Local zoning · Barstow

Barstow — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Barstow's zoning ordinance requires for parking, off‑street parking, loading, compact/RV/truck spaces and related site standards. The primary ordinance controlling these rules is the off‑street parking chapter at § 19.06.050; district chapters (for example § 19.12, § 19.14, § 19.16, § 19.18) refer back to that standard for vehicle parking and add district‑specific loading rules. See the city zoning menu for context on how these rules interact with other rules (setbacks, design review, overlays, ADUs, etc.) via the city's zoning pages linked below. § 19.06.050 is the base rule for required parking and lots design.

Notes up front:

  • Where the code defers to the building/accessibility rules (e.g., accessible stalls), the technical accessibility requirements themselves come from the state code; link to the state code is provided. For building‑code technicals, consult the California Building Standards Code.
  • When a district chapter says “see § 19.06.050,” parking counts and layout standards are set there; loading spaces are often described in the district chapter indicated below.

Key internal links used in this page (first natural mention of each topic is hyperlinked):

How the rules are structured (short)

  • The off‑street parking schedule and detailed design & maintenance rules are in § 19.06.050 and related Development Standards in Chapter 19.06.
  • Each zoning district chapter (for example DU, HS, C, I) points to § 19.06.050 for parking and adds district‑specific loading dimensions/quantities where applicable (e.g., § 19.12.090, § 19.14.090, § 19.16.120, § 19.18.080).

District-by-district breakdown

Each district below summarizes only what the Barstow ordinance says about parking, loading, and on‑site vehicle/bicycle facilities. For general site design and dimensional / front/rear yard rules consult the district chapter and the Barstow Development Standards.

SFR (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family detached housing (defined in CHAPTER 19.02 and established in 19.04.010).
  • Parking rules: Each dwelling unit must provide two enclosed parking spaces on the same lot; off‑street parking rules are governed by § 19.06.050(c)(1).
  • Dimensional/site notes: Garages/carports and driveway configurations are addressed in residential design guidance (garage apron lengths, setbacks) and the sight‑triangle rules of § 19.06.040; walls separating parking areas from SFR lots are covered in § 19.06.030(b).
  • Where it applies: all land mapped SFR on the zoning map; new construction must meet district lot, setback and parking rules (see CHAPTER 19.00 and 19.04).

MDR (Medium‑Density / Multi‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: multiple dwelling units (three or more), apartment development; district defined in CHAPTER 19.04.
  • Parking rules: Off‑street parking counts are set by § 19.06.050; multi‑family design guidance requires internal siting to minimize driveway conflict, landscaping in parking areas, and provision of shade trees (see multifamily design and on‑site parking subsections). Specific stall counts for many residential uses are in the parking schedule under § 19.06.050(c).
  • Bicycle parking: secure bicycle parking is required for SROs at one per five rooms; the ordinance gives this as an example of where bike parking is specified, but a general city‑wide bicycle parking table beyond incentives and SRO language is not defined in the parking chapter excerpts retrieved (see Information Gaps).
  • Where it applies: mapped MDR parcels; projects with more than four units typically require planning commission review (site plan review thresholds).

OP (Office/Professional)

  • Purpose / typical uses: office and professional uses; OP is listed among the city’s land use districts.
  • Parking rules: Office/professional parking rates appear in the off‑street schedule (for small professional uses: 1 space per 250 sq ft; for medical/government offices often 1 per 200 sq ft) — see § 19.06.050(c) for the specific schedule entries.
  • Walls and screening: When a parking area adjoins an SFR, MDR, OP or DU district a masonry/block wall requirement applies (see § 19.06.030(b)).
  • Where it applies: mapped OP parcels and buildings; parking follows the general schedule and design standards.

DU (Diverse Use)

  • Purpose / typical uses: mixed commercial/residential or office/residential combos; defined in CHAPTER 19.12.
  • Parking rules: District specifically defers to the general off‑street standard: see § 19.06.050 for parking counts and design. § 19.12.080 states “For parking regulations, see section 19.06.050.”
  • Loading: Loading spaces for commercial/office in a diverse‑use building must meet the dimensions and counts in § 19.12.090 (10' x 20' x 14' for many commercial/office uses; one loading space for 3,000–20,000 sf, etc.).
  • Where it applies: parcels zoned DU on the zoning map.

HS (Human Services)

  • Purpose / typical uses: mix of residential, professional, administrative and commercial uses and sites for human services (see § 19.14.010 and 19.14.020).
  • Parking rules: Parking follows the general standards § 19.06.050; § 19.14.080 explicitly refers to § 19.06.050. SROs within this district must provide off‑street parking consistent with § 19.06.050 and secure bicycle parking at 1 per 5 rooms for SROs (SRO: § 19.14.110(6)).
  • Loading: See § 19.14.090 for loading space dimensions and counts when commercial/office uses are present.
  • Where it applies: mapped HS parcels.

C (Commercial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: professional, administrative and commercial uses (see § 19.16.010–.020).
  • Parking counts: Retail/commercial use parking rates are in the schedule in § 19.06.050(c): examples include retail/commercial up to 50,000 sf — 5 spaces per 1,000 sf; 50–100k sf — 4.5/1,000 sf; over 100k sf — 4/1,000 sf. Specific uses have special rates (fast‑food, banks, medical offices) spelled out in the schedule.
  • Loading: Commercial district loading rules appear at § 19.16.120 (10' x 20' x 14' minimum; one loading space for 3,000–20,000 sf, etc.).
  • Design and circulation: Shared parking, visitor parking distribution, compact/ motorcycle/ RV/sem i standards, drive aisle widths, striping, lighting and other lot design requirements are all in § 19.06.050 and related standards (see drive aisle minima and compact limits).

I (Industrial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: industrial/manufacturing uses; district defined in CHAPTER 19.18.
  • Parking rules: Off‑street parking is governed by § 19.06.050; the industrial chapter reminds developers to provide required parking on any enlargement, intensification or reconstruction (§ 19.18.060/070).
  • Loading: Industrial loading standards are explicit: loading spaces at least 12' x 20' x 14'; one loading for 3,000–20,000 sf and one additional loading for each additional 40,000 sf (see § 19.18.080). Loading must not occupy required yards and may have alley access where available.
  • Pavement & heavy loads: Areas serving tractor‑trailers must use heavy‑duty paving as approved by the City Engineer (§ 19.06.050(d)(1)).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant requirements

Use / Metric Requirement (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
Off‑street parking — controlling chapter All required off‑street parking counts, design, compact/motorcycle/RV rules, shared parking, incentives and maintenance are set out in § 19.06.050. § 19.06.050
Single‑family dwelling parking Two enclosed parking spaces per dwelling unit, on the same lot. § 19.06.050(c)(1)
Commercial center parking (decision threshold) Retail ≤50k sf: 5 spaces / 1,000 sf; 50–100k sf: 4.5 / 1,000 sf; >100k sf: 4 / 1,000 sf. § 19.06.050(c)
Fast‑food / drive‑through Minimum 10 spaces or 10 per 1,000 sf, whichever greater (plus drive‑through queuing). § 19.06.050(c)
Motel/hotel parking (transportation‑oriented) 1 space per guestroom for autos (plus truck/RV spaces in certain areas). § 19.06.050(c)(7)
Industrial loading 12' x 20' x 14' min; 1 loading for 3,000–20,000 sf, plus 1 per additional 40,000 sf. § 19.18.080
Commercial/office loading (DU/HS/C) 10' x 20' x 14' min; one loading for 3,000–20,000 sf; counts differ by chapter — see district chapter (e.g., § 19.12.090, § 19.14.090, § 19.16.120). § 19.12.090, § 19.14.090, § 19.16.120
Compact / motorcycle max Up to 20% of required parking may be compact/motorcycle; must be designated and evenly distributed (city planner approval). § 19.06.050(g)
Drive aisle widths 90° / two‑way: 26 ft; other angles have specified minima (see table). § 19.06.050(d)(13)
Shared parking Allowed via Conditional Use Permit; reductions must be supported by a parking analysis (ULI/ITE or equivalent) and deeded/recorded agreements. § 19.06.050(j)
Wall/screening where parking adjoins housing 6‑ft masonry/block wall (or reduced to 42" in certain front/setback locations) when a parking area adjoins SFR, MDR, OP or DU. § 19.06.030(b)
Parking incentives Bicycle storage / EV chargers may qualify for reduction up to 1 space per 1,000 sf (city planner approval). § 19.06.050(d)(16)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy before occupancy or approval

  • Demonstrate required quantity of off‑street parking per § 19.06.050(c) for each use on site; show computations and include shared‑parking agreements if applicable.
  • If commercial or industrial, provide loading spaces sized and counted per the district chapter (§ 19.12.090, § 19.14.090, § 19.16.120, or § 19.18.080).
  • Site plan showing stall dimensions, drive aisles, striping, wheel stops, bumper guards, directional arrows and signage per § 19.06.050(d)(13–15).
  • Landscape, sight‑triangle and lighting plans: comply with § 19.06.040, § 19.06.080 and outdoor lighting rules in § 19.06.010; include photometric if required.
  • Wall/screening details where parking abuts SFR/MDR/OP/DU per § 19.06.030(b).
  • If proposing compact, motorcycle, RV or truck stalls, show compliance with dimensional minima and distribution limits (compact ≤20%).
  • If seeking parking reductions via shared parking or incentives (bicycles/EV), submit a parking demand study or documentation and apply for Conditional Use Permit or planner approval as required by § 19.06.050(j) and (d)(16).
  • Verify accessible parking counts and striping with building official and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 governs number/dimensions of accessible stalls; the zoning code requires accommodations but defers technical standards). Not governed by this zoning page.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Bicycle parking: general city‑wide minimums The code gives a specific SRO bicycle parking ratio (1 per 5 rooms) and mentions incentives, but a city‑wide standard for bike parking for other uses is not obvious in the retrieved excerpts. Verify whether a stand‑alone bicycle parking table exists elsewhere in the zoning code or in a municipal bike plan; ask planning staff for bicycle parking submittal standards. Not found in retrieved materials.
ADA / accessible stall counts Zoning requires accommodations for the physically handicapped in purpose language but technical counts/dimensions are in the state code (Title 24). Mis‑counting accessible stalls can block occupancy. Confirm accessible stall count/dimensions with Building Division and the California Building Standards Code. § 19.06.050(a)(3) references needs but does not give technical dimensions.
Parking reductions via shared parking/incentives The code allows reductions but requires a robust parking analysis and recorded agreements; relying on an informal shared arrangement may be rejected. If proposing shared parking or incentive reductions, obtain a ULI/ITE‑based parking analysis and apply for the CUP / planner approval per § 19.06.050(j) and (d)(16).
Separate‑lot parking distance & servitudes Required off‑site parking may be allowed up to 300 feet and must be deeded and covenanted; this affects feasibility for infill projects. Verify the walking route length and whether the lot is across a collector/arterial street (opposite side of collector/arterial is prohibited). See § 19.06.050(e).
Truck/RV parking for transportation‑oriented uses The code has detailed truck/RV counts and design rules that can substantially increase area needs (e.g., truck stops, truck‑oriented fuel pumps). Check § 19.06.050(c)(7) for truck/RV rules and whether a CUP or special study is required.

Plain‑English summary

Barstow requires off‑street parking and sets both counts and detailed design rules in § 19.06.050; district chapters (DU, HS, C, I, etc.) refer to that section for parking counts and add loading specs for commercial/industrial uses. Single‑family homes must provide two enclosed spaces; commercial and industrial projects must size loading docks and parking according to the published tables and may use shared parking only with formal approvals and recorded agreements. Always check with planning staff early if you plan bike parking credits, shared lots, or truck/RV areas because studies and CUPs are commonly required.

Source References

  • § 19.06.050 — Off‑street parking: parking schedule, design, shared parking, compact/RV/truck standards, incentives and maintenance.
  • § 19.06.030 — Walls required where parking adjoins residential or key districts (SFR, MDR, OP, DU).
  • § 19.06.040 — Clear‑sight / sight‑distance triangle requirements affecting driveway/parking placement.
  • CHAPTER 19.12 (e.g., § 19.12.080–.090) — DU district parking and loading cross‑references.
  • CHAPTER 19.14 (e.g., § 19.14.010, § 19.14.080–.110) — HS district purpose, parking referral and SRO bike parking.
  • CHAPTER 19.16 (e.g., § 19.16.010, § 19.16.120) — C (Commercial) district and commercial loading.
  • CHAPTER 19.18 (e.g., § 19.18.080–.090) — I (Industrial) loading and parking safety features.
  • CHAPTER 19.04 — District list and definitions (SFR, MDR, DU, HS, C, I, etc.).
  • City development and site plan review cross‑references (site plan thresholds, landscaping, lighting): CHAPTER 19.05, § 19.06.010.
  • California Building Standards reference for technical accessible stall rules: California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Barstow Zoning Code (title requires) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (title 19) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (title 19) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (section 19.06.060.) High relevance
  • CBC § 000 (chapter 19.30) High relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.12.040) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.16.080) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 19.14.110 (section are) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.14.040) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.12.080) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 1094.6.) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (title apply.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 19.14.110 (section 19.06.050.) Medium relevance
  • Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.16.010) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the controlling Barstow code for off‑street parking?

Barstow’s off‑street parking rules are codified primarily at § 19.06.050, which contains the parking schedule, design standards, shared parking rules and incentives. District chapters refer back to this section for required parking counts.

How many parking spaces does a single‑family home need in Barstow?

A single‑family dwelling must provide two enclosed parking spaces on the same lot; this requirement is in the residential portion of the off‑street parking schedule at § 19.06.050(c)(1).

Do I need a loading dock for a commercial building in Barstow?

If your commercial or office floor area meets district thresholds, yes — district chapters set minimum loading sizes and counts (for example § 19.12.090, § 19.14.090, § 19.16.120), and each of those refers to minimum dimensions (typically 10' x 20' x 14' for many commercial uses). Verify the district that applies to your parcel.

What about bicycle parking — how much is required?

The code specifically requires secure bicycle parking for SROs at a ratio of 1 bicycle per 5 rooms and allows incentives for bicycle storage elsewhere, but a comprehensive city‑wide bicycle parking table is not visible in the retrieved parking chapter excerpts — verify with planning staff if your use requires a bicycle count beyond SRO rules.

Can I provide parking on a separate lot?

Yes — required off‑street parking may be on a separate lot up to 300 feet from the primary building, subject to planning commission approval and a recorded covenant; parking cannot be on the opposite side of a collector/arterial street. See § 19.06.050(e).

Are compact spaces allowed and how many?

Up to 20% of required spaces may be compact or motorcycle spaces; they must be marked and distributed as approved by the city planner. See § 19.06.050(g).

Can I reduce parking by providing bike storage or EV chargers?

Possibly — the code allows incentives for reduced parking in exchange for bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging installations; the maximum reduction shown in the code excerpts is one parking space per 1,000 sf, subject to city planner approval (§ 19.06.050(d)(16)). Confirm with the planner.

What are the drive aisle and stall dimension rules I must follow?

The ordinance specifies drive aisle minima (for example 26 ft for 90° two‑way aisles) and requires striping, wheelstops and safe circulation. See § 19.06.050(d)(13–15) for numerical minima and marking rules.

If I share parking with adjacent uses, what is required?

Shared parking is allowed but requires a Conditional Use Permit, a parking study (ULI/ITE or similar), and recorded reciprocal access and parking agreements; reductions must still meet highest peak‑hour demand for the center. See § 19.06.050(j).

Where do I find rules about parking lot lighting and landscape screening?

Lighting requirements and photometric plan triggers are in § 19.06.010 (outdoor lighting) and landscape/sight triangle rules are in § 19.06.040 and the landscaping standards. These sections set minimum footcandles, lamp types allowed, and landscape requirements near parking. ---

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