Local zoning · Foster City

Foster City — Parking

Q: What is the required parking for a single‑family house in Foster City?

Single‑family detached homes require two off‑street parking stalls per unit and at least two of those must be within a garage or carport under the zoning code. See § 17.62.060(A)(1) for this requirement.

Q: How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment in Foster City need?

A 2‑bedroom unit requires two off‑street parking stalls per unit, with both stalls required to be in a garage or carport if the code’s enclosed‑stall rule applies. See § 17.62.060(A)(3)(c) .

Q: Do ADUs (secondary residential units) require parking?

A secondary residential unit (ADU/granny flat) requires one off‑street parking stall, which may be uncovered or part of the existing driveway serving the main residence as described in § 17.62.060(A)(2) . Verify whether state ADU law alters this for your specific ADU (consult the city and California ADU law). /us/california/foster-city/adu

Q: What are bicycle parking requirements and can bike parking reduce auto stalls?

Bicycle parking spaces must be at least 2 ft × 7 ft , grouped, and lockable per § 17.62.050(C)(2) . The code allows credit: one auto stall can be omitted for each 8 bicycle spaces provided (and limits combined bike/motorcycle credit to 5% of required stalls). Confirm specific location and locking requirements before applying credit. § 17.62.050 and the credit provisions in Chapter 17.62.

Q: Where do I find loading/unloading stall size and counts?

Loading/unloading minimum size is 12 ft × 35 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance (smaller residential loading can be 10 ft × 30 ft ). Minimum counts by use (e.g., 1 space for freestanding commercial; shopping centers have ratios) are in § 17.62.080 and § 17.62.090 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains how Foster City’s zoning code regulates off-street parking, loading, and bicycle/motorcycle parking. The city’s detailed rules live in Chapter 17.62 — Off‑Street Parking Regulations and each zoning chapter (e.g., C-1, C-2, C-M, M-1, C-A, R‑1/R‑multi) refers to and adds district-specific requirements; read those together when planning a project. See Foster City Zoning for context and maps and the city Development Standards for related dimensional rules. § references below point to the controlling code text.

Note: this is zoning/land‑use parking (Title 17). Building‑code (Title 24) accessibility and structural clearance requirements are separate; consult the California Building Standards Code. /us/california/building-codes

What the code requires (high level)

Off‑street parking is required for new buildings, new uses, expansions, or changes of occupancy that increase demand; required spaces must be provided on‑site unless the city approves shared parking, an off‑site agreement, or an in‑lieu payment. § 17.62.030
The numeric parking standards are organized by use type (residential, commercial/office/service, industrial, special uses) in § 17.62.060 and must be calculated using gross leasable area where applicable. § 17.62.040
Stall dimensions, aisle widths, motorcycle and bicycle stall sizes, surfacing, drainage, and layout rules are in § 17.62.050 (design standards). § 17.62.050
Loading/unloading sizing, placement and minimum numbers are in § 17.62.070 through § 17.62.090. § 17.62.070 — § 17.62.090

(You may also need to coordinate landscaped buffers and screening with the city’s Landscaping and Screening rules.) /us/california/foster-city/landscaping-and-screening

District-by-district breakdown

Below are Foster City zoning districts that reference parking explicitly in their chapters. Each subsection gives the district purpose, typical uses, key parking-related dimensional/placement standards, and where the district says to look for the parking rules.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residence)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family detached dwellings and accessory uses. See R‑district chapters for area/bulk rules.
Parking rules: two off‑street parking stalls per detached single‑family unit, and at least two enclosed in a garage or carport for conventional single‑family. Secondary residential units (ADUs) require one off‑street stall which may be uncovered or part of the existing driveway. Multifamily categories have per‑unit ratios by unit size. See § 17.62.060(A)(1–3).
Design/dimensional: driveway and garage dimensions in § 17.62.050(A)(3–5) (driveway widths; garage sizes for covered stalls). § 17.62.050
Where it applies: R‑district chapters reference Chapter 17.62 for parking (examples: R‑T, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4 each include “Parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.62”). § 17.16.050, § 17.14.050, § 17.18.050, § 17.20.050

C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial)

Purpose / typical uses: retail and service to meet local needs; neighborhood‑serving businesses.
Parking rules: C‑1 developments “shall provide parking and loading in accordance with Chapter 17.62.” For many uses (restaurants, theaters, libraries, fast‑food) the code gives use‑based ratios; see § 17.62.060 and examples in the use list for bicycle counts for certain uses (e.g., fast‑food requires bicycle facilities). § 17.62.060; see C‑1 cross reference § 17.24.050.

C-2 (General Business)

Purpose / typical uses: larger retail, hotels, vehicle sales, etc.
Parking rules: the C‑2 chapter defers to Chapter 17.62 for parking; C‑2 allows open parking lots as a permitted use subject to Chapter 17.62. § 17.26.050; Chapter 17.62 covers stall sizes, motorcycle/bicycle parking, and optional in‑lieu fees.

C‑M (Commercial Mix / PD combining)

Purpose / typical uses: mixed commercial/residential developments under PD (planned development) to allow flexibility while ensuring adequate parking.
Parking rules: C‑M must be used with PD; parking is regulated by Chapter 17.62 and the PD may impose project‑specific parking and shared parking arrangements. § 17.28.020, § 17.28.050.

M-1 (Light Industrial)

Purpose / typical uses: light manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, public utility facilities.
Parking & loading: M‑1 defers to Chapter 17.62; the district requires off‑street parking and loading facilities as required in Chapter 17.62 (freight/service uses have higher loading needs per § 17.62.090). § 17.30.050; § 17.62.090.

C‑A (Commercial Automobile Repair & Service)

Purpose / typical uses: automobile repair/service stations and related uses.
Parking rules: the C‑A chapter specifically requires parking per Chapter 17.62; when mixed uses or sharing are proposed, the city may allow shared parking only where the code allows and not below maximum‑user requirements. § 17.29.060; § 17.62.030.

Key numeric and design standards (decision‑relevant)

Rule / item	Requirement (most common values)	Code reference
Single‑family detached parking	2 stalls/unit; both must be in garage/carport for conventional single family	§ 17.62.060(A)(1)
ADU / Secondary unit	1 off‑street stall; may be uncovered or part of existing driveway	§ 17.62.060(A)(2)
Multifamily (studio / 1 / 2+ BR)	Studio 1, 1‑BR 1.5, 2‑BR 2, 3+ BR 2 (with rules on enclosed stalls)	§ 17.62.060(A)(3)(a–d)
Standard stall size	9 ft × 19 ft (covered: min 7 ft vertical clearance)	§ 17.62.050(A)(1)
Compact stall size	8 ft × 16 ft	§ 17.62.050(A)(2)
Motorcycle stall size	4 ft × 8 ft	§ 17.62.050(C)(1)
Bicycle stall size	2 ft × 7 ft, locking facilities required, located in groups	§ 17.62.050(C)(2)
Loading stall min size	12 ft × 35 ft (14 ft vertical clearance); residential loading may be 10 ft × 30 ft	§ 17.62.080(A)
No tandem parking	Prohibited except approved valet or specific exceptions; up to two tandem stalls may be assigned to same dwelling	§ 17.62.030(K)
Parking in-lieu	Allowed where practical; council sets fee by resolution; payment runs with the land	§ 17.62.050(5)
Credit for bikes/motorcycles	Omit 1 auto stall per 8 bicycle spaces OR 1 per 2 motorcycle spaces; combined credit capped at 5% of total required stalls	17.62 credit provisions (see credit subsection)

(Always confirm the full text in § 17.62.050–060 for use‑specific ratios; unlisted uses require a city recommendation.)

Practical guidance & interpretation

Start by identifying the base parking requirement in § 17.62.060 for your specific use (residential, commercial type, industrial). § 17.62.060
Apply the design standards in § 17.62.050 to lay out stalls, aisle widths and to size bicycle/motorcycle areas. § 17.62.050
If your site is mixed or in a PD/commercial mix zone, coordinate with the PD conditions and consider shared‑parking, a transportation systems management plan (which can reduce required stalls by up to 15% if approved), or an in‑lieu payment (city council resolution defines fee). § 17.62.050(3–5)
Bicycle parking can earn credit against required auto stalls in commercial/industrial projects (subject to limits); follow the bike stall sizing and locking requirements in § 17.62.050(C)(2). § 17.62 (credit rules)
Sites on Foster City Lagoon have additional siting and setback rules for surface parking and refuse enclosures (see Lagoon frontage provisions in relevant district design standards). Verify waterfront rules when your site abuts the Lagoon. (Examples in district design subsections; lagoon setbacks referenced in district design text.)

Remember to coordinate with city staff early — many provisions (shared parking, in‑lieu, transportation management) require planning commission/council approvals and recorded agreements. Design review may also apply to visible parking/structured parking facades. /us/california/foster-city/design-review

Checklist

Identify primary use and find matching ratio in § 17.62.060.
Lay out stalls to meet dimensions and aisle widths in § 17.62.050 (standard, compact, universal, HC).
Provide required motorcycle and bicycle stalls and locking fixtures (size/location per § 17.62.050(C)).
Check loading needs: provide required loading stalls per § 17.62.090 and size per § 17.62.080.
If requesting reduced parking: prepare a Transportation Systems Management Plan or in‑lieu fee justification (see reductions/fees subsections).
Confirm special waterfront/lagoon frontage setbacks or screening if property abuts Foster City Lagoon.
Ensure surfacing, drainage and stormwater requirements are met (Chapter 13.12 referenced in site standards).
Confirm whether design review, PD conditions, or recorded parking agreements are required. /us/california/foster-city/design-review

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Shared / off‑site parking or in‑lieu fee	City allows but requires agreements/approval; mis‑assumption can deny permits	Verify the community development/public works approvals and recorded agreement terms; see § 17.62.030(B) and in‑lieu fee language.
Bicycle/motorcycle credit calculations	Credit limited (max 5% of required stalls) and specific conversion ratios	Confirm credit methodology and that bike/motorcycle facilities meet § 17.62.050(C) sizing and location rules.
Tandem parking	Mostly prohibited; some exceptions (valet, two tandem stalls assigned to same unit)	If proposing tandem stalls, get explicit planning commission or director approval; see § 17.62.030(K).
Mechanical stackers / car puzzlers	Allowed only in enclosed structured facilities and have operational approval requirements	Prepare a technical operations report and get community development director approval; mechanical systems cannot be used for accessible/visitor parking. See mechanical parking standards.
Lagoon/frontage siting	Waterfront parcels have unique rules about parking placement and setbacks	If property abuts Foster City Lagoon, verify the district waterfront standards (e.g., 20–50 ft minimums) in the district design section.
Loading provision for large residential buildings	Buildings with ≥100 units require loading stalls	For large residential projects confirm loading requirement and location per § 17.62.070(B)(5) and § 17.62.090(D).

Plain-English Summary

Foster City requires on‑site off‑street parking sized and laid out to the city’s standards: single‑family homes need two enclosed stalls, ADUs need one, and multifamily/commercial uses follow the use tables in § 17.62.060; stall dimensions, bike/motorcycle parking, loading spaces, and credits/in‑lieu options are spelled out in § 17.62.050–095. Confirm district PD rules, lagoon setbacks, and whether shared parking, reductions or in‑lieu payments are needed; contact staff early.

Source References

Foster City Municipal Code, Chapter 17.62 — Off‑Street Parking Regulations (tables, definitions, design standards, parking requirements, loading): § 17.62.010 – § 17.62.100.
Design standards and dimensions: § 17.62.050 (stall sizes, bicycle/motorcycle sizes, aisle widths).
Off‑street parking requirements by use (residential, commercial, special rules): § 17.62.060.
Basic loading/unloading rules and sizing: § 17.62.070; loading design § 17.62.080; loading quantity § 17.62.090.
Credits / in‑lieu and transportation systems management rules (reduction eligibility, recorded agreements): credit and in‑lieu fee provisions in the Chapter (credit and fee language).
District extracts that reference Chapter 17.62 (examples): C‑1 § 17.24.050, C‑2 § 17.26.050, C‑M § 17.28.050, C‑A § 17.29.060, M‑1 § 17.30.050, R‑districts § 17.16.050 / 17.14.050 / 17.18.050 / 17.20.050.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Foster City Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (Section 17.96.030) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (title shall) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (Chapter 13.12) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (Chapter 17.62) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (chapter is) Medium relevance
Foster City Zoning Code (Section 17.24.010) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Foster City code library

Frequently asked questions

What is the required parking for a single‑family house in Foster City?

Single‑family detached homes require two off‑street parking stalls per unit and at least two of those must be within a garage or carport under the zoning code. See § 17.62.060(A)(1) for this requirement.

How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment in Foster City need?

A 2‑bedroom unit requires two off‑street parking stalls per unit, with both stalls required to be in a garage or carport if the code’s enclosed‑stall rule applies. See § 17.62.060(A)(3)(c).

Do ADUs (secondary residential units) require parking?

A secondary residential unit (ADU/granny flat) requires one off‑street parking stall, which may be uncovered or part of the existing driveway serving the main residence as described in § 17.62.060(A)(2). Verify whether state ADU law alters this for your specific ADU (consult the city and California ADU law). /us/california/foster-city/adu

What are bicycle parking requirements and can bike parking reduce auto stalls?

Bicycle parking spaces must be at least 2 ft × 7 ft, grouped, and lockable per § 17.62.050(C)(2). The code allows credit: one auto stall can be omitted for each 8 bicycle spaces provided (and limits combined bike/motorcycle credit to 5% of required stalls). Confirm specific location and locking requirements before applying credit. § 17.62.050 and the credit provisions in Chapter 17.62.

Where do I find loading/unloading stall size and counts?

Loading/unloading minimum size is 12 ft × 35 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance (smaller residential loading can be 10 ft × 30 ft). Minimum counts by use (e.g., 1 space for freestanding commercial; shopping centers have ratios) are in § 17.62.080 and § 17.62.090.

Can I use tandem parking on my site?

Tandem parking is generally prohibited except for approved valet plans, a parking management plan, or where two tandem stalls are assigned to the same dwelling unit; see § 17.62.030(K). If you want tandem stalls, get explicit city approval.

Can I pay a fee instead of building required parking?

Yes—commercial, service and office districts may be allowed to satisfy parking via payment of a parking in‑lieu fee where on‑site parking is impractical; amounts and conditions are set by council resolution and the payment runs with the land. See the in‑lieu fee language in Chapter 17.62.

Do on‑street spaces count toward required parking?

Generally no—parking stalls on public streets shall not be used to meet required off‑street parking except where the city has specifically approved on‑street parking as meeting requirements. See § 17.62.040(C).

What if my use is not listed in the parking table?

The public works and community development department will recommend an off‑street parking requirement for any unlisted use and that recommendation is subject to planning commission review and approval. See § 17.62.030(J).

Are there different rules for parking structures visible from the street or lagoon?

Yes—single‑story and multistory structured parking facilities have specific siting, screening and wrap‑around façade rules (e.g., multistory structures must be located certain distances from single‑family zones and require residential/retail wrapping on facades), found in the district design subsections and Chapter 17.62 design standards. See design rules for structured parking in Chapter 17.62 and district waterfront/visibility rules.

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