Local zoning · Alhambra

Alhambra — Parking

Parking under the Alhambra local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

Alhambra's off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle parking rules are collected in Title 23, Chapter 23.20; they require minimum spaces by use, set design and surfacing standards, allow reductions (shared parking, transit reductions), and treat ADU parking specially. The chapter is explicitly intended to balance adequate parking supply with good urban design and bicycle provisions § 23.20.010 .

Important related pages you may want while reading: this page assumes familiarity with Alhambra Zoning, Alhambra Development Standards, Alhambra Design Review, Alhambra Overlay Districts, Alhambra ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

How the code is organized (quick map)

  • Applicability, purpose, and reductions: § 23.20.010–§ 23.20.020
  • General provisions (maintenance, prohibitions, special rules for residential districts, ADUs): § 23.20.030
  • Where parking must be located: § 23.20.060
  • Bicycle parking: § 23.20.070 (short‑ and long‑term)
  • Required parking counts: § 23.20.040 and Table 23.20.040 (Required Parking Spaces)
  • Loading: § 23.20.080 (counts, size, location)
  • Parking area design (stall dims, aisle widths, surfacing, striping): § 23.20.090 and Figure 23.20.090.C

District-by-district notes (where parking rules interact with zones)

Note: Alhambra's base zoning districts are listed at § 23.03.010 and Table 23.03.010; the code's zone symbols include RL, RM, RH, CBD, EMC, CMU, AC, PO, I, PF, OS, plus Specific Plan (SP) and overlays like -WMC and -PD . Below are parking‑specific implications for each group.

RL (Residential Low Density) — key parking points

  • Purpose & typical uses: single‑family and low‑density multi family per Table 23.03.010 and Chapter 23.04.
  • Parking implication: residential parking standards in Table 23.20.040 apply (e.g., 2 spaces for single‑unit detached; 2 spaces/unit for multi‑unit plus 0.5 guest space/unit where listed) § 23.20.040 .
  • Special limits: partially submerged or underground parking is prohibited in the RL district (no partially submerged parking) § 23.20.030(E) .
  • Surfacing exception: asphalt pavement option is not allowed for single‑unit residential — see surfacing rules § 23.20.090(F) .

RM / RH (Residential Medium & High Density)

  • Purpose: higher‑density housing; parking counts follow Table 23.20.040 (multi‑unit ratios and guest ratios) § 23.20.040 .
  • Where parking is visible from street the code treats structure entries as garages in residential zones § 23.20.030(D); design review often applies for new structures § 23.33.020 .

CBD / EMC / CMU / AC (Commercial & Mixed‑Use districts)

  • Typical uses: retail, restaurants, mixed residential/commercial (Table 23.03.010 and land‑use tables). Parking is calculated per use in Table 23.20.040: e.g., commercial: 1 space/250 sf is a baseline; eating/drinking: 1/250 sf with outdoor dining rules also specified § 23.20.040 .
  • Transit and density bonuses: mixed‑use and affordable housing projects may qualify for reduced vehicle parking (density bonus parking incentives are handled under Chapter 23.14) § 23.14.040 . Verify specific CBD incentives (see § 23.14 for parking incentives for 100% affordable projects) § 23.14.040 .

PO / I (Employment / Office / Industrial)

  • Uses: professional offices, light industrial; parking counts are set by Table 23.20.040 and may also be adjusted by a Director decision where a use matches no listed category § 23.20.040 .
  • Loading standards are especially relevant in I and other nonresidential uses: one loading space per 20,000 sf for new or large expansions (non‑office uses) and minimum loading bay dimensions 12' x 40' x 15' § 23.20.080 .

PF / OS (Public & Open Space)

  • Public uses default to the "public/semi‑public" entries in Table 23.20.040 (e.g., 1/250 sf as baseline; some uses determined by Director or demand study) § 23.20.040 .

Specific Plan (SP) and Overlay Districts (-WMC, -PD)

  • SP and overlays may modify parking rules or allow reductions; overlays are listed at Table 23.03.010 and the code requires you to apply base zone rules unless the specific plan/overlay provides otherwise § 23.03.010 . For projects inside an overlay expect overlay/specific‑plan provisions and design review to influence allowed parking reductions and frontage/entry treatment § 23.33.060 .

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic Key rule / standard (plain English) Code reference
Minimum parking by use Required minimums are given in Table 23.20.040; e.g., single‑unit detached: 2 enclosed spaces, multi‑unit: 2 spaces/unit + 0.5 guest/unit; commercial baseline 1 space/250 sf — use table or Director determination for unlisted uses § 23.20.040
On‑site location Required parking must be on the same lot unless off‑site within 600 ft under recorded agreement; parking not allowed in front or street‑side yards § 23.20.060
Bicycle parking Short‑term = 20% of required auto spaces, min 4 per establishment; long‑term ratios: residential: 1 per 5 units; long‑term must be ≥50% covered § 23.20.070
Loading New non‑office buildings (or >10,000 sf enlargements): 1 loading space / 20,000 sf; loading bay 12'×40'×15'; location not in front yard and ≥25 ft from residential § 23.20.080
Stall & aisle dimensions Standard stalls 8'6" wide; compact 7'6"; depth 18'–22' depending on angle; aisle widths vary (one‑way 11'–25', two‑way 20'–25') — see Figure 23.20.090.C § 23.20.090
Surfacing & wheel stops All parking must be paved; asphalt option excluded in RL and single‑unit residential; wheel stops required except in small garages § 23.20.090(F)
ADU parking ADUs have limited/no parking obligations in many circumstances (zero parking if within ½ mile of transit, historic parcel, part of the primary residence/accessory structure, when on‑street permit required but not offered, carshare within 1 block, JADUs exempt, etc.) § 23.22.040 (ADU rules) § 23.22.040 file

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Start with Table 23.20.040 (Required Parking Spaces) to calculate baseline vehicle spaces for your proposed use; if your use isn’t listed the Director will assign the most similar comparable use § 23.20.040 .
  • Bicycle parking is mandatory and quantified separately — include short‑term racks close to entries and secure long‑term storage near building entrances (≥50% covered for long‑term) § 23.20.070 .
  • If the site is near transit or you propose shared parking, apply for a reduction and supply a parking demand study; the Director can also approve reductions where appropriate § 23.20.040 and other subsections .
  • Design review will evaluate the size, location, and arrangement of parking as part of site design; show striping, surfacing, landscaping, and pedestrian connections on plans § 23.33.060 .
  • ADUs: check § 23.22.040 early — many ADUs qualify for parking exemptions and the code follows state ADU law restrictions on local parking rules § 23.22.040 file.

Checklist

  • Determine base zoning district from the official Zoning Map (see § 23.03.020 / Table 23.03.010) .
  • Use Table 23.20.040 to compute required automobile parking § 23.20.040 .
  • Calculate bicycle parking short‑ and long‑term per § 23.20.070 and show locations on plan § 23.20.070 .
  • If off‑site parking is proposed, secure recorded agreement and show it on submittal (600‑ft limit) § 23.20.060 .
  • Dimension all stalls and aisles to Figure 23.20.090.C dimensions and show wheel stops and striping § 23.20.090 .
  • Provide required loading bay(s) for qualifying non‑residential buildings (sizes/location) § 23.20.080 .
  • If requesting reductions (shared parking, transit reductions, compact stalls), include a parking demand study and legal documents as needed § 23.20.040 .
  • For ADUs, confirm whether an exemption applies under § 23.22.040 before sizing parking § 23.22.040 file.
  • Include parking and pedestrian connections in Design Review submittal when required § 23.33.060 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Off‑site parking acceptability Off‑site allowed only within 600 ft and must be under recorded agreement § 23.20.060 Verify distance measurement method, recorded instrument requirements, and Director acceptance of agreement
Unlisted/novel uses Director determines parking for uses not in the table § 23.20.040 Ask the Director early for the comparable use decision and be prepared with trip/parking demand data
ADU parking exemptions State law plus local ADU rules limit parking imposition — many ADUs exempt § 23.22.040 file Confirm ADU classification, distance to transit, and on‑street permit program status
Overlay/specific plan conflicts Specific plans or overlays can change parking rules § 23.03.010 Check the applicable specific plan/overlay text and mapping for exceptions
Surface/pavement requirements Asphalt option excluded in RL and for single‑unit residential § 23.20.090(F) Verify acceptable pavement option with Public Works Director early
Loading location near residences Loading must be ≥25 ft from residential zoning/uses and not in front/street side yards § 23.20.080(B) Confirm adjacency distances and screening requirements on site

Plain‑English Summary

Alhambra requires a set number of off‑street parking spaces by use, plus bicycle parking and properly sized loading spaces; parking must usually be on the same lot (or within 600 ft under agreement), built to specific stall/aisle/surfacing standards, and in many cases can be reduced if the project is transit‑served or uses shared parking. ADUs frequently qualify for reduced or zero parking under local and state rules. See § 23.20 and § 23.22.040 for the controlling rules § 23.20.040; § 23.20.070; § 23.20.080; § 23.20.090; § 23.22.040 filefilefilefile.

Source References

  • Alhambra Zoning Code, CHAPTER 23.20 Parking and Loading — § 23.20.010 (Purpose) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.020 (Applicability) and § 23.20.030 (General provisions) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.040 (Required parking spaces; Table 23.20.040) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.060 (Location of required parking) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.070 (Bicycle parking — short‑ and long‑term) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.080 (Loading standards) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.20.090 (Parking area design, dimensions, surfacing) and Figure 23.20.090.C .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, Table 23.03.010 and § 23.03.010 (Zoning districts list: RL, RM, RH, CBD, EMC, CMU, AC, PO, I, PF, OS, SP, overlays) .
  • Alhambra Zoning Code, § 23.22.040 (Accessory Dwelling Units — parking exemptions & ADU rules) and ADU mapping in review matrix § 23.31.070 / table file.
  • Design review scope (including parking as a design element) § 23.33.060 .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Alhambra Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.19.070) High relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.20.020) High relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 66333 (chapter as) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (CHAPTER 23.14) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (title to) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (Section numbers) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (CHAPTER 23.01) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.01.040) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66321 (§ 66321) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.03.020) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.01.090) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.20.060) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.22.140) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
  • California Building Code (Title or) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.44.140) Medium relevance
  • Alhambra Zoning Code (§ 23.33.070) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the required vehicle parking counts for a new apartment building in Alhambra?

Use Table 23.20.040: the base rule for multi‑unit residential is 2 spaces per unit plus 0.5 guest space per unit where listed; if your proposal is in a density bonus or affordable project, different ratios may apply under Chapter 23.14. See § 23.20.040 and Chapter 23.14 for affordable/density bonus incentives § 23.20.040; § 23.14.040 file.

Where must required parking be located for commercial projects?

Required parking must be on the same lot as the use it serves except that required non‑residential spaces may be off‑site within 600 feet if secured by a recorded agreement acceptable to the city; parking is prohibited in front and street side yards § 23.20.060 .

How much bicycle parking do I need for an office or retail use?

Short‑term bicycle parking is 20% of required automobile spaces with a minimum of 4 spaces per establishment; long‑term bicycle parking ratios depend on use (e.g., 1 long‑term space per 25 vehicle spaces for establishments with ≥25 FTEs). See § 23.20.070 .

What are the stall and aisle dimension requirements I must show on plans?

Figure 23.20.090.C sets the dimensions: standard stall width 8'6", compact 7'6", stall depths 18'–22' depending on angle, and aisle widths vary by angle (two‑way typically 20'–25'). Cite § 23.20.090 and include wheel stops and striping per that section § 23.20.090 .

Do ADUs in Alhambra have to provide parking?

Many ADUs are exempt from parking under the local ADU rules that follow state law — zero parking is allowed if the ADU is within ½ mile of public transit, on a historic parcel, part of the primary residence/accessory structure, when on‑street permit is required but not offered to the ADU occupant, or other statutory circumstances. Check § 23.22.040 early in your application § 23.22.040 file.

What triggers the need for on‑site loading spaces?

Every new building, and any building enlarged by more than 10,000 sf that will be occupied by a non‑residential use other than office, must provide one off‑street loading space per 20,000 sf of gross floor area; loading spaces must be adjacent to the building, not in front yards, and 25 ft from residential uses § 23.20.080 .

Can I apply for fewer vehicle parking spaces than the table requires?

Yes. Shared parking, transit proximity, and site‑specific factors can justify reductions; the Director can approve reductions based on a parking demand study or a minor use permit with findings § 23.20.040 .

Are there surfacing exceptions for residential parking?

Yes. The asphalt pavement option (2" asphalt on 4" base) does not apply in the RL district or to single‑unit residential development; concrete or approved pavers/permeable systems are the alternatives § 23.20.090(F) .

Does design review examine parking?

Yes — design review explicitly reviews size, location, design, development, and arrangement of on‑site parking and paved areas as part of site design § 23.33.060 .

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