Local zoning · Citrus Heights

Citrus Heights — Parking

Q: Can required parking be reduced through a minor variance?

Yes. The Code’s Minor Variance table lists parking or loading spaces — Number required as a standard eligible for a Minor Variance up to 30% reduction (subject to findings and review authority). See § 106.62.060 . § 106.62.060 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Title 17 / Zoning, Chapter 106) says about parking, loading, and related site design controls for development and new land uses inside the city. The Zoning Code delegates the numeric parking requirements to Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading) and adds project-specific exceptions and design controls elsewhere (special planning areas, landscaping, design guidelines). See the controlling ordinance citations below for each rule referenced. § 106.10.010

Note: the uploaded materials repeatedly point to Chapter 106.36 for the core parking table, but the full text of Chapter 106.36 (the use-by-use parking table and some bicycle/loading dimensions) is Not found in retrieved materials. Where the code supplies alternatives or specific ratios (for density-bonus or SPA projects), those are cited directly below.

How the code is organized (short)

General policy and purpose: Chapter 106.10 (promotes adequate off‑street parking, pedestrian-friendly design) § 106.10.010 .
The numeric minimums and loading definitions are administered out of Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading) — most district text says “See Chapter 106.36” for the required counts (see district-by-district entries below). Multiple district tables reference Chapter 106.36 .
Parking area design and screening/landscaping rules live in Chapter 106.34 (Landscaping) and design guideline sections in Articles 3 & 4 (e.g., Sec. 106.31.x) that address loading placement and pedestrian/bicycle circulation § 106.34.040 ; § 106.31.040 / § 106.31.050 .

District-by-district breakdown

Each district below states the zoning label (bold), its purpose in the code, typical permitted uses, the code's direction about parking (where the Code defers to Chapter 106.36), and any district-specific parking rules that appear in the retrieved materials.

Note: Where the code simply points to the general parking chapter, the exact per-use ratios are in Chapter 106.36 (Not found in the retrieved materials). Verify with the City when preparing submittals.

RD (Single- & Multi‑family Residential districts: RD‑1, RD‑2, RD‑3, RD‑4, RD‑5, RD‑7, RD‑10, RD‑15, RD‑20, RD‑25, RD‑30)

Purpose / typical uses: primarily housing (single-family, duplex, multi‑unit), subject to the residential tables in Article 2. See Table 2‑4 for setbacks and lot standards. § 106.30.100 / Table 2‑4 .
Parking direction: the district tables and multiple SPA/plan sections instruct projects to comply with Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading) for required counts. See multiple development standards table entries: "Parking — See Chapter 106.36" § 106.30 / Table 2‑4 .
District-specific rules found in retrieved materials: townhome/mixed projects sometimes have custom parking numbers written in their SPA language (for example, some townhome standards specify one or two enclosed spaces per unit instead of the generic chapter) — see Antelope Crossing and other SPA examples § 106.50.030 and § 106.50.080 ; .
Where it applies: citywide for parcels mapped RD‑x on the zoning map.

BP — Business & Professional Office

Purpose / uses: office, professional services, possibly mixed-use (multi‑unit housing above). § 106.26.020.A .
Parking direction: "See Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading)" for required spaces; the BP district tables reference Chapter 106.36 for parking. § 106.26.040 / Table 2‑6 .
Special notes: Civic and SPA texts may require a use permit for non-public uses and reiterate compliance with Chapter 106.36 § 106.50.080 .

LC — Limited Commercial

Purpose / uses: small-scale retail and pedestrian-oriented ground-floor uses (residential above possible). § 106.26.020.B .
Parking direction: follow Chapter 106.36 for required counts; design guidelines encourage pedestrian orientation and bicycle parking in SC/LC contexts § 106.31.040 .

SC — Shopping Center

Purpose / uses: larger retail centers, unified grouping of shops with convenient off‑street parking. § 106.26.020.C .
Parking direction: Chapter 106.36 governs required counts, but the SC district imposes stronger site-planning and bicycle/pedestrian connections, and allows reciprocal/guest parking between mixed uses with recorded access agreements § 106.50.030 / § 106.31.040 ; .
Design guidance: internal circulation should include bicycle lanes and bicycle parking; pedestrian routes every 200 feet are encouraged § 106.31.040 .

GC — General Commercial, AC — Auto Commercial, CR — Commercial Recreation, MP — Industrial / Office Park

Purpose / uses: general retail (GC), auto‑oriented uses (AC), recreation (CR), industrial/office (MP). See Tables 2‑6/2‑7 for development standards. § 106.26.040 / Table 2‑7 ; .
Parking direction: all these commercial/industrial districts point to Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading) for numeric requirements; design rules in Article 3 control parking layout and landscaping § 106.26.040 .
Loading: design guidance discourages locating loading bays facing a street and requires screening and truck maneuvering so trucks do not need to back onto the public street § 106.31.040 / § 106.31.050 .

MH — Mobile Home / O — Open Space

Purpose / uses: manufactured/mobile homes (MH), open space (O). Development standards table indicates parking references to Chapter 106.36 § 106.30 / Table entries .

Special Planning Areas (SPAs) — examples with parking rules in the Code text

Antelope Crossing SPA — specific internal circulation standards require bicycle parking, on-street parking counting rules, and explicit statement that "All land uses shall comply with the parking and loading standards in Article 3" and allow reciprocal guest parking across uses when approved; guest parking for residential may be provided on adjoining commercial uses with property owner approval § 106.50.030 .
Civic Center SPA — public uses and BP-like uses; parking and loading must comply with Article 3 (Chapter 106.36) § 106.50.080 .
Verner Avenue SPA — development standards call out that "Parking shall be provided as required by Section 106.36.040 (Number of Parking Spaces Required)" and permit incidental peak-time parking along private streets (which does not count toward required parking) § 106.50.150 .

(Throughout district tables the code consistently points to Chapter 106.36 for the per‑use counts; those cross‑references are shown in Tables 2‑4, 2‑6 and 2‑7) ; .

Key standards and excerpts (decision‑relevant table)

Topic	Short rule / practice	Code reference
Density‑bonus residential parking ratios (optional to applicant)	Studio = 1, 1‑BR = 1, 2‑BR = 1.5, 3‑BR = 1.5, 4+ BR = 2.5 (with lower ratios permitted for qualifying affordable projects and transit proximity per table in the section)	§ 106.32.050
Parking counts for ordinary projects	Use‑by‑use minimums are prescribed in Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading). The zoning tables repeatedly direct applicants to Chapter 106.36 for the numeric minimums.	multiple district tables — Table references to "See Chapter 106.36" § 106.26.040 / Table 2‑6 and Table 2‑7
Parking landscaping & perimeter screening	Nonresidential surface parking adjacent to a public street requires a minimum 10‑ft landscaped planting strip between ROW and parking; shade trees at minimum 1 per 30 linear feet; perimeter/buffer strips of 8–10 ft required in many adjacencies; landscape must screen cars to 36 inches min height.	§ 106.34.040.D (Parking areas)
Loading placement & screening	Loading bays should not be at the front of buildings; prefer rear or side with screening and architectural integration; design so trucks do not back in from the public street.	Design guidance § 106.31.040 / § 106.31.050 (loading)
Wheel stops / curbing protection for planting areas	Wheel stops and curbing protect landscape islands per the parking/landscaping chapter (reference to Section 106.36.080.I for wheel stops).	§ 106.34.040.D.2 and cross‑ref § 106.36.080.I ;
Minor Variance for parking counts	Director may grant a Minor Variance to reduce required parking/ loading counts up to 30% (table of allowable Minor Variance reductions)	§ 106.62.060 (Minor Variance table)

Because the uploaded file set repeatedly references Chapter 106.36 for the specific counts and bicycle/ loading dimensions, but the complete text for 106.36 itself is Not found in the retrieved materials, specific per‑use parking numbers (e.g., how many stalls per 1,000 sf for retail, restaurant, office, hospital, etc.) and bicycle parking minima are Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the City for the Chapter 106.36 table.

Practical guidance / plain‑English synthesis for applicants

Start your site design by assuming the project must meet Chapter 106.36 (the municipal parking & loading chapter) and the parking landscaping rules in § 106.34.040 that require planting strips, tree spacing, and screening between parking and streets or adjacent properties § 106.34.040 .
If you are using a density bonus, request the Chapter 106.32.050 parking ratios at application time (they are optional to apply and include specific reduced ratios for income‑restricted units and projects near transit) § 106.32.050 .
Expect design review or Use Permit conditions to control parking layout and the visible location of loading (the code discourages front‑facing loading and requires screening and truck maneuvering off public streets) § 106.31.040 / § 106.31.050 .
If your site is in a Special Planning Area (e.g., Antelope Crossing, Civic Center, Verner Avenue) check that SPA’s section — many SPAs set alternate parking rules (guest parking agreements, specific per‑unit counts, or allowances for on‑street guest counts) § 106.50.030; § 106.50.080; § 106.50.150 ; ; .
For accessible parking and stall dimension standards rely on the California Building Standards Code / Title 24 (the zoning code defers to the building code for accessible stall design and signage) — see the California Building Standards Code references in your plan check and the Title 24 guidance on accessible parking stall dimensions and signage. For accessibility specifics consult Title 24 (Building Code) § 1109A etc. (building code excerpts in the materials) .

Internal links you may need while preparing a submittal: see the city zoning overview, development standards and design review pages referenced throughout this page: Citrus Heights Zoning, Citrus Heights Development Standards, Citrus Heights Design Review, Citrus Heights Overlay Districts, Citrus Heights Landscaping and Screening, Citrus Heights ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for parking)

Confirm the applicable zoning district (e.g., RD‑x, BP, SC, GC, MP) and any overlay or SPA that applies to the parcel (§ 106.20.x mapping; district tables reference Chapter 106.36) .
Calculate required off‑street parking counts per Chapter 106.36 (Number of parking spaces required — verify the chapter table with the City because Chapter 106.36 itself was not present in the retrieved materials). See district cross‑references (Tables 2‑4, 2‑6, 2‑7) ; Not found in retrieved materials: the numeric table in §106.36.040.
If using a density bonus, request the parking concessions under § 106.32.050 at application (density‑bonus ratios are optional to apply) § 106.32.050 .
Provide required parking lot landscaping, planting strips and tree spacing per § 106.34.040.D (10‑ft planting strip adjacent to streets for nonresidential parking, 36‑inch screening, shade trees at 1 per 30 linear feet) § 106.34.040 .
Locate loading so it is not fronting primary street(s); provide screening and ensure truck circulation does not require backing into the public street (design guidance § 106.31.040 / § 106.31.050) .
Provide accessible parking in accordance with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — coordinate with plan check and cite the building code for stall dimensions and number of accessible stalls .
If requesting fewer spaces than required, prepare a Minor Variance justification: the Code allows the Director to reduce parking counts by up to 30% via Minor Variance § 106.62.060 (table) .
If relying on off‑site or reciprocal parking, prepare a recorded access agreement and follow the City finding and allowance language (SPAs and Antelope Crossing allow reciprocal parking with recorded agreements) § 106.50.030; § 106.50.030 notes about reciprocal parking .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact per‑use parking rates (standard table)	The City’s development approvals and building permits will be measured against Chapter 106.36 counts; if you rely on an incorrect ratio you can be required to add stalls or pay in‑lieu fees	The full text of Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading) and § 106.36.040 (Number of Parking Spaces Required) — Not found in retrieved materials; verify the chapter/table with the Community Development Department.
Bicycle parking minimums & short‑ vs long‑term standards	Design and tenant fit rely on these numbers; bicycle parking affects site layout, ADA routes, and sheltered bike parking design	The code encourages bicycle parking and connections (design guidance § 106.31.040) but explicit minimums/fixtures are Not found in retrieved materials; verify Chapter 106.36 or contact city planner.
Accessible parking stall design and counts	Accessibility is enforced at building permit; wrong dimensions or counts create corrections at plan check	The zoning code defers to California Building Standards Code / Title 24 for accessible stall design; confirm Title 24 requirements with plan check. See Title 24 references in the files and the CA Building Standards Code.
Off‑site / reciprocal parking	County law requires findings; improper agreements can invalidate parking credits	The code allows reciprocal or off‑site parking only with approved recorded agreements and specific findings (see SPA language and Article 3 references); confirm recorded access language and file requirements with the City. § 106.50.030; § 106.62.x ;
SPA exceptions and site‑specific parking (Antelope Crossing, Verner Ave, Civic Center)	SPAs sometimes contain different counts or allow street counting for guest parking — relying on the standard Chapter table may be incorrect for SPA parcels	Read the SPA section that applies to the parcel — e.g., Antelope Crossing § 106.50.030, Verner Ave § 106.50.150, Civic Center § 106.50.080 and follow the SPA text. ; ;

Plain-English Summary

Citrus Heights’ zoning code requires off‑street parking and loading to meet the municipal parking & loading chapter (Chapter 106.36); project design must also meet parking‑lot landscaping and screening rules and the design guidance that keeps loading out of front facades. Density‑bonus projects have an optional set of reduced parking ratios that applicants can request; certain SPAs (Antelope Crossing, Civic Center, Verner) include project‑specific parking directions. Many of the zoning sections in the Code simply point you back to Chapter 106.36 for the per‑use numbers — review that chapter (and coordinate with the city planner) before final site layout. § 106.36 (cross‑references throughout the district tables) ; § 106.32.050 ; § 106.34.040 .

Source References

Citrus Heights Zoning Code, Title 17 (Chapter 106) — Purpose and applicability, mentions parking policy § 106.10.010.
Density bonus parking ratios (optional to applicant): § 106.32.050 (Parking Requirements in Density Bonus Projects).
Parking landscaping and screening standards (parking planting strips, tree spacing, screening to 36") § 106.34.040 (Parking areas).
Design guidance for parking layout, pedestrian & bicycle connections, loading placement: § 106.31.040 and § 106.31.050 (Large‑scale retail / loading guidance).
District development tables and cross‑references to Chapter 106.36 (see Table 2‑4, Table 2‑6, Table 2‑7 entries that read "Parking – See Chapter 106.36"). ;
Special Planning Areas and project‑specific parking rules: § 106.50.030 (Antelope Crossing), § 106.50.080 (Civic Center SPA), § 106.50.150 (Verner Avenue SPA) — these sections include SPA‑level parking instructions and exceptions that either point to Chapter 106.36 or provide alternative counts. ; ;
Minor Variance allowances (up to 30% reduction of required parking/loading via Minor Variance): § 106.62.060 (Minor Variance table)
Wheel stops / curbing reference cross‑refs: § 106.36.080.I (wheel stops) — referenced by parking/landscape sections (full text of 106.36.080 Not found in retrieved materials)
California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — accessibility / accessible parking design and dimensions (zoning code defers to building code for accessible stall spacing and details). Use Title 24 for accessible stall dimensions (see building code excerpts in provided files).

If you want me to: I can (A) pull the City’s live Chapter 106.36 table (if you can provide it or allow me to fetch it), or (B) draft a site‑layout checklist template that assumes the most common municipal ratios and Title 24 accessible stall dimensions (but I will clearly label anything not directly in the uploaded ordinance as external / to‑be‑verified).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Chapter 106.36) High relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Article 3) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Chapter 106.64) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Chapter 106.25) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Section are) High relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Chapter 106.36) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Article 3) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (CHAPTER 106.26) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Chapter 106.36) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Section 106.36.080.I) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (CHAPTER 106.26) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code (Title 106) Medium relevance
Citrus Heights Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Citrus Heights code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the section of the Citrus Heights code that controls parking counts?

The City’s numeric parking requirements are administered in Chapter 106.36 (Parking and Loading); most zoning district tables explicitly instruct applicants to follow that chapter (e.g., Table 2‑6 and Table 2‑7 say “See Chapter 106.36”). The uploaded materials repeatedly cross‑refer to Chapter 106.36 but the full parking table itself (the use‑by‑use numeric table) is Not found in retrieved materials — verify Chapter 106.36 with the Community Development Department. § 106.26.040; § 106.30/Table 2 entries ; .

Does Citrus Heights allow reduced parking for density bonus housing?

Yes. At the applicant’s request the City will apply the density‑bonus parking ratios shown in § 106.32.050 (for example Studio = 1, 1‑BR = 1, 2‑BR = 1.5, 3‑BR = 1.5, 4+ BR = 2.5), and the section lists even lower ratios for qualifying income‑restricted projects near transit. Use this section when you are pursuing density bonus incentives. § 106.32.050 .

Where does the code require parking lot landscaping and screening?

Parking lot landscaping requirements (perimeter strips, interior planting, tree spacing, screening to 36 inches, minimum 10‑ft planting strips adjacent to public streets for nonresidential uses) are in § 106.34.040.D (Parking areas). Follow those rules for planting strips, islands, and screening. § 106.34.040 .

Can required parking be reduced through a minor variance?

Yes. The Code’s Minor Variance table lists parking or loading spaces — Number required as a standard eligible for a Minor Variance up to 30% reduction (subject to findings and review authority). See § 106.62.060. § 106.62.060 .

Are there district exceptions where parking counts differ from Chapter 106.36?

Yes — some Special Planning Areas and project specific sections specify alternate parking rules that replace Chapter 106.36 counts. Examples: Antelope Crossing (§ 106.50.030), Civic Center SPA (§ 106.50.080), and Verner Avenue (§ 106.50.150) contain SPA‑level parking rules or alternative counts (guest parking arrangements, townhouse counts, or cross‑use parking allowances). Check the SPA that covers your parcel. § 106.50.030; § 106.50.080; § 106.50.150 ; ; .

Does the zoning code specify bicycle parking minimums?

The design guidance strongly encourages bicycle features — pedestrian connections, bicycle lanes and bicycle parking are called out in site planning guidance for commercial/shopping center development — but explicit numeric bicycle‑parking minima are Not found in the retrieved materials (the code points to Chapter 106.36 for parking and Article 3 design guidance encourages bike parking). Verify the bicycle parking minima with Chapter 106.36 or the City planner. § 106.31.040 .

Who decides where parking can be sited on a parcel?

The Code gives the review authority (Design Review/Use Permit) the ability to determine acceptable parking locations on a site to minimize impacts (e.g., keep parking away from residential property lines, require consolidation of driveways). Several use sections direct that parking “shall be provided as required by Chapter 106.36” and that the location is to be shaped by design review to reduce impacts; special rules prohibit parking closer than 10 ft from property boundaries in certain use permit contexts. See relevant use permit / SPA language and Article 3. § 106.22.x and SPA-specific rules ; .

Are accessible parking and stall dimensions covered in the zoning code?

The zoning code defers the technical dimensions and many accessibility design details to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). The building code excerpts in the materials show specific accessible parking stall dimensions and loading requirements that must be followed at plan check (Title 24 / CBC). Confirm accessible stall counts and layout per Title 24 during building permit plan check (not in the zoning chapter). Title 24 references provided in the package (Building Code excerpts) .

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