Sec. 26-90. - Number of parking spaces required and parking design standards.

West Covina Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-09-25 · West Covina

(a)

Number of parking spaces required.

Table 3-2 Number of Parking Spaces Required

Land Use Type	Vehicle
General Business
All business financial and professional service uses, except uses listed below.	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa of leasable area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Automobile, boat, trailer sales or rental; retail nurseries, lumber yards, other open uses	1 space for each 1,000 sf of gfa devoted to display or as required by CUP.
Automobile service stations	1 space for each two employees (minimum of 2 spaces), plus 1 space for each service bay or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Adult day care services	1 space per employee and 1 additional space per 10 clients or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council
Automated teller machines	2 spaces for each machine or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Bars, taverns, and similar uses	1 space for each 50 sf of gfa seating and waiting areas or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Billiard parlors	1 space for each billiard table, plus 1 space for each employee or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Boarding house	1 space for each unit.
Bowling alley	5 spaces for each alley or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.

Business, general retail, personal service	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Clubs, fraternal organizations, etc.	1 space for each 2 beds, plus 1 space for each 40 sf of assembly area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Convalescent homes	1 space for each 2 beds or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Construction and heavy equipment sales, including equipment rental	1 space for each 300 sf of gfa of display area and an additional space for each 1,000 square feet of outdoor display area.
Furniture, appliance / equipment sales.	1 space for each 300 sf of gfa of display area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Gasoline sales	1 space for each gasoline pump, plus 1 space per employee plus additional parking requirements for each ancillary use.
Hospitals and sanitariums	1.5 spaces for each .75 beds (2 spaces per bed).
Medical and Dental Office	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa, or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Motels and hotels, including B&B inns	1 space for each room or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Mortuaries, funeral home	1 space for each 4 seats in assembly area and 1 space per employee or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Office	1 space for each 300 sf of gfa for buildings under 20,000 sf or 350 sf of gfa for buildings 20,000 sf or more.
Orphanage and rest home	1 space for each 3 beds or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.

Recreational vehicle, boat, or motor-home sales	1 space per 450 sf of gfa of building area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Restaurant, greater than 2,500 square feet (permanent seating, drive-in, drive-through) and cocktail lounges	1 space for every 100 square feet of GFA, plus 1 space per 150 square feet of gfa of outdoor customer dining area in excess of 500 square feet. For outdoor customer dining area, no parking spaces are required for the first 500 square feet or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Restaurant, 2,500 square feet or less (permanent seating,) and cocktail lounges1	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa of leasable area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Shopping centers	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa of gross leasable area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Theaters, skating rinks, other places of public assembly	1 space for every 3 seats, plus 1 space for every 40 sf of assembly area not occupied by seats or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Veterinary clinics, including animal boarding and kennels.	1 space for each 350 sf of gfa and 1 additional space for each 1,250 sf of gfa of boarding area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Warehouse	1 space for each 400 sf of gfa or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Industrial, Manufacturing and Processing, Wholesale

Land Use Type	Vehicle
Brewery, distillery with or without tasting or tap rooms	1.55 spaces per 1,000 sf of gfa which may include a maximum of 10% office space, plus if the percentages of office space exceed 10% of the gfa, 4 spaces per 1,000 sf of gfa in excess of 10%. Tasting or taprooms and outside patios: 17 spaces per 1,000 sf of gfa.

Computer game/internet access center	1 space for each 5 machines, plus 1 space for each 5 spaces in waiting area or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Industrial, manufacturing / Processing, wholesale uses less than 50,000 sf.	1 space for each 350 sf of gfa, or as determined by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council. Gross floor area may include any ancillary uses including offices.
Industrial, manufacturing / Processing, wholesale uses greater than 50,000 sf.	1 space for each 700 sf of gfa, or as determined by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council. Gross floor area may include any ancillary uses including offices.
Laboratory, research and development	1 space for each 300 sf of gfa. plus 1 space for each company vehicle.
Recycling facility	1 space for each 1,000 sf of gfa, or as determined by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council. The gfa may include ancillary uses including office space.
Self-storage facilities	A minimum of 5 parking spaces for customers and 2 additional spaces for on-site management or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Wholesale and warehouse distribution.	1 space for each 1,000 sf of gfa or as determined by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council. The gfa may include ancillary uses including office space.
Adult entertainment	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa, or as determined by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Commercial recreation facility	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Conference, convention facility	1 space for each 4 seats or 1 space for every 50 sf of gfa. of assembly area or meeting rooms, whichever is greater or as required by the precise

	plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Fitness facility or health club	1 space for each 250 sf of gfa, not including areas devoted to courts, plus 2 spaces for athletic courts or as required by the precise plan, CUP, AP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Library, museum	1 space for each 300 sf of gfa and 1 space for associated vehicles or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Schools
Elementary schools	1 space for each employee or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Junior high	1 space for each employee, plus 1 space for each 20-50 students or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
High school	1 space for each employee, plus 1 space for each 5 students or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Colleges, business schools, trade schools, and similar uses	1 space for each 2 employees, plus 1 for each 2 students or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Sports and entertainment assembly facilities	1 space for each 4 seats or 1 space for every 50 sf of gfa. of assembly area or meeting rooms, whichever is greater or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Studios including art, dance, martial arts, music, educational, etc.	1 space per 200 sf of gfa or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Theatre, auditorium, religious facilities	1 space for each 4 seats or 1 space for every 50 sf of gfa of assembly area or meeting room, whichever is greater or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.

Residential Uses
Child day care centers	1 space per employee, plus 1 additional space per 10 children or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Child day care; large family day care homes.	Same as single-family or multi-family dwelling, or as required by State license or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Child day care—small day care home	Same as single-family or multi-family dwelling, or as required by State license or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Emergency shelters	1 space per staff member.
Fraternity, Sorority, dormitory	1 space per bed.
Live/work units	2 spaces, plus 1 guest space for each 2 units.

Land Use Type	Vehicle
Multi-family	One (1) covered parking space per studio unit; One and a half (1.5) covered spaces per 1-bedroom unit; Two (2) spaces covered per 2-bedroom or larger unit; and 1 guest space for each 4 units.
Group home / facilities, and other special group residences	Six or fewer residents: See single-family dwelling parking. Seven or more residents: 1 space for each 2 residential units and an additional 1 space for guests and employees.
Single-family dwelling	Four or fewer bedrooms: 4 spaces, 2 of which shall be enclosed within a garage; Greater than four bedrooms: one additional garage space shall be required for every two additional bedrooms exceeding the fourth bedroom.
Senior housing	(A) 0 to 1 bedroom: 1 onsite parking space. (B) 2 to 3 bedrooms: 1.5 parking spaces. (C) 4 bedrooms or more: 2.5 parking spaces. (D) or as required by the precise plan, CUP, or other entitlement as approved by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Notes: 1Restaurants less than 2,500 square feet in gfa and located within a multi-tenant parking center may

provide parking at the general retain parking rate. gfa refers to gross floor area.

(b)

Vehicle parking standards.

(1)

Off-street parking standards for R-A and R-1 zones.

a.

Each single-family dwelling shall provide four (4) accessible off-street parking spaces for each dwelling unit. A minimum of two (2) spaces shall be enclosed on three (3) sides and roofed.

b.

For single-family dwellings with a gross floor area (exclusive of garages) of four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet or greater or with five (5) or more bedrooms a minimum of the three (3) off-street parking spaces located within an enclosed garage is required. Tandem parking may be permissible for the purpose of providing the three (3) required parking spaces provided tandem parking is limited to not more than one (1) vehicle behind another and a minimum of two (2) parking spaces are provided side-by-side at the garage entrance. Legal nonconforming covered parking spaces that do not fully meet these requirements may continue to be maintained, repaired, and/or rebuilt to the same size and configuration as long as such nonconforming covered parking spaces were legally established and maintained. The requirements of this section shall apply to new construction and the expansion of existing single-family dwellings.

c.

When a carport is not readily visible from the street, the City may determine that six-foot or higher masonry walls around the perimeter of the property (or other view-obscuring physical or topographical features) constitute enclosure.

d.

All covered parking spaces shall be enclosed on three (3) sides and roofed unless a carport is not readily visible from the street, the City may determine that six-foot or higher masonry walls around the perimeter of the property (or other view-obscuring physical or topographical features) constitute enclosure. Porte cocheres may be allowed when visible from the street if the architectural style and materials are consistent with the house, subject to the review and approval of the planning director.

e.

Garages and carport shall have a minimum interior clear width and depth of twenty (20) feet between columns or walls. Three-car garages shall have a minimum interior clear width of thirty (30) feet and depth of twenty (20) feet. In cases where a tandem parking space is proposed to comply with a required three-car

garage, a minimum of two (2) parking spaces shall be provided side-by-side at the garage entrance and a minimum of ten (10) feet by twenty (20) feet shall be provided behind. Unless otherwise approved in advance by the Community Development Director in writing, placement of garage doors shall be centered between columns or walls. Access to such parking shall be paved, not less than twelve (12) feet in width, nor wider than the garage or carport, except as modified in section 26-46(c). The balance of the required spaces, if uncovered, shall have minimum dimensions of eight (8) feet by sixteen (16) feet.

1.

In the case where an expansion to the existing single-family structure exceeds three hundred (300) square feet, a new garage or carport conforming to the provisions regulating width and depth in subsection (e) of this section shall be required. If the property is developed with an existing two-car garage or carport, the existing garage or carport shall be maintained. In addition, compliance with the provisions regulating the number of required off-street parking spaces in subsection (a) and any front, side and rear yards as regulated by this article shall be required.

f.

Garages or carports opening towards a side street shall be set back a minimum of twenty-two (22) feet from the property line.

g.

In addition to the minimum number of off-street parking spaces required for each dwelling unit, additional off-street parking space(s) shall be required on the basis of dwelling unit size according to the following schedule:

Table 3-3 Additional Required Parking Spaces

Gross Unit Size (Sq. Ft.) (Exclusive of Garages)	Additional Number of Required Parking Spaces
4,000—5,499	1
5,500—7,000	2
7,001—8,000	3
8,001+	As per an approved CUP or maximum unit size exception

h.

Said additional parking space(s) may, but need not be provided in a carport or garage. The minimum required dimensions for uncovered parking spaces shall be eight (8) feet by sixteen (16) feet.

i.

Garages which are intended to accommodate four (4) or more cars shall not open to any public street, unless designed as a subterranean garage.

j.

A minimum unobstructed vehicular maneuvering distance of twenty-five (25) feet measured from the opening of the garage or carport shall be provided, except as otherwise permitted in this section. Minor design modifications may be approved, due to the uniqueness of the property as determined by the planning director.

(2)

Off-street parking standards for multi-family residential zones (MF-8, MF-15, MF-20, and MF-45)

a.

Condominiums:

1.

Carports shall not be permitted.

2.

The required parking shall be provided in a garage or garages. The location of parking spaces shall be within sixty (60) feet of the dwelling unit.

3.

Guest parking does not need to be enclosed. The guest parking shall be located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the units and dispersed throughout the development.

b.

In multi-family dwellings (non-condominium):

1.

Multi-family dwellings shall provide parking as indicated in article III, division 6. At least one (1) parking space per unit shall be enclosed on three (3) sides and roofed. Guest parking shall be labeled "Guest Parking Only," and shall be dispersed throughout the development.

2.

Each covered parking space shall be at least ten (10) feet wide by twenty (20) feet long except individual garages shall be at least eleven (11) feet wide and twenty (20) feet long. Garage doors shall be at least ten (10) feet wide.

3.

Parking areas shall be evenly distributed throughout the development and no dwelling unit shall be located more than two hundred (200) feet from its assigned parking area.

All covered spaces shall be enclosed on three (3) sides. However, if the spaces are built in combinations of two (2) or more, only the rear and the two (2) ends need be enclosed. Design and material shall be architecturally compatible with the main structures.

c.

In multi-family dwellings (including condominiums):

1.

Each uncovered space shall be at least nine (9) feet wide and twenty (20) feet long.

2.

Covered or uncovered spaces, when adjacent to walls shall be at least eleven (11) feet wide, twelve (12) feet where the wall extends beyond the space. Three-car garages are exempt from this requirement.

3.

No off-street parking shall be permitted within any front or side yard setback area when adjacent to a street.

4.

Garages or carports (carports prohibited in MF-8 zone) may be located within the side or rear yard

setbacks except when side or rear yards abut a public street. In no case, however, may a garage or carport be constructed within twenty (20) feet of any side or rear street or twenty-five (25) feet of any front street in MF-8, MF-15 or MF-20 zones and fifteen (15) feet from any street in MF-45 zone.

5.

No carport or garage shall open directly upon a public street.

6.

Required parking and guest parking shall be maintained permanently.

7.

All parking areas shall conform to Planning Commission Resolution No. 2513.

(Ord. No. 2519, § 5(Exh. A), 2-20-24; Ord. No. 2525, §§ 24, 25, 3-18-25)

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West Covina Zoning Code