Local zoning · Glendale

Glendale — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains Glendale’s off-street parking, loading and bicycle-parking rules that live in the local zoning ordinance (primarily Chapter 30.32 and related sections). It summarizes who must provide how many spaces, special rules that vary by district (Downtown Specific Plan / DSP, Transit Oriented Development / TOD, mixed‑use and residential zones), how reductions, in‑lieu payments and off‑site/shared arrangements work, and what plans/approvals are normally required. The discussion stays inside the zoning/planning code and points to the applicable building-code items where the zoning text defers to Title 24. See the city’s zoning portal for context on how these standards fit into Glendale’s broader rules. (Glendale Zoning)

Important: this page interprets the ordinance text — confirm parcel-specific calculations with staff. Verify with the jurisdiction where noted.

District-by-district (zoning) summary — how parking rules change by zone

Note: each subsection below uses the Glendale district name as written in the zoning ordinance and highlights the parking rules that differ or matter most on application.

R-1 / R1R / ROS (single‑family/residential zones)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single‑family and low‑density residential. Parking is intended for residents and guests; commercial vehicles are limited.
  • Key parking rules: required residential parking counts, exclusive residential use of required spaces, and guest parking rules are in § 30.32.050 and the Table 30‑32‑A schedule; single‑family lots use the floor‑area schedule for large homes (e.g., 0–3,499 sq ft = 2 spaces etc.). See the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) special rules: maximum one off‑street parking space per ADU (or per bedroom, whichever is less) with allowable tandem/driveway configurations (ADU standards). § 30.32.050, § 30.34.080, § 30.32.180.
  • Layout / dimensional notes: required residential parking (except guest spaces) must be fully enclosed except where expressly allowed; vertical clearance, slopes and stall dimensions are governed by the charts in § 30.32.180 (charts referenced in § 30.32.090) and by exceptions for retrofit projects. § 30.32.090, § 30.32.180.

Where it applies: all parcels in the R‑zones; driveway / paved driveway maximums and setback interactions appear elsewhere in the R‑zone development standards. (See Glendale development standards.) Glendale Development Standards

IMU, IMU‑R, SFMU (mixed‑use districts)

  • Purpose & typical uses: mixed commercial/residential projects with higher walkability; live/work units are common.
  • Key parking rules: projects must provide the Chapter 30.32 minimums, but some design/site standards (no required street setbacks in many IMU districts, restrictions on at‑grade parking in pedestrian frontages) are in the IMU development tables; multi‑family and live/work projects have zone‑specific findings to consider. § 30.32.050, § 30.16.030, § 30.15.040(F).
  • Special design: parking should be located to minimize visibility from the public realm and must meet the Chapter 30.32 layout / screening standards (screen walls, landscaping, lighting). § 30.16.050(D) and § 30.32.100/090.

Where it applies: IMU/IMU‑R/SFMU parcels citywide (see mixed‑use district map and standards). Glendale Zoning

Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) and TOD (Transit Oriented Development) zones — special rules

  • Purpose & typical uses: higher density, transit‑focused residential, office and retail.
  • Parking minima and flexibility: off‑street parking minima in the DSP and TOD can be satisfied in part by an in‑lieu fee (fee in lieu applies to up to 50% for new construction and up to 100% for change‑of‑use projects in DSP/TOD; fee amounts set by Council resolution). See § 30.32.172.
  • Bicycle parking: the DSP/TOD have their own bicycle standards (Table 30.32–F) — for example dwelling units in DSP/TOD: 1 bicycle space per 20 units; office: 1 per 10,000 sq ft; bicycle parking can substitute for some auto parking subject to limits (maximum 10% of required off‑street auto parking may be replaced with additional bicycle spaces; excess bikes can reduce one auto stall per five extra bike spaces). § 30.32.173 / Table 30.32‑F.
  • At‑grade parking limits, driveway access and screening for TOD/DSP are governed by the TOD site‑planning sections (maximum percent of site that can be at‑grade parking, driveway location rules). § 30.16.050 and related subsections.

Where it applies: the downtown specific plan area and TOD districts (maps in the DSP/TOD chapters). Glendale Overlay Districts

IND (industrial) and commercial districts

  • Purpose & typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, showrooms and higher‑intensity commercial.
  • Parking rates: industrial and warehousing use rates are explicitly set in Table 30‑32‑A (e.g., Industrial, general: 2 spaces/1,000 sq ft for first 25,000 sq ft; then tiered down to 1.25 spaces/1,000 depending on size; warehousing usually 1 space/1,000 sq ft; some TOD reductions apply in TOD zones). See § 30.32.050 (Industrial rates).
  • Parking structures: special parking structure standards for parking garages in IND, IMU, IMU‑R, SFMU and TOD II are referred to in § 30.32.100 and to § 30.34.120 for specific dimensional and layout standards. § 30.32.100, § 30.34.120.

Where it applies: industrial/commercial parcels; see individual zone tables for setback interactions and PS overlay requirements. Glendale Land Use

PS Overlay (Parking Structure / Precise Plan areas)

  • Purpose & typical uses: overlay controlling parking-structure setbacks and design where special conditions apply.
  • Key parking/setback rules: the PS Overlay sets minimum street front/side setback = 20 ft for parking structures and parking areas; interior setbacks when abutting residential are 10 ft (Table 30.23‑B and Section 30.23.040). Screening/driveway spacing and additional restrictions are found in § 30.23.040–.070. § 30.23.040, § 30.23.060.
  • Where it applies: properties mapped into the PS Overlay (check overlay map). Glendale Overlay Districts

Key decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic Standard (decision‑relevant summary) Code Reference
Residential minima (general zones) Efficiencies & 1‑bed = 2 spaces; 2‑bed or more = 2 spaces; larger units scale to 2.5–3 spaces per unit by size/bedrooms; guest parking 1/4 space per unit (≥4 units). § 30.32.050 (Table 30‑32‑A)
Residential (DSP/TOD) 1‑bed = 1 space in DSP/TOD; other unit rules differ — check Table 30‑32‑A. § 30.32.050 (Table 30‑32‑A)
Industrial/commercial rates Industrial general: 2 / 1,000 sq ft (first 25,000), tiered to 1.25 / 1,000; Warehousing: 1 / 1,000. § 30.32.050 (D)
Bicycle parking (DSP & TOD) Dwelling units: 1 per 20 units; Office: 1 per 10,000 sq ft; up to 10% of required auto parking may be replaced with extra bike spaces; 5 extra bike spaces may reduce 1 auto stall. § 30.32.173 (Table 30.32‑F)
In‑lieu fees (DSP/TOD) In‑lieu payment may satisfy up to 50% for new construction; 100% for change‑of‑use (annual for change‑of‑use). Council sets fee amount. § 30.32.172
Off‑site / shared parking Allowed with a Parking Use Permit (Chapter 30.51); conditions often include leases/covenants, access, noise mitigation, and recorded affidavit. Chapter 30.51 (see § 30.51.020–060)
Parking layout & plan submittal A parking layout & access plan is required with land‑use permits / parking changes (layout, signage, landscaping, driveways required). § 30.32.040(A)

Information Gaps / Items not in retrieved text

  • Stall dimensions, aisle widths and many precise graphical standards are referenced as Charts I–XII in § 30.32.180 but the scanned file has the images omitted; the numeric chart values are referenced but not displayed in the retrieved snippets. See § 30.32.180 for the charts; verify stall and aisle numbers with the city drawing/plots (the charts are part of the official ordinance). § 30.32.180.
  • Any fee amounts (in‑lieu parking fee dollar amounts) are set by council resolution and are not contained in the zoning text — the code only delegates the fee to Council resolution; you must check current fee schedules for dollar figures. § 30.32.172.
  • ADA / accessible parking configuration details are governed by the California Building Standards (Title 24) and the municipal code defers to that standard for accessibility upgrades — the zoning code references Title 24 but does not restate technical accessible stall specifications. See § 30.32.030(B)(2) and consult the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy for a typical non‑exempt project)

  • Provide a complete parking layout and access plan (stall layout, counts, circulation aisles, signage, driveways, lighting, landscaping and screening) with the land‑use or building permit application — required by § 30.32.040(A).
  • Demonstrate the required minimum number of off‑street parking and loading spaces per § 30.32.050 (Table 30‑32‑A) or submit a request for an administrative exception/parking reduction or apply to pay in‑lieu (DSP/TOD only) per § 30.32.172/Ch. 30.50–30.51.
  • If using off‑site/shared parking, obtain a Parking Use Permit and provide leases/covenants and a notarized acceptance affidavit recorded against the property as required (Chapter 30.51, § 30.51.060).
  • Provide bicycle parking to the minimum standard where applicable (DSP/TOD: Table 30.32‑F) and show location/design per § 30.32.173 if in DSP/TOD.
  • Show compliance with design standards: screening walls adjacent to residential zones, required paving, wheel stops, lighting and wheel‑stop details per § 30.32.100 and § 30.32.090.
  • If proposing parking reductions or substitutes (carshare, TDM, bike parking credits), include a Transportation Demand Management plan and evidence supporting the requested reduction per § 30.32.020 and Ch. 30.50/30.44 as applicable.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Missing chart numbers / stall dimensions Charts I–III, VI etc. are referenced in the code but the retrieval omitted the pictures with numeric stall/aisle values — you need exact stall/aisle/clearance numbers to design correctly. Confirm the numeric values in § 30.32.180 charts with Planning or Building; obtain the official chart images from the city.
In‑lieu fee dollar amount The code authorizes in‑lieu payments but does not specify amounts (council resolution sets them). Check the current council resolution / fee schedule for the up‑to‑date dollar figure before budgeting. § 30.32.172.
Off‑site/shared parking lease terms and enforceability The code requires leases/covenants and a recorded affidavit for parking use permits; inadequate documentation can invalidate the permit or create future liability. Verify lease term minimums, recordation requirements and affidavit form per § 30.51.020–060 and consult the City Attorney as required.
ADA / accessible stalls & building code compliance Zoning refers to accessible parking but technical requirements (stall dimensions, van spaces) are in Title 24 (the building code). Zoning may allow reductions for ADA upgrades but not the technical specifications. Follow the California Building Standards Code for accessible stall sizing and consult Building & Safety. § 30.32.030(B)(2).
Site‑specific driveway/alley capacity TOD/DSP driveway limits, alley access and curb‑cut rules materially affect where parking can be accessed (may limit on‑site parking even if counts meet minima). Confirm driveway locations and curb‑cut approvals with Public Works; follow § 30.16.050(D) and § 30.32.130 rules.

Plain‑English summary

If you build or change a use in Glendale, you must supply off‑street parking according to the numbers in Table 30‑32‑A (residential, commercial, industrial) and comply with the design/layout rules in Chapter 30.32; downtown and TOD projects can pay an in‑lieu fee or use bicycle parking credits under limited conditions; off‑site/shared parking requires a Parking Use Permit and recorded agreements. Confirm stall dimensions, in‑lieu fee amounts, and Title 24 accessible‑stall details with staff before final design. § 30.32.050, § 30.32.172, Chapter 30.51.

Source References

  • Chapter 30.32 (Parking and Loading) — purpose, applicability, general rules and minimum parking requirement table (Table 30‑32‑A) — § 30.32.010, § 30.32.020, § 30.32.050, § 30.32.060.
  • General parking regulations and parking layout requirements — § 30.32.040.
  • Parking area design, layout and dimensional references (vertical clearance, slope, turning radius) — § 30.32.090; Charts referenced in § 30.32.180.
  • Surface parking and structure standards (paving, landscaping, screening) — § 30.32.100 and related; parking structure standards noted for IND, IMU, IMU‑R, SFMU, TOD II — § 30.32.100, § 30.34.120.
  • DSP / TOD bicycle parking standards (Table 30.32‑F) and bicycle credits/substitutions — § 30.32.173 / Table 30.32‑F.
  • In‑lieu parking fee rules for DSP/TOD — § 30.32.172.
  • Parking Use Permit and off‑site/shared parking (authorization, findings, acceptance affidavit) — Chapter 30.51 / § 30.51.020–060.
  • PS Overlay parking setback and screening rules — § 30.23.040 / Table 30.23‑B; parking references in special purpose district development standards § 30.15.040.
  • Accessory dwelling unit parking rules and SB 9 parking rules (maximum one spot for ADU, shared driveway rules) — ADU / SB 9 sections in the municipal code (see § 30.34.080 and SB9 specifics; ADU guidance summarized here).
  • For accessibility and technical accessible parking specifications consult the California Building Standards Code (Title 24); the zoning code references accessibility upgrades and Title 24. § 30.32.030(B)(2).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Glendale Zoning Code (chapter for) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 53) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 30.32.030.) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 9) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 30.50.090.) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 25) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 53) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (title shall) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 34) High relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 30.32.090.) Medium relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (§ 38) Medium relevance
  • Glendale Zoning Code (Chapter 30.30.020) Medium relevance
  • CBC § R1R Medium relevance
  • CFC § 35 (§ 35) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum parking required for a typical 2‑bedroom apartment in Glendale?

Glendale’s table (Table 30‑32‑A) requires 2 spaces for units of 2 bedrooms or more outside of the DSP/TOD exceptions; in DSP/TOD the ratio can be different (e.g., 1‑bed = 1 space in DSP/TOD) so check the zone. See § 30.32.050 (Table 30‑32‑A).

Do I have to provide guest parking for a multi‑unit residential project?

Yes — guest parking is required by the residential schedule in Table 30‑32‑A: typical guest parking is 1/4 space per unit for projects of 4 or more units (varying slightly by zone and PRD rules). § 30.32.050.

Can I pay a fee instead of building parking in downtown Glendale?

Yes — in the DSP and TOD zones you may satisfy off‑street parking requirements by paying an in‑lieu fee under § 30.32.172 (subject to limits: up to 50% for new construction; up to 100% for change‑of‑use projects). Fee amounts are set by Council resolution (check current fee schedule).

What are the bicycle‑parking requirements in downtown/TOD?

DSP and TOD bicycle rules (Table 30.32‑F) require, for example, 1 bicycle space per 20 dwelling units and 1 per 10,000 sq ft of office; bicycle parking design/location rules and credits (up to 10% of off‑street auto parking replaced by bike spaces, and 5 extra bikes = 1 auto space reduction) are in § 30.32.173.

If I want to use parking on another lot (shared or off‑site parking), what do I need?

You must obtain a Parking Use Permit under Chapter 30.51. The code requires evidence of lease/covenant (minimum termination/notice terms), adequate access and compatibility; permits often require recorded affidavits accepting conditions before implementation (§ 30.51.020, § 30.51.060).

Do parking dimensional rules (stall width, aisle width, vertical clearance) appear in the zoning code?

Yes — the code sets vertical clearance (min 7 ft for most parking), slope limits (max 5%), turning radius and refers to numeric stall/aisle standards in Charts I–III and other charts in § 30.32.180; however the chart images are part of the ordinance and should be confirmed for exact numeric values. § 30.32.090, § 30.32.180.

Are drive‑through lanes or waiting bays allowed in downtown?

Drive‑through waiting lanes are regulated by § 30.32.090(H) (minimum widths and lengths) and are not permitted in the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). Check the drive‑through rules early; they may also trigger design review.

Do ADUs in Glendale require separate parking?

ADUs have special zoning rules: generally a maximum of one off‑street parking space is required per ADU (or per bedroom, whichever is less), and tandem / driveway spaces are allowed where standards are met; ADU parking also must share the primary driveway. See the ADU chapter for full requirements. § 30.34.080 / ADU section.

When can bicycle parking be used to reduce required car parking?

The DSP/TOD rules allow a maximum 10% substitution (replace up to 10% of required off‑street auto spaces with extra bicycle spaces above the minimum), and providing excess bicycle parking beyond the minimum can allow a reduction of one auto space for every five additional bicycle spaces. See § 30.32.173.

If my project needs fewer parking spaces than the table requires, what are the formal paths?

Options include (1) administrative exceptions under Chapter 30.44, (2) a parking reduction permit under Chapter 30.50, or (3) negotiations in redevelopment project areas where the director may grant exceptions. Each path has findings and possible conditions (see § 30.32.020 and Chapters 30.44/30.50).

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