Fairfield Parking — Zoning Ordinance

Q: What is the baseline rule for how many parking spaces I must provide for a use in Fairfield?

The baseline is set by Table 25‑17: Parking Spaces Required by Land Use ; every use must provide at least the table minimum unless a specific plan/overlay or entitlement states otherwise. Calculate per § 25.34.4 and round fractions up per the rounding rule.

Q: How big must a standard parking stall be in Fairfield?

A standard parking stall must be 9 feet by 19 feet (with limited two‑foot length reductions in some planter/walkway situations). See § 25.34.9(F) for dimensions.

Q: Can I use compact car spaces to meet the parking requirement?

Yes — compact spaces are 8 × 15 ft . Where permitted, up to 35% of required spaces can be compact for industrial/office long‑term lots, and up to 25% for other uses when the lot has 30 or more spaces . See § 25.34.6 .

Q: Do I need to provide bicycle parking?

Yes for most new multifamily and commercial projects: 1 bicycle space per 25 automobile spaces is required for multifamily/commercial; industrial projects use 1 per 50 . Projects with very small automobile parking totals are exempt (see thresholds). See § 25.34.8 .

Q: Can I reduce required parking by sharing with another use?

Yes. A shared parking program can allow up to a 25% reduction if the Director approves and criteria (different peak periods or shared customers) are met; a parking study and recorded reciprocal easement are normally required. See § 25.34.5 .

Q: Do I get credit for on‑street parking?

The ordinance allows up to 50% of required parking to be provided via on‑street parking within 300 feet of the parcel line and additional on‑ or off‑site parking within 750 feet subject to authorization and proof. See the table notes and the district footnotes in the ordinance (Table notes; § 25.34.4 ).

Q: What if my project spans multiple uses (e.g., retail + offices)?

When multiple uses occupy a site, provide the aggregate number of parking spaces required for each use; for shopping centers, use the shopping‑center ratio from Table 25‑17. Round fractional results up as specified in § 25.34.4 .

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Fairfield Zoning Ordinance requires for parking, loading, and bicycle parking in the City of Fairfield (Title 25). It focuses only on the local zoning rules (off‑street parking numbers, stall sizes, bicycle ratios, loading requirements, adjustments, and related site standards) and interprets where specific district rules modify those standards. For development standards and setbacks referenced below, consult the city's development tables and standards. parking rules below are drawn from the Zoning Ordinance, particularly the Parking and Loading article. § references below point you to the exact controlling local code text.

Key Local Rules (high-level)

Purpose and applicability: Off‑street parking and loading requirements are intended to ensure adequate, safe, and attractive parking and to encourage alternative modes of travel; they apply to all uses and are required before occupancy. § 25.34.1; § 25.34.2.
Required numbers: The minimum number of parking spaces is set by Table 25‑17: Parking Spaces Required by Land Use, and each use must provide at least the minimum unless an approved exception applies. § 25.34.4.
Adjustments and shared parking: The Director may approve adjustments (shared parking up to 25% reduction, parking study required, reciprocal easements required). § 25.34.5.
Dimensions and layout: Standard parking stalls are 9 ft × 19 ft; compact stalls are 8 ft × 15 ft; vertical clearance and drive/aisle rules apply (e.g., min 14 ft vertical clearance in drive aisles). § 25.34.9; § 25.34.6; § 25.34.9(I).
Bicycle parking: New multifamily and commercial projects must provide bicycle parking at ratios set in the code (e.g., 1 bicycle space per 25 automobile spaces for multifamily/commercial; industrial is 1 per 50). Small projects under specified thresholds are exempt. § 25.34.8.
Loading: New buildings ≥ 10,000 sq ft per tenant that require receipt/distribution must provide at least one off‑street loading space, with additional spaces per incremental square footage; loading spaces must be at least 10 ft × 25 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance. § 25.34.11 (C–D).
Landscaping in parking lots: Minimum planting widths, tree spacing, irrigation and counts per stall are required. § 25.34.10.

District‑by‑district notes (how parking is applied across Fairfield zoning)

Below are practical, Fairfield‑specific breakdowns. For numeric parking requirements the controlling mechanism is Table 25‑17 together with district tables (Heart of Fairfield tables and district development tables) that may override or modify parking for certain plan areas. Always check both the district development tables and § 25.34 when calculating requirements. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretations.

RLM (Residential Low Medium)

Purpose / typical uses: Small lot single‑family and attached housing (see multifamily residential regs).
Parking applicability: Residential parking rules are implemented through the multifamily/residential development tables and the general parking table. Expect 1 covered space minimum per unit in many product types and additional uncovered or off‑site requirements for smaller units as noted in the residential development tables; check the multifamily development notes for the district. See § 25.34.4 (Table 25‑17) and the residential development tables referenced in the ordinance.

RM / RH (Residential Medium / Residential High)

Purpose / typical uses: Medium‑ and high‑density apartments and townhouses.
Parking applicability: Multifamily parking standards and any Heart of Fairfield or small‑lot exceptions apply; the ordinance explicitly allows on‑site tandem/uncovered for housing under certain circumstances and limits use of on‑street credit for housing projects per specific notes. See § 25.34.4 and Table 25‑5 for small‑lot/tandem rules.

HD / HDC / HWT / HO / HTD / HR (Heart of Fairfield subzones)

Purpose / typical uses: Downtown mixed‑use, higher intensity commercial and residential in the Heart of Fairfield Plan. See the Heart of Fairfield development tables (Tables 25‑H2 / 25‑H3 / 25‑H4) for area‑specific standards.
Parking applicability: Many Heart of Fairfield tables reference Section 25.34 for parking but also show alternative parking ratios and special location/access rules (e.g., rear or side parking only, and specific allowance that “Number of spaces required—residential = 1 space per unit” in Heart tables). On‑street parking credits and P‑1 overlay rules may change when parking is required in this plan area. See § 25.34.4 and Heart of Fairfield table notes (refer to Section 25.28.3 for plan details).

CD‑CDC, MU‑WTS, MU‑O, MU‑TOD (Mixed‑use / Commercial districts)

Purpose / typical uses: Mixed commercial/residential centers and transit‑oriented nodes.
Parking applicability: Commercial parking is governed by Table 25‑17 (e.g., many commercial uses, shopping center ratios, and specialty commercial ratios listed). Many mixed‑use tables in the Heart of Fairfield reference 1 space per 1,000 sf for commercial in some subzones; residential portions commonly use 1 space per unit. See § 25.34.4 and Heart tables.

CT (Commercial Thoroughfare) and other commercial thoroughfares

Purpose / typical uses: Auto‑oriented commercial corridors and conversions (motel‑to‑housing rules also live here).
Parking applicability: Standard commercial land use ratios in Table 25‑17 apply; conversion projects (e.g., motel→SRO) have tailored parking rules (e.g., 1 space per unit, plus guest spaces and manager spaces; with bicycle parking sometimes substituting for vehicle spaces). See § 25.34.4 and the motel‑conversion rules in the appropriate district provisions.

Note: Many district tables include footnotes that alter parking (e.g., on‑street credits, overlay exceptions, and Heart of Fairfield Amenity/Activity Zone counting toward landscaping/parking). Always read the district table notes and § 25.34 together. See the referenced district tables in the ordinance and Section 25.28.3 where Heart of Fairfield plan rules are explained.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant parking standards

Requirement	Rule / Value	Code Reference
Where rules live (purpose & applicability)	Off‑street parking & loading required for all uses; must be in place prior to occupancy	§ 25.34.1 – § 25.34.2
Minimum parking by use	See Table 25‑17: Parking Spaces Required by Land Use; each use must provide the Table minimum	§ 25.34.4
Compact car size & cap	Compact = 8 ft × 15 ft; up to 35% for industrial/office long‑term lots; 25% for other uses (lots ≥30 spaces)	§ 25.34.6
Standard stall dimensions	9 ft × 19 ft (with allowed length reductions in some planter-front cases)	§ 25.34.9 (F)
ADA/disabled parking	Comply with the California Building Code (accessible stalls required)	§ 25.34.7
Bicycle parking ratios	Multifamily/commercial: 1 bike / 25 auto spaces; Industrial: 1 bike / 50 auto spaces; small projects below thresholds exempt	§ 25.34.8
Loading thresholds	New buildings ≥ 10,000 sq ft per tenant require ≥ 1 loading space; +1 per additional 20,000 sq ft	§ 25.34.11 (C)
Loading size	Min 10 ft × 25 ft, 14 ft vertical clearance	§ 25.34.11 (D1)
Shared parking reduction	Up to 25% reduction allowed with Director approval and reciprocal easement	§ 25.34.5 (A)
Surfacing, markings, layout	Durable surfacing, striping, wheel stops, aisle widths, min 15 ft driveway to first stall, forward‑motion egress required (for non‑single family)	§ 25.34.3; § 25.34.9
Parking lot landscaping	Minimum planter widths, tree counts per stalls, irrigation required	§ 25.34.10

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Determine the applicable land use in Table 25‑17 and calculate required spaces (round up fractions). § 25.34.4.
If in a special plan/overlay (Heart of Fairfield, P‑1, Planned Development, Specific Plan), compare district tables and notes — these may supersede Table 25‑17. § 25.34.4; Table notes / § 25.28.3.
Provide required bicycle parking for multifamily/commercial/industrial projects or confirm exemption thresholds. § 25.34.8.
Lay out stalls at 9×19 ft (standard) or 8×15 ft (compact) and mark compact signs where used; ensure compact caps are not exceeded. § 25.34.9; § 25.34.6.
Provide ADA spaces to Building Code standards and reserve them. § 25.34.7.
Provide required loading spaces for qualifying buildings (≥10,000 sf/tenant) and meet size/clearance/screening rules. § 25.34.11.
Provide parking lot landscaping (planter widths, trees per stall), irrigation, and striping. § 25.34.10.
If proposing shared parking, submit a parking study and record reciprocal easement; ensure the Director’s criteria are met. § 25.34.5.
Ensure surfacing, storm drainage, driveway lengths and aisle designs meet the Public Works standards and § 25.34.9.
Check whether the project will need design review or other approvals that condition parking layout or location. design review

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Overlay / Heart of Fairfield exceptions	Heart of Fairfield tables and overlay notes can change parking ratios or location/credit rules	Confirm which district/table governs your parcel; check Section 25.28.3 notes and the Heart of Fairfield tables. Verify with Planning. § 25.34.4
Which table controls (Table 25‑17 vs district table)	Some district tables list a different ratio for commercial/residential	Use the district table where it explicitly states a parking ratio; otherwise use Table 25‑17. § 25.34.4
On‑street parking credit & distance thresholds	On‑street credit rules (e.g., 50% allowable within 300 ft; remainder within 750 ft) affect required onsite stalls	Confirm proof of authorization and exact distances in the district notes and Table footnotes. Table notes / § 25.34.4
Bicycle parking exemptions thresholds	Small commercial/residential projects may be exempt from bicycle parking	Check thresholds in § 25.34.8 (projects with ≤24 auto spaces commercial/residential; ≤49 for industrial). § 25.34.8
Loading area exemptions	HD/HDC are exempt from the loading section — could affect downtown tenants	Verify whether your parcel is in HD/HDC and whether the exemption applies; see § 25.34.11 (A). § 25.34.11
Mixed uses and calculation rounding	Multiple use sites require aggregate parking; rounding rules can increase totals	Use aggregate sums and round up fractions 0.50 or greater per § 25.34.4 (D). § 25.34.4
Parcel‑specific measurements (floor area, seating counts)	Definitions of floor area and seating affect parking calculations for certain uses	Confirm definition of “floor area” for parking calculations in the ordinance (see § 25.34.4 (J)). § 25.34.4

Plain‑English Summary

If you build, change, or expand a use in Fairfield you must provide the number and type of off‑street parking, bicycle parking, and loading spaces the zoning code requires—calculate spaces using Table 25‑17 and the district tables, lay out standard 9×19 ft stalls (or permitted compact stalls), meet landscaping and surfacing rules, and provide ADA and loading spaces where required; shared parking reductions and other adjustments are possible but need city approval. § 25.34.1–§ 25.34.11.

Source References

§ 25.34.1 – Purpose; Fairfield Zoning (Parking & Loading)
§ 25.34.2 – Applicability; Fairfield Zoning (Parking & Loading)
§ 25.34.3 – General Parking & Loading Regulations; Fairfield Zoning
§ 25.34.4 – Number of Parking Spaces Required (Table 25‑17)
§ 25.34.5 – Adjustments to Off‑Street Parking Requirements (shared parking, parking study)
§ 25.34.6 – Compact Car Spaces; § 25.34.7 – Handicapped Parking; § 25.34.8 – Bicycle Parking
§ 25.34.9 – Access to Parking Areas and Parking Stalls (stall dims, driveway length, surfacing)
§ 25.34.10 – Landscaping; § 25.34.11 – Loading Areas (dimensions, thresholds, HD/HDC exemption)
Heart of Fairfield development tables and notes (Tables 25‑H2 / 25‑H3 / 25‑H4) — district specific standards referenced in the ordinance (see Heart of Fairfield plan sections).

For district development rules, plan notes, and the full land‑use parking table, see the municipal Zoning Ordinance (Title 25) text used above.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Fairfield Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Fairfield Zoning Code (Section provides) High relevance
Fairfield Zoning Code (Section shall) High relevance
CFC § 2 (Section is) High relevance
Fairfield Zoning Code (Section 25.50.2.A) High relevance
CBC § 371 (Section shall) High relevance
CFC § 2 (§ 2.) High relevance
Fairfield Zoning Code (Section does) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Fairfield code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the baseline rule for how many parking spaces I must provide for a use in Fairfield?

The baseline is set by Table 25‑17: Parking Spaces Required by Land Use; every use must provide at least the table minimum unless a specific plan/overlay or entitlement states otherwise. Calculate per § 25.34.4 and round fractions up per the rounding rule.

How big must a standard parking stall be in Fairfield?

A standard parking stall must be 9 feet by 19 feet (with limited two‑foot length reductions in some planter/walkway situations). See § 25.34.9(F) for dimensions.

Can I use compact car spaces to meet the parking requirement?

Yes — compact spaces are 8 × 15 ft. Where permitted, up to 35% of required spaces can be compact for industrial/office long‑term lots, and up to 25% for other uses when the lot has 30 or more spaces. See § 25.34.6.

Do I need to provide bicycle parking?

Yes for most new multifamily and commercial projects: 1 bicycle space per 25 automobile spaces is required for multifamily/commercial; industrial projects use 1 per 50. Projects with very small automobile parking totals are exempt (see thresholds). See § 25.34.8.

When is a loading space required?

A loading space is required for new buildings or tenant occupancies of 10,000 sq ft or more that receive/distribute goods by vehicle; one loading space is required per qualifying tenant, plus one additional per each additional 20,000 sq ft. See § 25.34.11 (C–D).

Can I reduce required parking by sharing with another use?

Yes. A shared parking program can allow up to a 25% reduction if the Director approves and criteria (different peak periods or shared customers) are met; a parking study and recorded reciprocal easement are normally required. See § 25.34.5.

Are downtown (Heart of Fairfield) projects treated differently for parking?

Often, yes. The Heart of Fairfield tables include district‑specific parking notes and alternate ratios (e.g., residential = 1 space per unit in some subzones) and may limit where private lots can be placed (rear/side only). Check Heart of Fairfield tables and § 25.34.4 together; see Heart plan notes (Section 25.28.3).

Do I get credit for on‑street parking?

The ordinance allows up to 50% of required parking to be provided via on‑street parking within 300 feet of the parcel line and additional on‑ or off‑site parking within 750 feet subject to authorization and proof. See the table notes and the district footnotes in the ordinance (Table notes; § 25.34.4).

What if my project spans multiple uses (e.g., retail + offices)?

When multiple uses occupy a site, provide the aggregate number of parking spaces required for each use; for shopping centers, use the shopping‑center ratio from Table 25‑17. Round fractional results up as specified in § 25.34.4.

Who enforces parking layout and surfacing standards?

The Director of Community Development enforces the zoning requirements (including striping, wheel stops, surfacing, and maintenance), and Public Works standards apply to driveway connections and drainage. See § 25.34.3 and § 25.34.9. Also confirm whether your project requires design review.

Fairfield — Parking