Local zoning · Delano

Delano — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Delano Zoning Ordinance says about parking (off‑street automobile parking, loading, and bicycle facilities) and how those rules apply across the city's zoning districts. The Delano code defers detailed numeric parking ratios to a single parking table (Table 13.A) and then layers special rules for specific uses (dealerships, swap meets, farmers' markets, ADUs, mixed‑use projects) and city programs (transportation control measures, density bonus). See the controlling parking chapter and the special‑use rules below — you must verify parcel‑level questions with the Community Development Department. For local context see Delano Zoning and the city's Development Standards.

Note: This page stays within zoning/planning (Title 20 in the Delano file set). Building code (Title 24 / California Building Standards Code) and ADA/Title 24 accessibility rules are separate; link to the state code for permit & construction obligations. (/us/california/building-codes)

How the Delano ordinance organizes parking rules (short)

  • Core off‑street requirements and numeric ratios live in the parking chapter: Chapter 20.13, with the main table at § 20.13.20 (Table 13.A).
  • Special‑use standards (automobile dealerships, swap meets, farmers’ markets, taxi/vanpool, passenger loading) are in Chapter 20.11 (use‑specific standards) and elsewhere.
  • Transportation and bicycle requirements for larger projects are in § 20.10.370 (Transportation control measures).
  • Variances/parking reductions are addressed in § 20.2.60 (variances) and local density‑bonus/concession sections that may modify parking.

(First natural inline links: the words parking, Development Standards, design review, Overlay Districts, ADUs, and California Building Standards Code below are linked to the site menu for Delano topics and the state building code.)

Citywide baseline: Chapter 20.13 and related rules

  • The numerical parking requirements for most uses are consolidated in § 20.13.20 (Table 13.A — Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements); applicants must use that table to compute required spaces. See § 20.13.20 for the table lookup instruction.

  • The ordinance explicitly prohibits counting on‑street parking to meet required off‑street parking: "On‑street parking shall not be used to satisfy any of the above parking requirements." Cite: § 20.4.40 (Condominium/townhouse/apartment development standards referencing on‑street parking prohibition) and related development standards.

  • Lighting and safety: parking areas of five or more spaces must meet minimum illumination: average 0.5 foot‑candles per square foot and wiring must be underground. See § 20.10.140.

  • Landscaping/screening of parking visible from public rights‑of‑way is required in several districts (e.g., two‑foot berm/wall between street and lot where in a visual corridor). See multiple district notes pointing to Chapter 20.10.290 and development standards that reference Chapter 20.10 landscaping rules.

  • Loading and passenger loading: required for larger developments — passenger loading areas and vanpool preferential spaces are required when a project meets size thresholds (see § 20.10.370: passenger loading when at least 100 parking spaces; preferential vanpool parking for each 100 spaces).

  • Bicycle facilities and internal pedestrian/bike pathways are required for new nonresidential and multifamily developments of ten or more units; the city also commits to consider the county bike plan. See § 20.10.370.

  • Minor variances for parking: the Community Development Director may approve minor variances that reduce parking/loading requirements by up to 30% (not to exceed two spaces). See § 20.2.60 (Minor Variances).

District-by-district summary (purpose, typical uses, parking highlights, where it applies)

Below are the Delano district names and the parking rules that most directly affect proposals in each district. Bold district names and the controlling code citations are shown.

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory dwelling units; see residential use table for permitted uses. Parking for single‑family is calculated per the residential entries in Chapter 20.13 (Table 13.A) and the R‑1 development rules (garage/driveway location standards). See R‑1 development notes for driveway/garage placement (e.g., garage may be placed no less than 20 ft from the front property line). § 20.4 development notes and Table of uses.
  • ADUs: One parking space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less) is the local standard consistent with state ADU rules; the ordinance also applies state exemptions (no replacement required if garage/carport demolished) — see § 20.11.200 (Accessory Dwelling Unit rules) for Delano's ADU parking provisions. Verify transit proximity and historic‑district exemptions stated there.

RA (Residential Agricultural)

  • Purpose & typical uses: low‑density residential and certain rural/residential accessory uses. Parking computed from Table 13.A (§ 20.13.20). Where multifamily or accessory parking abuts R‑1/RA, screening and masonry walls may be required. See multi‑family standards and buffer rules in Chapters 20.4 and 20.10.

R‑2 / R‑3 / Multi‑Family

  • Purpose & typical uses: duplex, small and large multifamily. Parking for multifamily must comply with Chapter 20.13; the code explicitly requires assigned parking in for‑sale projects and prohibits using on‑street parking to meet requirements; tandem parking is generally not permitted unless the City grants a specific allowance. See the multifamily development section: § 20.4.40 and refer to § 20.13.20 for ratios.

Neighborhood Commercial (NC), Downtown Commercial (DC), Community Retail Commercial (CRC), General Commercial (GC)

  • Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood and city commercial services, retail, restaurants, offices. All commercial parking requirements are set by Chapter 20.13 (Table 13.A, § 20.13.20). Special allowances: the Community Development Director can grant a 30% parking reduction for mixed‑use projects within Downtown Commercial and General Commercial districts under § 20.11.175 (Mixed‑use development). Landscaping/screening and visual corridor rules apply to parking lots here.

Employment / Industrial (I) & CRC (Community Retail Commercial)

  • Purpose & typical uses: light industrial, warehouses, larger retail. Parking and loading must comply with Chapter 20.13. Off‑street loading and separation standards (driveway approach limits, industrial setback requirements) are enforced; jobs/employment projects also reference § 20.6 and § 20.10.370 for transportation measures (vanpool, transit improvements). Screening and parking lot placement requirements are stricter where industrial abuts residential.

CF (Public Facilities)

  • Purpose & typical uses: public buildings, utilities, parks. Development standards require that off‑street parking follow Chapter 20.13; where parking is in a visual corridor, screening (earthen berm/wall) is required. See CF development standards (special requirements) for parking siting. § 20.3.21 and CF special requirements.

Airport (AP) district and H overlays

  • The AP (Airport) and the H (Airport Safety/overlay) districts require that parking conform to Chapter 20.13; overlays typically defer to underlying base district standards but add compatibility measures and setbacks. See § 20.3.21 (AP district) and H overlay notes referencing Chapter 20.13 for parking compliance. Where the H overlay applies, FAA compatibility rules may further limit use/placement.

Special‑use highlights (what to watch for)

  • Automobile dealerships and auction houses: require paved display and separate employee/customer parking areas; do not allow display/storage on public streets; specific queuing and wash/repair controls; the code directs applicants to § 20.13.20, Table 13.A for space requirements and imposes additional landscaping/screening and storage standards. See 20.11.100 (automobile dealerships) for the full list of requirements and queuing standards (1.5 vehicles per service bay for queuing).

  • Swap meets and Farmers’ Markets: swap meets require a Conditional Use Permit in GC, CRC, DC, I and parking at 1.5 spaces per vendor stall (swap meet rules) — see § 20.11.245; Farmers’ Markets likewise must provide 1.5 spaces per vendor stall and ensure operations don't cause public safety congestion (farmers' market rules).

  • Transportation control measures for large projects: § 20.10.370 requires on‑site walkways and bicycle pathways for nonresidential and multifamily projects of ten or more units, passenger loading where projects have ≥100 spaces, and provisions for vanpool/transit improvements. This section also authorizes case‑by‑case parking reductions tied to trip‑reducing measures.

  • Mixed‑use developments: parking is computed per‑use using Chapter 20.13 (Table 13.A), but the code permits a 30% reduction in the Downtown Commercial and General Commercial districts at the Community Development Director’s discretion under § 20.11.175.

  • ADUs: Delano follows state‑aligned ADU parking rules: generally one space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, with listed waivers (within ½ mile of transit, historic districts, when ADU is part of the existing primary residence or accessory structure, etc.). Replacement parking is not required if the garage/carport was demolished to create an ADU. See § 20.11.200.

Quick decision table: most decision‑relevant standards and where they live

Topic Short rule / decision point Code reference (local)
Where to compute required spaces Use Table 13.A (Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements) in Chapter 20.13 — compute per use. § 20.13.20
On‑street parking counting On‑street parking cannot be used to meet off‑street requirements. § 20.4.40 (multifamily/condo rules referencing on‑street prohibition)
Lighting for parking areas Parking areas ≥5 spaces: avg 0.5 foot‑candles per sq ft; wiring underground. § 20.10.140
Passenger/loading requirements Passenger loading required when project has ≥100 parking spaces (area = 5 spaces); vanpool preferential spaces per 100 spaces. § 20.10.370
ADU parking 1 space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less); certain exemptions (½ mile transit, historic district, conversion of existing space). § 20.11.200
Swap meets / farmers' markets 1.5 parking spaces per vendor stall required; CUP required in certain zones. § 20.11.245 (swap meet) and farmers' market rules in 20.11.*
Minor parking reductions Minor variance may reduce parking/loading up to 30% (max two spaces). § 20.2.60 (Minor Variances)
Mixed‑use downtown reduction Up to 30% reduction may be granted for mixed use in Downtown Commercial and General Commercial by director. § 20.11.175

Checklist

  • Calculate required off‑street automobile parking using Table 13.A (§ 20.13.20) for each use on the site.
  • Confirm whether your use is subject to a special‑use rule (dealership, swap meet, farmers' market, mixed‑use, ADU) and apply that section’s parking rules (Chapter 20.11 subsections).
  • Show required loading/ passenger areas if the project will have ≥100 parking spaces per § 20.10.370.
  • Provide required bicycle pathways/parking and pedestrian connections for qualifying projects (≥10 units or nonresidential projects tied to § 20.10.370).
  • Prepare parking lot landscape and screening per Chapter 20.10 and district special requirements (visual corridor berms or walls).
  • If requesting a reduction/variance, prepare a variance application and supporting findings per § 20.2.60; minor variances may reduce parking ≤30% (≤2 spaces).
  • For ADUs, document whether an exemption applies (transit proximity, historic district, ADU conversion from existing space) per § 20.11.200.
  • Confirm exterior lighting levels and underground wiring per § 20.10.140.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Exact numeric parking ratios (Table 13.A) The parking table determines the required count per use; not reproduced here. Retrieve § 20.13.20 (Table 13.A) and apply to your specific use; site‑specific driveway/lot constraints may change layout. Verify Table 13.A in the ordinance.
Bicycle parking counts & design Zoning references bike pathways (§ 20.10.370) but the ordinance text does not reproduce a full bicycle‑space table in retrieved excerpts. Confirm Delano’s numeric bicycle‑parking requirements and racks/specs (not found in retrieved materials). Verify with Planning.
EV charging requirements State codes and Green Building standards touch EV readiness (state code); Delano’s zoning text in retrieved materials does not list mandatory local EV stall counts. EV/charging requirements may be in building standards or the city’s parking chapter not in our excerpts. Verify with Community Development and reference the California Building Standards Code.
Which district controls where overlay rules apply Overlay language says parking defers to Chapter 20.13 but FAA/overlay conditions may further constrain development near the airport. If property is in an H or AP overlay, confirm overlay map and FAA compatibility measures. Verify with Planning.
Parcel-specific use/variance history Nonconforming situations and earlier CUPs affect whether parking can be changed or waived. Check recorded CUPs, prior site approvals and nonconforming use status per Chapter 20.2 and 20.13. Verify with jurisdiction.
Lighting/ADA/exact stall dimensions The zoning code sets illumination minima and references building codes, but stall dimensions and ADA accessible stall counts are in building/ADA rules (Title 24). Follow building code/ADA for dimensions and accessible stalls; zoning’s lighting and layout rules still apply. Not found in retrieved materials — verify with Building & Fire.

Plain‑English summary

Delano’s zoning code makes you compute required off‑street parking from a single parking table (Chapter 20.13, § 20.13.20), prohibits counting on‑street parking, and layers special rules for big projects, ADUs, dealerships, swap meets and farmers’ markets; the Planning Department can grant reductions or variances in limited circumstances — always check the table for the exact number of spaces and confirm overlay/parcel issues with the city.

Source References

  • Delano Zoning Ordinance — Chapter and sections referenced in this page: § 20.13.20 (Table 13.A — Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements).
  • § 20.10.370 — Transportation control measures (bicycle pathways, passenger loading, vanpool, reduced parking provisions).
  • § 20.2.60 — Variances (minor variance allowance, up to 30% parking reduction).
  • § 20.11.100 / 20.11.110 — Automobile dealerships / rental agencies (paving, display, queuing and parking references to § 20.13.20).
  • § 20.11.245 — Swap meet (1.5 parking spaces per vendor stall and CUP requirement).
  • Farmers' market rules and parking (1.5 spaces per vendor stall) — Delano Zoning use subsections.
  • ADU rules (parking and exemptions): § 20.11.200 (Accessory Dwelling Units) — Delano follows state exemptions on replacement parking.
  • Lighting requirements for parking areas: § 20.10.140 (nonresidential parking illumination).
  • District development standards referencing parking and screening (CF, Employment, Commercial districts) — Chapters 20.3, 20.6, 20.11 where noted.

If you need the actual numeric parking table (Table 13.A, § 20.13.20) or the bicycle‑parking counts and stall dimensions extracted for your project address, tell me the parcel address or proposed use and I will pull the exact Table 13.A entries and highlight the sections you must meet. Verify all parcel‑specific applications with the City of Delano Community Development Department.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Delano Zoning Code (Section is) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.2.50.6) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Title shall) Medium relevance
  • CRC § 20.14.60 (section is) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.13.60.7.b.) Medium relevance
  • CEC § 1 (section 20.11.85) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.2.180) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.13.20) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.2.80.6.f) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Chapter 20.13) Medium relevance
  • Delano Zoning Code (Section 20.10.290) Medium relevance
  • CRC § 20.6.40.2 (Section 20.6.40.2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the required number of parking spaces for a new retail store in Delano?

Use the retail line in Table 13.A in § 20.13.20 (Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements) to calculate spaces; for downtown mixed‑use projects a 30% reduction may be applied in the Downtown Commercial or General Commercial districts under § 20.11.175. Always compute per the table and then check for eligible reductions.

Do I have to provide parking for an ADU in Delano?

Yes — Delano applies ADU parking consistent with state rules: generally one parking space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less), with exemptions including within ½‑mile of transit, historic districts, or when the ADU is created from existing living area; replacement parking is not required when a garage/carport is demolished to create the ADU. See § 20.11.200.

Can on‑street parking be counted toward required parking?

No. The Delano ordinance expressly states that on‑street parking shall not be used to satisfy required off‑street parking. See multifamily/condominium development standards and accompanying rules (e.g., § 20.4.40).

Are bicycle parking and pedestrian connections required?

Yes — for all new nonresidential and multifamily developments of 10 or more units, the code requires on‑site walkways and bicycle pathways connecting buildings to adjacent public streets; these rules are in § 20.10.370. The ordinance also directs applicants to provide bicycle parking facilities as part of transportation control measures.

When is vehicle loading required?

Passenger loading facilities are required for new nonresidential and multifamily developments of ten or more units that have at least 100 parking spaces; the code requires a minimum one passenger loading area equivalent to five parking spaces in proximity to building entrances. Vanpool preferential parking is also required (one per 100 spaces). See § 20.10.370.

Can the city reduce required parking for a development?

Yes. The Planning Commission and the Community Development Director have tools: minor variances can reduce parking/loading requirements up to 30% (not to exceed two spaces) under § 20.2.60; mixed‑use reductions (up to 30%) may be granted in specified commercial districts per § 20.11.175. Reductions for transportation‑linked measures are also possible under § 20.10.370.

Do swap meets and farmers' markets have special parking rules?

Yes. Swap meets must provide 1.5 parking spaces per vendor stall and are limited to GC, DC, CRC, and I zones with a CUP; Farmers' Market rules similarly require 1.5 spaces per vendor stall and other operational conditions. See § 20.11.245 (swap meets) and the farmers' market rules.

Where do I find the numeric stall sizes, ADA stalls, and EV charging stall counts?

Those construction and accessibility details are regulated by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and other state codes; Delano's zoning sets the counts and layout expectations but defers stall dimensions / ADA specifics to building/fire codes. Consult the California Building Standards Code and the City Building Division.

If my property is in an Airport overlay, does that change parking?

Overlay districts (e.g., H overlay / Airport Compatibility) generally require that parking follow Chapter 20.13, but the overlay may add compatibility constraints (setbacks, prohibited uses) and FAA requirements may supersede where applicable. Confirm overlay mapping and specific overlay conditions. See overlay rules referencing Chapter 20.13.

How do I reduce parking for a housing density bonus project?

Density‑bonus applications can request modified parking standards as an incentive/concession; submit the parking modification request with the density bonus application per the density bonus procedures and findings in § 20.2.85 and related sections (density bonus provisions reference modified parking standards and application content).

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