Local zoning · Grand Terrace

Grand Terrace — Parking

Q: How many parking spaces does a new single‑family home need in Grand Terrace?

A new single‑family detached dwelling must provide two (2) off‑street parking spaces on the same parcel, and those spaces shall be located within a garage. See § 18.60.030(A)(1) .

Q: What are stall widths, depths and aisle dimensions I must use?

Use Table 18.60.040: typical numbers include 9 ft stall width (90°), stall depths 19–22 ft depending on angle and 12–24 ft aisle widths depending on one‑way/two‑way and angle. See § 18.60.040 and Table 18.60.040.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Grand Terrace Municipal Code (Title 18) requires for parking: when off‑street parking rules apply, how many spaces different uses must provide, design/dimension standards for stalls/aisles/landscaping/lighting, rules for loading and bicycle parking, and how the Planning Director can adjust requirements. The core rules live in Chapter 18.60 — Off‑Street Parking and related district chapters and multifamily design standards. See the code for full text and parcel‑specific interpretation. § 18.60.010, § 18.60.020, § 18.60.030, § 18.60.040 .

(First mentions: "parking" links to the Grand Terrace Zoning page; "development standards" links to the Development Standards page; "design review" and others are linked in the body.)

This page references the City's zoning overview at Grand Terrace zoning & planning overview.
For how parking interacts with design review and project approvals, consult Grand Terrace Design Review and Grand Terrace Development Standards.
For ADU parking limits and state law context see Grand Terrace ADUs and California Building Standards Code.

How the code is organized (quick map)

Purpose and application: § 18.60.010 and § 18.60.020 — sets when off‑street parking rules apply (new construction, changes of use, additions, changes in occupancy).
Parking counts (how many spaces by use): § 18.60.030 provides residential, commercial, institutional and manufacturing ratios; it also covers ADA, loading and bicycle facility rules.
Parking design/dimensions, paving, striping, lighting, landscaping: § 18.60.040 plus Table 18.60.040 (stall widths, depths, aisle widths, planter requirements).
Adjustment authority: § 18.60.050 allows the Planning Director / City Engineer to relax parking where justified by a parking study.
Multifamily and mixed‑use projects: additional parking layout and bicycle parking details sit in the multifamily design chapter (Chapter 18.64) and mixed‑use standards. See § 18.64.060 and related paragraphs for at‑grade parking and bicycle standards.

District‑by‑district breakdown (where parking rules apply and local cross‑references)

Below are the most used districts in Grand Terrace and the zoning code cross‑references that tell you how parking is applied. Bold district names and important numbers are shown.

R1-20, R1-10, R1-7.2 (single‑family residential districts)

Purpose & typical uses: single‑family homes and accessory uses; refer to the residential zoning standards table for setbacks/lot sizes. § 18.09.020 lists district names.
Parking rule: Two (2) off‑street parking spaces per single‑family detached dwelling, and the required spaces shall be located within a garage. This minimum is carried in § 18.60.030(A)(1).
Where it applies: on any new construction, change of use or when the code sections in § 18.60.020 trigger the parking rules.

R2, R3, R3-20, R3-24 (multi‑family residential districts)

Purpose & typical uses: duplexes, apartments, townhomes. Review permitted densities and dimensional standards in the residential district tables.
Parking rule (multifamily standard): One parking space for each studio; two spaces for each 1–3 bedroom unit; three spaces for 4+ bedrooms. At least one space must be in a garage/carport and required spaces must be within 150 feet of the unit served. Guest parking: 0.25 spaces per unit, rounded up. All of this is in § 18.60.030(A)(2).
Design/layout: Multifamily projects must also follow Chapter 18.64 (site and multifamily design), which restricts at‑grade lot placement (parking behind buildings), requires pedestrian connections and limits how much structured parking can present to the street. See § 18.64.060.

AP (Administrative/Professional Office)

Purpose & typical uses: professional offices, small non‑retail commercial. See Table 18.27.010 and AP district standards.
Parking: The AP district defers to Chapter 18.60 for off‑street parking sizing and to Table 18.60.030 (uses) for specific ratios. § 18.33.060 and district-specific site development standards cross‑reference Chapter 18.60.

C2, CM, MR, M2 (commercial and industrial districts)

Purpose & typical uses: retail, restaurants, light industrial, manufacturing, commercial services (see Table 18.27.010 for permitted uses).
Parking counts: commercial/industrial use ratios are listed in § 18.60.030(B–C) — examples include 1 space / 200 sf for general offices, 1 / 200 sf for retail, 1 / 100 sf for restaurants, hotel/motel 1 / guest unit, warehousing 1 / 1,000 sf, manufacturing 1 / 500 sf, theaters 1 / 4 seats, health clubs 1 / 150 sf, etc. See § 18.60.030(B–C).
Loading: commercial and industrial uses must provide loading berths: one loading space for the first 5,000 sf and one additional for every 10,000 sf thereafter (up to 45,000 sf); each 12 ft × 20 ft. § 18.60.030 (loading) and design standards.

PUB, BRSP, GSP and Specific Plan areas

Specific plans (Barton Road SP, Gateway at Grand Terrace, etc.) may include their own development standards; if a conflict exists the specific plan supersedes Title 18 on site‑specific items. If a specific plan is silent, Chapter 18 applies (including parking). See § 18.20.010.

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant table)

Use this table when planning how many stalls or what dimensions you must design.

Use / Design item	Required amount / dimension	Code reference
Single‑family detached	2 spaces per unit; required spaces located within a garage	§ 18.60.030(A)(1)
Multi‑family (standard)	1 per studio; 2 per 1–3 BR; 3 per 4+ BR; guest 0.25/unit (rounded up)	§ 18.60.030(A)(2–f)
Retail / General office	1 space / 200 sq ft (retail and general office)	§ 18.60.030(B)
Restaurants / taverns	1 space / 100 sq ft (incl. outdoor seating)	§ 18.60.030(B)(r)
Warehousing	1 space / 1,000 sq ft	§ 18.60.030(C)(1)
Loading berth	1 loading space per first 5,000 sf, + 1 per 10,000 sf (to 45,000 sf); 12' × 20' each	§ 18.60.030(3)(a–b)
ADA accessible stalls	At least 1 stall or 2% of required stalls, whichever greater; counted toward total	§ 18.60.030(2)
Stall widths / depths / aisle widths (Table 18.60.040)	Stall widths: 9' (0°/90°), 12'9" (45°); depth example 19'–22'; aisle widths 12'–24' depending on angle and one/two‑way	§ 18.60.040 and Table 18.60.040
Parking landscaping	Min 5% of parking area landscaped; 1 tree / 5 parking spaces; planters every ~10 spaces; planter min 75 sf	§ 18.60.040(E)
Bicycle parking (commercial/office)	Bicycle parking facilities must allow bicycle secured upright; placement and design approved by Planning Dept. (commercial/office).	§ 18.60.030(4)
Bicycle parking (multifamily)	Long‑term: 1 space/unit (for buildings ≥5 units). Short‑term (visitor): 1 space / 20 units for buildings >20 units; detailed dimensions and locker/vertical/stacked options listed in multifamily standards.	Multifamily design standards, Chapter 18.64 (bicycle parking)

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

Use the Chapter 18.60 ratios as your starting point: most non‑residential districts explicitly defer to Chapter 18.60 for the number and sizing of off‑street spaces. § 18.33.060, § 18.39.070, and similar district sections make that cross‑reference.
If your project has atypical peak hours (restaurants vs. offices) or shared parking opportunities, a site‑specific parking study by a traffic engineer can support shared parking or reductions — the Planning Director may approve shared parking (limits and recording requirements apply) or minor adjustments under § 18.60.050 and the shared‑parking rules in § 18.60.030(5).
For multifamily projects, remember the design rules in Chapter 18.64 influence where lots and garages sit (e.g., parking behind street‑fronting buildings), how structured parking is treated at the street, and pedestrian access through lots; these are requirements in addition to Chapter 18.60 stall counts. § 18.64.060 and related subsections apply.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging: the zoning code recognizes EV charging in parking design (EV spaces can count as two spaces where accessible with an access aisle) and the City refers to State electrical and building standards for EVSE installation details. For technical EV charging installation standards refer to the California Building Standards Code. § 18.60.040(B)(4) and multifamily EV guidance are present.

Checklist (what an applicant must normally show)

Show that the project is within the types of actions where Chapter 18.60 applies (new construction, change of use, addition, change in occupancy). § 18.60.020
Provide a site plan with the number and location of all proposed off‑street parking spaces, aisles, driveways and loading spaces; label ADA stalls. (Site plan requirements are repeated across the code and in minor deviation / review checklists.) § 18.89.030(B)
Use Table 18.60.040 dimensions for stall width/depth and aisle widths, unless a warranted adjustment is approved. § 18.60.040
If proposing shared parking or a reduction, include a site‑specific parking study prepared by a qualified traffic engineer per § 18.60.030(5) and § 18.60.050.
For multifamily or mixed‑use sites, show bicycle parking counts and dimensions per the multifamily design chapter and show pedestrian connections and any required planters/landscaping in parking areas. § 18.64 and Table 18.60.040.
If counting on‑street parking, on‑street credit rules (where allowed) and street width requirements must be included (see specific small‑lot / planned residential provisions). Verify with the Planning Department. (code cross‑references)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Counting drive‑thru queue spaces toward required parking	The code limits counting of drive‑thru queueing (e.g., max 5 spaces for dine‑in with drive‑thru) — misuse can cause noncompliance	Check the drive‑thru rules in § 18.60.030(D) and provide a queueing analysis if needed; verify with City Engineer.
Multifamily bicycle parking section reference	Multifamily bike rules are detailed and include different “long‑term” and “short‑term” counts and dimensions — misreading may underprovide bike parking	Use Chapter 18.64 bicycle parking text and confirm exact subsection and quantities with Planning Department; see code excerpts.
EV infrastructure technical details	Zoning recognizes EV spaces but the electrical/building installation must follow state codes; misalignment can block permits	Coordinate EV counts with building electrics and refer to the California Building Standards Code for installation standards; verify with Building Department.
On‑street parking credit	Some specific plan or planned residential rules allow on‑street credit if street width meets criteria	Check the local subdivision / small‑lot rules and confirm with Public Works and Planning. Not found in single § — see planned residential and small‑lot provisions.
Specific plan supersession	Specific plans can override Title 18 for sites inside the plan area	Confirm whether the parcel sits in a specific plan (e.g., GSP, BRSP) and use the specific plan text where it conflicts. § 18.20.010

Plain‑English summary

Grand Terrace requires off‑street parking for most new construction, changes of use, and enlargements. The number of stalls depends on the use (single‑family: 2 spaces; multifamily: 1–3 depending on bedrooms; offices/retail: typically 1 per 200 sf; restaurants 1/100 sf), loading berths are sized and required for commercial/industrial buildings, and parking areas must meet dimensional, paving, lighting, striping and landscaping standards (Table 18.60.040). The Planning Director can approve modest adjustments if you submit a parking study. See § 18.60.010–050 and the multifamily chapter for layout rules and bicycle parking specifics.

Source References

Grand Terrace Municipal Code, Title 18 — Chapter 18.60 (Off‑Street Parking): § 18.60.010, § 18.60.020, § 18.60.030, § 18.60.040, § 18.60.050.
Grand Terrace Municipal Code, Chapter 18.64 — Multifamily site design and bicycle parking standards (multifamily bicycle counts, dimensions and security standards).
District cross‑references (example: C2 district off‑street parking defers to Chapter 18.60): § 18.33.060, § 18.39.070.
Planning Director authority and minor deviation process (adjustments to parking): Chapter 18.89 (minor deviations) and § 18.89.040 (authority).
Grand Terrace multifamily design (structured parking, location of at‑grade lots): § 18.64.060 and related subsections.
California technical context (EV/bicycle technical standards referenced by the code): 2025 California Green Building Standards Code / California Building Standards Code for EV and bicycle technical measures. (See state codes for installation details.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 4 (§ 4) High relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 000 (title records) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 000 (Section shall) Medium relevance
CBC § 10 (§ 10) Medium relevance
CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
CRC § 130 Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code Medium relevance
California Building Code Medium relevance
CRC § 115 Medium relevance
CBC § 4202 (Section 4202) High relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (Chapter 18.60) High relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (Chapter 18.03) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (Chapter 12.28) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code (Section 5020.1) Medium relevance
CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
Grand Terrace Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Grand Terrace code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers Grand Terrace off‑street parking requirements?

Off‑street parking rules apply for any new construction, change of use or new use (including re‑occupying a building vacant six months), additions/enlargements, or any change in occupancy that increases parking demand. See § 18.60.020.

How many parking spaces does a new single‑family home need in Grand Terrace?

A new single‑family detached dwelling must provide two (2) off‑street parking spaces on the same parcel, and those spaces shall be located within a garage. See § 18.60.030(A)(1).

How many stalls for an apartment building?

Multifamily counts are: 1 space per studio; 2 spaces per 1–3 bedroom unit; 3 spaces per 4+ bedroom unit. At least one required space must be in a garage/carport and all required spaces must be within 150 feet of the unit served; guest parking is 0.25 space per unit (rounded up). See § 18.60.030(A)(2).

Do I have to provide loading spaces for a commercial building?

Yes. Commercial/industrial uses must provide loading spaces: one loading space for the first 5,000 sf of gross floor area and one additional for every 10,000 sf thereafter up to 45,000 sf. Each loading berth must be 12 ft × 20 ft and located for easy access to the loading entrance. § 18.60.030(3).

What are stall widths, depths and aisle dimensions I must use?

Use Table 18.60.040: typical numbers include 9 ft stall width (90°), stall depths 19–22 ft depending on angle and 12–24 ft aisle widths depending on one‑way/two‑way and angle. See § 18.60.040 and Table 18.60.040.

Are bicycle parking spaces required?

Yes — Chapter 18.60 requires bicycle parking facilities for commercial and office uses and the multifamily design chapter contains detailed long‑term and short‑term bicycle parking counts, dimensions and locker/vertical/stacked options (e.g., long‑term: 1 space/unit for buildings ≥5 units; short‑term: min 1/20 units where >20 units). See § 18.60.030(4) and the multifamily design standards in Chapter 18.64.

Can the City reduce required parking or allow shared parking?

Yes. The Planning Director (and/or City Engineer) may approve shared parking or minor relaxations supported by a site‑specific parking study; shared parking cannot generally exceed 20% of either use’s required spaces and requires a recorded agreement. See § 18.60.030(5) and § 18.60.050.

If I add an ADU, can the City require parking?

State ADU law limits parking for ADUs; City rules must be consistent with state law. Check the local ADU chapter and state ADU law; in Grand Terrace see Chapter 18.65 and the ADU provisions that cross‑reference parking exceptions. Verify local implementation with the Planning Department. (Grand Terrace ADU chapter excerpts and state rules apply.) Not found in retrieved materials for a single cross‑sectional § that replaces all ADU parking clauses — see Chapter 18.65 and state law.

Are EV charging and EV‑ready requirements in Title 18?

Title 18 recognizes EV charging in parking design (e.g., accessible EV spaces counted toward totals in design standards) and references state electrical/building standards for installation; technical EV circuit/EVSE requirements are governed by state codes. See § 18.60.040(B)(4) and state technical codes.

Where do I look to confirm whether a specific parcel is in a specific plan area that changes parking rules?

Check the zoning map and Chapter 18.20 (Specific Plans). If a property lies within a specific plan (for example, GSP — The Gateway at Grand Terrace), the applicable specific plan may supersede Title 18 on site‑specific development rules. § 18.20.010 and the specific plan text.

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