Dixon Parking — Zoning Ordinance

Q: Do I have to provide parking for a new commercial use in Downtown Dixon (DMX)?

Many commercial uses in DMX are listed with no minimum vehicle parking in Table 18.16.040 ; however some specific uses or expansions may trigger parking or loading requirements—always confirm the use classification and check § 18.16.040 and the DMX use table § 18.05.020 .

Q: How many bicycle racks do I need for a retail store with a 60‑space parking lot?

Short‑term bicycle parking is required when a lot contains 10 or more automobile spaces; the rate is 20% of the total automobile parking spaces , sited within 50 ft of the main entrance and anchored for security § 18.16.090.A .

Q: Can required parking be located off‑site for my restaurant?

Yes—required parking may be off‑site if it is within 500 feet of the principal entrance along a pedestrian route and the applicant provides a written parking agreement acceptable to the City § 18.16.070.B.1 .

Q: What dimensions do loading berths need to be for a new warehouse?

The Code sets a typical minimum on‑site loading space of 12 ft wide x 45 ft long x 14 ft high , with access and surfacing requirements; the Director can modify if the applicant demonstrates different needs § 18.16.100.B.3–6 .

Q: Where do I look for the exact parking ratio for a specialized use (e.g., self‑storage)?

If a use is not listed in Table 18.16.040 , the Director determines the requirement based on the most similar use or a parking study; some uses (e.g., personal storage) may be determined by Director or study § 18.16.040 .

Q: Does an ADU need a separate parking space under Dixon’s code?

Table 18.16.040 points ADU parking to § 18.19.040 ; state ADU law significantly limits local parking requirements for ADUs (including caps and exemptions). Check local ADU rules plus state limits; see § references in Table 18.16.040 and state ADU guidance § 18.19.040 .

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Dixon Zoning Code requires for off-street parking, bicycle parking, loading, and parking-area design. It interprets the local rules in Title 18 (the Dixon Zoning Code) and points to the specific controlling sections so you can verify requirements for a project. For context on how parking interacts with broader rules, see the city’s Zoning and Development Standards pages.

What the Code actually requires (high level)

The parking and loading rules live in Chapter 18.16 — Parking and Loading; the chapter purpose explicitly covers off‑street vehicle parking, bicycle parking, and loading standards § 18.16.010 .
Minimum parking by land‑use is set in Table 18.16.040 (Required Number of Parking Spaces) and the Director may set requirements for uses not listed § 18.16.040 .
The DMX (Downtown / Mixed‑Use) district is treated differently: many use types in the DMX have no minimum vehicle parking requirement; other districts follow the “Districts Other Than DMX” rates in the table § 18.16.040 .
Bicycle parking has separate short‑term and long‑term standards in § 18.16.090 (counts, location, dimensions, security, and cover requirements) .
Loading (truck berths and design) is addressed in § 18.16.100 (minimum sizes; location; screening; surfacing) .
Parking area geometry and dimensions (stalls, aisles, compact allowance, tandem rules, curb‑cut limits) are in § 18.16.110 and Table 18.16.110.C .
Location rules: required parking generally must be on the same lot; off‑site parking is allowed under written agreement within 500 feet along a pedestrian route § 18.16.070 .

District-by-district practical breakdown

Note: these district summaries focus on how parking interacts with district rules. For full district purposes and full use lists consult the District chapters; links to related topics shown inline.

RL (Residential Low Density)

Purpose & where it applies: the RL district is Dixon’s lower‑density residential zone; development standards are in Table 18.04.030 (Development Standards – Residential Districts) § 18.04.030 .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family homes, accessory units, limited caretaker or small home occupations (see district table) § 18.04.030 .
Key dimensional standards that affect parking layout: Front setback 20 ft, garage setbacks (parallel entry 22 ft or perpendicular with curved driveway 15 ft), maximum lot coverage 45% — these govern garage placement and driveway length, which in turn affect on‑site parking counts § 18.04.030 .
Parking notes unique to RL:
- Front‑yard parking / equipment restrictions in RL: no parking of farm/construction equipment in front yard except during active construction; front‑yard vehicle parking must use an approved curb cut and comply with surfacing and visibility rules § 18.16.080 .
- Curb‑cut limit: no more than 40% of a property frontage may be used for curb cuts in the RL district § 18.04.040.A .

RM (Residential Medium Density)

Purpose & where it applies: RM allows medium‑density multifamily development; standards in Table 18.04.030 prescribe lot sizes, setbacks, heights, and open space § 18.04.030 .
Typical permitted uses: duplexes, small apartment buildings, multi‑unit residences (see district table) § 18.04.030 .
Parking specifics: multifamily parking counts follow Table 18.16.040; guest parking and covered space requirements are specified for "Districts Other Than DMX" (e.g., 2 covered spaces per 2+ bedroom unit, guest ratio 1 per 5 units) § 18.16.040 .
Tandem parking allowance: tandem is allowed but with restrictions — at most two vehicles tandemed, assigned to a single unit, and for multi‑unit development tandem parking to meet requirements must be inside an enclosed structure § 18.16.110 .

DMX (Downtown / Mixed‑Use)

Purpose & where it applies: DMX is the downtown/mixed‑use district (consult the Zoning page for full map and uses).
Typical pattern: street‑oriented commercial at ground level with residential above.
Parking rule that matters: many uses in DMX carry no city minimum vehicle parking requirement in Table 18.16.040; residential units in DMX do have a reduced rate (e.g., studio/1‑BR = 1 space/unit; 2+ BR = 1.5 spaces/unit) § 18.16.040 .
Design guidance: parking visibility and location standards often require parking be set back from primary street frontages in mixed‑use districts (see parking‑frontage limits in the Development Standards chapter) § 18.11.040 .
Practical implication: expect flexibility (and possible Administrative Use Permit requests) for reduced parking or innovative shared/structured parking downtown; parking reductions and shared parking provisions are in § 18.16.050 and the shared/off‑site rules in § 18.16.070 .

CMX (Community Mixed‑Use / Commercial Mixed‑Use)

Purpose & where it applies: CMX bridges commercial and residential; see Table 18.05.020 for allowed uses and required mix on large sites § 18.05.020 .
Parking: for many commercial and industrial uses in CMX the Code follows the “Districts Other Than DMX” rates in Table 18.16.040 (e.g., 1 space per 300 sf for many nonresidential uses), unless specific exceptions apply § 18.16.040 .

IL / IG (Industrial: Light & General)

Purpose & where it applies: industrial district standards and setbacks are in Table 18.06.030 (development standards) including FAR, setbacks and where parking/loading must be located § 18.06.030 .
Parking: industrial uses outside DMX generally follow the "Districts Other Than DMX" parking ratios (office/indoor area ratios, plus fleet vehicle spaces) in Table 18.16.040 § 18.16.040 .
Loading: industrial projects trigger loading requirements (see § 18.16.100 for berth dimensions and access) .

Key decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic / Requirement	Practical rule you’ll use	Code reference
Minimum parking by use	See Table 18.16.040; DMX: many uses no minimum; other districts follow ratios (e.g., 1 per 300 sf commercial; residential rates differ DMX vs other)	§ 18.16.040
Off‑site parking allowed	Allowed if within 500 ft walking route + written parking agreement	§ 18.16.070.B.1
Parking reductions (shared, motorcycle, Administrative Use Permit)	Motorcycle up to 5% substitute; shared parking allowed with AUP and findings; other reductions via AUP with parking study	§ 18.16.050
Bicycle parking — short‑term	If lot ≥10 car spaces, short‑term bike parking = 20% of car spaces; within 50 ft of main entrance; anchoring/security rules apply	§ 18.16.090.A
Bicycle parking — long‑term	Residential multi‑unit: 1 long‑term bike space per 5 units; non‑residential w/ ≥25 FTE: 1 long‑term bike per 30 vehicle spaces; 50% of long‑term must be covered	§ 18.16.090.B
Parking stall & aisle sizes	Garage stalls min 10' x 20'; other stalls per Table 18.16.110.C; compact limit 30% of stalls (if lot >30 spaces)	§ 18.16.110 & Table 18.16.110.C
Tandem parking	Allowed (max 2 vehicles), assigned to one unit; for multi‑unit required tandem must be inside enclosed structure; tandem cannot satisfy guest parking	§ 18.16.110.A
Loading berth size	Standard on‑site loading berth 12' x 45' x 14' (w/driveway access); Director may adjust	§ 18.16.100.B.3

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (pre‑submittal / plan check)

Determine land use category and district (e.g., DMX, RL, RM, CMX) and read related development standards § 18.04.030; § 18.05.020 .
Calculate required vehicle parking from Table 18.16.040; if use not listed, get Director determination § 18.16.040 .
If project is in DMX, confirm whether local minimums apply (many uses: no minimum) § 18.16.040 .
Provide required bicycle parking (short‑term and long‑term) and show locations, anchoring, and cover as required § 18.16.090 .
Dimension parking stalls/aisles to Table 18.16.110.C and show any compact or tandem spaces, with covered parking where required § 18.16.110 .
If using shared or off‑site parking, prepare a parking agreement and demonstrate that off‑site stalls are within 500 ft along a pedestrian route § 18.16.070.B.1 .
If requesting reduced parking, prepare a parking demand study and apply for an Administrative Use Permit per § 18.16.050 .
For nonresidential uses that receive deliveries, include loading berth(s) sized and located per § 18.16.100; show surfacing and screening § 18.16.100.B .
Show compliance with frontage/visibility/curb‑cut limits and landscaping/screening for parking areas § 18.11.040; § 18.16.110 .
Verify any district or overlay special rules (historic overlays, design review). See Design Review and Overlay Districts.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
DMX no‑minima for many uses	Project proposals that assume the usual suburban parking ratios may be overparked or subject to different design expectations downtown	Confirm whether your specific use in DMX actually has a no minimum entry in Table 18.16.040 before planning stalls § 18.16.040
Off‑site/shared parking (agreement)	Off‑site stalls must be guaranteed; temporary or informal arrangements can be rejected	Ensure a written parking agreement meeting § 18.16.070.B.1 is prepared and acceptable to the City § 18.16.070
Parking reductions (AUP)	Reductions require findings (transit proximity, demand characteristics) and sometimes a traffic engineer’s study	If proposing fewer spaces, document transit proximity, TDM, and provide a parking demand study per § 18.16.050
Bicycle standards vs. available site area	Short‑term requirement of 20% of car spaces may be overlooked and creates siting constraints	Count bicycle stalls early; locate within 50 ft of main entrance and meet anchoring/clearance § 18.16.090
Tandem parking and guest parking	Tandem cannot be used for guest parking; may affect unit saleability and zoning compliance	If using tandem for required parking, ensure it's assigned to the unit and (if multi‑unit) enclosed per § 18.16.110.A
Local vs. State ADU parking rules	State ADU law imposes limits on ADU parking requirements that can supersede local rules	For ADUs, check local reference to § 18.19.040 and state ADU parking rules; local code points applicants to ADU section § 18.16.040 and Table 18.16.040
Parking frontage / design exceptions	Site constraints may prevent meeting the objective standard (e.g., parking set back 40 ft in mixed‑use)	If not meeting objective standards, request a Modification under Chapter 18.26 and demonstrate required findings § 18.11.040

Plain‑English summary

Dixon’s Zoning Code requires off‑street vehicle parking per Table 18.16.040, but Downtown (DMX) is treated more flexibly (often no minimums), while all projects must provide bicycle parking, meet stall/aisle dimensions, and provide loading where needed; reductions, shared parking, and off‑site parking are allowed under formal procedures with supporting agreements or studies § 18.16.040–§ 18.16.110 .

Source References

Chapter 18.16 Parking and Loading — Purpose, applicability, general provisions: § 18.16.010–§ 18.16.030
Required parking spaces and Table 18.16.040: § 18.16.040
Parking reductions (shared parking, motorcycle substitution, AUP): § 18.16.050
Location of required parking; off‑site parking rules (500 ft / agreement): § 18.16.070
Front yard parking restrictions (RL): § 18.16.080
Bicycle parking (short‑term / long‑term standards): § 18.16.090
Loading: required spaces, dimensions, screening: § 18.16.100
Parking area design, stall/aisle dimensions, tandem rules: § 18.16.110 and Table 18.16.110.C
Residential district development standards (RL, RM) — Table 18.04.030: § 18.04.030
Commercial/Mixed‑use district uses (DMX, CMX) — Table 18.05.020: § 18.05.020
Industrial development standards (IL/IG) — Table 18.06.030: § 18.06.030
Parking frontage and location objectives (development standards): § 18.11.040
Dixon ADU reference and state ADU guidance (for ADU parking limits): local ADU section referenced in Table 18.16.040 (see § 18.19.040) and California ADU guidance in uploaded ADU handbook (state summarizing Gov. Code limits) § 18.19.040; state ADU: 2025 ADU handbook

Sources

Retrieved passages

Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.34) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter 18.16Parking) High relevance
CBC § 18.02.030 (Section 18.02.030.E) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section 18.16.070.B.1) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter requires.) High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code High relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
CBC § 18.02.030 (Section 18.02.030.E) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (title to) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Dixon Zoning Code (Section 18.19.150) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Dixon code library

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to provide parking for a new commercial use in Downtown Dixon (DMX)?

Many commercial uses in DMX are listed with no minimum vehicle parking in Table 18.16.040; however some specific uses or expansions may trigger parking or loading requirements—always confirm the use classification and check § 18.16.040 and the DMX use table § 18.05.020 .

How many bicycle racks do I need for a retail store with a 60‑space parking lot?

Short‑term bicycle parking is required when a lot contains 10 or more automobile spaces; the rate is 20% of the total automobile parking spaces, sited within 50 ft of the main entrance and anchored for security § 18.16.090.A .

Can required parking be located off‑site for my restaurant?

Yes—required parking may be off‑site if it is within 500 feet of the principal entrance along a pedestrian route and the applicant provides a written parking agreement acceptable to the City § 18.16.070.B.1 .

Can I apply for fewer parking spaces than the table requires?

Yes—parking may be reduced via shared parking agreements, motorcycle substitutions (up to 5%), or an Administrative Use Permit if findings are met (transit proximity, TDM, parking demand study) § 18.16.050 .

Is tandem parking allowed for apartment units in Dixon?

Tandem parking is permitted with limits: no more than two vehicles tandemed, both spaces must be assigned to a single dwelling or establishment, and for multi‑unit residential developments tandem spaces used to meet required parking must be located in an enclosed structure; tandem cannot satisfy guest parking § 18.16.110.A .

What dimensions do loading berths need to be for a new warehouse?

The Code sets a typical minimum on‑site loading space of 12 ft wide x 45 ft long x 14 ft high, with access and surfacing requirements; the Director can modify if the applicant demonstrates different needs § 18.16.100.B.3–6 .

Does the RL district allow vehicles to park in the front yard?

Front‑yard vehicle parking in RL must be accessed via an approved curb cut, meet visibility rules (not within 5 ft of the neighbor driveway intersection), and be on approved surfacing; construction/farm equipment is restricted § 18.16.080 .

Where do I look for the exact parking ratio for a specialized use (e.g., self‑storage)?

If a use is not listed in Table 18.16.040, the Director determines the requirement based on the most similar use or a parking study; some uses (e.g., personal storage) may be determined by Director or study § 18.16.040 .

If my project is next to a historic district, are there special parking rules?

Historic and overlay district standards can affect parking location, design, and required screening; consult the Code’s overlay and historic preservation provisions and the Overlay Districts and Historic Preservation pages and confirm applicable design review § 18.11.040; 18.05.020 .

Does an ADU need a separate parking space under Dixon’s code?

Table 18.16.040 points ADU parking to § 18.19.040; state ADU law significantly limits local parking requirements for ADUs (including caps and exemptions). Check local ADU rules plus state limits; see § references in Table 18.16.040 and state ADU guidance § 18.19.040 .

Dixon — Parking