Local zoning · Butte County

Butte County — Parking

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

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

In unincorporated areas of Butte County, on-site vehicle parking, bicycle facilities, and loading spaces are governed by the County’s Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 24 (the “Zoning Ordinance”). These rules apply to new development and expansions of existing uses, with base requirements set by land use and refined by zone and overlay context (§ 24-92; § 24-93). All standards on this page refer only to unincorporated Butte County; incorporated cities have separate codes (§ 24-5).

Core rule: every use must provide on-site parking per Table 24-93-1, and any reduction requires meeting specific criteria or approvals in the Zoning Ordinance (§ 24-93; § 24-94.E).

Use this page together with the County’s general zoning framework, base zoning districts, development standards, design review, overlay districts, and related landscaping/screening rules.

What is regulated

Vehicle parking ratios by land use (§ 24-93, Table 24-93-1).
General parking use/availability, off‑site and reduced-parking options, motorcycle spaces (§ 24-94).
Design/operations: space and aisle dimensions, surfacing, lighting, landscaping, shade trees, curb cuts/driveways (§ 24-95).
Bicycle parking and showers (urban zones only) (§ 24-96).
On-site loading space counts and layout (§ 24-97).

Quick standards applicants ask about

Space size: standard stall is 9 ft x 19 ft; compact stalls up to 10% of required spaces and must be 8 ft x 16 ft (§ 24-95.A.1; § 24-95.A.7).
Aisles: typical two-way aisle 20–25 ft depending on layout; one-way aisle ≥12 ft (§ 24-95.A.1; § 24-95.A.9).
Surfacing: dust-minimizing treatment or all-weather paving; permeable paving allowed (§ 24-95.A.1).
Trees/shade: design for 50% lot shading in 10 years; roughly 1 tree per 4 spaces (§ 24-95.A.6.f).
Off-site parking: may be approved within 200 ft with recorded covenant (§ 24-94.D).
Reductions: shared parking, low-demand uses, commute programs, transit proximity credit, and mixed-use credits—via CUP or as specified (§ 24-94.E).
ADA: accessible stall counts and design per the California Building Standards Code; these count toward required spaces (§ 24-94.B).

On-site parking ratios by use (selected)

These apply across zones unless a zone/overlay sets a different standard or a reduction is approved.

Use (selected)	Minimum supply	Code Reference
Single-family home	2 per dwelling	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Duplex	2 per dwelling	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Multifamily	Studio: 1/unit; 1-BR: 1.5/unit; 2+ BR: 2/unit	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
ADU (baseline)	1 per unit (see ADU exceptions below)	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Office (general/gov.)	1/300 sq ft GFA	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Medical office/clinic	1/300 sq ft	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Retail (general)	1/300 sq ft	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Restaurant	1/4 seats or 1/300 sq ft (greater)	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Hotel/motel	1/room + 1/300 sq ft office	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Mini-storage	1 per 100 units or 5 (greater)	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
Warehouse	1/2,000 sq ft	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)
R&D	1/1,000 sq ft lab/mfg + 1/300 sq ft remainder	§ 24-93 (Table 24-93-1)

Notes:

For multiple uses on one parcel, add the requirements for each use unless a demand study supports otherwise (§ 24-93.C).
Fractions round down; required spaces must remain available and used only for parking (§ 24-93.E–F; § 24-94.A, F).

Reductions, off-site parking, and special cases

Off-site parking allowed within 200 ft if a recorded covenant ensures availability for the life of the use (§ 24-94.D).
Reduction options (typically via CUP): shared parking (with a demand study and ≤400 ft distance), low-demand cases, transportation management plans, up to 5% transit credit, and substantial mixed-use credits (§ 24-94.E).
Motorcycle parking is required once lots exceed 25 auto spaces; one marked motorcycle area may substitute for one auto space, with bollards and concrete paving (§ 24-94.C).
Variances may be sought for physical development standards, including off-street parking, when unique hardships exist (§ 24-227). See variances and exceptions.

Bicycle parking (urban zones only)

Nonresidential uses: provide bicycle parking at a use‑appropriate rate; racks for short-term, lockers for long-term (§ 24-96.B.1).
Multifamily: bicycle spaces equal to 10% of required auto spaces (§ 24-96.B.2).
Separation, visibility, weather protection, and all-weather surfacing required; showers are required for large projects per Table 24‑96‑1 (§ 24-96.B–C).

Loading spaces

Required for all commercial, office, and industrial uses, with counts by floor area (e.g., offices need loading at ≥10,000 sq ft; commercial adds spaces at 10k/30k/50k/75k+; industrial needs 1–2 depending on ≥20k sf) (§ 24-97.A–B, Table 24-97-1).
Minimum loading space: 12 ft x 40 ft with 14 ft clearance; on-site loading only—no use of public right-of-way (§ 24-97.B–C).

Design and operations checklist (selected highlights)

Forward ingress/egress: parking areas must allow vehicles to enter/exit streets in a forward direction (§ 24-95.A.2).
Lighting must meet outdoor lighting standards; perimeter and interior landscaping required per Table 24‑95‑2 (§ 24-95.A.5–6).
Shade trees to cover 50% of the lot within 10 years; solar canopy coverage can reduce tree needs (§ 24-95.A.6.f, i).
Curb cuts: max 24 ft (residential) and 35 ft (nonresidential); driveways: ≥10 ft residential, ≥12 ft/20 ft for one‑way/two‑way aisles (§ 24-95.A.8–9).
ADA spaces per the California Building Standards Code; they count toward totals (§ 24-94.B).

District-by-district application

Butte County’s zoning map organizes land into base zones with overlay districts that add conditions (§ 24-11). The parking article applies countywide; the items below flag nuances that commonly affect parking layout and supply.

Rural zones: AG, TM, TPZ, FR/FCR, RR/RCR

Purpose/typical uses: agriculture and rural residential patterns (see zone list, Table 24‑11‑1).
Key parking takeaways:
- Ratios drawn from Table 24‑93‑1 for uses like stables (1/4 stalls) and rural residential (2 per dwelling) (§ 24‑93).
- Surfacing can be dust‑minimizing; permeable paving is allowed—helpful for rural drive areas (§ 24‑95.A.1).
- Special events facilities in AG/TM/RR/FR/VLDR must show adequate on‑site parking via permit (§ 24‑175.2; parking regulated under Division 9).
- RV/boat storage limits apply in urban residential zones; rural parcels follow separate standards—verify for your zone (§ 24‑74; Not found in retrieved materials for rural-specific storage section).

Urban residential zones: VLDR, VLDCR, LDR, MDR, MHDR, HDR, VHDR

Purpose/typical uses: from very low density (up to 1 unit/parcel) to very high density (20–30 units/acre) (Table 24‑11‑1).
Parking:
- Single‑family: 2 spaces/unit; Multifamily tiers: 1 (studio), 1.5 (1‑BR), 2 (2+ BR) (§ 24‑93).
- Guest spaces must be marked in multifamily projects (§ 24‑95.B.2.b).
- Bicycle parking equal to 10% of required auto parking in multifamily (§ 24‑96.B.2).
- Accessory Dwelling Units: local standards cap parking at 1 per bedroom or per unit; tandem and setback parking allowed; several exemptions (e.g., near transit, in historic districts). Local ADU section number: Not found in retrieved materials; see state rules summarized in the California ADU Handbook.
- ADA spaces per the California Building Standards Code (§ 24‑94.B).

Commercial and mixed-use zones: NC, CC, GC, REC, SE, MU‑1/2/3

Purpose/typical uses: neighborhood/community/general commercial; recreation; sports/entertainment; mixed-use (Table 24‑11‑1). Large retail is limited to the GC zone (§ 24‑163.E).
Parking:
- Common ratios: retail 1/300 sq ft, restaurants 1/4 seats or 1/300 sq ft (greater), offices 1/300 sq ft (§ 24‑93).
- Shared‑parking reductions and transit credits may apply (§ 24‑94.E).
- Perimeter and interior landscaping, shade, and pedestrian walkways required in larger lots (§ 24‑95.A.6; § 24‑95.B.2).

Industrial zones: LI, GI, HI

Purpose/typical uses: light/general/heavy industrial (Table 24‑11‑1).
Parking:
- Examples: warehouse 1/2,000 sq ft; research & development 1/1,000 sq ft lab/mfg + 1/300 sq ft remainder (§ 24‑93).
- Screening is required where industrial parking abuts residential zones (§ 24‑95.A.7).
Loading: supply and dimensions per § 24‑97; ensure loading does not intrude into required parking/circulation areas (§ 24‑97.A–C).

Special purpose zones: PB (Public), AIR (Airport), RBP (Research & Business Park), PD (Planned Development)

Setbacks/height vary by special zone and affect parking layout envelopes (Table 24‑30‑2) (§ 24‑30).
In RBP, parking lots should not dominate street views; use landscaping/berms to screen vehicles (§ 24‑31.A.1.b–d).
PD projects set parking standards through the approved Development Plan (§ 24‑32.D.7.d).

Overlay districts that can change parking expectations

Scenic Highway (-SH): most development needs a Minor Use Permit; however, parking facilities with 10 or fewer spaces are exempt from the MUP trigger (§ 24‑42.C.3).
Unique Agriculture (-UA): minimum parking follows § 24‑93; for ag‑tourism, tour buses and vans must have adequate off‑street parking and turn‑arounds (overlay section number: Not found in retrieved materials).
See all overlay districts before finalizing your plan.

Table — Design and operations quick reference

Topic	Standard	Code Reference
Standard stall	9 ft x 19 ft	§ 24‑95.A.1.a
Compact stalls	Up to 10% of required; 8 ft x 16 ft; marked “Compact”	§ 24‑95.A.7
Aisles	One‑way ≥12 ft; two‑way ≥20–25 ft (by layout)	§ 24‑95.A.1; § 24‑95.A.9
Surfacing	Dust‑minimizing treatment or all‑weather paving; permeable OK	§ 24‑95.A.1.c–d
Street-front landscape	10 ft min. landscaped strip	§ 24‑95.A.6.a
Adjacent to residential	8 ft landscape buffer	§ 24‑95.A.6.b
Interior landscaping	5–15% of surface lot landscaped (by site size)	§ 24‑95.A.6.c, Table 24‑95‑2
Tree canopy	50% shade at 10 years; ~1 tree per 4 spaces	§ 24‑95.A.6.f
Curb cuts (max)	24 ft residential; 35 ft nonresidential	§ 24‑95.A.8.b
Off-site parking	Within 200 ft with recorded covenant	§ 24‑94.D

Checklist

Identify your base zone and any overlays using the County’s map and confirm your use category (§ 24‑11; § 24‑93).
Calculate on-site parking from Table 24‑93‑1; add uses if mixed-use (§ 24‑93.C).
Evaluate reductions (shared parking, low-demand, transit credit, mixed-use) and whether a CUP is warranted (§ 24‑94.E).
Confirm off‑site parking feasibility (≤200 ft and recordable covenant) if needed (§ 24‑94.D).
Lay out stalls/aisles per § 24‑95; include pedestrian walkways, lighting, and required landscaping/shade.
Provide bicycle parking (urban zones) and showers where triggered (§ 24‑96).
Add required loading spaces and keep them out of parking/circulation areas (§ 24‑97).
Check overlay or district-specific design rules (e.g., RBP, -SH, -UA) that affect parking location/screening (§ 24‑31; § 24‑42; overlay § number for -UA: Not found).
Coordinate accessible stalls with the California Building Standards Code (§ 24‑94.B).
For ADUs, apply County/state ADU parking limits and exemptions; no replacement spaces for converted/demolished garages (local ADU §: Not found; state summary linked).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking section number	Local ADU parking allowances are present but section numbering not visible in retrieved text	Confirm current codified § for ADU standards with County; apply state backstops in the meantime
Shared/mixed-use reductions	Require specific studies/approvals and distance limits	Whether a CUP and demand study are required; distances (≤400 ft for joint facilities) (§ 24‑94.E)
Off-site parking	Needs a recorded covenant and proximity (≤200 ft)	Title commitment and draft covenant acceptable to County Counsel (§ 24‑94.D)
“Urban zone” triggers for bikes/showers	Bicycle/commute facilities only apply in urban zones	That the parcel is designated “urban” for § 24‑96 applicability
Overlay-specific rules	Overlays can constrain parking location/appearance	Whether -SH MUP applies and small-lot exemption for ≤10 spaces (§ 24‑42.C.3); -UA bus/van parking requirements (overlay §: Not found)
ADA stalls	Governed by state code, not local discretion	Latest CBC scoping/sizing and whether they count toward totals (§ 24‑94.B)
RBP visibility/screening	Business park design downplays parking lots	Master Development Plan and screening/landscape compliance (§ 24‑31.A.1)

Plain-English Summary

If you’re building or expanding in unincorporated Butte County, start with the use-based parking table to get your stall count, then lay the lot out to the County’s size, aisle, landscaping, and tree-shade rules. You can propose shared or reduced parking with the right studies and approvals, provide bicycle parking in urban areas, and remember that accessible stalls follow state code and count toward your totals.

Source References

§ 24-91—§ 24-97 (Division 9: Parking and Loading) — purpose, applicability, ratios, general requirements, design, bicycles, loading
§ 24-11 (Zones and Zoning Map) — zone names and overlays list (Table 24‑11‑1/‑2)
§ 24-30; § 24-31 — special purpose zone standards; Research & Business Park design elements affecting parking
§ 24-42 — Scenic Highway (-SH) overlay; small parking facility exemption (≤10 spaces)
-UA overlay — ag‑tourism parking references (overlay section number: Not found in retrieved materials)
§ 24-74 — Parking and storage in urban residential zones (RVs/boats)
§ 24-227 — Variances include off-street parking standards
§ 24-5 — Applicability to unincorporated areas
California ADU parking (state summary; local ADU § number not found) — 2025 California ADU Handbook (Gov. Code §§ 66314, 66322)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Butte County Zoning Code Medium relevance
CBC § 100 (Title 24) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CBC § 1995 Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Article III) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Section 24-157) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Section 24-157) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Article III) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Chapter 24) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (Article V) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (article shall) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Butte County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Butte County code library

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does a single-family home need in unincorporated Butte County?

Two spaces per dwelling are required for single-family homes, counted on-site (§ 24-93, Table 24‑93‑1). These must remain available for parking and can’t be repurposed for storage or display (§ 24‑94.A, F).

Can I reduce required parking if my project is near transit or mixes uses?

Yes. The County allows reductions for shared parking, low-demand uses, commute programs, a small transit credit, and substantial credits for mixed-use projects—typically through a Conditional Use Permit with supporting studies (§ 24‑94.E).

What are the minimum stall and aisle dimensions for parking lots?

Standard stalls must be 9 ft by 19 ft; compact stalls (limited to 10% of required spaces) may be 8 ft by 16 ft. One-way aisles are at least 12 ft and two-way aisles typically 20–25 ft depending on layout (§ 24‑95.A.1, A.7, A.9).

Do I need to provide bicycle parking?

In urban zones, nonresidential projects must provide bicycle parking at a rate appropriate to the use, and multifamily projects must provide bike spaces equal to 10% of required auto spaces. Larger buildings may also need showers, per Table 24‑96‑1 (§ 24‑96.B–C).

Can required parking be located off-site?

Possibly. Off-site parking can be approved if it’s within 200 ft and secured by a recorded covenant that keeps spaces available for the life of the use (§ 24‑94.D).

What loading spaces are required for commercial or industrial buildings?

Loading is required for commercial, office, and industrial uses, with counts tied to floor area (e.g., offices at ≥10,000 sq ft; commercial adds spaces at 10k/30k/50k/75k+; industrial 1–2 spaces). Each loading space is at least 12 ft x 40 ft with 14 ft clearance (§ 24‑97.A–B).

How are ADU parking requirements handled?

Locally, the parking cap is one space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, with tandem/setback parking allowed; several exemptions apply (e.g., near transit). The ADU section number is not shown in the retrieved text; state rules are summarized in HCD’s ADU Handbook (Gov. Code §§ 66314, 66322). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Do motorcycle spaces count toward my total?

One marked motorcycle parking area may count toward one required auto space. Motorcycle areas must be paved in concrete, sized appropriately, and protected by bollards (§ 24‑94.C).

Are there special parking rules along Scenic Highways?

Yes. Most development in the Scenic Highway overlay needs a Minor Use Permit, but parking facilities with 10 or fewer spaces are exempt from that MUP trigger (§ 24‑42.C.3).

Can I get a variance from parking standards?

Possibly. Variances can address physical development standards, including off-street parking, when strict application creates a unique hardship. Expect discretionary review and findings (§ 24‑227).

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