Local zoning · Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar — Parking

Q: What are the required vehicle parking counts for a new retail store in Diamond Bar?

The Development Code requires you to use Table 3‑10 to determine required vehicle parking for retail/commercial uses; the code directs each use to the minimum in Table 3‑10 and allows the director to set a rate for uses not listed § 22.30.040 . If your use is atypical you must request the director's determination or submit a shared‑parking analysis for reductions.

Q: How many bicycle parking spaces must an office building provide in Diamond Bar?

Nonresidential projects must provide bicycle parking spaces at a rate equal to 5% of the number of required vehicle spaces; the director may reduce that rate if justified. Bicycle spaces must meet the layout and device standards (2'×6' per space, 5' access aisle, 7' overhead clearance) § 22.30.090 .

Q: Can a single mixed‑use project reduce required parking by using shared parking?

Yes — reductions are possible but discretionary. Planned Development approvals, conditional permits, or director variances can modify parking requirements if supported by a parking study demonstrating peak demands and required contingencies; see the shared/PD provisions and the reduction process references § 22.32.030(f) .

Q: Do loading bays have a minimum size requirement?

Yes. Loading spaces must generally be at least 15 feet wide by 25 feet long with 14 feet vertical clearance; specific loading counts are in Table 3‑13 (e.g., one loading space for nonresidential uses under 5,000 sf; larger uses require more per the table) § 22.30.100 , Table 3‑13 .

Q: What driveway width do I need for a two‑way commercial access?

Nonresidential two‑way driveways must be a minimum paved width of 26 feet; one‑way driveways are 12 feet minimum and the city caps driveway width at 30 feet (exclusive of medians) Sec. 22.30.080 .

Q: Are there special parking requirements for very large projects?

Yes. Projects 50,000 sf and above must provide commuter measures (e.g., at least 10% of employee spaces designated carpool for large projects), employee bicycle storage (three spaces per 100 employees for some projects), transit facilities, and may be required to provide joint access/shared parking § 22.40.040 .

Q: Where are the residential driveway and parking rules for single‑family homes?

Single‑family driveways are limited in width, may have one driveway (circular drives allowed with sufficient frontage), and driveway extensions and backout requirements are specified; vehicle parking on single‑family parcels must occur in garages, carports or allowed paved areas Sec. 22.30.080 and single‑family standards § 22.34.030 .

Q: Can the director change bicycle parking counts for a particular project?

Yes. The director is explicitly authorized to modify the bicycle parking percentage where a lesser number can be shown to adequately serve the intended use § 22.30.090(1) .

Q: If my property is in a PD overlay, can I get fewer parking spaces than Table 3‑10 requires?

Potentially. The PD overlay allows the approving authority to modify off‑street parking as part of PD approval; any modifications are project‑specific and discretionary § 22.14.030(e) .

Q: Does Diamond Bar allow combining a required loading space with a parking space?

Yes. For nonresidential uses under 5,000 sf, the code states one loading space is required and that space may be combined with an off‑street parking space; for larger uses follow Table 3‑13 § 22.30.100 .

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Diamond Bar regulates parking, loading, driveways, and bicycle parking in its local Development Code (Title 22). It covers the code's purpose and applicability, the technical stall and driveway dimensions the city enforces, bicycle- and loading-specific requirements, and how parking rules interact with district standards, overlays, and discretionary approvals. The analysis cites the controlling local code sections so you can verify language with the city planner.

The Development Code is Title 22 (the "Development Code") and the parking standards sit in Article III, Chapter 22.30 (Off‑Street Parking and Loading Standards). See the code purpose in § 22.30.010 and applicability in § 22.30.020 . (If you need background on how parking relates to broader site rules, see Diamond Bar Development Standards and the city's Zoning overview.)

What the code requires (high level)

Purpose and general rules: the city requires permanent, marked, and maintained off‑street parking and loading areas sized and configured to serve the use; temporary reductions require a temporary use permit § 22.30.030 .
Minimum number of vehicle parking spaces: each use must provide the minimum number of off‑street vehicle parking spaces set by the code's Table 3‑10; where the table does not cover a use the director assigns a rate § 22.30.040 .
Stall and lot dimensions: the city provides minimum parking stall sizes and aisle widths in Table 3‑11 and Table 3‑12 (19 ft length/9 ft width standard stall, detailed aisle widths by angle) § 22.30.040(4)-(5) .
Bicycle parking: nonresidential projects must supply bicycle spaces equal to 5% of required vehicle spaces (director may modify) and comply with device, layout, and location rules § 22.30.090 .
Off‑street loading: nonresidential uses under 5,000 sf must provide one off‑street loading space (which may be combined with a parking space); larger uses follow Table 3‑13 sizing and counts; minimum loading bay dimensions and clearances are specified § 22.30.100 and Table 3‑13 .
Driveways and access: driveway number, width, spacing, grades, and setbacks are regulated (single‑family: typically one driveway; multifamily/nonresidential rules differ) Sec. 22.30.080 and related driveway rules .
Screening, landscaping and maintenance: parking areas abutting streets or residences require screening/landscaping and ongoing maintenance per other code chapters; wheel stops/curbing and drainage requirements are also specified § 22.16.080, § 22.24 and related parking maintenance rules .

Practical note: the code directs applicants to the development review chapter for plan submittal requirements; design and screening rules link with the city's Design Review and Landscaping and Screening standards.

District-by-district (how parking is applied by zoning district)

The Development Code establishes specific zoning districts (Table 2‑1). Each zoning district relies on the Chapter 22.30 parking standards to calculate required spaces; however, development standards tables for each district cross-reference parking (see the district tables cited below). The city’s zoning districts are listed in Table 2‑1 (e.g., RR, RL, RLM, RM, RMH, RI‑1, RH‑30, OP, OB, CO, C‑I, C‑2, C‑3, I, AG, OS, REC, SP, and overlays such as PD and C‑3‑PD/Hotel) § 22.06.020 .

Below are district summaries with the parking-relevant takeaways. For each district the off‑street vehicle counts themselves are computed from Table 3‑10 (see "Information gaps" below). Where the district standards mention parking they always defer to Chapter 22.30; citations below point to district tables that incorporate that cross‑reference.

Residential districts (RR, RL, RLM, RM, RMH, RI‑1, RH‑30)

Purpose and typical uses: single‑family and multi‑family housing types (townhomes, apartments, higher density residential) as defined in Table 2‑1 § 22.06.020 .
Parking rule (how to apply): Required parking counts for dwelling units are taken from Chapter 22.30 (vehicle counts are in Table 3‑10) and design/dimensions must follow the parking stall standards and driveway rules (driveways for single‑family and duplex; multifamily driveway widths vary) § 22.30.040, Sec. 22.30.080 .
Key dimensional standards & where it applies: garage/driveway sizing, back‑out and drive aisle minimums (e.g., 24 ft backout where garage is perpendicular), and parking must be on paved areas — see driveway and multifamily standards Sec. 22.30.080 and single‑family/multifamily property maintenance rules .
Notes: multifamily projects may request shared‑parking analysis or reductions but must supply a professional study and meet proximity and contingency rules when reductions are approved (see planned development and mixed‑use allowances) § 22.32.030(f) .

Commercial / Office / Industrial districts (OP, OB, CO, C‑I, C‑2, C‑3, I)

Purpose and typical uses: office/professional, neighborhood to regional commercial, and light industrial uses per Table 2‑7 and the zoning tables § 22.10.040 .
Parking rule (how to apply): vehicle parking counts and layout are set by Chapter 22.30; large nonresidential projects (50,000 sf or more) carry special commuter measures (carpool preferential spaces, employee bicycle parking, transit improvements) § 22.40.040 (project‑scale measures) .
Loading: industrial and commercial loading counts and minimum bay dimensions are explicit in Table 3‑13 (e.g., loading bays not less than 15 ft wide × 25 ft long with 14 ft vertical clearance) § 22.30.100 .
Driveways, lot layout and striping: nonresidential driveway widths (12 ft one‑way / 26 ft two‑way), directional marking rules for lots ≥ 40 spaces, drainage and BMP compliance are mandatory Sec. 22.30.080, § 22.30.040(6), (5) .
Notes: For large projects the code requires (or allows the review authority to require) carpool zones, transit shelters and joint access/shared parking where appropriate § 22.40.040 .

Special Purpose districts (AG, OS, REC, SP)

Purpose and application: parks, open space, agriculture, specific plan areas. Parking and loading are required "as required by chapter 22.30" and specific site review determines exact needs Table 2‑9 & § 22.10.040 .
Notes: Recreational/golf course projects rely on project review to set stall counts and pedestrian access (clubhouses, event spaces can trigger extra parking/loading).

Overlay districts (PD, C‑3‑PD/Hotel, etc.)

How overlays change parking: the PD (Planned Development) overlay explicitly allows specific modifications to off‑street parking requirements through the PD approval process; PD approvals often include parking plan adjustments subject to conditions § 22.14.030(e) .
Practical effect: projects in PD overlay areas commonly carry site‑specific parking programs and must complete development review per chapter 22.48; see the city's Overlay Districts overview.

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

Requirement	The rule	Code reference
Code purpose / applicability	Off‑street parking & loading required for every use; improvements must be complete before occupancy	§ 22.30.010 and § 22.30.020
Vehicle parking counts	Minimums given in Table 3‑10 (by land use); director sets rate for uses not listed	§ 22.30.040
Parking stall dims (nonresidential)	Standard stall: 19 ft length (including bumper), 9 ft width; aisle widths depend on angle (see Table 3‑12)	§ 22.30.040(4)-(5)
Driveway widths	Single‑family/garage access: typically 10–14 ft at property line; nonresidential: 12 ft (one‑way) / 26 ft (two‑way); max 30 ft	Sec. 22.30.080 and driveway rules
Bicycle parking (nonresidential)	5% of required vehicle spaces (director may modify). Layout: 2 ft × 6 ft per space; 5 ft access aisle; 7 ft overhead clearance	§ 22.30.090
Off‑street loading	<5,000 sf = 1 space (can combine with vehicle space); larger uses follow Table 3‑13. Min bay: 15×25 ft; 14 ft vertical clearance	§ 22.30.100, Table 3‑13
Parking maintenance / striping	Parking areas kept clean and maintained; >40 spaces require directional arrows and stop signage	§ 22.30.030 & § 22.30.040(6)
Modification/Reduction process	Reductions possible via discretionary permits, PD projects, or a variance — requires findings, analysis, or shared parking study	§ 22.30.040, § 22.14.030(e), § 22.54.020

(For how parking ties to setbacks and site layout see the district development standards and Development Standards. If you expect design review, see Design Review.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a typical nonresidential project)

Calculate required vehicle parking using Table 3‑10 (or request the director's determination if your use is not listed) § 22.30.040 . Verify required accessible/A.D.A. spaces with building code (Title 24) — verify with the jurisdiction.
Provide the required number of bicycle parking spaces (5% of required vehicle spaces) and show device/location/layout (2'×6' per space, 5' access, 7' overhead clearance) § 22.30.090 .
Show parking stall geometry and aisle widths consistent with Table 3‑11/3‑12 (standard stall 19'×9') § 22.30.040(4)-(5) .
Show loading areas sized per Table 3‑13 or provide justification if combined with parking (if <5,000 sf one loading space allowed) § 22.30.100 .
Lay out driveways and curb cuts that meet spacing, width and grade limits (nonresidential: 12' one‑way / 26' two‑way; max 30') Sec. 22.30.080 .
Provide landscaping/screening for parking abutting streets/residences per Chapter 22.24 and screening requirements § 22.16.080 and related sections .
If requesting a reduction or shared parking, include a professional shared‑parking analysis and show the most remote space is within any required walk distance and meet contingency rules (PD or variance procedures may apply) § 22.32.030(f) .
Label striping, directional signs, wheel stops and drainage/BMP compliance on plans; show maintenance responsibility § 22.30.040(6) and maintenance rules .

Note: code repeatedly notes that the director may modify requirements where demonstrated appropriate; "Verify with the jurisdiction" on director modifications and ADA/building‑code interplay.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Table 3‑10 vehicle parking rates not included in retrieved excerpts	The exact count per land use drives whether a project meets minimums — the uploaded snippets reference Table 3‑10 but do not include it	Obtain Table 3‑10 from the full Development Code; confirm required spaces for your specific use with the planning department § 22.30.040
Shared‑parking / reduction rules	Reductions are discretionary and require studies; relying on informal estimates can lead to denial	Confirm the process (PD, CUP, variance or director action), required proximity/contingency rules, and exact standards for shared parking analyses § 22.32.030(f)
How overlay/PD modifies parking	PD overlay expressly allows parking modifications; but approval is discretionary and conditions vary	If site is PD or in a specific plan, get the PD plan language and read any site‑specific parking conditions § 22.14.030(e)
Director discretion and interpretations	Many items (spaces for uses not listed, bicycle modifications) are subject to director modification	For borderline uses or mixed/multi‑use projects request an early interpretation meeting; document operational characteristics to support requests § 22.30.040, § 22.30.090
State ADU parking limits interplay	State ADU law limits local ADU parking rules; local code cross‑references are present but not exhaustive in the extracts	For ADUs, confirm local implementation and exemptions and consult the city's ADU page and California ADU law Not found in retrieved materials; verify with the jurisdiction

Plain-English summary

Diamond Bar requires permanent, marked off‑street parking sized and arranged per the Development Code: vehicle counts come from Table 3‑10, stall/aisle dimensions from Tables 3‑11/3‑12, bicycle parking equals 5% of required vehicle spaces for nonresidential uses, and loading areas follow Table 3‑13; driveway widths, screening, drainage and maintenance rules also apply — verify specific counts and any director/PD exceptions with the planning department § 22.30.040, § 22.30.090, § 22.30.100 .

Information Gaps

The actual vehicle parking ratios (Table 3‑10) by land use are not included in the retrieved snippets — you must consult the Development Code or the planning counter for the full table § 22.30.040 .
Complete entries for Table 3‑11/3‑12 and full Figure 3‑44 illustrations are not fully reproduced here (we summarized the key dimensions found in the excerpts) § 22.30.040 .
Any site‑specific zoning map designation, overlay attachments, or previously recorded PD agreements that alter parking requirements are parcel‑specific and must be confirmed via zoning map/department records — "Verify with the jurisdiction" (code allows site‑specific deviations) § 22.06.030, § 22.14.030(e) .
Interplay with State ADU law and Title 24 accessibility requirements: full ADU parking exceptions and building‑code accessibility obligations require reviewing the city's ADU policy and California law — see the city's ADU page and the California Building Standards Code for the building code side. (Local ADU allowance details are not fully captured in the uploaded code excerpts.) Not all ADU exceptions are present in the retrieved materials — verify at the planning counter.

Source References

Diamond Bar Development Code (Title 22) — Chapter 22.30 (Off‑Street Parking and Loading Standards): § 22.30.010, § 22.30.020, § 22.30.030, § 22.30.040 .
Parking stall and lot dimensions (Table 3‑11, Table 3‑12) and general dimension rules: § 22.30.040(4)-(5) .
Bicycle parking requirements and design: § 22.30.090 .
Off‑street loading counts and standards (Table 3‑13; loading bay dimensions): § 22.30.100, Table 3‑13 .
Driveway/site access standards and driveway widths/spacing: Sec. 22.30.080 and driveway subsections .
Planned Development overlay flexibility for parking: § 22.14.030(e) .
Variance authority to modify off‑street parking and loading: § 22.54.020 .
Zoning district list (Table 2‑1): § 22.06.020 (Zoning districts established) .
Project‑scale commute measures (carpool, bicycle parking for employees, transit improvements): project thresholds and measures § 22.40.040 .
Maintenance, screening and parking area upkeep rules: multiple places in Article III (e.g., parking maintenance and property maintenance rules) § 22.34.040, related subsections .

Sources

Retrieved passages

Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.50.030) High relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.16.090) High relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (article III) High relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.42.120) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section 22.16.060) Medium relevance
CFC § 2 (Title 22) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
CBC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (article V) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Diamond Bar Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Diamond Bar code library

Frequently asked questions

What are the required vehicle parking counts for a new retail store in Diamond Bar?

The Development Code requires you to use Table 3‑10 to determine required vehicle parking for retail/commercial uses; the code directs each use to the minimum in Table 3‑10 and allows the director to set a rate for uses not listed § 22.30.040 . If your use is atypical you must request the director's determination or submit a shared‑parking analysis for reductions.

How many bicycle parking spaces must an office building provide in Diamond Bar?

Nonresidential projects must provide bicycle parking spaces at a rate equal to 5% of the number of required vehicle spaces; the director may reduce that rate if justified. Bicycle spaces must meet the layout and device standards (2'×6' per space, 5' access aisle, 7' overhead clearance) § 22.30.090 .

Can a single mixed‑use project reduce required parking by using shared parking?

Yes — reductions are possible but discretionary. Planned Development approvals, conditional permits, or director variances can modify parking requirements if supported by a parking study demonstrating peak demands and required contingencies; see the shared/PD provisions and the reduction process references § 22.32.030(f) .

Do loading bays have a minimum size requirement?

Yes. Loading spaces must generally be at least 15 feet wide by 25 feet long with 14 feet vertical clearance; specific loading counts are in Table 3‑13 (e.g., one loading space for nonresidential uses under 5,000 sf; larger uses require more per the table) § 22.30.100, Table 3‑13 .

What driveway width do I need for a two‑way commercial access?

Nonresidential two‑way driveways must be a minimum paved width of 26 feet; one‑way driveways are 12 feet minimum and the city caps driveway width at 30 feet (exclusive of medians) Sec. 22.30.080 .

Are there special parking requirements for very large projects?

Yes. Projects 50,000 sf and above must provide commuter measures (e.g., at least 10% of employee spaces designated carpool for large projects), employee bicycle storage (three spaces per 100 employees for some projects), transit facilities, and may be required to provide joint access/shared parking § 22.40.040 .

Where are the residential driveway and parking rules for single‑family homes?

Single‑family driveways are limited in width, may have one driveway (circular drives allowed with sufficient frontage), and driveway extensions and backout requirements are specified; vehicle parking on single‑family parcels must occur in garages, carports or allowed paved areas Sec. 22.30.080 and single‑family standards § 22.34.030 .

Can the director change bicycle parking counts for a particular project?

Yes. The director is explicitly authorized to modify the bicycle parking percentage where a lesser number can be shown to adequately serve the intended use § 22.30.090(1) .

If my property is in a PD overlay, can I get fewer parking spaces than Table 3‑10 requires?

Potentially. The PD overlay allows the approving authority to modify off‑street parking as part of PD approval; any modifications are project‑specific and discretionary § 22.14.030(e) .

Does Diamond Bar allow combining a required loading space with a parking space?

Yes. For nonresidential uses under 5,000 sf, the code states one loading space is required and that space may be combined with an off‑street parking space; for larger uses follow Table 3‑13 § 22.30.100 .

Ask about any Diamond Bar property

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

Start Free Trial