Local zoning · Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the Beverly Hills Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 3 (often referenced as the city’s zoning code in local practice) regulates off-street parking and loading citywide, with emphasis on how standards differ by neighborhood, base district, and overlay. If you are new to the city’s framework, start with the Beverly Hills Zoning and Beverly Hills Development Standards pages and keep in mind that several standards are refined by Beverly Hills Overlay Districts and project-specific approvals. Where parking design or screening is implicated, coordination with Beverly Hills Design Review and Beverly Hills Landscaping and Screening may also be relevant.

Citywide structure you should know first

  • The code sets neighborhood-specific single-family parking minimums for the Central Area, Hillside Area, and Trousdale Estates; these include placement and screening rules and references to city-adopted stall/aisle dimensions “on file” with the City (verify current standards with staff).
  • Commercial and mixed-use projects default to the city’s off-street parking and loading articles (§§10-3-2727–2736 and §§10-3-2740–2744), with several overlays allowing tailored programs (e.g., compact/tandem percentages, valet queuing) when approved. Specific numeric ratios or loading bay sizes for these general articles were not included in the retrieved text. Not found in retrieved materials. See cross-references in overlay sections below.
  • The Director may modify the size, number, and/or location of required parking/loading in existing commercial buildings when necessary for disabled access or emergency equipment upgrades, with discretion to require replacement through compact/tandem/van/loading reconfiguration (subject to minimum loading-space square footage in §10-3-2740).
  • A city “substantial compliance determination” can allow small deviations, including up to a 10% reduction in minimum drive aisle width and up to one parking stall that is up to 10% smaller than standard (not available in single-family zones).

Core residential parking standards (single-family areas)

Central Area (single-family)

  • Purpose/where: The city’s central, predominantly flat single-family neighborhoods.
  • Minimum parking: The Central Area requires between 3–7 spaces per single-family site, based on bedroom count (3 for ≤4 bedrooms; 4 for 5–6; 5 for 7; 6 for 8; 7 for 9+).
  • Placement/design: No required spaces in the front or street-side yard; screening required for spaces visible from streets; stall dimensions must meet the City’s adopted standards on file.
  • SB 9 two-unit/urban lot split note: 1 space per new primary unit unless near high-quality transit/major transit stop or a car-share is within a block.

Hillside Area (single-family)

  • Purpose/where: Beverly Hills hillside neighborhoods outside Trousdale Estates.
  • Minimum parking: 4 spaces per primary residence, or 3 spaces if the residence is <6,000 sq ft of floor area; at least 2 spaces must be covered.
  • Placement/design: No required spaces in the front yard; any extra, non-required parking must be set back 5 ft from front/street-side lot lines and landscaped; screening required for spaces visible from the street; dimensions per City standards on file (limited relief for constrained older driveways ≥8 ft wide).
  • SB 9 two-unit/urban lot split note: 1 space per new primary unit unless near qualifying transit/car-share.

Trousdale Estates (single-family)

  • Purpose/where: The Trousdale Estates neighborhood.
  • Minimum parking: 2 spaces for ≤4 bedrooms; 3 spaces for 5 bedrooms; 4 spaces for 6+ bedrooms.
  • Placement/design: No required spaces in the front or street-side yard; screening required; dimensions per City standards on file (limited relief for constrained older driveways ≥8 ft wide).
  • SB 9 two-unit/urban lot split note: 1 space per new primary unit unless near qualifying transit/car-share.

R-1.8X Zone (single-family)

  • Purpose/where: A mapped single-family subdistrict with additional restrictions.
  • Parking restrictions: No more than 5 automobiles may be parked on any separately numbered lot in R-1.8X.
  • ADU note: ADUs/JADUs are allowed in R-1.8X consistent with Article 50; see Beverly Hills ADUs for ADU-specific parking rules and state preemptions.

Multifamily/transition parking and buffering

R-4 and R-4-P (Multiple Residential with Ancillary Parking/Transition)

  • Purpose/where: Multifamily areas and a Residential–Parking (R-4-P) context where ancillary parking serves adjacent uses.
  • Buffers near R-4X2: Where nonresidential parking is on the same block and within 90 ft of R-4X2, required alleys and landscaped buffers vary by type:
    • Surface/below grade: 18 ft alley + 9 ft landscaping (≥2 ft between alley and nonresidential use).
    • Above grade: 20 ft alley + 10 ft landscaping (≥3 ft between alley and nonresidential use).
  • R-4-P buffer: A 30 ft buffer including 20 ft alley + 10 ft landscaping is required between residential and nonresidential uses.
  • Ancillary parking facility walls: Follow §10-3-2730.2; in R-4-P, walls in required street setbacks max 3 ft; otherwise max 7 ft (lower wall heights may be approved in planned developments).

Commercial and mixed-use districts and overlays

C-3 and C-5 (Commercial corridors and centers)

  • Typical uses: Retail, services, offices, restaurants, specialized commercial.
  • Off-site and alternative parking:
    • Off-site parking may be allowed by CUP per §10-3-2733 in both C-3 and C-5.
    • Alternative parking facilities for required parking (excluding medical uses) may be allowed by CUP per §10-3-2730.4 in C-3 and C-5.
  • Use-specific references: For example, “cosmetic spas” must meet §10-3-2730 parking or approved alternatives under Article 27.
  • Commission flexibility: The Planning Commission can adjust parking/loading if a use’s demand differs from §10-3-2729/2730 (cannot reduce below what fits on the site).

M-PD-3 (Mixed Use Planned Development)

  • Purpose: A mapped mixed-use precinct with integrated residential and commercial.
  • Above-grade parking must be hidden behind a minimum 40 ft “liner” of active use; residential and commercial parking should be physically separable; loading must follow §§10-3-2740–2744 unless a planned development approves otherwise.

MU Overlay (Mixed Use)

  • Purpose: Enable mixed-use on designated corridors while buffering nearby homes.
  • Above-grade parking hidden behind a 40 ft liner may be required; residential spaces must be assigned to units and not used by patrons of commercial uses; loading per §§10-3-2740–2744 unless modified.

C-R-PD (Retail Department Store Planned Development)

  • Purpose: Department store overlays with tailored circulation/parking management.
  • Baseline: Follows §§10-3-2727–2736 for parking unless modified. The Commission may adjust required space counts up to ±10% and permit up to 20% of spaces as compact or tandem. Requires a valet queuing area and a parking program (e.g., validation, monitoring, employee parking) to prevent on-street queuing. Off-site parking is limited and, if allowed, must be within 75 ft of the store site.

E-O-PD (Entertainment Office Planned Development)

  • Purpose: Entertainment/office campuses with performance-based parking programs.
  • Tailored allowances: The Commission may allow tandem spaces (≥9'×17'), compact spaces (≥7.5'×17') up to 17%, and compact+tandem up to 7%, all within an approved parking program with monitoring. A valet queuing area is required. Spaces generally may not be leased to non-tenants unless permitted.

Transportation Zones T-1, T-2 and T-O

  • Purpose: Rail/transit-supportive districts and an overlay to expand T-zone uses.
  • Parking use: Surface parking lots are conditionally permitted in T-1/T-2, subject to §10-3-2730.2 standards.

Special-use sharing for exercise clubs/private training centers

  • The Commission may allow up to 50% of a primarily daytime user’s on-site parking supply (≥500 on-site spaces) to satisfy the needs of an exercise/fitness use with different peak hours, with a traffic engineer’s parking utilization study.

Key residential parking at a glance

Area/District Minimum Off-Street Spaces Extra Requirements Code Reference
Central Area (single-family) 3–7 based on bedrooms (3 for ≤4 BR; up to 7 for 9+ BR) No required spaces in front/street-side yard; screening; City stall/aisle standards on file §10-3-2419
Hillside Area (single-family) 4 (or 3 if <6,000 sq ft floor area) ≥2 covered; 5 ft landscaped setback for any non-required paved parking in front/street-side yards; screening; City standards on file §10-3-2515
Trousdale Estates (single-family) 2–4 based on bedrooms No required spaces in front/street-side yard; screening; City standards on file §10-3-2615
R-1.8X (single-family) N/A (lot-wide cap) Max 5 automobiles parked on any separately numbered lot §10-3-1102

Notes: All three single-family areas include a carve-out of 1 off-street space for each new primary unit in a two-unit (SB 9) project or urban lot split unless near qualifying transit/car-share. See the specific area section.

Selected commercial/overlay parking tools

District/Overlay Parking Flexibility/Controls Code Reference
C-3, C-5 Off-site parking by CUP (§10-3-2733); Alternative parking facilities by CUP (§10-3-2730.4) C-3: §10-3-1604; C-5: §10-3-2003
C-R-PD Up to ±10% adjustment to required spaces; up to 20% compact/tandem; required valet queue and parking program; proximity limits for off-site parking §10-3-1829
E-O-PD Allow compact/tandem with caps; required valet queue; parking program and monitoring §10-3-1867
M-PD-3 Above-grade parking behind 40 ft active-use liner; separate res/commercial parking; loading per §§10-3-2740–2744 §10-3-1980.9 to -1980.11
MU Overlay Above-grade parking behind 40 ft liner (when required); assign residential spaces; loading per §§10-3-2740–2744 §10-3-1883 to -1885
Citywide—existing commercial buildings Director can modify size/number/location for ADA/fire upgrades; may require replacement via compact/tandem/van/loading reconfiguration; loading square footage per §10-3-2740 §10-3-203(F)
Citywide—minor deviations Up to 10% reduction in drive aisle width; up to one stall up to 10% undersized; not in single-family zones Substantial Compliance Determination table (Article 2.5)

Off-street loading and bicycle parking

  • Loading: Multiple sections direct commercial and mixed-use projects to follow §§10-3-2740–2744 for loading (minimum size/count/layout). The exact numeric standards were not included in the retrieved text. Not found in retrieved materials. See cross-references in M-PD-3 and MU.
  • Bicycle parking: No zoning-based bicycle parking requirements were found in the retrieved materials. Not found in retrieved materials. If a building trigger invokes state building or green code bicycle/EV provisions, those arise under the California Building Standards Code, not zoning.

Practical interpretation notes

  • “City standards on file” for stall size/aisle width: Residential and area-specific sections require compliance with City-adopted parking standards “on file” with the City; for older driveways narrowed by existing homes/porte-cochères, limited relief is allowed if widths are ≥8–8.5 ft and other criteria are met. Verify current dimensional sheets with the City.
  • Above-grade parking concealment: In mapped mixed-use precincts, expect to “hide” structured parking behind active uses to preserve a pedestrian-oriented edge.
  • Alternatives, sharing, and valet: Several overlays enable negotiated solutions (compact/tandem allowances, valet queuing, shared supply between non-overlapping peaks). These require Commission findings and monitoring, not just a drawing note.

Checklist

  • Identify your base district and any overlay (e.g., Central Area, Hillside Area, Trousdale Estates, C-R-PD, E-O-PD, MU, M-PD-3, T-1/T-2).
  • Calculate minimum off-street spaces per your area/district and use; confirm any covered-space requirement and front/street-side yard prohibitions.
  • Check screening and landscaping requirements for exposed parking and for any buffers abutting multifamily.
  • Verify stall and drive-aisle dimensions against the City’s current “parking standards on file” (ask Planning/Community Development).
  • For commercial/mixed-use, determine if general articles (§§10-3-2727–2736; §§10-3-2740–2744) apply as-is or if an overlay allows an approved parking program/valet/compact-tandem mix. Not found in retrieved materials for numeric ratios; see overlay cross-references.
  • If upgrading for ADA/fire access in an existing commercial building, confirm whether the Director will approve modifications and require replacement parking/loading.
  • Consider whether a “substantial compliance” determination for minor aisle/stall deviations is warranted (not in single-family zones).
  • If proposing off-site or alternative parking in C-3/C-5, plan for a CUP and supporting studies.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
City “parking standards on file” not publicly codified Stall/aisle dimensions govern compliance and maneuvering; some relief exists for constrained older driveways Request the latest City-adopted parking dimension sheets and confirm any allowed compact/tandem use under your overlay or approval.
Missing numeric ratios in general articles Many references point to §§10-3-2727–2736 for parking and §§10-3-2740–2744 for loading, but details were not in the retrieved text Ask staff for the current article language; rely on overlay cross-references in the interim. Not found in retrieved materials.
Above-grade parking visibility rules Mixed-use areas require “liner” space to hide parking; noncompliance triggers redesign Confirm required liner depth and any exceptions via your overlay approval (e.g., site constraints).
Sharing/alternative parking Valet/compact/tandem mixes and shared-use supply require findings and monitoring Scope a parking program and utilization study early if you’re pursuing these tools.
R-1.8X on-lot vehicle cap Exceeding the 5-car cap could trigger enforcement Count all automobiles parked on the lot; plan garages/driveways accordingly.
Loading standards for specialized uses Deliveries and service vehicles can drive approval conditions Obtain current §10-3-2740-series requirements and integrate dock/turning templates into plans. Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

Beverly Hills doesn’t use one-size-fits-all parking. Single-family homes in the Central Area, Hillside Area, and Trousdale Estates have different minimum space counts and strict rules against putting required parking in front yards, with screening required where spaces are visible. Commercial and mixed-use projects follow citywide articles for parking and loading but often rely on overlays or approvals that allow compact/tandem mixes, valet queuing, and shared supply—so long as a solid parking program and monitoring back them up.

Source References

  • Central Area single-family parking and screening: §10-3-2419
  • Hillside Area parking, covered spaces, setbacks/screening: §10-3-2515
  • Trousdale Estates parking and screening: §10-3-2615
  • R-1.8X maximum automobiles per lot: §10-3-1102
  • R-4-P and R-4X2 buffering/landscaping/alley standards: §10-3-1538; §10-3-1538/ancillary parking walls cross-ref §10-3-2730.2
  • C-3 and C-5—off-site and alternative parking by CUP: §10-3-1604; §10-3-2003 (referencing §§10-3-2733, 10-3-2730.4)
  • C-R-PD department store parking program/compact+tandem allowances/proximity: §10-3-1829
  • E-O-PD parking program, compact/tandem caps, valet queuing: §10-3-1867
  • M-PD-3 mixed-use parking separation/liner/loading: §§10-3-1980.9–.11
  • MU Overlay assigned residential parking/liner/loading: §§10-3-1883–1885
  • Transportation zones T-1/T-2 surface parking (CUP) with §10-3-2730.2 standards: §§10-3-2301–2303
  • Director modification for ADA/fire upgrades in existing commercial buildings; replacement discretion; minimum loading size via §10-3-2740: §10-3-203(F)
  • Substantial compliance determination deviations (drive aisle and single stall): Article 2.5 table
  • For building-code accessibility and any bike/EV requirements triggered outside zoning, see the California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-2740) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-746) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (title 9) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (article 18.4) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (§ 10-209) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 10 (chapter is) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section if) High relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-1980.2) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-2803) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (article shall) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (article 38) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-100) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-2730) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (section 10-3-2730) Medium relevance
  • Beverly Hills Zoning Code (article 31) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many off-street spaces does a single-family home need in Beverly Hills?

It depends on location. Central Area homes need 3–7 spaces based on bedrooms; Hillside Area homes need 4 spaces (or 3 if the house is under 6,000 sq ft, with 2 covered); Trousdale Estates ranges 2–4 based on bedrooms. Required spaces can’t be in the front yard, and screening applies. See §§10-3-2419, 10-3-2515, 10-3-2615.

Can I put required parking in my front setback?

No. All three single-family areas prohibit required parking in the front (and, in some cases, street-side) yard. Screening is also required for spaces visible from the street. See §10-3-2419(B) for the Central Area, §10-3-2515(C) for the Hillside Area, and §10-3-2615(B) for Trousdale.

Are compact or tandem spaces allowed for commercial projects?

Yes—if your project is in a qualifying overlay and the Planning Commission approves a parking program. For example, E-O-PD can allow up to 17% compact and 7% compact+tandem with monitoring and valet queuing; C-R-PD can allow up to 20% compact/tandem and adjust counts within ±10%. See §§10-3-1867 and 10-3-1829.

Can the City reduce or reconfigure my required parking when I add ADA or fire upgrades?

Possibly. For existing commercial buildings, the Director may modify the size/number/location of required parking/loading to accommodate disabled access or emergency equipment upgrades, and may require replacement via compact/tandem/van/loading solutions (subject to §10-3-2740 for loading space size). §10-3-203(F).

What are the rules for above-grade parking in mixed-use areas?

Above-grade parking generally must be concealed behind at least 40 ft of active building depth along street facades. Residential and commercial parking should be physically separable, and loading follows §§10-3-2740–2744 unless approved otherwise. See M-PD-3 and MU Overlay sections.

Are bicycle parking spaces required by Beverly Hills zoning?

No bicycle parking requirements appear in the retrieved zoning text. Not found in retrieved materials. If bicycle facilities are required, they typically come from state building/green codes rather than zoning; see the California Building Standards Code.

Can I share parking between a gym/fitness use and daytime office?

Yes, subject to a utilization study and findings. The City may allow up to 50% of a daytime user’s on-site supply (in garages with ≥500 spaces) to satisfy an exercise club or private training center with different peak hours, via CUP. §10-3-1618.

Are surface parking lots allowed in the Transportation zones?

Yes, but only with a Conditional Use Permit and compliance with §10-3-2730.2 standards. See §§10-3-2302–2303 (T-1/T-2).

Is there a cap on how many cars I can park on a single-family lot?

In R-1.8X, no more than 5 automobiles may be parked on any separately numbered lot. §10-3-1102.

Where do I find loading bay sizes and counts?

Multiple sections send you to §§10-3-2740–2744 for loading. Those specifics were not in the retrieved materials—ask staff for the current article language. Not found in retrieved materials; see references in M-PD-3 and MU.

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