Local zoning · Carson

Carson — Parking

Q: How many off‑street parking spaces do I need for a multi‑family project in Carson?

Use the parking schedule in § 9162.21 — typical rule: 1 covered space for a studio, 2 covered spaces for each unit with one or more bedrooms, plus 1 guest space per 4 units; the final number follows the table and rounding rules in § 9162.21 . § 9162.21

Q: Where must required residential parking be located on the lot?

Required residential parking is generally required to be located on the same lot as the use; front‑yard paving is limited by percent rules in § 9162.3 (single‑car driveway, two‑car driveway, garage orientation rules). § 9162.3

Q: Does Carson allow tandem parking to meet minimums?

Yes — the code allows tandem parking in certain settings but with limits (commonly no more than 25% of units accommodated by tandem and both tandem spaces must be assigned to the same unit, with minimum combined dimensions). Tandem arrangements usually require approval (Director or Development Plan) — see the mixed‑use/residential development guidance and related provisions. See the mixed‑use development guidance on tandem parking and approvals.

Q: How many accessible (handicapped) parking spaces do I need?

Accessible parking counts follow the table in § 9162.42 (e.g., 1–25 total parking spaces = 1 accessible space, and so on) and dimension/aisle rules are specified there; also follow state accessibility standards (building code). § 9162.42

Q: Do I need bicycle parking for my retail or office project?

Large nonresidential projects are governed by § 9165.3 (e.g., 4 bicycle racks for first 50,000 sf and 1 additional per additional 50,000 sf for certain developments), and some district standards require bicycle parking equal to a percentage of stalls (5% in some commercial development standards). § 9165.3

Q: What special parking rules apply to ADUs in Carson?

Carson limits ADU parking consistent with State ADU law; the local ADU rules state a maximum of one parking space per accessory dwelling unit (and list several exemptions where no additional parking is required). See § 9122.1(E)(9) for Carson’s ADU parking rules and exemption list. § 9122.1(E)(9)

Q: Can I locate required parking off‑site or share parking between uses?

Carson allows remote or shared parking under conditions (distance measured along public walkways, typically within 400 feet ) and usually requires a recorded covenant or legal instrument for shared/remote arrangements. Verify the documentation and recording requirement with Planning; see the off‑site/remote parking clauses and § 9162.3 for location measurement rules. § 9162.3

Q: Will the City accept fewer stalls for affordable housing or density bonus projects?

Yes — the density bonus chapter authorizes parking incentives and reductions (e.g., maximum ratios for units under density bonus rules) and allows applicants to request modified parking standards as part of a density bonus application; see § 9409 and related density‑bonus sections. § 9409

Q: What are the stall size and compact‑space limits?

Residential required stalls are generally 9 × 20 (open/carport) and garages have specific interior dimensions; compact stalls and the rule that no more than one‑third of required spaces may be compact are set in § 9162.41 and associated layout standards in § 9162.51 . § 9162.41

Q: Who approves deviations (tandem, reduced parking, remote lots) and where is that process described?

Deviations from the parking table and other development standards are typically processed through Site Plan and Design Review ( § 9172.23 ) or Conditional Use Permit ( § 9172.21 ) depending on the applicable code section and the specific district. § 9172.23 ---

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Carson's zoning ordinance requires for parking (off‑street automobile stalls, loading, accessible spaces and bicycle parking) and where those rules live in the code. It is limited to zoning / land‑use requirements (not Title 24 building code technical design) and points you to the exact municipal-code sections you will use for site planning, design review, and permit submittal. For general context see the city zoning and development standards pages.

How Carson regulates parking (top-level rules)

Off‑street parking quantities and use-specific ratios are set in the parking schedule at § 9162.21; use that table first when calculating required spaces. § 9162.21
Location, allowable off‑site parking, and front‑yard paving limits are in § 9162.3. § 9162.3 governs whether required residential parking must be on the same lot and how much of a front setback may be paved. § 9162.3
Stall dimensions, compact‑space limits and detailed layout standards are in § 9162.41 and § 9162.51. § 9162.41 — § 9162.51
Accessible parking (number, dimensions, and signage) is regulated at § 9162.42 (table of required accessible stalls by lot size) and must also meet state accessibility rules. § 9162.42
Truck loading, maneuvering and design standards are in § 9162.61 through § 9162.66. § 9162.61–66
Bicycle parking requirements and rules for large nonresidential projects are in § 9165.3. § 9165.3
Paving, drainage and surfacing for parking and maneuvering areas are in § 9162.05. § 9162.05
Landscaping and screening around parking areas is required under § 9162.52 (interior/perimeter landscaping) — referenced repeatedly in site standards. § 9162.52 Not quoted verbatim in the retrieved snippet; landscaping references appear throughout the district standards.
Deviations, shared or reduced parking, and site‑level adjustments are handled through the City's Site Plan and Design Review / conditional procedures — see § 9172.23 (Site Plan & Design Review) and § 9172.21 (Conditional Use Permit) when the code allows departures from the parking table. § 9172.23 and § 9172.21

Practical note: start with § 9162.21 for counts, then apply location/layout (§ 9162.3, § 9162.41, § 9162.51), accessible (§ 9162.42), bicycle (§ 9165.3) and truck loading (§ 9162.61–66). Where the project requests an alternative (tandem, remote parking, shared parking, or reductions tied to affordable units), expect to use the design review process per § 9172.23. § 9172.23

District-by-district (parking‑focused)

Below are the Carson zoning districts that most commonly affect parking design. For each district I list what the code requires or refers you to — do not treat this as a substitute for reading the cited sections on your site plan.

RS (single‑family residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes; ADUs allowed under specific rules. See residential site divisions. § 9124.1 (dwelling unit rules)
Parking rules that apply: required residential parking counts and stall sizes are citywide under § 9162.21 and § 9162.41; required residential parking must normally be located on the same lot per § 9162.3. § 9162.21 ; § 9162.41 ; § 9162.3
Key dimensional standards: driveway/front‑yard paving limits (percent of front setback) are in § 9162.3. § 9162.3
Where it applies: all single‑family lots unless superseded by special overlays or development plans.

RM / multifamily

Purpose / typical uses: apartments, condominiums and other multi‑unit housing. Multifamily parking ratios are defined directly in the § 9162.21 schedule (multiple‑family, condominiums, live/work entries). § 9162.21
Typical parking rules: covered parking counts (1 covered for studio; 2 for units with bedrooms; guest spaces 1 per 4 units) are spelled out in the schedule and in the multiple‑family subsections. § 9162.21
Tandem and secure parking: the code permits tandem parking under conditions (limits to 25% of units; assigned to same unit; minimum combined dimensions) and requires secure/separate residential parking in mixed settings — see the mixed‑use/residential design rules referenced in § 9128 and the mixed‑use text. § 9128 (residential design references) and the tandem rules included in mixed‑use guidelines

MU (Mixed‑Use, including MU‑CS downtown variants)

Purpose / typical uses: integrated commercial/residential developments. Mixed‑use developments must satisfy the sum of each use's parking requirement and secure residential parking separate from commercial parking. These requirements are explicitly tied to the parking schedule § 9162.21 and to the mixed‑use development standards that require separate secure residential parking and allow tandem or shared parking by approval. § 9162.21 and mixed‑use development guidance (tandem conditions and secure parking)
Key design controls: minimum lot size, FAR treatment of subterranean parking, and requirement that residential parking be secure and separate (see mixed‑use development standards). Mixed‑use departures are processed through § 9172.23 (Site Plan & Design Review). § 9172.23

CA (Commercial Arterial / Corridor)

Purpose / typical uses: auto‑oriented commercial frontage, retail and services; see § 9136 site‑development standards. § 9136.6 (parking & driveways for CA zone) requires compliance with Part 6 Division 2 (the citywide parking rules). § 9136.6
Key parking provisions: commercial lots must meet the § 9162.21 ratios, provide screening and perimeter landscaping per § 9162.52, and comply with paving and lighting rules (e.g., § 9162.05, § 9162.53). § 9162.21 ; § 9162.05 ; § 9162.53

Manufacturing / Industrial

Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, warehouses, truck support. Truck loading and maneuvering standards and required loading docks are controlled by § 9162.61–66, which also prescribes stacking dimensions and design guidance for truck ingress/egress. § 9162.61–66
Key parking provisions: industrial uses often require spaces per employee or per 500–1,500 sq ft depending on the loading type — see the industrial entries in § 9162.21. § 9162.21

Open Space & Special Use Zones

Special uses like parks, golf courses, mobilehome parks and temporary uses each have bespoke parking rules in the off‑street schedule; refer to the specific use entries in § 9162.21 and supplemental divisional rules (e.g., mobilehome park plan requirements). § 9162.21 and the specific zone sections (e.g., § 9151 for Open Space)

Quick reference table (decision‑relevant permitted parking/ratios)

Use or standard	Required off‑street parking (decision rule)	Code reference
Multiple‑family / condo (standard)	1 covered space for a studio; 2 covered spaces for units with one or more bedrooms; 1 guest space per 4 units	§ 9162.21
Live/work units	1.5 spaces for units < 2,500 sf; larger units require residential + commercial spaces	§ 9162.21
Dining / drinking establishments	1 space per 100 sf gross floor area (min 10 spaces)	§ 9162.21
Offices / general commercial	1 space per 300 sf gross floor area (or per‑employee alternative)	§ 9162.21
Accessible parking	Table of required accessible stalls by lot total; e.g., 1–25 stalls = 1 accessible stall; van accessible aisle requirements specified	§ 9162.42
Bicycle parking (nonresidential ≥50,000 sf)	Provide 4 bike spaces for first 50,000 sf + 1 per additional 50,000 sf; other bike rules in § 9165.3	§ 9165.3
Truck loading design	Loading docks, maneuvering, design standards and truck stacking dimensions; see full standard series	§ 9162.61–66
Stall sizes & compact limit	Residential stalls typically 9 × 20; compact stalls 8 × 15; no more than 1/3 of required stalls may be compact	§ 9162.41

Checklist — what an applicant must provide (zoning/land‑use submittal)

A parking schedule showing computed required spaces using § 9162.21 (list calculations by use). § 9162.21
Plan view of stall layout listing stall sizes, compact stalls, aisles and accessible stalls per § 9162.41, § 9162.51 and § 9162.42. § 9162.41 ; § 9162.51 ; § 9162.42
Bicycle parking plan showing counts and location if nonresidential triggers § 9165.3. § 9165.3
Paving/drainage and surfacing details (materials and thickness) per § 9162.05 and any SUSMP/SWPPP notes required. § 9162.05
Landscaping and screening plan for perimeter strips and interior islands per § 9162.52 (landscaping references appear throughout district standards). § 9162.52 Not found verbatim in snippet; see district references.
If proposing tandem, shared, remote, or reduced parking: justification and a Development Plan or Conditional Use application per § 9172.23 / § 9172.21 (include recorded covenants for remote/shared parking where required). § 9172.23
ADU applicants: apply ADU parking exceptions / max one space rule in § 9122.1(E)(9) and list any exempting factors (transit proximity, historic district, on‑street permit rules). § 9122.1(E)(9)
For large nonresidential projects, include a transportation/parking study and a transportation information board per § 9165.2–9165.3. § 9165.3

If any item is parcel or overlay‑specific (design overlay areas, historic districts), add the overlay requirements and confirm consistency with the overlay districts rules and any special CA Zone requirements § 9136.6. § 9136.6

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Tandem parking limits and approval	Tandem is allowed but limited (commonly ≤25% of units) and sometimes requires Director or Development Plan approval; mis‑counting stalls will fail plan check	Confirm which exact tandem rule applies to your district/project (tandem language appears in mixed‑use/residential development guidance). See tandem language and approval requirements; verify with Planning/Engineering. § 9162.21 and mixed‑use development guidance (tandem bullets)
Remote/shared parking (400 ft rule)	City allows remote parking but requires covenant/recording and finding of adequate availability	Confirm recording and covenant language and the measuring method (along public walkway). See § 9162.3 for distance and the remote parking clauses in the off‑street parking provisions. § 9162.3 — Verify required legal instrument with staff.
ADU parking exceptions	ADU parking is limited (max 1 per ADU) and has many exemptions (transit, historic, car‑share, attached ADUs) — State law interacts with local code	Use § 9122.1(E)(9) for Carson’s ADU parking rules and cross‑check with current State ADU law. § 9122.1(E)(9)
Bicycle parking count method	Carson has a percentage rule in some district development standards (5%) and a separate large‑site formula in § 9165.3	Apply § 9165.3 for large nonresidential sites and check district-level 5% wording if applicable. § 9165.3
EV charging / CalGreen readiness	Local code references building standards but city zoning doesn’t fully specify EV requirements for parking — building code/CalGreen handle technical EV readiness	See the California Building Standards Code and CalGreen requirements (not a zoning item). For site planning, coordinate EV stall counts early; building‑code details live under Title 24/CalGreen. California Building Standards Code
Off‑street loading vs. parking tradeoffs	Truck loading requirements can drive the number/layout of stalls and curb cuts; mis‑sizing maneuvering areas can eliminate parking capacity	Apply § 9162.61–66 for loading design and reconcile with § 9162.41 and lot layout standards. § 9162.61–66

Where the retrieved text was unclear or silent about a parcel‑specific detail, state: Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

Carson's zoning code requires you to start with the off‑street parking table in § 9162.21 to compute required stalls, then meet layout and stall‑size rules (accessible, compact limits, paving and landscaping) in § 9162.3, § 9162.41, § 9162.51 and § 9162.42, provide bicycle parking per § 9165.3, and use design review or conditional permits (when allowed) to request alternatives like tandem or remote parking. § 9162.21

Source References

Carson Municipal Code — Off‑Street Parking / Parking Spaces Required: § 9162.21
Carson Municipal Code — Location of Parking and front‑yard paving limits: § 9162.3
Carson Municipal Code — Stall sizes and automobile parking standards: § 9162.41 and § 9162.51
Carson Municipal Code — Accessible parking (handicapped): § 9162.42
Carson Municipal Code — Truck loading standards: § 9162.61–66
Carson Municipal Code — Bicycle parking (large nonresidential): § 9165.3
Carson Municipal Code — Paving and drainage of vehicular areas: § 9162.05
Carson Municipal Code — Mixed‑Use development parking guidance and tandem parking language (development standards): mixed‑use development guidance (tandem rules and secure residential parking) — (mixed‑use development excerpts)
Carson Municipal Code — CA Zone site standards (parking/driveways): § 9136.6
Carson Municipal Code — ADU parking exceptions and limits: § 9122.1(E)(9)
Carson Municipal Code — Site Plan & Design Review / deviations: § 9172.23 and Conditional Use Permit § 9172.21 (process references)
California Building Standards / Accessibility & parking tech: California Building Code and CalGreen references (Title 24 / CalGreen) — see building code excerpts in the file package and the state's codes; technical EV/accessible stall design is covered in the building code (see the City’s building‑code page) California Building Standards Code

Sources

Retrieved passages

CMC § 9172.23 (Chapter are) High relevance
CMC § 9162.21 (Chapter are) High relevance
CMC § 9162.41 (Section and) High relevance
CBC § 400 High relevance
CMC § 11 (§ 11) Medium relevance
CMC § 4 (§ 4) Medium relevance
CMC § 9172.23 Medium relevance
CMC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
CMC § 9162.26 (§ 9162.26.) Medium relevance
CMC § 9128.15 Medium relevance
CMC § 9162.21 (Chapter 8) Medium relevance
CMC § 10 (§ 10) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 9191.438.) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 9162.28.) Medium relevance
CMC § 1 (Section shall) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (Section shall) Medium relevance
CMC § 2 (Chapter relating) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 9162.46.) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code Medium relevance
Carson Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
CBC § 66321 (§ 66321) Medium relevance
CMC § 12 (§ 12) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Carson code library

Frequently asked questions

How many off‑street parking spaces do I need for a multi‑family project in Carson?

Use the parking schedule in § 9162.21 — typical rule: 1 covered space for a studio, 2 covered spaces for each unit with one or more bedrooms, plus 1 guest space per 4 units; the final number follows the table and rounding rules in § 9162.21. § 9162.21

Where must required residential parking be located on the lot?

Required residential parking is generally required to be located on the same lot as the use; front‑yard paving is limited by percent rules in § 9162.3 (single‑car driveway, two‑car driveway, garage orientation rules). § 9162.3

Does Carson allow tandem parking to meet minimums?

Yes — the code allows tandem parking in certain settings but with limits (commonly no more than 25% of units accommodated by tandem and both tandem spaces must be assigned to the same unit, with minimum combined dimensions). Tandem arrangements usually require approval (Director or Development Plan) — see the mixed‑use/residential development guidance and related provisions. See the mixed‑use development guidance on tandem parking and approvals.

How many accessible (handicapped) parking spaces do I need?

Accessible parking counts follow the table in § 9162.42 (e.g., 1–25 total parking spaces = 1 accessible space, and so on) and dimension/aisle rules are specified there; also follow state accessibility standards (building code). § 9162.42

Do I need bicycle parking for my retail or office project?

Large nonresidential projects are governed by § 9165.3 (e.g., 4 bicycle racks for first 50,000 sf and 1 additional per additional 50,000 sf for certain developments), and some district standards require bicycle parking equal to a percentage of stalls (5% in some commercial development standards). § 9165.3

What special parking rules apply to ADUs in Carson?

Carson limits ADU parking consistent with State ADU law; the local ADU rules state a maximum of one parking space per accessory dwelling unit (and list several exemptions where no additional parking is required). See § 9122.1(E)(9) for Carson’s ADU parking rules and exemption list. § 9122.1(E)(9)

Can I locate required parking off‑site or share parking between uses?

Carson allows remote or shared parking under conditions (distance measured along public walkways, typically within 400 feet) and usually requires a recorded covenant or legal instrument for shared/remote arrangements. Verify the documentation and recording requirement with Planning; see the off‑site/remote parking clauses and § 9162.3 for location measurement rules. § 9162.3

Will the City accept fewer stalls for affordable housing or density bonus projects?

Yes — the density bonus chapter authorizes parking incentives and reductions (e.g., maximum ratios for units under density bonus rules) and allows applicants to request modified parking standards as part of a density bonus application; see § 9409 and related density‑bonus sections. § 9409

What are the stall size and compact‑space limits?

Residential required stalls are generally 9 × 20 (open/carport) and garages have specific interior dimensions; compact stalls and the rule that no more than one‑third of required spaces may be compact are set in § 9162.41 and associated layout standards in § 9162.51. § 9162.41

Who approves deviations (tandem, reduced parking, remote lots) and where is that process described?

Deviations from the parking table and other development standards are typically processed through Site Plan and Design Review (§ 9172.23) or Conditional Use Permit (§ 9172.21) depending on the applicable code section and the specific district. § 9172.23 ---

Ask about any Carson property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Carson zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial