects:

a. Exceptions to parking requirements may be granted to publicly subsidized housing units, affordable housing projects, and projects for special needs or senior tenants where such requirements are in conflict with state or federal regulations or funding policies.

b. SRO parking requirements may be reduced by one-quarter space for each dwelling unit if the project is either located:

(1) Within one-quarter mile or one thousand three hundred twenty feet of an alternative parking facility and spaces are available and can be committed to residents; or

(2) Within one-quarter mile or one thousand three hundred twenty feet of access to public transportation such as a bus stop.

24-148.3

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.241

c. Parking requirements for mixed-use developments in the I-G District, as permitted under Section 24.10.1510(2)(j)(3), may be reduced by a maximum of four-tenths space for each dwelling unit as a part of an on-site shared parking plan.

d. In addition to the allowances afforded through accessory dwelling unit regulations in Part 2 of Chapter 24.16, existing covered parking may be converted into additional units if all the requirements for the underlying zoning district can be met and replacement parking can be provided that meets the other parking requirements herein.

5. No more than forty percent of the front setback of a residential property developed with up to four dwelling units (excluding any ADUs or junior ADUs) shall be utilized or developed for parking. No portion of the front setback of a residential property developed with more than four dwelling units (excluding any ADUs or junior ADUs) shall be utilized or developed for parking (see also Section 24.12.185(6)). No more than fifty percent of the front setback of a residential property may be paved or covered with any impervious surface.

(Ord. 2024-24 § 16, 2025; Ord. 2023-06 § 2, 2023; Ord. 2022-19 § 48, 2022; Ord. 2022-02 § 5, 2022; Ord. 2021-15 § 5, 2021; Ord. 202021 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2019-03 § 12, 2019; Ord. 2016-11 § 38, 2016: Ord. 2016-19 § 2, 2016: Ord. 2015-11 § 1, 2015; Ord. 2013-10 § 1 (part), 2013: Ord. 2008-14 § 3, 2008: Ord. 2007-21 § 2, 2007: Ord. 2006-18 § 5, 2006:

Ord. 2004-02 § 2, 2004: Ord. 2002-25 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 2002-02 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 91-14 § 5, 1991; Ord. 90-38 § 1, 1990; Ord. 89-38 § 1, 1989; Ord. 87-22 § 10, 1987; Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

Electric vehicle charging must be provided in accordance with the California Building Standards Code.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 34, 2025; Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2020-16 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2017-02 § 2, 2017)

State law related to automobile parking reductions or elimination does not apply to bicycle parking.

1. Bicycle parking facilities shall be provided for any new building, addition or enlargement of an existing building, or for any change in the occupancy.

2. Bike Spaces and Type Required. Bicycle parking facilities’ quantity and type shall be provided in accordance with the following schedule, with fractional quantity requirements for bike parking over one-half to be rounded up. Each bicycle parking space shall be no less than six feet long by two feet wide and shall have a bicycle rack system in compliance with the bike rack classifications listed in subsection (4).

24-148.4

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.250

24-148.5

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

==> picture [481 x 651] intentionally omitted <==

24-148.6

(Supp. No. xx – 10/8/2025)

24.12.250

3. For projects requiring twenty or more bike parking spaces, a bike fix-it station is required. A fix-it station shall include at a minimum a bicycle pump; 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm Allen wrenches; 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, and 32 mm box wrenches; two tire levers; and a Phillips and flat head screwdriver. For projects requiring twenty or more bicycle parking spaces, a minimum of five percent of required bicycle parking spaces must have a larger footprint of three feet by ten feet, which must be provided in a horizontal, floor level rack. These spaces will be available for larger bicycles such as e- bikes, cargo bikes, bikes with trailers, and other larger bicycles.

4. Classification of Facilities.

a. “Class 1 bicycle facility” means a locker, individually locked enclosure or supervised area within a building providing protection for each bicycle therein from theft, vandalism and weather. Class 1 facilities are intended for long-term storage.

b. “Class 2 bicycle facility” means a stand or other device constructed so as to enable the user to secure by locking the frame and one wheel of each bicycle parked therein. Racks must provide two points of contact to bicycle frames, so that they are easily usable with both U-locks and cable locks. Racks should support the bikes in a stable upright position so that a bike, if bumped, will not fall or roll down. The preferred Class 2 bike rack style is an inverted U, which meets code requirements. Racks that support a bike primarily by a wheel, such as standard “wire racks,” are damaging to wheels and thus are not acceptable. Class 2 facilities are intended for short-term storage.

5. Location and Design of Facilities. a. Bicycle parking shall be located in welllit locations within forty feet of the building’s entrance and clustered in lots not to exceed sixteen spaces each.

b. Bicycle parking facilities shall provide two points of contact to bicycle frames to support bicycles in a stable position without damage to wheels, frame or other components.

c. Bicycle parking facilities shall be located in highly visible, well-lit areas to minimize theft and vandalism.

d. Bicycle parking facilities shall be securely anchored to the lot surface so they cannot be easily removed and shall be of sufficient strength to resist vandalism and theft.

e. Bicycle parking facilities shall not impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation, and should be harmonious with their environment both in color and design. Parking facilities should be incorporated whenever possible into building design or street furniture.

f. Racks must not be placed close enough to a wall or other obstruction so as to make use difficult. There must be sufficient space (at least twenty-four inches) beside each parked bike that allows access. This access may be shared by adjacent bicycles. An aisle or other space shall be provided to bicycles to enter and leave the facility. This aisle shall have a width of at least six feet to the front or rear of a bike parked in the facility.

g. Paving is not required, but the outside ground surface shall be finished or planted in a way that avoids mud and dust.

h. Bike parking facilities within auto parking areas shall be separated by a physical bar-

24-149

(Supp. No. xx – 9/22/2025)

24.12.252

rier to protect bicycles from damage by cars, such as curbs, wheel stops, poles or other similar features.

i. Any bicycle parking provided in doubledecker bicycle racks shall have a lift-assist mechanism to aid the user in parking their bicycle on the upper rack.

j. If vertical wall hanging bicycle racks are used for Class 2 bicycle parking, thirty percent of required Class 2 bicycle parking must be provided in racks that meet Class 2 requirements in subsection (4)(b) at ground level.

k. If required Class 2 bicycle parking is not clearly visible to bicyclists approaching from adjacent public roadways or paths, signs shall indicate the locations of the facilities on the exterior of the building at each major entrance and in other appropriate locations. Where necessary, additional directional signage to the bicycle parking area shall be provided.

on-site space is not available, as determined by the planning director. The city shall permit required bicycle parking within the public right-of-way for the downtown parking district area in locations and amounts determined by the director of public works.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 35, 2025; Ord. 2025-11 § 4, 2025; Ord. 2024-24 § 17, 2025; Ord. 2024-17 § 35, 2024; Ord. 2023-06 § 3, 2023; Ord. 202021 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2017-02 § 3, 2017: Ord. 9520 § 1, 1995: Ord. 94-15 § 1, 1994).

1. Employee shower facilities in compliance with ADA standards shall be provided for any new commercial building constructed or for any addition to or enlargement of any existing building in compliance with the following table:

2. Variation to Requirements.

a. Substitution of Car Parking With Bike Parking. New and preexisting developments may reduce up to ten percent of their parking requirement with the provision of unrequired additional bike parking, as long as the spaces are conveniently located within forty feet of a building entrance. This parking reduction must yield at least six bike parking spaces per converted auto space. These bike parking spaces shall be in addition to the bike parking facilities required by this section, and provided in the same ratio of Class 1 and Class 2. The total available parking reduction granted shall be calculated in conformance with the city parking reduction worksheet in effect at the time a complete planning application is submitted.

b. Where the provision of bike parking is not feasible, the requirements may be waived or reduced to a feasible level by the zoning administrator in accordance with city bike parking standards.

c. Downtown Plan Area – All Nonresidential Uses. Businesses and developments within Parking District No. 1 are not required to provide Class 2 bicycle parking on site if adequate

24-150/150.2

(Supp. No. xx – 9/22/2025)

24.12.270

2. Shower facilities shall include at least one personal locker for every twenty employees. If only one shower is provided it must be designed as a unisex facility that is accessible to the handicapped.

3. As an alternative to including shower facilities within a building, a new business may submit a written agreement for employees to utilize existing shower facilities of a business within three hundred feet of the project’s property lines. This agreement must be signed by both parties involved, allow use of the facilities in perpetuity, establish allowable hours of use, include provisions for maintenance, and involve shared liability agreements. (Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 94-15 § 2, 1994).

1. Parking Limit. The city may establish a maximum parking limit where a development proposal exceeds city standards for the number of parking spaces.

2. Compact Car Spaces. Up to fifty percent of a parking requirement may be designed for compact or small cars. Compact car spaces shall be sixteen feet long by seven and one-half feet and shall be labeled for compact cars only.

3. Accessible Facilities. Requirements for accessible parking spaces shall apply to all parking facilities, whether required or provided voluntarily. This section is intended to enforce the accessible parking requirements of state

law. Parking facilities specifically designed, located, and reserved for vehicles licensed by the state for use by the disabled shall be provided in a manner consistent with the California Building Standards Code and state law.

4. Electric Vehicle Parking. For the purposes of determining compliance with this section, a parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment or a parking space designated as a future electric vehicle charging space shall count as one standard automobile parking space, and an accessible parking space with an access aisle served by electric vehicle supply equipment or an accessible parking space with an aisle designated as a future electric vehicle charging space shall count as two standard automobile parking spaces. Electric vehicle parking facilities shall comply with all requirements of Section 24.12.241.

5. Cumulative Parking Requirements. When two or more uses are located in the same building or parcel and share common parking facilities, the parking requirements shall be the sum of the separate requirements for each use, except as may be provided for in Section 24.12.290.

(Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2016-11 § 39, 2016: Ord. 94-15 § 3, 1994: Ord. 89-09 § 1, 1989; Ord. 88-18 § 1, 1988; Ord. 85-65 § 1, 1985; Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

24-150.3

(Supp. No. xx – 11/21/2024)

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

==> picture [481 x 651] intentionally omitted <==

24-150.4

(Supp. No. xx – 11/21/2024)

24.12.280

1. Driveway Design Standards.

a. Parking facilities hereafter established and which are located adjacent to a required front yard in an adjoining A-District or R-District shall be provided with a clear vision area and parking facilities which are located adjacent to two intersecting streets shall include a clear corner triangle as defined in this title. These areas shall be maintained in conformance with Section 13.30.110.

b. The total clear space to accommodate a vehicle in driveways and private parking areas used as private parking facilities for singlefamily residential uses shall not be smaller than the dimensions of required on-site parking spaces.

c. Driveways shall be designed to conform with existing contours to the maximum extent feasible.

d. Driveways shall enter public/private streets in such a manner as to maintain adequate line of sight in clear vision areas and clear corner triangles based on AASHTO Green Book sight distances.

e. Driveways shall have a maximum grade of twenty-five percent as illustrated in the following diagram:

==> picture [219 x 137] intentionally omitted <==

• Back edge of standard city driveway.

• ** All percentages are measured from the edge of standard city driveway.

f. Driveways and approaches shall comply with the applicable standards set forth in Chapter 15.20.

2. Parking Facility Layout. The diagrams entitled “Sample Parking Designs and Standards,” included at the end of Part 3 of this chapter, shall be used for dimensions in the development and arrangement of parking spaces and parking areas. Layout and traffic flow is illustrative only and these standards may be varied with supportive documentation of acceptable circulation by a Californialicensed civil engineer.

a. Each standard-size parking space shall be not less than nineteen feet in length by eight and one-half feet in width. Each compact parking space shall be not less than sixteen feet in length by seven and one-half feet in width.

3. Access to Spaces or Facilities.

a. Access to parking facilities shall not be less than twenty feet in width; except as follows:

(1) Access to parking facilities containing five or fewer parking spaces shall be not less than ten feet in width, except as provided in subsection (1), Driveway Design Standards, for private facilities for single-family homes.

(2) Access to parking facilities containing between six and twenty parking spaces shall be not less than twelve feet in width.

(3) Where separate one-way drive aisles are proposed, each shall be not less than ten feet in width.

(4) The zoning administrator shall determine the width of driveways serving parking facilities in the GB-O District based on the following findings:

i. That the width is necessary to preserve the open-space character of the area; ii. That the width contributes to the compatible use of open-space lands.

(5) The public works department, planning and community development department, and/ or the fire department may approve designs that vary from the above standards based on the individual circumstances of a parcel or use.

b. Backing Out.

(1) General. Driveways and aisles in a parking facility shall be designed so that vehicles do

24-151

(Supp. No. xx – 9/22/2025)

24.12.280

not back out into a street other than a residential alley.

(2) Exceptions. Parking facilities for singlefamily dwellings and duplexes not located on a highway or major or minor arterial, as shown on the General Plan Land Use Map, may provide for backing into the street. Parking facilities for three-family dwelling or triplex or fourfamily dwelling or fourplex may be designed to back out onto a street only if the street is not an arterial or collector street.

(3) Dimensions. Public and private parking facilities shall provide at least twenty-four feet of clear area behind parking spaces for backing-out and turning movements when ninetydegree parking spaces are used, at least fifteen feet when forty-five-degree parking is used, and at least eighteen feet when sixty-degree parking is used. In unique situations, a California-licensed civil engineer may demonstrate with a turning diagram that this dimension can be reduced and still provide adequate on-site circulation for standard sized vehicles. Reductions in back-out area are subject to review and approval by the planning director or designee in consultation with the director of public works or designee.

4. Tandem Spaces.

a. Required parking spaces for residential uses may be provided in a tandem arrangement no more than three parking spaces deep. No parking space may be in tandem with a parking space for a separate dwelling unit except as allowed for accessory dwelling units.

5. Border Barricades. Every parking facility containing angled or ninety-degree parking spaces adjacent to a street right-of-way shall, except at entrance and exit drives, be developed with a solid curb or barrier along such street right-of-way line; or shall be provided with a suitable concrete barrier at least six inches in height and located not less than two feet from such street right-of-way line. Such wall, fence, curb, or barrier shall be securely installed and maintained.

6. Surfacing. All off-street parking facilities shall be surfaced with a minimum of five inches of concrete, or one and one-half inches of asphalt overlying four inches of base rock; except:

a. Temporary off-street parking facilities, which may be surfaced by placement of a single bituminous surface treatment upon an aggregate base, which bituminous treatment and base shall be subject to the approval of the director of public works;

b. Driveways and parking pads for singlefamily residences may be surfaced with four inches of concrete or other approved material;

c. Parking facilities approved by the zoning administrator or planning commission for a different parking surface;

d. All off-street parking facilities shall be so graded and drained as to dispose of all surface water from within the area; in no case shall such drainage be allowed to cross sidewalks.

7. Marking. Parking spaces within a facility shall be clearly marked and delineated. For nonresidential uses, wheel stops or curbing may be required.

8. Lighting. Lighting shall be directed onto the subject property only and shielded so that the light source is not visible from adjacent properties or streets. The requirements of Section 24.12.185(16) shall also apply to development proposals including any multifamily housing.

9. Landscaping and Screening.

a. General Requirements. Landscaping shall be provided in conjunction with the development or modification of any parking space or facility. Landscaping is employed to diminish the visibility and impact of parked cars by screening and visually separating them from surrounding uses and the street; to provide shade and relief from paved areas; to channel the flow of traffic and generally contribute to good site design.

(1) Every commercial parking facility abutting property either located in R-Districts or in

24-152

(Supp. No. xx – 9/22/2025)

24.12.290

residential uses shall be separated from such property or use by a permanently maintained evergreen hedge, view-obscuring wall or fence, raised planter, planted berm or the like. Such screening devices shall be of sufficient height to diminish the visibility and impact of parked cars and visually separate them from the adjacent residential zone or use. Screening devices may not exceed the standards set forth in Section 13.30.110.

(2) Except for parking facilities for singlefamily lot development, landscaped areas shall be separated from paved parking areas by a sixinch continuous concrete curbing, or other permanent landscape feature including fencing, gravel, or rigid landscape edging. Parking facilities that incorporate landscaped storm water treatment or retention areas in conformance with adopted city best management practices for low impact development shall be exempt from this requirement adjacent to those areas used for treatment or retention.

b. Standards for Multifamily, Over Five Units, Commercial and Industrial Developments. Except for multifamily housing projects subject to the design standards in Section 24.12.185, every parking facility shall include a minimum of ten percent of area devoted to parking in permanent landscaping. Landscaping shall be installed in areas used to channel the flow of traffic within parking rows, at the entry to aisles, and at other locations specified by the approving body. Required landscaping shall include appropriate vegetation including trees which shall be provided in sufficient size and quality to adequately screen and soften the effect of the parking area, within the first year. Additional standards for screening found in Section 24.12.185 shall also apply where required.

(Ord. 2025-15 § 35, 2025; Ord. 2022-19 § 49, 2022; Ord. 2023-06 § 4, 2023; Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2016-11 § 40, 2016: Ord. 201511 §§ 2, 3, 22, 2015; Ord. 89-11 § 1, 1989; Ord. 88-59 § 1, 1988: Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

The off-street parking requirements of this part may be satisfied or modified in the following ways:

1. Parking District Number 1. If the property being occupied or proposed to be occupied is in Parking District Number 1 and requires a number of parking spaces greater than the existing use, and not otherwise accommodated on the site, an in-lieu fee shall be assessed as identified in the downtown parking resolution.

2. Variations to Design Requirements. A variation to the design standards may be approved by the zoning administrator as part of an administrative use permit to supersede the design requirements contained in this section if a finding can be made that the purpose of this section is met and the following standards are met, as applicable:

a. Parking must be able to properly function, allowing for convenient maneuvering, and compatible relationship to adjacent uses. b. All parking stalls shall be marked. c. The parking arrangement shall not create safety problems for persons parking in or traversing the parking area.

d. Any valet parking program must operate full-time during established business or operating hours (if applicable).

e. Any off-site parking program, for any amount of the required number of parking spaces either:

i. Is within a quarter-mile radius from the subject site; or

ii. Includes a permanent and effective means of transporting employees or patrons from the parking parcel(s) to the subject site.

f. Any alternative design involving parking lifts shall demonstrate that the cars and lifts are both obscured from view from neighboring properties and public roadways, and compliant with Section 24.14.260, Noise.

3. Reductions to Number of Required Parking Spaces. Required parking spaces may be reduced up to thirty-five percent (with frac-

24-152.1

(Supp. No. xx – 5/14/2026)

24.12.290

tional spaces to be rounded up to the next whole number) by the zoning administrator as part of an administrative use permit. This may be done using one or more of the following strategies, or an approved equivalent, subject to any standards contained herein. Reductions are available for automobile parking only, and these reductions are independent of any bicycle parking required in compliance with Section 24.12.250. The available reduction for each strategy shall be calculated in conformance with the city parking reduction worksheet in effect at the time a complete application is submitted.

a. On-Site Cooperative Parking Facilities. The parking requirements for two or more uses of the same or different types on the same or adjoining parcels may be reduced if it can be demonstrated that the nature of the uses of the facility will result in multipurpose trips being made to the site or trips being made to individual uses at different times of the day or week and/or if their hours of operation do not coincide. At the applicant’s request, the zoning administrator may approve a reduction of greater than thirty-five percent based on current and projected future uses sharing the parking facility.

of the uses of the facility will result in multipurpose trips being made to the site or trips being made to individual uses at different times of the day or week and/or if their hours of operation do not coincide. At the applicant’s request, the zoning administrator may approve a reduction of greater than thirty-five percent based on current and projected future uses sharing the parking facility.

b. Off-Site Shared Parking Facilities. Offsite parking facilities may be shared by two or more commercial uses if their entrances are located within five hundred feet of the parking facility and provided they:

i. Receive administrative use and design permits so that design criteria are met and conditions of use may be established along with periodic review;

ii. Submit a written document guaranteeing maintenance, hours of operation and specifying that the length of the agreement shall be as long as the use receiving this parking reduction is in operation;

iii. Submit a signage program to notify users at all location(s) of shared parking facilities;

iv. Demonstrate how the shared parking arrangement will fulfill the intent of this part.

v. The use permit upon which the shared parking proposal depends shall terminate upon lapse of the written agreement specified in subsection (3)(b)(ii) unless otherwise modified by the zoning administrator.

c. Nonautomobile Use Programs. A reduction in parking requirements if developments include measures such as staggered work hours, provision of bus passes, provision of van/carpool programs or similar. Said programs shall be implemented as long as the use receiving this parking reduction is in operation.

d. Additional Bike Parking. Reductions in required automobile parking based on voluntary installation of additional bike parking spaces shall be permitted as described in Section 24.12.250(6). This reduction strategy, in and of itself, will not require an administrative use permit.

e. Unbundled Parking. Residential development and the residential portion of mixeduse development may propose that parking be unbundled from the purchase or lease of an individual living unit where there is either an existing residential permit parking program, in conformance with Chapter 10.41, or other control limiting on-street parking on all roadways within a five-hundred-foot minimum walking distance from the pedestrian entrances to the building or site.

f. An analysis by a transportation engineer or other qualified specialist may be required by the decision-making body as a means to substantiate the requested parking reduction.

4. Parking Requirements for Nonconforming Structures or Uses. In the case of structures in any district, which are reconstructed, enlarged, structurally altered, changed in occupancy to a more intensive use category, or otherwise increased in capacity, off-street parking shall be required only for that portion of structures or use constituting the increase in capacity; except that:

a. No additional parking need be provided for nonresidential uses if the increased capacity

24-152.2

(Supp. No. xx – 5/14/2026)

24.12.295

results in an increase of four or fewer required parking spaces; and

b. No additional parking shall be required for residential uses if the increased capacity results in an increase of no more than one required parking space.

5. Reduction of Parking Requirements for Historic Building Survey Buildings and Landmarks, and on Lots With Contributing Buildings Within an Historic District. The normal parking requirement for (a) use(s) in a building that is listed on the historic building survey, or a landmark, may be modified in order to maintain the value of the listing or designation in accord with Section 24.12.445. Prior to modifying the requirement, the approving body shall find that the modification is necessary in order to allow appropriate findings per Section 24.08.930, findings for historic alteration permit, and that such modification will not significantly adversely affect traffic and parking on adjacent and nearby streets and properties.

6. Modified Parking Requirements on Sites With Private Property Outdoor Seating. Replacement parking is not required for any parking spaces removed to create private property outdoor seating pursuant to Section 24.12.191. Removal of parking spaces does not require a use permit, and there is no limit on the number of spaces removed. For any required parking spaces removed, the site shall provide additional bicycle parking at a ratio of six bicycle parking spaces per space removed as described in Section 24.12.250(6), and/or the business shall enroll in the non-automobile use program as described in subsection (3)(c). (Ord. 2025-11 § 5, 2025; Ord. 2024-12 § 20, 2024; Ord. 2023-06 § 5, 2023; Ord. 2020-21 § 3, 2020; Ord. 2012-19 § 3, 2012; Ord. 200202 § 2 (part), 2002: Ord. 2000-20 § 3, 2000: Ord. 90-34 § 1, 1990; Ord. 90-22 § 1, 1990; Ord. 89-38 § 2, 1989; Ord. 88-41 § 7, 1988; Ord. 88-22 § 1, 1988; Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

1. Purpose. To reduce street congestion and traffic hazards and to add to the safety and convenience of the community, adequate, attractively designed, and functional facilities for off-street loading shall be incorporated as necessary in conjunction with new uses of land.

2. General Provisions. For every building hereafter erected, which is to be occupied by manufacturing, storage, warehouse, commercial, residential, retail and/or wholesale store, market, hotel, hospital, mortuary, motel, laundry, dry cleaning, exercise facility or other similar uses or mixed-use combinations requiring the receipt or distribution by vehicles of material and merchandise, off-street loading areas shall be provided in accordance with the requirements herein.

In the case of mixed uses in the same structure, on the same lot or in the same development, or more than one type of activity involved in the same use, the total requirements for off-street loading spaces shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses or activities computed separately, including fractional values.

24-152.3

(Supp. No. xx – 5/14/2026)

24.12.295

3. Requirements.

• a. Required Off-Street Loading Spaces.

b. Minimum Dimensions for Loading Spaces.

c. Such space shall not occupy all or any part of any required front or exterior yard area or court space, and shall not be located closer than twenty feet to any lot in an R-District, unless inside a structure or separated from such district by a wall not less than eight feet in height.

d. Sufficient room for maneuvering vehicles shall be provided on site.

e. Each loading berth shall be accessible from a street or alley.

f. The location of entrances and exits will be determined based on the results of a transportation study (if required based on Section 15.15.010) and approved by the city’s public works director. Alternatively, the applicant may allow the public works director to specify entrance and exit locations.

24-152.4/152.6

(Supp. No. xx – 5/14/2026)

24.12.296

g. The loading area, aisles and access drives shall be paved with a durable, dustless surface, and shall be so graded and drained so as to disperse surface water.

h. Wheel stops and bumper rails shall be provided for safety and to protect property.

i. If the loading area is illuminated, lighting shall be directed away from any abutting residential sites and adjacent streets to reduce light and glare impacts, and shall conform to the standards of Sections 24.12.185(16) and 24.12.280(8) as applicable.

j. No repair work or servicing of vehicles shall be conducted in a loading area.

k. Trucks with trailers or detached trailers shall not be stored on site.

l. Loading areas shall be maintained in good condition and kept free of trash, debris, and display or advertising uses. No changes shall be made in the number of loading spaces designated on the parking plan without approval of zoning administrator.

m. Required off-street loading facilities shall be located on the same site as the use for which the off-street loading spaces are required. (Ord. 2022-19 § 50, 2022; Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

Part 3 of this chapter shall apply to applications filed after the effective date of this part.* (Ord. 85-46 § 1 (part), 1985).

24-152.7

(Supp. No. xx – 6/26/2025)

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

==> picture [481 x 651] intentionally omitted <==

24-152.8

(Supp. No. xx – 6/26/2025)

24.12.296

Sample Parking Designs and Standards

==> picture [463 x 481] intentionally omitted <==

24-153

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.296

==> picture [469 x 540] intentionally omitted <==

24-154

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.296

==> picture [468 x 648] intentionally omitted <==

24-155

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.296

==> picture [427 x 590] intentionally omitted <==

24-156

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.296

==> picture [429 x 593] intentionally omitted <==

24-157

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.296

==> picture [354 x 528] intentionally omitted <==

• Editor’s Note: Ord. 85-46 became effective June 27, 1985.

(The Design Standards illustrations may be referred to in a printed edition of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code or the Santa Cruz Zoning Code)

24-158

(Supp. No. 40 – 1/7/2021)

24.12.312