Local zoning · Chino

Chino — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes Chino's local zoning rules that control off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle facilities within the City — what counts, how many spaces are required, design/dimension rules, and where reductions or alternatives are allowed. The controlling rules live in the City's parking chapter (Chapter 20.18) and related site and development standards; read this page as an ordinance‑grounded interpretation, not legal advice. See the city's zoning overview for broader context at Chino Zoning and development rules at Chino Development Standards.

Key rules and where they are written (quick map)

  • Required number of off‑street spaces and the master table: § 20.18.030 (Table 20.18‑1) .
  • General parking rules (use of areas, ADA, compact stalls, off‑site/shared parking): § 20.18.040 .
  • Parking design, dimensions (stall sizes, aisles, setbacks, striping, lighting, screening): § 20.18.050 (and Tables 20.18‑3 & 20.18‑4) .
  • Bicycle parking requirements: § 20.18.060 .
  • Parking structures: § 20.18.070 .
  • Off‑street loading (counts, dimensions, location rules): § 20.18.080 (Table 20.18‑5) .
  • Site approval review includes off‑street parking and loading: § 20.23.090 .
  • Small‑lot residential (RD) development parking rules and ratios: Table 20.13‑1 / § 20.13 (small lot standards) .

Also note state accessibility rules (Title 24): designers must follow the California Building Standards Code for disabled spaces; the local code explicitly references Title 24 for ADA parking layout and marking in § 20.18.040 .

District‑by‑district breakdown (what to expect for parking)

Notes: The zoning code separates use‑based parking minimums (Table 20.18‑1, applied citywide) from site/configuration rules that differ by district (setbacks, where parking is allowed, and special district rules). The text below summarizes the Chino material that explicitly names districts or small‑lot zone labels; where the file does not show a district name or a complete numeric parking ratio, the entry states what the ordinance references and points to the controlling section.

Multifamily Residential (multiple‑family dwellings)

  • Purpose / typical uses: apartment complexes, condominiums, senior housing, and similar multi‑unit residential developments. See the multi‑family entries in the off‑street parking table. Required parking varies by density and unit type (studio/1/2+ bedrooms), and guest parking is required. See § 20.18.030 and Table 20.18‑1 for exact ratios.
  • Key dimensional & placement rules: covered and uncovered spaces follow the general dimensions in § 20.18.050 (garage and uncovered dimensions; guest parking location within 150 ft of units) and the parking‑setback table (Table 20.18‑4).
  • Where it applies: multi‑family zones across the city; the small‑lot residential tables (RD 4.5, RD 8, RD 12) supplement requirements for compact/cluster developments — see § 20.13 / Table 20.13‑1 for RD standards (including a target of three spaces per unit for small‑lot projects) .

Single‑family / Small‑lot Residential (RD 4.5 / RD 8 / RD 12)

  • Purpose / typical uses: detached single‑family dwellings and planned small‑lot subdivisions. Parking requirements reference a two‑car garage per unit plus guest spaces and standards for driveway/garage placement. See Table 20.13‑1 and related small‑lot tables.
  • Key dimensional & placement rules: garage setback and driveway rules (minimum garage setback shown as 19 ft for front garage, driveway length guidance, one‑car garage interior dimensions, and driveway width minimums) are set out in § 20.13 and cross‑referenced to § 20.18.050 for stall dimensions. The small lot rules require a total of three spaces per unit (on‑ and off‑street) for small‑lot projects of five+ units (see Table 20.13‑1).

Commercial zones (retail, office, service)

  • Purpose / typical uses: storefront retail, restaurants, professional offices, commercial services. The off‑street parking table lists use‑specific ratios (for example, retail, offices, restaurants) in Table 20.18‑1 with detailed numbers under § 20.18.030.
  • Key dimensional & placement rules: parking stalls, compact stall caps (max 25% compact), striping, lighting and pedestrian connections for sites >100 spaces are governed by § 20.18.050 and § 20.18.040. Short‑term customer parking and drop‑offs have placement rules within commercial frontages in the Downtown/mixed‑use overlay guidance (see the design and parking placement rules at § 20.16.* and § 20.18.050 excerpts).

Industrial zones (including M2)

  • Purpose / typical uses: light to heavy industrial, warehousing, manufacturing. Parking ratios for different industrial subtypes (warehousing ranges, equipment rental, etc.) appear in Table 20.18‑1; where large truck operations are present, the code requires additional trailer waiting spaces and dedicated maneuvering areas. See § 20.18.030 and § 20.18.080 for loading rules.
  • Key dimensional & placement rules: industrial loading docks and doors must generally be located in interior side or rear yards; special authorizations for docks facing streets in M2 zones are limited and list specific arterial streets that docks may not face. Minimum loading bay size and clearance are in § 20.18.080 (minimum loading bay 12' × 45' with 14' vertical clearance).

Mixed‑use / Downtown / Pedestrian‑oriented areas

  • Purpose / typical uses: ground‑floor retail with residential or office above. Chino’s design guidance pushes parking to the rear or back half of lots and allows reduced on‑site parking if made up with transit/bike/walk measures. See the pedestrian orientation rules and parking placement in the design chapter and § 20.18.030 (mixed‑use parking reductions) and related design sections. Link to design review: Chino Design Review.

Most decision‑relevant standards — quick reference table

Use / Rule Requirement (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
Master rule for required spaces Provide off‑street parking per Table 20.18‑1 (citywide); sum uses and round up fractional spaces § 20.18.030
Single‑family dwellings Typical requirement: 2 covered garage spaces (with small‑lot exceptions); ADU requires 1 space Table 20.18‑1; § 20.18.030 (Accessory Dwelling Units entry)
Multifamily dwellings Ratios vary by unit type & density; guest parking: 1 per 10 units Table 20.18‑1; § 20.18.030
Compact stalls Max 25% of total required spaces may be compact (mark “Compact”) § 20.18.040(C)
Standard stall dimensions Standard: 9' × 19'; garage counted spaces generally 10' × 20' (one‑car garage exceptions) § 20.18.050(A) and Table 20.18‑3
Bicycle parking Bicycle parking = 5% of total required parking spaces; racks/lockers, visible and weather protected § 20.18.060
Disabled parking Number per Table 20.18‑2; layout per Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) § 20.18.040(B); see Title 24 reference
Setbacks from street/property lines Parking stall/drive aisle to street property line 10 ft (multifamily/commercial); interior side/rear 5 ft Table 20.18‑4; § 20.18.050(B)
Loading spaces (commercial/office) Commercial: 0–4 loading spaces depending on building GFA (see Table 20.18‑5) § 20.18.080 (Table 20.18‑5)
Parking reductions (shared, transit credit, mixed‑use) Shared parking, low‑demand studies, transit/bus credit, mixed‑use reductions (up to 50–75% in specific mixed scenarios) — require findings/site approval § 20.18.030 (allowances & reductions)

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain‑English, ordinance‑grounded)

  • Start with Table 20.18‑1: for any project, compute required spaces from that table and sum every use; fractional spaces round up per § 20.18.030.
  • Use the dimension and layout rules in § 20.18.050 early in design (stall sizes, aisle widths, and the minimum curb/driveway setbacks in Table 20.18‑4). If you plan angled stalls or compact stalls, follow Table 20.18‑3 and the compact‑stall cap (25%) in § 20.18.040(C).
  • Provide bicycle parking at 5% of the required spaces; racks for short‑term, lockers for long‑term; place them visible and under cover per § 20.18.060. Link to bicycle/active‑transportation planning via Chino Land Use.
  • ADA spaces are mandatory and dimensioned under Title 24; the local code references Title 24 for disabled parking layout and minimum counts (Table 20.18‑2) in § 20.18.040(B) — so coordinate with the California Building Standards Code.
  • If you seek to reduce required spaces (shared parking, transit proximity credit, or mixed‑use reductions), be prepared to supply a parking demand study, a recorded shared‑parking agreement, a transportation management plan, and/or make findings at site approval as required in § 20.18.030. For affordable housing reductions, the code ties approval to Government Code § 65915 findings (see the local text on affordable housing allowances) — expect extra findings and long‑term covenants.

For design of parking lots and screening, coordinate with Chino Landscaping and Screening — the parking chapter requires screening of unenclosed lots from the street and rows of evergreen plantings where parking abuts residential zones § 20.18.050(J).

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before plan approval)

  • Calculate required off‑street parking from Table 20.18‑1 and round up per § 20.18.030.
  • Meet stall/garage/aisle dimensions and compact stall limits per § 20.18.050 and Table 20.18‑3; show striping and wheel stops.
  • Provide required disabled parking per Table 20.18‑2 and Title 24 layout rules (§ 20.18.040(B)).
  • Provide bicycle parking at 5% of required parking, with racks/lockers and weather protection (§ 20.18.060).
  • If loading is required, size and locate loading spaces per § 20.18.080 (Table 20.18‑5) and ensure on‑site truck maneuvering.
  • Show screening/landscaping for parking areas and compliance with Table 20.18‑4 setbacks and parking‑to‑building clearances (§ 20.18.050(B)/(J)).
  • If proposing shared, reduced, or off‑site parking, include parking study, recorded agreements, and (if needed) a transportation management plan and site approval application with required findings (§ 20.18.030 & § 20.23.090).
  • Ensure parking lot lighting, striping, signage, surfacing, and maintenance commitments are shown (see § 20.18.040–050).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Exact numeric ratio for a specific commercial subtype not present in excerpt Table 20.18‑1 contains many use‑specific ratios; omitting the correct row can miscompute required stalls Consult Table 20.18‑1 in § 20.18.030 for the exact line item and cite it in plans (verify with Planning).
ADU parking and state preemption State ADU law can modify local parking rules; local table shows 1 ADU space but state changes may apply Verify ADU parking exceptions vs. current state ADU law and check Chino ADUs and California ADU law. Not found in retrieved materials whether local rules were updated to reflect the most recent state preemption.
Mixed‑use parking reductions (50–75%) — applicability Code allows large reductions with planning findings (complex, discretionary) Prepare a shared‑parking study, TPM, and show how reduction meets the findings in § 20.18.030; plan to seek site approval.
Loading docks facing streets in M2 zones — special exceptions The code lists specific streets where loading cannot face them; noncompliance risks denial If your building is in an M2 area, check § 20.18.080 for the list of restricted streets and get verifying confirmation from staff.
Bicycle count method (5% of required spaces) If you use reductions to lower car spaces, bicycle requirement changes with the base number (possible circular calculation) Clarify bicycle space counts with the planner: § 20.18.060 ties bike spaces to the total required car parking before or after reductions — verify the city's interpretation.

Plain‑English summary

Chino requires off‑street parking, sized and located according to Chapter 20.18: compute required spaces from Table 20.18‑1, meet stall sizes/aisles/landscaping rules in § 20.18.050, provide bicycle parking equal to 5% of required spaces per § 20.18.060, and handle loading per § 20.18.080. If you want to reduce spaces (shared parking, transit credit, mixed‑use), bring studies and expect discretionary site approval with recorded agreements.

Source References

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Chino Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (chapter may) High relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Chino Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What table in Chino's code tells me how many parking spaces I need?

Start with Table 20.18‑1; the code requires off‑street spaces exactly as listed in that table and clarifies rounding and multiple‑use aggregation in § 20.18.030. Compute each use, sum them, and round up fractional spaces.

How big do parking stalls and aisles have to be in Chino?

Standard perpendicular stalls must be 9' × 19'; garage spaces counted toward requirements are generally 10' × 20'; aisle widths and angled stall dimensions are specified in Table 20.18‑3 and § 20.18.050. Use those tables to size aisles for 90°/60°/45°/30° layouts.

Do I have to provide bicycle parking?

Yes — the city requires bicycle parking at a rate equal to 5% of the total required parking spaces, with racks or lockers, visible and weather protected, per § 20.18.060.

How many ADA (disabled) spaces are required?

Provide disabled parking per the local minimums in Table 20.18‑2 and follow the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for layout and signage. The local code requires the counts and refers to Title 24 for design; see § 20.18.040(B).

Can I reduce required car parking for a mixed‑use or transit‑served project?

Possibly. The code allows reductions for shared parking, low‑demand uses, transportation management plans, and transit proximity credits; mixed‑use projects may get reductions up to 50–75% under the findings in § 20.18.030, but these are discretionary and typically require a parking study, recorded agreements, or site approval.

What are the minimum loading space dimensions for commercial/industrial uses?

Minimum loading space is 12 feet wide by 45 feet long with 14 feet vertical clearance; required number of loading bays is given by Table 20.18‑5 in § 20.18.080 (commercial and office bands and industrial thresholds).

Where must parking be located relative to buildings and streets?

Parking stall/drive aisle to street property line minimum is 10 ft in multifamily/commercial zones; parking spaces for multifamily must be within 150 ft of the dwelling unit they serve; the layout setbacks are in Table 20.18‑4 and § 20.18.050(B).

Are compact parking stalls allowed?

Yes — compact stalls are permitted up to 25% of the total required parking, must be marked "Compact", and should be reasonably dispersed (local director approval may be required) — see § 20.18.040(C).

Does Chino require screening of parking lots?

Yes — unenclosed off‑street parking shall be screened from the street by a three‑foot decorative masonry wall or equivalent landscaping/berm subject to director approval; additional screening is required where parking abuts residential zones (see § 20.18.050(J)).

If I convert an attached garage to living space, what happens to required parking?

When a single‑family dwelling converts a garage to habitable space (not an ADU), additional parking must be provided if the dwelling is enlarged more than 5% of GFA or if the garage was converted — the code sets different standards for units constructed before/after May 20, 1965 and ties this to § 20.18.020(B). Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific guidance. ---

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