Local zoning · Calistoga

Calistoga — Parking

Q: How many vehicle spaces does a two‑bedroom apartment need in Calistoga?

A multifamily dwelling with two or more bedrooms requires two parking spaces per dwelling unit under § 17.36.130 (studio/one‑bedroom = 1 space; 2+ bedrooms = 2 spaces) .

Q: Can I pay a fee instead of building parking in downtown Calistoga?

Potentially. Chapter 17.36 includes an in‑lieu parking fee program; downtown properties mapped in Exhibit G may qualify for Tier Two rates subject to Director or Planning Commission approval and payment prior to permits ( § 17.36.110; § 17.36.160 Exhibit G ) .

Q: Does Calistoga allow compact car spaces?

Yes. For parking lots with three or more spaces, up to 33% of required spaces may be designated compact (minimum 8 ft × 16 ft ), with markings and signs per § 17.36.090(H) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Calistoga's zoning ordinance requires for parking, loading, and bicycle parking (Title 17, Chapter 17.36). It interprets the rules that apply citywide (design, location, in‑lieu fees, bicycle spaces, loading) and shows how those requirements are invoked from the city's zoning districts (for example R‑1, CC, DC, I, PD). For design and project-level process see the city's Calistoga Design Review procedures and the city's Calistoga Development Standards pages for related dimensional rules.

How the code is organized (short)

The off‑street parking, loading and bicycle standards live in Chapter 17.36 (Off‑Street Parking and Loading) of the Calistoga Municipal Code; mandatory rules start at § 17.36.010 and include specific requirements for residential (§ 17.36.130), commercial/industrial (§ 17.36.140) and bicycle parking (§ 17.36.151) .
District chapters (for example R‑1 at Chapter 17.16, CC at Chapter 17.22, DC at Chapter 17.21, I at Chapter 17.26, and PD at Chapter 17.24) reference Chapter 17.36 and therefore require compliance with it unless a PD or use permit specifically modifies parking standards .

Citywide parking rules (Chapter 17.36) — plain‑English synthesis

On‑site parking must be provided when you build, change the size of a structure, or intensify a use; maintaining required spaces is an ongoing owner obligation (§ 17.36.015) .
Where the code uses floor area or employee counts to compute parking, the code specifies how area and employees are measured (§ 17.36.015(F–G)) .
If your required parking cannot be provided on‑site, remote parking up to 500 feet away may be allowed with approval; the Planning Commission must approve remote (off‑site) parking (§ 17.36.050) .
Parking plans must be submitted with building permits and must show striping, aisles, surfacing, drainage, lighting and landscaping (§ 17.36.080; § 17.36.090) .
Parking lot design rules cover surfacing, screening, barrier curbs, lighting limits, compact‑car allowances (up to 33% of spaces for lots with three or more spaces), aisle/stall dimensions (Exhibits), and ADA/Title 24 required accessible spaces (§ 17.36.090; § 17.36.160) .
If you cannot physically provide required spaces, an in‑lieu parking fee program exists; downtown uses may qualify for a Tier Two in‑lieu rate subject to mapping and approval (§ 17.36.110) .
Loading berths are required where truck delivery is expected; loading spaces cannot be taken away if that leaves a use with inadequate loading (§ 17.36.150) .
Bicycle parking: nonresidential = 1 bicycle space per 10 vehicle spaces required; multifamily residential = 1 bicycle space per 3 dwelling units; racks/lockers must be anchored and located in safe, convenient places (§ 17.36.151) .

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, how parking is applied)

Each district below states the district name in bold, its short purpose, typical uses, key dimensional/parking invocation, and where it applies. All districts defer to Chapter 17.36 for the mechanics of counting and supplying spaces unless a PD/use permit specifically modifies parking.

R‑1 and R‑1‑10 (One‑Family Residential) — R‑1, R‑1‑10

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes; accessory buildings; limited ADUs and accessory uses as allowed in Chapter 17.16 .
Parking invocation: the district requires off‑street parking and loading per Chapter 17.36 (see § 17.16.050(C)) — residential parking counts are in § 17.36.130 (one space per studio/one‑bedroom unit; two spaces for single‑family and units with two+ bedrooms) .
Key dimensional standards (where parking sits): front setback 20 ft, rear 20 ft, and accessory setbacks are set by § 17.38 standards; parking in required yards is generally prohibited except limited driveway/pad allowances (see § 17.36.070) .
Where it applies: city single‑family residential neighborhoods; ADUs have separate chapter coverage (see "Information Gaps" about ADU parking below).

R‑2 / R‑3 (Two‑Family / Multifamily) — R‑2, R‑3

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, small multifamily and office/mixed uses (R‑3 allows multifamily/office). Parking provisions referenced to Chapter 17.36; multifamily bicycle parking is 1 bicycle space per 3 units under § 17.36.151; vehicle counts per § 17.36.130 apply (studio/1‑bed = 1 space; 2+ bedrooms = 2 spaces) .

Mobile Home Park — MHP

Purpose: mobile home park standards (Chapter 17.20). The chapter points applicants to Chapter 17.36 for parking rules (see § 17.20.050 "Parking requirements, see Chapter 17.36 CMC") .

Downtown Commercial (DC) — DC

Purpose / typical uses: the downtown retail/visitor core. The DC chapter requires off‑street parking per Chapter 17.36 and includes downtown‑specific allowances like in‑lieu fees for the downtown map/exhibit (§ 17.21.070 and § 17.36.110) .
Practical note: downtown properties often qualify for Tier Two in‑lieu treatment; verify map tier location under § 17.36.160 Exhibit G .

Community Commercial (CC) — CC

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood/regional commercial at edges of downtown. The CC chapter requires parking per Chapter 17.36, and allows mixed residential‑commercial uses where parking is calculated by the use mix (§ 17.22.010; § 17.22.070) .

Light Industrial (I) — I

Purpose / typical uses: light industrial operations, mini‑storage, wineries (some require use permits). Off‑street parking and loading explicitly required per Chapter 17.36 (§ 17.26.040(A)) and many industrial uses must provide parking according to the commercial/industrial rates in § 17.36.140 (for example, storage only = 1 space per 2,000 sq ft) .

Planned Development (PD and PD combining) — PD

Purpose: PDs can adopt modified standards and can allow variations to parking when approved as part of the PD development plan; PD combining districts remain subject to Chapter 17.36 unless the PD authorizes a different standard (§ 17.24.040) .
Practical note: PD approvals commonly set district‑specific parking standards and maintenance obligations; always read the PD ordinance language for a parcel.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards and uses

Topic	Standard / Decision‑relevant rule	Code Reference
Citywide purpose (why standards exist)	Provide adequate, attractively designed and safe areas for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians	§ 17.36.010
Residential parking counts	Studio/1‑bedroom units: 1 space; 2+ bedrooms: 2 spaces per unit	§ 17.36.130
Commercial rates (select examples)	Retail general: 1 per 200 sq ft; Restaurants: 1 per 100 sq ft; Tourist accommodations: 1.1 per unit + 1 for manager	§ 17.36.140
Bicycle parking	Nonresidential: 1 bike per 10 vehicle spaces required; Multifamily: 1 bike per 3 units	§ 17.36.151
Remote/off‑site parking allowance	Off‑site parking may be permitted up to 500 ft (straight line) with approval	§ 17.36.050
In‑lieu fees / downtown tiering	In‑lieu program exists; downtown map (Exhibit G) may qualify projects for Tier Two rates; fees established by Council resolution	§ 17.36.110; § 17.36.160 Exhibit G
Parking lot design	Surfacing, landscape, barrier curbs, lighting limits, compact space allowance (up to 33%)	§ 17.36.090; § 17.36.160 (Exhibits)
Off‑street loading	Must provide adequate loading berths for trucked goods; cannot eliminate existing loading if needed	§ 17.36.150

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy)

Provide on‑site parking as required by § 17.36.130/140 for the specific use (calculate using gross floor area or employees as defined in § 17.36.015) .
Include a scaled parking plan with stall dimensions, striping, aisles, curb cuts, circulation, grading/drainage and surfacing materials as required by § 17.36.080 and § 17.36.090 .
Show ADA / Title 24 accessible stalls in accordance with state rules (Chapter references: § 17.36.090(I) and Title 24; verify with building staff) .
Provide bicycle parking per § 17.36.151 (anchor racks/lockers, convenient & safe location) .
If using remote parking, submit documentation and request Planning Commission approval per § 17.36.050 (distance limit 500 ft) .
If unable to meet required spaces, calculate in‑lieu payments and confirm Tier eligibility with the Planning Director per § 17.36.110 .
For projects within PDs or requesting use permits, confirm whether the PD or permit modifies parking standards per § 17.24.040 / Chapter 17.40 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
In‑lieu tier eligibility (Tier One vs Tier Two)	Fee rate and ability to proceed without on‑site spaces depends on tier; downtown map determines Tier Two eligibility	Verify Exhibit G tier mapping and Director/Commission determination per § 17.36.110
ADU parking treatment	State ADU law may preempt local rules; local Title 17 references ADUs (Chapter 17.37) but explicit local ADU parking exemptions were not located in Chapter 17.36 text reviewed	Not found in retrieved materials for an explicit ADU parking exemption — Verify with the Planning Department and consult Calistoga ADUs and state ADU law pages
Remote parking approval (500 ft)	Remote spaces need legal agreements and Commission approval; risk of conditional approvals or denial if not properly documented	Confirm recorded lease/easement and Planning Commission conditions per § 17.36.040–050
ADA / Title 24 interaction	The zoning code defers to Title 24/ADA for accessible parking; state building rules control layout and counts for accessible stalls	Confirm accessible stall layout with building plan review and reference § 17.36.090(I) and the California Building Standards Code
Parking in front or street‑side setbacks	Most parking not allowed in required yards; some districts allow front/street‑side parking by use permit or with strict driveway/pad limits	Verify district exceptions (for example § 17.22.070(F) and § 17.36.070)
Nonconforming properties and expansions	A nonconforming property with inadequate parking may be limited in expansion unless full parking is provided or in‑lieu fee paid	Check Chapter 17.44 and § 17.36.120 for limitations and required compliance on expansion

Plain‑English summary

Calistoga requires on‑site parking and loading according to the numeric tables and rules in Chapter 17.36, backed up by district chapters that call the Chapter into effect; if you can't provide spaces, you may be able to pay an in‑lieu fee (downtown properties can qualify for special tiers), bicycle parking is required at modest ratios, and all parking lots must meet surfacing, striping, lighting and landscaping standards—confirm the exact counts, remote‑parking approvals, and ADA details with Planning and Building staff before final design (§ 17.36.015; § 17.36.110; § 17.36.151) .

Source References

Calistoga Municipal Code — Chapter 17.36, Off‑Street Parking and Loading: § 17.36.010 et seq. (Purpose; general provisions; bicycle parking § 17.36.151; in‑lieu § 17.36.110; exhibits § 17.36.160) (Downloaded from eCode360 — https://ecode360.com/CA1828) .
District references requiring Chapter 17.36: R‑1/R‑1‑10 (Chapter 17.16 — § 17.16.050), CC (Chapter 17.22), DC (Chapter 17.21), I (Chapter 17.26 — § 17.26.040(A)), PD (Chapter 17.24 — § 17.24.040) .
Parking rates tables and non‑residential examples (Exhibit text pulled into the code): § 17.36.140 (commercial/industrial rates) .
Parking plan and design standards: § 17.36.080; § 17.36.090; § 17.36.160 (Exhibits) .
Nonconforming uses and parking: Chapter 17.44 (nonconforming lots/uses) and § 17.36.120 (nonconforming structure parking regulations) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Calistoga Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Calistoga Zoning Code (§ 17.36.020) High relevance
CMC § 17.36.110 (Chapter 17.58) High relevance
CMC § 17.36.160 (§ 17.36.090) High relevance
CMC § 17.36.160 (§ 1) High relevance
Calistoga Zoning Code (§ 17.36.140) High relevance
CMC § 17.36.160 (§ 17.36.090.) High relevance
Calistoga Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
Calistoga Zoning Code (§ 17.36.090.) Medium relevance
CMC § 2 (Chapter 17.03) Medium relevance
CMC § 17.36.160 (§ 17.36.160) Medium relevance
CMC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
CMC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
CMC § 17.38.050 (§ 17.16.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Calistoga code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to provide parking when I add units to an existing building in Calistoga?

Yes. New construction, enlargements, or intensifications must provide parking at the time of the change according to Chapter 17.36; if the change does not increase parking demand as calculated by the chapter, additional spaces may not be required (see § 17.36.015 and § 17.36.120) .

How many vehicle spaces does a two‑bedroom apartment need in Calistoga?

A multifamily dwelling with two or more bedrooms requires two parking spaces per dwelling unit under § 17.36.130 (studio/one‑bedroom = 1 space; 2+ bedrooms = 2 spaces) .

Are bicycle parking spaces required for commercial projects?

Yes. For nonresidential projects, bicycle parking is required at 1 bicycle space per 10 vehicle spaces required; bicycle racks or lockers must be anchored and conveniently located under § 17.36.151 .

Can I pay a fee instead of building parking in downtown Calistoga?

Potentially. Chapter 17.36 includes an in‑lieu parking fee program; downtown properties mapped in Exhibit G may qualify for Tier Two rates subject to Director or Planning Commission approval and payment prior to permits (§ 17.36.110; § 17.36.160 Exhibit G) .

What are the surfacing and lighting requirements for parking lots?

Parking lots must be surfaced with asphaltic concrete, concrete or equivalent approved materials; low‑level lighting is required, fixtures must be shielded and not exceed 15 ft height unless otherwise approved, and lighting design is subject to Director/Police Department review (§ 17.36.090) .

Can required parking be located on a different parcel?

Yes, with conditions: off‑site parking may be located up to 500 feet from the use served (straight‑line measurement) and is subject to Planning Commission approval and recorded agreements (§ 17.36.050; § 17.36.040) .

Does Calistoga allow compact car spaces?

Yes. For parking lots with three or more spaces, up to 33% of required spaces may be designated compact (minimum 8 ft × 16 ft), with markings and signs per § 17.36.090(H) .

If my property is nonconforming for parking, can I expand the building?

Not without meeting parking rules. Nonconforming structures with insufficient parking may be limited in expansion; expansions that increase parking demand must meet Chapter 17.36 or use the in‑lieu fee provisions (§ 17.36.120; Chapter 17.44) .

Is loading required for businesses that receive deliveries?

Yes. Any building receiving materials or merchandise by truck must provide adequate off‑street loading berths; loading spaces that are necessary cannot be removed if their removal leaves the use without adequate loading (§ 17.36.150) .

Where do I find the detailed stall and aisle dimensions?

The code supplies exhibits for stall and aisle dimensions in § 17.36.160 (Exhibits A–F), which the Planning & Building Director uses to confirm design compliance .

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