Local zoning · Blythe

Blythe — Parking

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

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page distills how the City of Blythe’s Title 17 Zoning regulates off‑street parking and loading—what is required, where, and how to design and count it. It draws strictly from Blythe’s zoning code and related chapters, and flags items that are not found in the retrieved materials. For broader context, see the Blythe Zoning framework and related Blythe Development Standards.

Core citywide parking rules (Title 17, Chapter 17.16)

Applicability and triggers. Off‑street parking standards apply when a main building is erected and whenever an existing building is altered, enlarged, or its use is intensified in ways that add floor area, units, guestrooms, or traffic demand. Existing commercial structures in commercial zones without any on‑site parking area are exempt unless the use is intensified.
Definitions that guide design/plan checking. “Off‑street parking facility” and “parking space, automobile” are defined in Chapter 17.04; these control what counts as a space and which areas are “driveways,” ramps, aisles, or loading, and therefore not part of the stall count.
Residential minimums. Detached single‑family dwellings must provide two spaces per unit in the listed zones; multifamily has its own ratios (see tables below). Tandem may not be used to satisfy standard residential minimums in §17.16.060(A)–(B).
Nonresidential minimums. Ratios vary by use (assembly, hospital, retail/office, etc.). Where a use is not listed, apply the most similar traffic‑generating category.
Access, paving, and screening. Driveway widths and clear heights vary by residential/multifamily/commercial‑industrial use; where two driveways are provided, mark ingress and egress. Surfaces must be paved and maintained; where a parking area adjoins residential uses, provide screening and wheel stops; screening is governed in Chapter 17.14.
In‑lieu fee or shared facility. If on‑site/adjacent parking cannot be met, the City may accept an in‑lieu fee based on 250 square feet per required space, or participation in a cooperative parking facility within 150 feet. Amount per square foot is set by City Council resolution.

Residential and mixed housing special rules

ADUs/JADUs. Chapter 17.33 allows one additional parking space for an ADU (one bedroom or more), and it may be provided as tandem on an existing driveway or within setbacks if feasible. Multiple exemptions eliminate ADU parking entirely (e.g., within ½‑mile of transit, part of an existing structure, car‑share within one block). When existing parking is demolished or converted for an ADU, those spaces need not be replaced. See Chapter 17.33’s parking provisions.
Two‑unit (SB 9) housing and urban lot splits. Parking is limited to one space per unit; no minimum may be imposed if the parcel is within ½‑mile of a high‑quality transit corridor or major transit stop. See Chapter 17.33A (parking limitation appears in the chapter text retrieved).
Supportive housing. One space per unit is required; however, no minimum applies for supportive‑housing units if within ½‑mile of a public transit stop; plus one space per manager unit and one per employee on the largest shift. See Chapter 17.63G.050.
Condominiums/community apartments. Off‑street parking must match the underlying zone’s residential standards; private street widths vary depending on whether parking is allowed on one or both sides.

Design and operations constraints that affect parking

Driveways. Minimum widths and headroom vary by use; child care requires a dedicated 20‑foot‑wide circular driveway for safe loading/unloading. Directional marking is required when there are two driveways.
Front setbacks and vehicles. No vehicle, trailer, boat, or RV may be parked in a front setback except on paved driveways.
Commercial vehicles in residential zones. Commercial and construction/agricultural vehicles are generally prohibited from parking in residential zones unless screened; there are specific exemptions (e.g., small utility vans/pickups under size limits, vehicles performing deliveries, government/emergency vehicles).
Screening and wheel stops near residences. Parking areas adjoining residential uses must be screened under Chapter 17.14 and include adequate wheel stops; screening height is measured per §17.14.060.

Loading (Chapter 17.18)

Minimum loading space size is 25 feet by 14 feet with 14‑foot overhead clearance for commercial/industrial buildings, hotels, hospitals, and institutions, with the number determined by the Planning Director, and at least one space required. Adequate truck ingress/egress must be from a public street or alley, and no part of a public street or alley may be used for loading.

Decision‑relevant standards

Topic	Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Compliance trigger	Provide/upgrade off‑street parking when erecting a main building, or when adding units/guestrooms/floor area or intensifying use	Citywide	§17.16.010; §17.16.020 (commercial lots lacking any parking area exempt unless intensification)
Detached SFR parking	2 spaces per dwelling	SPR, R‑R, A, R‑E, R‑L, R‑M, R‑M‑L, I‑S, I‑G, P‑D	§17.16.060(A)
Multifamily parking	1 per studio/1‑BR; 1.5 per unit with more than 2 bedrooms; tandem not allowed for these minimums	R‑M‑L, R‑M, R‑H, P‑D, and multifamily in C‑G	§17.16.060(B)–(C)
Assembly uses	1 per 5 seats (or 1/40 sf where seats are movable)	Churches, theaters, auditoriums	§17.16.070(A)(1)
Hospitals	1 per 3 beds	Hospitals	§17.16.070(A)(2)
Clinics/medical/dental	1 per 200 sf GFA	Medical/dental clinics/offices	§17.16.070(A)(3)
Convalescent/nursing	1 per 4 beds	Care facilities	§17.16.070(A)(4)
Hotels/motels	1 per room	Lodging	§17.16.070(A)(5)
Boarding/club houses	1 per guestroom + 1 per 2 dorm beds	Group living	§17.16.070(A)(6)
Child care center	1 per staff + 1 per 20 children; plus a 20‑ft circular driveway for loading/unloading	Child care services	§17.16.070(A)(7); §17.16.130(D)
Retail/office	1 per 250 sf GFA	Retail stores; administrative/professional offices	§17.16.070(A)(9)
Driveway widths	10 ft SFR; 12 ft multifamily (18 ft if >10 spaces served, or two 12‑ft drives); 12 ft one‑way and 20 ft two‑way for commercial/industrial (10 ft for certain one‑way drive‑throughs)	Access to off‑street parking	§17.16.130(A)–(C), (E)
Front setback parking	Allowed only on paved driveways	Residential front setbacks	§17.16.055
In‑lieu parking	Fee based on 250 sf per required space or participate in a cooperative facility within 150 ft	When parking cannot be met on or adjacent to site	§17.16.140
Loading dimensions	25' x 14' space; 14' overhead clearance; min 1 space; no street/alley loading	Commercial/industrial, hotels, hospitals, institutions	§17.18.010–.030
ADU parking	1 space for ADUs (≥1 BR) with multiple exemptions; tandem/setback allowed; no replacement of removed parking	Residential lots with ADUs	Chapter 17.33 (parking provisions retrieved)
Two‑unit (SB 9)	1 space per unit max; none if within ½‑mile of major transit/high‑quality corridor	SB 9 two‑unit/lot split sites	Chapter 17.33A (parking limit retrieved)
Supportive housing	1 per unit (none for supportive units within ½‑mile of transit) + 1 per manager unit + 1 per employee on largest shift	Supportive housing projects	§17.63G.050

Note: If a fractional parking calculation occurs, the next higher whole number applies; the statement is in the retrieved Chapter 17.16 text, but the specific subsection number was not captured. Verify the governing subsection with the City.

District-by-district: what changes for residential parking

Below summarizes how §17.16.060 applies by Blythe’s zoning districts for detached single‑family dwellings and where multifamily ratios apply. For purposes, permitted uses, or other dimensional standards, see the base zoning pages; only parking content from the retrieved ordinance is presented here.

SPR — Specific Plan Resort

Minimum for a detached single‑family dwelling: 2 spaces per unit. Multifamily in SPR is not addressed in the retrieved parking section. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R‑R — Rural Residential

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit.

A — Agriculture

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit. Note added restrictions on commercial/agricultural vehicle parking in residential zones if applicable.

R‑E — Residential Estates

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit.

R‑L — Low Density Residential

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit.

R‑M‑L — Residential Medium Low

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit. Multifamily: 1 per studio/1‑BR; 1.5 per unit with more than two bedrooms; no tandem for required minimums.

R‑M — Residential Medium

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit. Multifamily: 1 per studio/1‑BR; 1.5 per unit with more than two bedrooms; no tandem for required minimums.

R‑H — Residential High

Multifamily: 1 per studio/1‑BR; 1.5 per unit with more than two bedrooms; no tandem for required minimums. The retrieved section does not list detached single‑family in R‑H. Verify with the jurisdiction.

C‑G — General Commercial (multifamily allowed)

Where multifamily is permitted in C‑G, apply 1 per studio/1‑BR; 1.5 per unit with more than two bedrooms; no tandem for required minimums.

I‑S — Industrial Service; I‑G — Industrial General

If a detached single‑family dwelling exists/is permitted, provide 2 spaces per unit. Otherwise apply nonresidential use ratios under §17.16.070. Verify residential permissibility in these districts.

P‑D — Planned Development

Detached single‑family: 2 spaces per unit where such use is established; multifamily in P‑D uses the multifamily ratios above; check project‑specific P‑D approvals.

Site plan and design review tie‑ins

Within the downtown review area, submittals for Blythe Design Review must show site layout, including driveways, off‑street parking and loading areas, and landscape plans that can affect screening and stall placement. See also Blythe Landscaping and Screening for how fencing/screening around parking is measured and maintained.

Information Gaps

Bicycle parking. Not found in retrieved materials; no zoning‑level bicycle parking standard was returned. If required, it may arise under the California Building Standards Code rather than zoning. Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials.
Parking stall dimensions/aisle geometry. Not found in retrieved materials (definitions exist, but no numeric stall dimensions returned). Verify with the jurisdiction. Not found in retrieved materials.
Surfacing and wheel‑stop section number. Paving and screening direction was retrieved without a specific subsection citation; confirm exact § in Chapter 17.16/17.14 with the City.
Full §17.16.070 list. Only a portion of nonresidential ratios was returned. Verify additional categories (e.g., restaurants, warehouses) if applicable.

Checklist

Confirm the base zone(s) and use type(s) and calculate stalls under §17.16.060 (residential) or §17.16.070 (nonresidential).
Apply rounding up when a fractional stall results (verify subsection number with the City).
Verify any ADU/JADU, SB 9 two‑unit, or supportive‑housing parking adjustments and exemptions before finalizing the site plan (Ch. 17.33, Ch. 17.33A, §17.63G.050).
Provide code‑compliant driveway width(s), headroom, and clear directional markings (§17.16.130).
For child care uses, include the required 20‑ft circular driveway and parking ratios (§17.16.130(D), §17.16.070(A)(7)).
Confirm paving, screening, and wheel stops where parking adjoins residential uses (Ch. 17.16; Ch. 17.14).
Ensure no parking in front setbacks except on paved driveways (§17.16.055).
Provide required loading spaces with proper dimensions and access; do not use public streets/alleys for loading (Ch. 17.18).
If on‑site standards cannot be met, discuss the in‑lieu fee or a cooperative facility within 150 ft (§17.16.140).
In residential zones, verify any commercial/agricultural vehicle parking is screened or qualifies for an exemption (§17.16.050).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
“More than two bedrooms” multifamily ratio	The code requires 1.5 spaces for units “above two bedrooms,” which affects 3+ BR units	Confirm interpretation with staff for 2‑BR versus 3‑BR units before permit intake (§17.16.060(B))
Paving/screening subsection citation	The text was retrieved without a precise subsection number	Ask Planning for the exact § to reference on plans; comply with Ch. 17.16/17.14 provisions (screening/curbs/wheel stops)
Fractional stall rounding	Impacts final count and in‑lieu fees	Staff confirmation of the controlling subsection, though the rule to round up is present in the retrieved chapter text
Older commercial buildings without lot area	May be exempt unless use intensifies	Confirm whether the project triggers “intensification,” which re‑opens parking compliance (§17.16.020)
Bicycle parking	Could be triggered by non‑zoning codes	If needed, check building‑code submittal requirements; not found in retrieved zoning materials. Not found in retrieved materials
In‑lieu fee amount	Budgeting and pro forma	Request the latest City Council resolution for the current per‑square‑foot rate (§17.16.140)

Plain-English Summary

Blythe generally requires two spaces for a single‑family home and sets specific ratios for multifamily and most commercial uses. You’ll need properly sized driveways, paved stalls, screening next to homes, and on some uses a dedicated loading space. Special housing types—like ADUs, SB 9 two‑unit projects, and supportive housing—often qualify for reduced or no minimum parking. If your site can’t fit parking, the City may allow an in‑lieu fee or participation in a nearby shared facility.

Source References

Title 17 Zoning: Chapters 17.02 and 17.04 (definitions; general provisions)
Chapter 17.16 Off‑Street Parking: §17.16.010–.020 (applicability), §17.16.040–.060 (residential), §17.16.070 (nonresidential), §17.16.130 (driveways), §17.16.140 (in‑lieu fee), §17.16.050, §17.16.055 (operations)
Chapter 17.14 Screening (measurement/maintenance)
Chapter 17.18 Loading: §17.18.010–.030 (size, access, no street/alley loading)
Chapter 17.32 Condominiums: §17.32.040 (parking per zone); §17.32.060 (private street widths and parking)
Chapter 17.33 ADUs/JADUs (parking provisions retrieved)
Chapter 17.33A Two‑Unit/Urban Lot Splits (parking limit retrieved)
Chapter 17.63G.050 Supportive Housing parking
Design Review submittals (downtown): §17.64.064 (site plans show off‑street parking/loading)
For broader planning context, see Blythe zoning & planning overview, Blythe Land Use, Blythe Overlay Districts, and Blythe Variances and Exceptions

Sources

Retrieved passages

Blythe Zoning Code (Chapter 17.14.) High relevance
Blythe Zoning Code (§ 4.08) High relevance
CBC § 2 (Section 21155) Medium relevance
Blythe Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Blythe Zoning Code (§ 13) Medium relevance
Blythe Zoning Code (§ 4.08) Medium relevance
Blythe Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
Blythe Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Blythe code library

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does Blythe require for a single-family home?

Two off‑street spaces per detached single‑family dwelling are required in the SPR, R‑R, A, R‑E, R‑L, R‑M, R‑M‑L, I‑S, I‑G, and P‑D zones.

Are tandem spaces allowed to meet Blythe’s minimums for multifamily?

No. Tandem spaces cannot be used to satisfy the required residential minimums under §17.16.060(A)–(B).

What are Blythe’s parking ratios for medical and dental offices?

Provide one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area for clinics and medical/dental offices.

What driveway widths does Blythe require to access parking?

Minimum driveway widths are 10 feet for single‑family, 12 feet for multifamily (18 feet if serving more than 10 spaces or two 12‑foot drives), and 12‑foot one‑way/20‑foot two‑way for commercial/industrial; certain one‑way drive‑throughs may be 10 feet.

Can I pay a fee instead of building all required parking?

Possibly. Blythe may accept an in‑lieu fee calculated at 250 square feet per required stall or allow participation in a cooperative facility within 150 feet, subject to City Council‑set fee rates.

Do I need to replace garage parking that I convert to an ADU?

No. When a garage/carport/covered or uncovered parking space is demolished or converted to create an ADU, those off‑street spaces need not be replaced under Chapter 17.33’s ADU parking provisions.

Can vehicles park in the front setback?

Only on paved driveways. Vehicles, trailers, boats, and RVs cannot be parked in front setbacks except on paved driveways.

What loading space is required for commercial or industrial projects?

At least one on‑site loading space measuring 25 by 14 feet with 14‑foot overhead clearance is required, with additional spaces as determined by the Planning Director; loading may not use public streets or alleys.

Are there zoning bicycle parking requirements in Blythe?

Not found in the retrieved zoning materials. Check with the City; if required, they may arise under building code rather than zoning. Not found in retrieved materials.

How are parking requirements applied to older downtown buildings without parking?

If a commercial building in a commercial zone had no on‑lot area for parking at enactment, it is exempt—unless the use is intensified or expanded, which then triggers compliance.

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