Local zoning · El Segundo

El Segundo — Parking

Q: How many vehicle parking spaces do I need for a new nonresidential building?

Vehicle parking counts are listed by use in § 15-15-6 ; for uses not listed the Director sets a requirement based on the most similar use or a parking demand study. Always check the specific use row in § 15-15-6 and consult the Director for ambiguous cases. § 15-15-6.

Q: What are the minimum parking space dimensions in El Segundo?

Minimum interior dimensions are in § 15-15-5(H) : typical standards are Commercial 8.5' x 18' , Residential 9' x 20' , Compact 8.5' x 15' , with specific notes for accessible stalls to follow ADA/Title 24. § 15-15-5(H).

Q: Are bicycle parking spaces required?

Yes — Chapter 15 requires bicycle parking by use (e.g., Multiple‑family: 10% of required vehicle parking for projects with 6+ units; Nonresidential: 5% of required vehicle spaces with min/max) and defines bicycle space size. The Director may approve reductions in limited cases. See § 15-15-6 and the bicycle/dimension rules in § 15-15-5(H) . § 15-15-6; § 15-15-5(H).

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains El Segundo’s off-street parking, loading and bicycle parking rules as found in the City Zoning Code (the El Segundo Zoning Code / Title 15). It summarizes where required spaces come from, dimensional and layout standards, director/commission adjustment tools, and zone‑specific notes for the most common districts. For rules on building construction (clearances, accessible stalls, etc.) see the California Building Standards Code / Title 24. § 15-1-1

(First-time links used in the page: parking — El Segundo Zoning; development standards — El Segundo Development Standards; design review — El Segundo Design Review; overlay — El Segundo Overlay Districts; ADUs — El Segundo ADUs; California Building Standards Code — California Building Standards Code.)

Core rules (what the code actually says)

The off-street parking and loading chapter applies citywide unless a specific plan says otherwise: § 15-15-1 (purpose) and § 15-15-2 (applicability).
Required counts of automobile parking are set by use in § 15-15-6 (Required Parking Spaces). For uses not listed the Director may set a requirement based on a comparable use or a parking demand study. § 15-15-6.
Applicants must submit a parking & loading plan at permits/occupancy stages and the City will not issue a building permit until required parking/loading facilities are shown or secured. § 15-15-4.
Standards for layout, paving, striping, slope, lighting, landscaping, and space dimensions live in § 15-15-5 (Parking Area Development Standards). Key numeric dimensions are in § 15-15-5(H). § 15-15-5(H).
Bicycle parking requirements and location standards are in Chapter 15 (bicycle counts tied to use; e.g., multi‑family and non‑residential minimums) and the code allows Director adjustments. See § 15-15-6 (bicycle spaces table) and § 15-15-5 for bicycle space dimensions. § 15-15-6; § 15-15-5(H).
Loading standards (types, dimensions, and required counts) are in § 15-15-7 (Off‑street Loading Space Standards). § 15-15-7 (loading types & counts).
The Director has authority to approve adjustments (design/layout, number of spaces, dimensions, etc.) and may refer some requests to the Planning Commission; reductions for shared/joint uses, parking studies, TDM plans, in-lieu fee areas, and ADA upgrades are explicitly contemplated. See the adjustments/reductions subsections in Chapter 15 (multiple places; e.g., reductions and in‑lieu fee authority). § 15-15-3 / § 15-15-6 (reductions) / § 15-33 (in‑lieu).

District-by-district breakdown (select zones with parking-relevant rules)

Note: below each district title I state its typical purpose, the parking rule highlights that are unique or noteworthy, and the controlling local code citation.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose/typical uses: single family homes and accessory structures; used also for ministerial two-unit/urban lot split provisions. § 15-4B / § 15-4G.
Parking rules: generally must provide on-site parking per Chapter 15; special single‑family rules (vehicle lift allowances, garage dimensions, turn radii) appear in the single‑family development sections. Vehicle lifts that provide required spaces need an administrative use permit and internal height/operation standards. See § 15-4B (site standards and parking notes) and § 15-15-5(K) for vehicle lift/tandem references. § 15-4B; § 15-15-5(K).
Where it applies: citywide single‑family neighborhoods; urban‑lot‑split rules for duplexes use the R‑1 standards with limited exceptions (§ 15-4G). § 15-4G.

R-3 (Multiple‑Family Residential)

Purpose/typical uses: multi‑unit housing; parking rules reference Chapter 15 and include per‑unit and per‑bedroom counts (e.g., one space/bedroom caps for some articles). See specific R‑3 subsections for guest parking and tandem allowances. § 15-4D (R-3 standards) and cross-reference § 15-15-6.
Notable: some multi‑family standards expressly permit tandem and mechanical parking in limited circumstances and cap required resident parking at two spaces/unit (see the R‑3 parking subsection). § 15-4D (parking) and § 15-15-5(J/K).

O-S (Open Space)

Purpose/typical uses: parks, open space and non‑intensive public uses. § 15-8.
Parking: off‑street parking must still be provided if required by use, per Chapter 15. Landscaping minimums for parking areas are emphasized (5% at‑grade vehicular area). § 15-8-7; § 15-8-6.

P (Automobile Parking Zone)

Purpose: areas mapped for open air parking uses (public lots/parking facilities). The P Zone expressly permits parking lots as a primary use. § 15-9-1 / § 15-9-2.

Housing Overlay (H‑O) and Mixed‑Use / Smoky Hollow / Downtown Specific Plans

Purpose: higher-density housing and mixed‑use areas where tailored parking rules, reduced requirements, or in‑lieu fee options may apply. The Housing Overlay and Mixed‑Use Overlay cross‑reference Chapter 15 for parking requirements, and some overlay areas have modified dimensional or tandem allowances. § 15-7D & § 15-7C; Smoky Hollow referenced in in‑lieu fee areas.
Notable: the City has parking in‑lieu fee areas (Smoky Hollow; Downtown). Payment and designations are in § 15-33 (parking in‑lieu). § 15-33.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards (select)

Topic	Standard (what you will need)	Code reference
Citywide applicability and purpose	Off‑street parking & loading chapter applies in all zones unless a specific plan says otherwise	§ 15-15-1; § 15-15-2 —
Automobile parking counts	Required counts by use; Director can set counts for unlisted uses or approve a parking study	§ 15-15-6 —
Parking space dimensions (minimum interior)	Commercial: 8.5' x 18'; Residential: 9' x 20'; Compact: 8.5' x 15'; Motorcycle: 5' x 9'	§ 15-15-5(H) —
Bicycle space size & counts	Each bike space: 2' x 5' (rack for two bikes); Multi‑family: 10% of required vehicle spaces (6+ units); Nonresidential: 5% (min 4, max 25)	§ 15-15-5(H) & bicycle table in § 15-15-6 —
Tandem / mechanical parking	Permitted under controlled limits (single/two‑family: up to 100% assigned; multi‑family generally prohibited except with density bonus)	§ 15-15-5(J) & local zone crossrefs —
Loading dimensions (types)	Passenger 10' x 20' x 7'; Small truck 12' x 25' x 14'; Large truck 13' x 50' x 16'	§ 15-15-7 (loading types table) —
Reductions & adjustments	Director can reduce required spaces up to specified limits with parking study; City Council may authorize in‑lieu fee areas	§ 15-15-6(C); § 15-33 —

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before building permit / occupancy)

Provide required number of on‑site parking spaces per § 15-15-6 (or obtain an approved adjustment) and show them on plans. § 15-15-6.
Submit a parking & loading area plan in the form required by the Director showing location, size, curb cuts, lighting, landscaping, and striping (per § 15-15-4). § 15-15-4.
Meet parking area layout, paving, striping, slope, lighting and landscaping standards in § 15-15-5 (including minimum space dimensions). § 15-15-5(H).
Provide required bicycle parking (counts and dimensions) or obtain Director approval for any reduction. § 15-15-6 & § 15-15-5(H).
Provide required loading spaces per § 15-15-7 for commercial/industrial/institutional uses and screen them from streets where required. § 15-15-7.
If using off‑site parking, secure a recorded covenant approved by the City Attorney and meet distance/access/findings in Chapter 15. § 15-15-3(H).
If requesting reductions, submit a parking demand study or Transportation Demand Management plan as directed by the Code; Director/Planning Commission review possible. § 15-15-6(C) and related adjustment provisions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director adjustments vs. Planning Commission review	The Director can approve many changes but may refer larger adjustments to the Planning Commission — project approval path and timeline change.	Verify whether your requested adjustment will be Director‑level or require Planning Commission (see § 15-15-3(J) and related adjustment language). § 15-15-3 / § 15-15-5 —
Applicability of overlay/specific plan rules	Specific plans or overlays (Smoky Hollow, Downtown, Housing Overlay) may modify parking counts or allow in‑lieu fees.	Confirm which specific plan or overlay applies to the parcel and whether its parking table supersedes Chapter 15. See § 15-7C / § 15-7D and § 15-33. § 15-7C; § 15-33 —
In‑lieu fee amount and timing	The Code authorizes in‑lieu fees but the dollar amounts and timing are set by City Council resolution (not spelled out in Chapter 15 text).	Verify current in‑lieu fee schedule and payment timing with Planning/Finance — code reference: § 15-33 (designation and payment timing). § 15-33 —
EV charging / Green code cross‑requirements	Zoning sets space counts and some space dimensions but EV/green bicycle rules may be in other codes (e.g., Green Building Code or Title 24).	Confirm EV stall counts/requirements in the California codes and the City’s Green/Building regulations; zoning references Title 24 only for accessible stalls. Title 24 / Green codes not codified in Chapter 15 text here (verify). § 15-15-5(H) note re: ADA/Title 24 —
Parcel-specific constraints (alley access, curb cuts, setbacks)	Setbacks and curb‑cut rules may limit where spaces can go or whether street‑facing parking is allowed.	Check zone site development standards (e.g., R‑3, R‑1) and curb‑cut rules; “parking may encroach into front setback up to 50% with landscaping” rules are present — but verify exact parcel conditions with City staff. See § 15-4* (zone articles) and § 15-15-5. § 15-15-5; zone articles (e.g., § 15-4D) —

Plain‑English Summary

El Segundo’s zoning code (Title 15) requires most new and changed uses to provide off-road parking and loading per use‑specific tables and to meet layout/dimension rules; bicycle parking minimums and loading‑dock standards are also required. The Community Development Director can grant many adjustments on submittal of parking studies or TDM measures, and certain overlay areas may allow in‑lieu payments. Verify parcel‑specific overlay rules and in‑lieu fee amounts with the City. § 15-15-1 → § 15-15-7; § 15-33.

Source References

El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15), Chapter 15 — Off‑Street Parking and Loading Spaces: § 15-15-1, § 15-15-2, § 15-15-3, § 15-15-4, § 15-15-5, § 15-15-6, § 15-15-7.
Zone-specific cross references: R‑1 / two‑unit/urban lot split rules § 15-4B / § 15-4G; R‑3 standards and parking references § 15-4D; Housing and Mixed‑Use overlays § 15-7D / § 15-7C.
Tandem, vehicle lifts, parking dimensions and bicycle sizes: § 15-15-5(H) and attendant subsections.
Loading types, sizes and required counts: § 15-15-7.
In‑lieu fee areas and payment timing: § 15-33 (Smoky Hollow; Downtown).

Sources

Retrieved passages

El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 15) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter will) High relevance
CBC § 898 (article 15-4E) High relevance
California Building Code (chapter 15) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter as) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter for) High relevance
CBC § 15 (article 15-4E) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-5-5) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Chapter to) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title III) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-4B-3-1) Medium relevance
El Segundo Zoning Code (title III) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official El Segundo code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers an off‑street parking requirement in El Segundo?

If a building or use is established, enlarged, altered, or changes occupancy, off‑street parking and loading required by Chapter 15 must be provided; Chapter 15 applies in all zones unless a specific plan says otherwise (see § 15-15-2 and § 15-15-1). § 15-15-2; § 15-15-1.

How many vehicle parking spaces do I need for a new nonresidential building?

Vehicle parking counts are listed by use in § 15-15-6; for uses not listed the Director sets a requirement based on the most similar use or a parking demand study. Always check the specific use row in § 15-15-6 and consult the Director for ambiguous cases. § 15-15-6.

What are the minimum parking space dimensions in El Segundo?

Minimum interior dimensions are in § 15-15-5(H): typical standards are Commercial 8.5' x 18', Residential 9' x 20', Compact 8.5' x 15', with specific notes for accessible stalls to follow ADA/Title 24. § 15-15-5(H).

Are bicycle parking spaces required?

Yes — Chapter 15 requires bicycle parking by use (e.g., Multiple‑family: 10% of required vehicle parking for projects with 6+ units; Nonresidential: 5% of required vehicle spaces with min/max) and defines bicycle space size. The Director may approve reductions in limited cases. See § 15-15-6 and the bicycle/dimension rules in § 15-15-5(H). § 15-15-6; § 15-15-5(H).

Can the City accept an off‑site parking lot or allow me to pay a fee instead?

Yes. Off‑site parking can be approved if secured with a recorded covenant and meeting proximity/access findings; the City also designates parking in‑lieu fee areas (Downtown, Smoky Hollow) where payment in lieu of on‑site spaces is allowed — see § 15-15-3(H) and § 15-33. § 15-15-3(H); § 15-33.

Are loading docks regulated separately from parking?

Yes. Loading requirements (location, screening, types/dimensions and number of required loading bays based on floor area/use) are in § 15-15-7. Loading spaces are in addition to required vehicle parking spaces. § 15-15-7.

Can I use tandem or mechanical parking for apartments?

Tandem/mechanical parking is regulated: some uses (single/two‑family) may use assigned tandem; multi‑family tandem is generally prohibited except in special cases (e.g., density bonus projects). The code lays out percentages and local overlay exceptions in § 15-15-5(J). § 15-15-5(J).

What flexibility exists to reduce required parking?

The Director may grant reductions (up to stated maxima or with a parking demand study) and the City considers TDM plans; joint/shared use credits, transit amenities, and preferential HOV/vanpool spaces can reduce net required spaces subject to Director approval. See § 15-15-6(C) and related adjustment language. § 15-15-6(C).

Do ADU and two‑unit (urban lot split) projects have special parking rules?

Yes. ADUs and two‑unit/urban lot split provisions are addressed in their own articles; some ministerial two‑unit approvals require a minimum of one off‑street parking space per new unit but also include transit proximity exemptions (no parking required within 1/2 mile of high‑quality transit). See the two‑unit / urban lot split article § 15-4G and ADU article cross‑refs to Chapter 15. § 15-4G; § 15-4E (ADUs — cross referenced).

Where are the enforcement and maintenance obligations for parking?

All required parking, driving aisles, striping and landscaping must be maintained; failure to maintain can result in enforcement actions including revocation of certificate of occupancy. See § 15-15-3 (maintenance/availability) and the monitoring/enforcement subsections. § 15-15-3; § 15-16-4/5.

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