Local zoning · Goleta

Goleta — Parking

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the City of Goleta regulates parking, off-street loading, and bicycle parking in the local zoning ordinance (Title 17). It summarizes who must provide parking, the minimum counts and dimensions, where parking can be located, available reductions (shared, motorcycle, transit proximity), and on-site loading and bicycle standards — all grounded in the Goleta Zoning Ordinance. See Goleta Title 17 for the full text and cross-check parcel-specific rules with the City. § references below point to the controlling ordinance provisions; the ordinance text and tables are the source for each rule. § 17.38.010 .

Note: this page stays strictly about zoning (Title 17) parking rules. For building code, electrical/EV charger technical rules or accessibility requirements see the California Building Standards Code. Link references below point to related GoCodebook pages for planning topics and to the state code page for Title 24.

  • First-use inline links in this page:
    • The City’s zoning overview is at Goleta Zoning.
    • The word parking below links to Goleta Development Standards.
    • Setbacks / development standards and design review are linked to their GoCodebook pages.
    • The Overlays and ADUs links are used where those topics are first discussed.
    • The California Building Standards Code (Title 24) is linked when Build/tech constraints are referenced.

Key controlling chapters & sections (quick)

  • Title 17, Chapter 17.38 — Parking and Loading: purpose, applicability, required spaces, reductions, in‑lieu, location, bicycle parking, loading, and design standards (§ 17.38.010 – § 17.38.110) .
  • Development standards and district tables: Residential Districts (Table 17.07.030 / § 17.07.030) and Commercial Districts (Table 17.08.030 / § 17.08.030) for where parking rules attach to districts .
  • Modifications and allowed reductions: § 17.62.020 (Modifications) and § 17.38.050 (Parking reductions) .
  • ADU parking exception: Local ADU standards referencing required parking are in § 17.07.040(C) and § 17.41.030 (ADUs) — local rules also defer to state ADU law exceptions .
  • Site design controls that affect parking access, setbacks, loading location: § 17.44.020 .

(Click first occurrence above to visit the related GoCodebook pages: Goleta Zoning, Goleta Development Standards, Goleta Design Review, Goleta Overlay Districts, Goleta ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

What Title 17 requires (plain list)

  • Purpose: ensure adequate off‑street vehicle and bicycle parking and loading for new development and major alterations; minimize environmental/heat/runoff impacts of large paved areas (§ 17.38.010) .
  • Applicability: on‑site parking required when a main building/structure is erected, when a new/expanded land use occurs, or when a change in use increases parking demand (§ 17.38.020) .
  • Minimum counts: uses must provide at least the minimum spaces in Table 17.38.040(A) (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Public, Agricultural categories) — e.g., Single‑unit dwelling = 2 covered spaces, Studio = 1, One‑bedroom = 1.5, Two+ bedrooms = 2 (§ 17.38.040 and Table 17.38.040(A)) .
  • Bicycle parking: short‑term for visitors; long‑term for residents/employees; sizing, coverage and security rules; one charging outlet per 10 required bicycle spaces (§ 17.38.090) .
  • Loading: commercial/industrial buildings (and additions >5,000 sq ft) must provide loading per Table 17.38.100(A) (0–5,000 = 0; 5,001–30,000 = 1; etc.) and minimum loading pad size and setbacks are specified (§ 17.38.100) .
  • Parking area design & dimensions: parking stall sizes, compact limits, aisle and striping rules, surfacing and wheel stops described in § 17.38.110 (§ 17.38.110) .
  • Location: required parking for single‑unit dwellings must be on the same lot and not in front/street‑side setbacks; non‑residential required parking must be ≥10 ft from right‑of‑way or be off‑site under a Conjunctive Parking Agreement (§ 17.38.070) .
  • Reductions: shared parking, motorcycle substitution, LUP approvals for transit‑served reductions, and other reductions are authorized; bicycle parking may not be reduced by modification (§ 17.38.050; § 17.62.020) .
  • In‑lieu: City may accept in‑lieu fees inside an Old Town parking assessment district (§ 17.38.060) .
  • Timing: required parking must be completed and available before Certificate of Occupancy (§ 17.38.020(D)) .
  • Nonconforming situations: existing parking that is nonconforming cannot be reduced; resurfacing/restriping may remain nonconforming provided spaces don’t increase (§ 17.38.030(B)) .

District-by-district breakdown (where parking rules intersect district rules)

Note: Title 17 separates base district standards (Part II) from Parking rules (Chapter 17.38). The table below summarizes district purpose and the development standards that most directly affect parking location/design. For detailed allowed uses and full dimensional standards see the cited district §/tables referenced.

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: one single‑unit dwelling per lot; small accessory uses; governed by the Residential District development table (§ 17.07.030) .
  • Parking impact: 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit required for single‑unit dwellings (§ 17.38.040) and must be on‑site; may not be in required front or street‑side setbacks (§ 17.38.070) .
  • Key dimensional standards that affect parking: setbacks (front, side, rear) and driveway width limits (see § 17.07.030 and § 17.38.110 for driveway / access) .
  • Where it applies: single‑family neighborhoods as mapped on the City Zoning Map (§ 17.07.030) .

RP, RM, RH (Multi‑family Residential & Higher Density)

  • Purpose / typical uses: small to medium multiple‑unit residential (RP, RM) and high‑density or special needs (RH) (see Table 17.07.030 / § 17.07.030) .
  • Parking impact: multi‑unit parking ratios are in Table 17.38.040(A): studio = 1/unit, 1‑bed = 1.5/unit, 2+ bed = 2/unit; one covered space required per unit and guest parking requirements apply (guest = 1 per 3 units) (§ 17.38.040) .
  • Key dimensional standards that affect parking: building placement/setbacks and transitional heights near RS boundaries (see § 17.07.050) — may affect where parking and drive aisles can be located (§ 17.07.050) .
  • Where it applies: multi‑family zoning areas shown in Part II zone maps (§ 17.07.030) .

CR, CC, OT, VS, CI, CG (Commercial Districts)

  • Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood, community, and corridor commercial uses; each district table lists uses and standards (Table 17.08.030 / § 17.08.030) .
  • Parking impact: commercial/retail/office parking ratios in Table 17.38.040(A) (e.g., Retail = 1/500 sq ft, Professional Services = 1/300 sq ft) determine required stalls; parking location rules ban parking within front/street‑side setbacks and limit curb cuts (§ 17.38.040; § 17.44.020) .
  • Old Town: the Old Town Heritage Overlay (OTH) imposes zero‑setback rules on Hollister Ave that affect where parking can be sited relative to the street (§ 17.19.040 referenced in § 17.44.020) .
  • Where it applies: commercial corridors and centers shown on the zoning map and described in § 17.08.030 .

Industrial / Public / Agricultural Districts

  • Industrial parking ratios, agricultural parking rules and public/quasi‑public counts are in Table 17.38.040(A); many industrial/agricultural uses are “as determined by the Review Authority” — plan accordingly and expect discretionary review for unusual uses (§ 17.38.040(A)) .

Quick decision‑relevant standards (table)

Item Key rule Code Reference
Required counts — single‑family 2 covered spaces per unit; exceptions in RS per § 17.07.040(B) (§ 17.38.040) § 17.38.040 (Table 17.38.040(A))
Required counts — multi‑family Studio 1/unit; 1‑bed 1.5/unit; 2+ beds 2/unit; guest 1 per 3 units (§ 17.38.040) § 17.38.040 (Table 17.38.040(A))
Parking location Residential required parking on same lot; not in front/street‑side setbacks. Non‑residential ≥10 ft from ROW or off‑site under conjunctive agreement (§ 17.38.070) § 17.38.070
Off‑site parking Off‑site allowed with recorded Conjunctive Parking Agreement; residential ≤200 ft walking route; non‑residential ≤500 ft walking route (§ 17.38.070(C)) § 17.38.070(C)
Bicycle parking Short‑term for visitors; long‑term: multi‑unit = 1 long‑term space per unit; other uses = 1 long‑term per 10 vehicle spaces; size = 2 ft x 6 ft min; 1 outlet/10 bicycle spaces (§ 17.38.090) § 17.38.090
Loading Table 17.38.100(A): 0 for ≤5,000 sf; 1 for 5,001–30,000 sf; minimum loading pad 10' x 30' x 14' ht (§ 17.38.100) § 17.38.100 (Table 17.38.100(A))
Stall dimensions Residential 8.5' x 16.5'; Non‑residential 9' x 16.5'; compact limits; parallel 22' x 8' (§ 17.38.110) § 17.38.110(A)
Surfacing Paved with ≥2" asphalt, concrete, or approved permeable material; overflow parking = permeable materials (§ 17.38.030(D); § 17.38.110(H)) § 17.38.030(D) and § 17.38.110(H)
Timing Required parking built and available before Certificate of Occupancy (§ 17.38.020(D)) § 17.38.020(D)
Reductions allowed Shared parking up to 50% reduction (with LUP), motorcycle up to 5% substitution, transit proximity reductions; bicycle spaces may NOT be reduced (§ 17.38.050; § 17.62.020) § 17.38.050; § 17.62.020
In‑lieu fee City may accept in‑lieu fees in an Old Town parking assessment district; fee set by Council resolution (§ 17.38.060) § 17.38.060

Practical guidance / interpretation

  • Use the Table 17.38.040(A) ratios to calculate baseline parking. If a use in the table is listed as “as determined by the Review Authority,” plan for a discretionary determination and supply a parking study. (§ 17.38.040) .
  • Bicycle parking is protected: the city will not allow reductions to required bicycle parking under Modifications — treat bicycle spaces as sacrosanct when negotiating reductions (§ 17.62.020(2)(a)) .
  • If you cannot fit required parking on site, consider an off‑site Conjunctive Parking Agreement (residential ≤200 ft; non‑residential ≤500 ft walking route) and be prepared to record an agreement with the County Recorder (§ 17.38.070(C)) .
  • For Old Town or properties in overlay districts (example: Old Town Heritage (OTH) / Hollister Ave) expect stricter placement rules (zero street setback) that may push parking to the rear or require shared garages; consult the overlay rules (§ 17.19.040 referenced in § 17.44.020) .
  • Loading areas have minimum sizes and cannot be closer than 50 ft to a Residential zone unless enclosed — check § 17.38.100 early on for truck movement and screening requirements (§ 17.38.100(B)) .
  • EV charging: the zoning code defers to other technical chapters (Title 15 / Building & Construction) for EV charger requirements; coordinate building permit and zoning submittals (see § 17.38.110(G) and Title 15) .

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for parking under Title 17)

  • Confirm required parking count from Table 17.38.040(A) for your specific use (§ 17.38.040) .
  • Provide vehicle and bicycle parking dimensions and layout consistent with § 17.38.110 (stall sizes, aisle widths, striping) .
  • Show parking location on site plan: not in front or street‑side setbacks; accessible maneuvering and forward egress where needed (§ 17.38.070; § 17.38.110) .
  • If proposing off‑site parking, prepare a recorded Conjunctive Parking Agreement and show walking route measurements (§ 17.38.070(C)) .
  • If reducing parking (shared, motorcycle, transit), include justification and request the appropriate discretionary approval (§ 17.38.050) .
  • Provide required long‑term bicycle parking and electrical outlet provisions (1 outlet per 10 bicycle spaces) (§ 17.38.090) .
  • For commercial/industrial projects, show required loading stalls and vehicle circulation to avoid street loading (§ 17.38.100) .
  • Surfacing and drainage/bio‑retention details for parking areas (per Public Works) (§ 17.38.110(H)) .
  • Ensure parking required is constructed and available before Certificate of Occupancy (§ 17.38.020(D)) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
“As determined by Review Authority” uses Table 17.38.040(A) leaves some uses subject to the Review Authority; you may be asked for a parking study Verify expected ratio with planner early and prepare a parking demand study; cite § 17.38.040
Off‑site parking feasibility Off‑site parking needs a recorded Conjunctive Parking Agreement and walking‑distance limits (200/500 ft) — may be refused if remote Confirm available off‑site parcels, legal ability to record an agreement, and walking route measurement; cite § 17.38.070(C)
Overlay constraints (Old Town / OTH) Overlay rules (zero setback along Hollister Avenue) restrict where parking can be placed and may force structured/ shared parking solutions Check overlay boundaries and zero‑setback rules in § 17.19.040 and § 17.44.020; verify with planning staff
Bicycle parking reductions Bicycle parking cannot be reduced via Modification — if relied on to reduce auto parking, you may be blocked Confirm required bicycle count and design early; cite § 17.62.020(2)(a) and § 17.38.090
Loading near residential zones Loading ≥2‑ton vehicles cannot be within 50 ft of residential property unless enclosed — may affect delivery operations For properties near residential zones, plan enclosed loading or set back per § 17.38.100(B)(2)
ADU parking exceptions vs. local rules Local ADU rules require one off‑street space in some cases but Government Code exceptions may apply Verify ADU-specific parking exceptions in § 17.07.040(C) and § 17.41.030 and reconcile with state ADU law; Verify with jurisdiction

Information Gaps

  • The ordinance text supplied here lists many required ratios but does not include a downloadable, single consolidated numeric chart for every possible commercial/industrial sub‑use (many entries are “as determined by the Review Authority”) — expect discretionary review for atypical uses (§ 17.38.040) .
  • Exact vehicle aisle widths and angle‑by‑angle maneuvering dimensions are referenced in the parking design tables but the full numeric interpolation table image was truncated in the materials provided. For precise aisle/stall angle tables, consult the full § 17.38.110 text or the City plan‑check standards (Verify with the jurisdiction) .
  • Local administrative application forms, in‑lieu fee schedule for Old Town, and the current parking assessment district boundaries are set by separate resolutions/records and were not included in the ordinance text provided. Check with City for fee resolution and district map (§ 17.38.060) .

Plain‑English summary

If you build or change a use in Goleta, Title 17 requires you to supply the minimum off‑street vehicle and bicycle parking and any loading spaces listed in the ordinance tables; stalls must be the specified sizes, placed outside front/street‑side setbacks (except as allowed by overlays), and be ready before occupancy. Shared, motorcycle, and transit‑based reductions are possible but bicycle spaces are protected and off‑site parking needs a recorded agreement. § 17.38.010–§ 17.38.110 contain the governing rules and Table 17.38.040(A) is the baseline for counts; verify parcel specifics with the City.

Source References

  • Goleta Municipal Code, Title 17 — Chapter 17.38, Parking and Loading (Purpose, Applicability, General Provisions) — § 17.38.010, § 17.38.020, § 17.38.030.
  • Goleta Municipal Code — § 17.38.040, Table 17.38.040(A): Required On‑Site Parking Spaces (Residential, Commercial, Industrial uses).
  • Goleta Municipal Code — § 17.38.050 Parking Reductions; § 17.38.060 Parking In‑Lieu Fee; § 17.38.070 Location of Required Parking.
  • Goleta Municipal Code — § 17.38.080 (Trailers & RVs); § 17.38.090 Bicycle Parking; § 17.38.100 On‑Site Loading; § 17.38.110 Parking Area Design & Development Standards.
  • Goleta Municipal Code — Residential development regulations Table 17.07.030 / § 17.07.030 and Additional Development regs (§ 17.07.040 / § 17.07.050) (sets setbacks and ADU‑related parking references).
  • Goleta Municipal Code — Site design controls that affect parking access and loading: § 17.44.020.
  • Goleta Municipal Code — Modifications chapter § 17.62.020 (limits on modifications to parking/bicycle reduction).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Goleta Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (section must) High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code High relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 6 (§ 6) Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (§ 6) Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (Title 15) Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 6 (Title 15) Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (§ 17.59.030.) Medium relevance
  • Goleta Zoning Code (Title or) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking counts apply to a single‑family house in Goleta?

For a single‑unit dwelling, Title 17 requires 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit, with some RS exceptions described in § 17.07.040(B). Required spaces must be on the same lot and not within required front or street‑side setbacks (§ 17.38.040; § 17.38.070) .

Do apartments in Goleta need bicycle parking?

Yes. Multi‑unit residential projects must provide long‑term bicycle parking at a minimum of one long‑term bicycle space per unit; other uses with 25+ full‑time employees must provide one long‑term bicycle space per 10 vehicle spaces (minimum one). Long‑term spaces must meet size, coverage and security requirements (§ 17.38.090) .

Can I locate required parking off‑site for a store or office?

Yes, but non‑residential off‑site parking must be within 500 feet walking distance of the principal entrance and secured by a recorded Conjunctive Parking Agreement acceptable to the City Attorney (§ 17.38.070(C)) .

Are there reductions allowed for parking if my site is near transit?

Title 17 allows parking reductions (including shared parking and transit‑based reductions) by Review Authority approval; motorcycle/moped parking can substitute up to 5% of required automobile parking. Bicycle parking counts cannot be reduced via Modification (§ 17.38.050; § 17.62.020) .

What loading requirements apply to a new commercial building?

Loading spaces must follow Table 17.38.100(A): 0 for ≤5,000 sq ft; 1 for 5,001–30,000; 2 for 30,001–90,000; etc. Each required loading space must be at least 10 ft wide x 30 ft long x 14 ft high, located on the same site, and not within front or street‑side setbacks (§ 17.38.100) .

Can I convert a garage to living space and lose the parking?

Garage conversion is allowed only if an equivalent number of permanent, covered off‑street parking spaces are provided elsewhere on site; otherwise you must maintain required parking (§ 17.38.030(G)) .

Does the Old Town overlay affect where I can put parking?

Yes. The Old Town Heritage Overlay (OTH) includes zero‑setback rules along Hollister Avenue which limit on‑street‑facing parking and favor locating parking behind or to the side; see the overlay rules and site design standards (§ 17.19.040 and § 17.44.020) .

If a use in Table 17.38.040(A) is “as determined by the Review Authority,” what should I submit?

Prepare a parking demand justification (trip/parking study), show proposed parking layout, and coordinate with planning staff and the Review Authority; the ordinance leaves such cases to the Review Authority’s determination (§ 17.38.040) .

Are bicycle charging outlets required?

Yes — for required bicycle parking, Title 17 requires one electrical outlet for every 10 required bicycle parking spaces (§ 17.38.090) .

When must required parking be constructed?

Required parking must be completed and available for use before a Certificate of Occupancy may be issued (§ 17.38.020(D)) .

More in Goleta code

Ask about any Goleta property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Goleta zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Goleta zoning topics

Goleta Zoning

Goleta Land Use

Goleta Development Standards

Goleta Design Review

Goleta Overlay Districts

Goleta Historic Preservation

Goleta Signage

Goleta Nonconforming Uses

Goleta Variances and Exceptions

Goleta Landscaping and Screening

Goleta overview