Local zoning · Buena Park

Buena Park — Parking

Q: How many parking spaces does a single‑family home in Buena Park need?

Single‑family homes in Buena Park are required to provide 2 garage spaces as the standard minimum per the parking‑space table in § 19.436.050 .

Q: What are the parking requirements for multifamily apartments in RM zones?

Multifamily parking is set by bedroom count in § 19.436.050 : examples include 0–1 BR = 2 spaces (1 covered) , 2 BR = 2.5 spaces (1 covered) , 3+ BR = 3 spaces (1 covered) . Guest parking and CC&R assignment rules are referenced in the same section; verify unit mix when calculating totals .

Q: What stall and aisle dimensions must a new commercial parking lot use?

Use the commercial parking layout table Table 19.536.060 (stall widths, lengths, and aisle widths by angle) and the related standard text in § 19.536.060 ; a typical standard stall is 9 ft x 19–18 ft depending on angle and use; aisle widths vary by angle and one‑way/two‑way circulation .

Q: Are bicycle parking spaces required and where must they be located?

Yes — bicycle spaces must be provided and distributed throughout the site ; certain uses (e.g., emergency shelters) have explicit bicycle space ratios in their special‑use rules. See § 19.536.070 and the emergency shelter provisions for use‑specific minimums .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Buena Park regulates parking, loading, and bicycle parking in the local zoning ordinance (Title 19 of the Buena Park Zoning Code). It focuses only on the zoning/planning rules for on-site and off‑street parking (layout, counts, improvements, loading, bicycle spaces, tandem/guest rules), and points to the specific controlling code sections so you can verify parcel-specific interpretations. For related items see the city's Zoning overview, Development Standards, and the ADU and Design Review pages as noted below.

Key rules at-a-glance

Minimum parking counts for residences and other uses are set in the Parking Spaces Required table and accompanying text in § 19.436.050 .
Parking layout and stall/aisle dimensions are specified in several layout tables (e.g., Table 19.436.070, Table 19.536.060, Table 19.636.060, Table 19.736.060) and their authorizing sections § 19.436.070, § 19.536.060, § 19.636.060, § 19.736.060 .
Parking improvements (paving, drainage, wheelstops, landscaping, pedestrian connections) are required in § 19.536.070 and § 19.736.070 .
Off‑street loading rules are called out in § 19.736.090 with dimensional tables for loading types referenced elsewhere (see table excerpts) .
Bicycle parking distribution and minimums are required for certain uses (e.g., emergency shelters) and must be provided and distributed on-site per the site standards; see § 19.536.070 and special-use provisions (e.g., § 19.448. for shelters) .
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) requirements for large new development are in Chapter 19.540 (see § 19.540.010–.020) and may affect required parking/operations for projects employing 100+ persons .
State ADU law limits local ADU parking requirements; local ordinance must comply with state ADU rules (see 2025 ADU guidance) — verify with the City for ADU-specific handling .

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the primary residential and development districts explicitly referenced in the zoning materials and how the parking rules apply in each. For permitted uses and exact zone purposes consult the zone use tables (e.g., Table 19.312.010) and the individual zone chapters; the parking rules below cite the ordinance sections that govern counts and layout.

RS-6, RS-8, RS-10, RS-16 (Single‑Family Residential zones)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses as listed in Table 19.312.010 (single‑family uses table) .
Parking counts: single‑family dwelling = 2 garage spaces (see § 19.436.050 and Table 19.436.050) .
Layout & dimensional constraints: garage/carport and driveway sizing and frontage limits (e.g., garage doors not to exceed a percentage of frontage) are controlled by § 19.416.090 and the residential parking layout tables (Table 19.436.070) .
Where it applies: citywide single‑family neighborhoods designated RS‑* in the zoning map (see the city's Zoning overview).

RM-10, RM-20 (Multifamily Residential zones)

Purpose / typical uses: multifamily apartments, townhomes — parking requirements vary by unit bedroom count (see Table 19.436.050 in § 19.436.050) .
Parking counts: examples from the code: 0–1 BR = 2 spaces (1 covered); 2 BR = 2.5 spaces (1 covered); 3+ BR = 3 spaces (1 covered) (see § 19.436.050) .
Guest/visitor parking and assignment: visitor spaces and CC&R management are required for some developments; tandem parking may be allowed but with limits (tandem may not exceed 50% of provided spaces and cannot be used for guest parking) — see Table 19.436.070 and related notes .
Layout: multifamily parking must be on site, divided into courts, and screened from RS zones; required parking aisles, stall widths, and clear‑height minimums are in the layout tables and § 19.436.070 / § 19.416.090 .

RMH (Mobilehome Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: mobilehome parks; parking counts include 2 spaces per unit (tandem permitted) plus 0.25 visitor space per unit per Table 19.436.050 (see § 19.436.050) .
Special rules: carport vs. garage conversion and requirements are governed by Chapter 19.436 and related RMH provisions; maintain required number of on‑site spaces when altering structures .

PD (Planned Development)

Purpose / typical uses: parcel‑specific mix determined at PD approval (Table note in Table 19.312.010) .
Parking: PDs must meet the parking standards unless variances/conditions are adopted at PD approval; the PD approval sets whether alternative parking provisions apply. Verify PD permit conditions with the Planning Division (See § 19.128.040 for Site Plan/PD procedures — Not found in retrieved materials for PD parking specifics).

Commercial / Industrial (general commercial, industrial districts)

Parking layout tables for commercial and industrial uses appear as Table 19.536.060 and Table 19.636.060 with stall widths/aisles and special notes for commercial vs. industrial stalls; the layout rules are enforced via § 19.536.060 and § 19.636.060 .
Improvements: paving, drainage, wheelstops, landscape buffers, pedestrian walkways, driveway spacing and lighting are required per § 19.536.070 (commercial standards) and § 19.736.070 (general parking improvements), which include specific paving standards and lighting minimums .
Loading: off‑street loading space requirements and dimensions are codified by loading type and referenced in § 19.736.090 and the loading dimension tables; apron and maneuvering standards are specified in the loading tables (type A/B/C) .

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Regulated Item	What the City requires (short)	Code Reference
Minimum residential parking counts	Single‑family = 2 garage spaces; multifamily by bedroom: 0–1BR = 2 / 2BR = 2.5 / 3+BR = 3 (coverage of 1 covered space per unit in some cases)	§ 19.436.050
Stall & aisle dimensions	Standard stalls 9 ft x 18 ft (angle/parallel tables differ); compact stalls limited to 30% of required spaces	Table 19.436.070, § 19.436.060
Tandem parking	Allowed with limits: max 50% of provided spaces; tandem bay dimensions noted in layout tables; not allowed for guest parking	Table 19.436.070
Paving & drainage	Pave per standards (e.g., 3 5/8" concrete or 1½" asphalt on 4" base); drainage to prevent surface flow across walkways (except single‑family)	§ 19.536.070, § 19.736.070
Wheelstops / curbs	Concrete wheelstops or 6" poured curb required in angle stalls, located inside stall boundary	§ 19.536.070
Bicycle parking	Distributed across site; certain uses (e.g., emergency shelters) have specific bicycle space ratios	§ 19.536.070 and special‑use sections (e.g., emergency shelter rules)
Loading dimensions	Type A/B/C loading dimensions and apron requirements (e.g., Type B: 40 ft x 10–14 ft length/width; apron varies)	Loading tables and § 19.736.090
TDM requirement	Projects employing 100+ persons may require TDM measures per Chapter 19.540	§ 19.540.010–.020

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

The parking counts you must meet start with § 19.436.050 for residential uses and then defer to the specific layout tables for dimensions and layout; always cross‑check unit mix (bedroom counts) vs Table 19.436.050 when calculating required spaces .
Parking layout matters: aisle widths, stall types, and compact/tandem limits are explicit — don't assume compact or tandem counts without checking the Table 19.436.070 notes and the related section for the applicable development division (residential vs commercial/industrial) .
Surface and drainage standards are mandatory for non‑single‑family parking areas; paving thickness and material options are listed in the parking improvements sections and will be enforced at plan check (§ 19.536.070, § 19.736.070) .
Bicycle parking is required and expected to be distributed across the site rather than concentrated in one location; check special provisions for uses like shelters which set explicit bicycle ratios (see emergency shelter rules) .
For accessory dwelling units (ADUs) remember state ADU rules restrict local parking requirements; local code cannot contradict state ADU parking exemptions — see the state guidance and the city’s ADU policy (verify with the Planning Division) .
If your project employs many staff (100+), expect a TDM plan to be required under Chapter 19.540; TDM can alter the practical parking required and operations expected of the site .

Checklist

Calculate required parking using § 19.436.050 (residential) or applicable use table; confirm bedroom mix and guest/visitor allowances .
Choose stall types and layout meeting the applicable Table (19.436.070 / 19.536.060 / 19.636.060 / 19.736.060) and ensure aisle widths and clear heights match the cited tables .
Show paving, drainage, wheelstops, lighting, pedestrian connections, driveway spacing, and landscape buffers per § 19.536.070 / § 19.736.070 .
Provide loading spaces to the dimensions in the loading table and cite § 19.736.090 where applicable .
Provide bicycle parking distributed on site; check special‑use bicycle ratios for shelters and similar uses § 19.536.070 and specific use sections .
If project employment or size triggers it, prepare a TDM plan per Chapter 19.540 .
For ADUs, apply state ADU parking limits and exemptions in addition to city review; verify with Planning staff and ADU page .
Where off‑site or shared parking is proposed, prepare recorded covenant(s) guaranteeing maintenance of the spaces as required in the code (see off‑lot parking covenant rules) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking exemptions vs local rules	State ADU law limits local parking requirements for ADUs; local code must follow state law	Verify whether the City has adopted local ADU parking reductions/exemptions and confirm with Planning staff; see state ADU guidance
Which Table applies to a specific parcel	Multiple layout tables exist (19.436 / 19.536 / 19.636 / 19.736) for different product types	Confirm which division/section applies to your proposal (residential vs commercial vs industrial) with Planning staff and cite the exact § in your submittal
Tandem parking acceptability for a given project	Tandem is limited (max 50% and not allowed for guest parking) but different sections show slightly different dimensional notes	Verify which table/note the project is reviewed under (multifamily vs single‑family) and get Planning confirmation on driveway and tandem layout
Off‑site parking covenant requirements	Off‑lot parking requires recorded covenants to guarantee availability	Confirm form and content of covenant with City Clerk / Planning (see off‑site parking covenant rules)
Bicycle parking minimums for atypical uses	Some uses (e.g., emergency shelters) have explicit bicycle ratios; others rely on distributed bicycle parking	Check the specific use section (e.g., emergency shelter standards) and the site plan requirements for bicycle parking
Paving/thickness equivalency & acceptance of alternative materials	The code lists specific pavement thicknesses but allows Director equivalency determinations	If proposing alternate paving, provide material equivalency evidence and obtain Director approval per § 19.536.070

Plain‑English summary

Buena Park requires on‑site off‑street parking counts and specific stall/aisle dimensions tied to the zone and use; it also mandates paving, drainage, landscaping, bicycle parking, loading spaces, and sometimes TDM plans for large projects. Start by using § 19.436.050 for parking counts, match layout to the appropriate table, and show paving/drainage and bicycle provisions; ADUs and some special uses have additional state or code limits — verify with Planning.

Source References

§ 19.436.050 (Parking Spaces Required) — Buena Park Zoning Code (parking counts and Table 19.436.050)
Table 19.436.070 / § 19.436.070 (Parking layout notes / residential layout) — Buena Park Zoning Code
§ 19.416.090 (Residential garages/carports—appearance and frontage limits) — Buena Park Zoning Code
§ 19.536.060 / Table 19.536.060 (Commercial parking layout standards) — Buena Park Zoning Code
§ 19.536.070 (Parking Improvements — commercial) — Buena Park Zoning Code
§ 19.636.060 / Table 19.636.060 (Industrial parking layout standards) — Buena Park Zoning Code
§ 19.736.060 / § 19.736.070 / § 19.736.090 (General parking dimensions, improvements, and loading) — Buena Park Zoning Code
Chapter 19.540 (Transportation Demand Management) — Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.540.010–.020)
Emergency shelter parking & bicycle ratios (special use rules) — Buena Park Zoning Code (special use provisions)
California ADU guidance (2025 ADU handbook summary — state ADU parking limits and exemptions) — uploaded guidance document (state law summary)

Also consult the city's main zoning and planning pages: Buena Park zoning & planning overview, Buena Park Zoning, and the Buena Park Development Standards page when preparing submittals.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.736.070.) High relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.736.090.) High relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.736.060.) Medium relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 19.436.050.) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code (Title at) Medium relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code Medium relevance
Buena Park Zoning Code (§ 17) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Buena Park code library

Frequently asked questions

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

Single‑family homes in Buena Park are required to provide 2 garage spaces as the standard minimum per the parking‑space table in § 19.436.050 .

What are the parking requirements for multifamily apartments in RM zones?

Multifamily parking is set by bedroom count in § 19.436.050: examples include 0–1 BR = 2 spaces (1 covered), 2 BR = 2.5 spaces (1 covered), 3+ BR = 3 spaces (1 covered). Guest parking and CC&R assignment rules are referenced in the same section; verify unit mix when calculating totals .

What stall and aisle dimensions must a new commercial parking lot use?

Use the commercial parking layout table Table 19.536.060 (stall widths, lengths, and aisle widths by angle) and the related standard text in § 19.536.060; a typical standard stall is 9 ft x 19–18 ft depending on angle and use; aisle widths vary by angle and one‑way/two‑way circulation .

Can I use tandem parking to meet required spaces in Buena Park?

Tandem parking is permitted with limits: it may be used but typically may not exceed 50% of the total provided spaces for multifamily developments and cannot be used for guest parking. See the notes to Table 19.436.070 and the tandem provisions in the residential layout section for exact bay dimensions and conditions .

Are bicycle parking spaces required and where must they be located?

Yes — bicycle spaces must be provided and distributed throughout the site; certain uses (e.g., emergency shelters) have explicit bicycle space ratios in their special‑use rules. See § 19.536.070 and the emergency shelter provisions for use‑specific minimums .

What are the city's paving and drainage requirements for parking areas?

Paving and drainage for parking are required: paving must meet listed minimums (e.g., 3 5/8" concrete or 1½" asphalt on 4" base) and drainage must prevent surface flow across walkways except for single‑family residential uses; see § 19.536.070 and § 19.736.070 for full standards and Director equivalency options .

Do large new developments need to provide a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan?

Yes — new commercial, office, industrial, and mixed‑use developments employing 100 or more persons may be subject to TDM requirements under Chapter 19.540 and could affect parking demand and approvals; see § 19.540.010 .

Can required parking be located off‑site or shared with another parcel?

Off‑site required parking is allowed but only if an owner records a covenant guaranteeing the parking will be maintained for the use served; see the off‑lot parking covenant rules in the ordinance (off‑site parking covenant requirement) .

Where are loading space dimensions specified for Buena Park?

Loading space types and dimensions (Type A/B/C) and apron requirements are listed in the code’s loading tables and implemented through § 19.736.090 and the loading tables; apron overlap rules are allowed for alleys/driveways but not streets .

If I want to reduce parking (e.g., fewer spaces or shared parking), how do I proceed?

Requests to reduce required parking are typically handled as conditions of an approval (site plan, conditional use permit, PD, or variance). Where a parking study or TDM mitigation is proposed, the ordinance allows the City to require substantiation and conditions; consult Planning and reference § 19.436.050 and the site plan/conditional use/variance chapters for the applicable procedure

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