Local zoning · Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay — Parking

Q: What are the required off‑street parking counts for common commercial uses in Half Moon Bay?

The numerical counts are in Table A of § 18.36.040 ; examples include auto sales — 1 per 500 sq ft , marina — 1 per 2 boat moorings , and other commercial uses calculated per gross floor area or per employee as listed in that table (see § 18.36.040 for the full list).

Q: What bicycle parking is required?

Short‑term bicycle parking is required at 1 bicycle space per 10 required vehicle spaces with a minimum 4 bicycle spaces for many uses; short‑term stalls must be within 50 ft of the main entrance and anchored so a frame and wheel can be secured ( § 18.36.070(A)(1–4) ) .

Q: Are there special downtown parking rules?

The downtown C‑D district is treated differently: planning commission may approve parking exceptions consistent with the downtown specific plan, but exceptions must meet the findings in § 18.08.045 and be as nearly compliant with Chapter 18.36 as reasonably possible ( § 18.07.050 ; § 18.08.045 ) .

Q: Does Half Moon Bay require EV parking or charging spaces?

The code defines EV parking spaces and references provision of EV parking consistent with state requirements; projects should provide EV spaces and equipment in line with California standards and identify these on plans (definitions and EV references are in § 18.02.040 and Chapter 18.36). For technical charger standards, consult the California Building Standards Code .

Parking under the Half Moon Bay local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Half Moon Bay zoning ordinance requires for parking (off‑street vehicle parking, loading, and bicycle parking) and how those rules apply across the local zoning districts. It interprets the city’s parking chapter and related district provisions so applicants know which numeric standards and design rules to expect. The controlling rules are in Chapter 18.36 (Parking Standards) and related district chapters; each rule below is cited to the exact code section. See the city’s development standards and design review pages when your proposal also triggers those processes. Half Moon Bay Development Standards

Key citywide rules (what the code requires)

Intent: off‑street vehicle parking rules are intended to implement reasonable parking requirements and design standards in all zoning districts ( § 18.36.005 ) .
General provisions: required parking is a continuing owner obligation; required spaces must be shown on permit plans and generally must be on the same site as the use unless the city approves off‑site parking under strict conditions ( § 18.36.010 ; § 18.36.065 ) .
Required counts: building‑use‑specific parking ratios are listed in Table A (the “Number of Required Off‑Street Parking Spaces”) ( § 18.36.040 ) — examples include auto sales, marinas, warehouses, mortuaries, and rules for uses not listed (see table) .
Size & layout: stall dimensions, aisle widths, and compact‑stall allowances are specified in Tables B and C (standard stall 9' x 19' clear; compact stall area 153 sq ft as one example) ( § 18.36.040 ) .
Loading: off‑street loading berths are required for buildings that receive/distribute goods; minimum berth is 10 ft wide x 60 ft long with 14 ft overhead clearance; number of berths scales with building size ( § 18.36.045 ) .
Guest parking: multifamily developments must provide guest spaces at 1 per 4 units ( § 18.36.050 ) .
Improvements & design controls: surfacing, curbing, setbacks from property lines, lighting, striping/signage, screening and stormwater BMPs are required (curb at least 4 in high; setback of 4.5 ft from property line for outer boundary stalls; lighting must not glare into residential areas) ( § 18.36.055 ) .
Residential front yards: in R districts limited driveway parking in front yards is allowed under narrow conditions and parking in the front yard for more than short temporary periods is restricted (24 hours in any 30‑day period) ( § 18.36.060 ) .
Bicycle parking: short‑term and long‑term bicycle parking rules, minimum counts, location, anchoring, dimensions, and clearances are specified (short‑term: 1 bike space per 10 vehicle spaces, minimum 4 spaces for many uses; location within 50 ft of main entrance; short term stall 2' x 6') ( § 18.36.070 ) .
Low‑emission / EV parking: the code defines EV parking spaces and requires provision consistent with state code (see definitions and references to California standards) (definitions in § 18.02.040 and related provisions in Chapter 18.36) .
Exceptions & variances: parking exceptions may be approved under findings that consider parking demand studies, preservation of historic resources, or conformance with downtown policies (see findings and criteria) ( § 18.08.045 ) .

Note: this page covers zoning/planning parking rules only. For vehicle charging equipment, electrical capacity, or accessible parking construction details, consult the California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the districts where the code contains parking‑specific provisions or different treatment. Each subsection states the district name in bold, the parking‑relevant purpose/uses, the main numeric or dimensional rules that differ for that district, and where that district typically applies.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes and accessory uses governed by residential development standards in Chapter 18.06. Parking for homes is treated as accessory to dwellings (see residential parking rules) ( § 18.06.040 ) .
Key parking rules: required off‑street parking must meet residential dimensions (standard stall 9' x 19') and driveway/garage rules; garage spaces shall not be located within the front yard setback; limited driveway/front‑yard parking in front of garages is allowed but parking within the front yard beyond short temporary periods is prohibited ( § 18.06.040(D)(1,4) ; § 18.36.060 ) .
Where it applies: city residential neighborhoods zoned R‑1; consult lot‑by‑lot setbacks and street‑section rules in Chapter 18.06.

R-2 (Duplex / Two‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: duplex/two‑unit residential development. Parking similar to R‑1 but with specific guest and tandem rules for duplexes/triplexes ( § 18.06.040 ) .
Key parking rules: duplex/triplex require one guest parking space (uncovered) and guest spaces generally cannot be tandem without an approved parking exception ( § 18.06.040(D)(5) ) .

R-3 (Multifamily Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: multifamily apartments and related residential uses.
Key parking rules: at least one of the two required parking spaces per unit must be enclosed as a garage unless specific C‑D multifamily exceptions apply; guest parking at 1 per 4 units ( § 18.06.040(D)(6) ; § 18.36.050 ) Compact parking for multifamily in R‑3 is allowed where required counts exceed thresholds (see compact parking allowances) ( § 18.36.045(1)(b) ) .
Where it applies: medium‑density residential zones mapped R‑3.

C-D (Downtown Commercial)

Purpose / typical uses: downtown retail, restaurants, offices, mixed‑use. The downtown district is governed by a downtown specific plan chapter with tailored development standards (refer to Chapter 18.07 for details) ( § 18.07 ) .
Key parking rules: the downtown district is treated flexibly: parking exceptions are explicitly allowed where consistent with the downtown specific plan; required spaces are still generally derived from Chapter 18.36 but the planning commission can approve reductions with findings ( § 18.07.050 ; § 18.08.045 ) .
Where it applies: downtown commercial core (see local zone maps).

Commercial‑General, Commercial‑Residential, Commercial‑Visitor‑Serving

Purpose / typical uses: varied commercial uses citywide—general retail/service, mixed commercial‑residential, visitor/tourist‑serving uses.
Key parking rules: required parking counts for each use are in Table A ( § 18.36.040 ). Compact parking is permissible when serving properties in these commercial districts and the number of required spaces exceeds ten ( § 18.36.045(1)(a) ). Parking exceptions available under the standards in § 18.08.045 with required findings ( § 18.08.045 ) .
Where it applies: properties zoned commercial across the city.

Open Space / Conservation (OS / Coastal Conservation)

Purpose / typical uses: parks, natural resource protection; development standards in Chapter 18.12 apply.
Key parking rules: parking is required where development occurs, but special setbacks and buffers apply (e.g., 100 ft setback from adjacent residential districts for new structures/parking in certain open space subsections) ( § 18.12.025(C) ) .
Where it applies: open space, conservation, and coastal resource areas.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — special parking rules

Purpose / typical uses: ADUs are regulated in Chapter 18.33 with special parking rules reflecting state ADU law.
Key parking rules: a minimum of one off‑street parking space for the ADU is normally required; however, the code waives ADU parking within mapped historic/overlay areas depicted in Figure 18.33‑1 (areas such as Miramar, Casa del Mar, Alsace Lorraine, Arleta Park), allows tandem or driveway replacement in specific circumstances, and permits the replacement of garage spaces demolished to construct an ADU ( § 18.33.050(H) ) .
Where it applies: ADU sites citywide, with mapped exemptions shown in Figure 18.33‑1 (see § 18.33.050 for the map areas) .

Decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic / requirement	Standard or example	Code Reference
Standard parking stall	9' x 19' clear	§ 18.06.040(D)(1)
Compact stall area	153 sq ft per compact stall (Table C)	§ 18.36.045(2)
Aisle & angle dimensions	See Table B (aisle widths vary by angle; e.g., 90° two‑way 25 ft)	§ 18.36.040
Loading berth size	10 ft × 60 ft min; 14 ft overhead clearance	§ 18.36.045(B)
Guest parking (multifamily)	1 space per 4 units	§ 18.36.050(A)
Bicycle short‑term count	1 per 10 vehicle spaces, min 4 spaces for many uses	§ 18.36.070(A)(1)
Off‑site parking distance limit	Off‑site spaces must be within 300 ft walking distance	§ 18.36.065(A)
Screening for >10 stalls adjacent to residential	Solid fence/wall min 6 ft or approved screen planting	§ 18.36.055(A)(1)
Parking exceptions (findings)	Planning Commission findings, parking demand eval., or historic preservation	§ 18.08.045

(Full tables and numeric lists are in § 18.36.040 and the accompanying Tables A–C) .

Practical guidance — how the rules are applied

Start your site plan showing the exact number of required spaces from § 18.36.040 and the stall/aisle dimensions from Tables B/C; the building permit will not be accepted without these plans (see § 18.36.010(B) and § 18.36.080 for plans to accompany building permit) .
If you propose off‑site parking, make sure the lot is within 300 ft walking distance, under common control or encumbered by recorded covenants, and that a deed restriction is recorded as required by § 18.36.065 — the planning commission will require the recordation instrument ( § 18.36.065(C–D) ) .
In downtown or constrained sites, expect the planning commission to evaluate parking exceptions under § 18.08.045 and to require EV, bicycle, and ADA compliance even if an exception is granted ( § 18.08.045 ) .
Bicycle parking must be located per § 18.36.070 (short‑term within 50 ft of entrance and visible; long‑term standards also specified) and anchored to allow locking of frame and wheel ( § 18.36.070(A)(2–4) ) .
ADU applicants should check Figure 18.33‑1 and § 18.33.050(H) for parking waivers/exceptions and replacement rules before designing the driveway/garage changes required for the ADU permit ( § 18.33.050 ) .

Linking notes: if your project triggers site design or architectural change, coordinate with Half Moon Bay Design Review and the Half Moon Bay Overlay Districts pages early; ADU applicants should also read the Half Moon Bay ADUs guidance and confirm state law consistency with California ADU law. For compliance with electrical/structural requirements for EV chargers or accessible parking, consult the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist

Show parking count calculation using Table A ( § 18.36.040 )
Dimension each stall and aisle to Tables B/C; label any compact stalls ( § 18.36.040, § 18.36.045 )
Include loading berth(s) when required (size & number per § 18.36.045 )
Show surfacing, curbs (min 4 in), setback from property line (4.5 ft) for outer stalls, lighting plan ( § 18.36.055 )
Add bicycle parking (short‑ or long‑term) and show racks anchored per § 18.36.070
Provide ADA/disabled stalls in accordance with state law (see code note and definitions) ( § 18.36.040 ; definitions in § 18.02.040 )
If proposing off‑site parking, include recorded covenant language and distance analysis ( § 18.36.065 )
If requesting a parking exception, include parking demand analysis and findings to meet § 18.08.045 criteria

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking waivers & mapped areas	The code waives ADU parking in specific mapped neighborhoods; misreading the map can cause a denied permit	Verify if the parcel is inside the Figure 18.33‑1 areas (Miramar, Casa del Mar, Alsace Lorraine, Arleta Park) and cite § 18.33.050(H)
Off‑site parking permanence	Off‑site parking approvals require recorded instruments; lack of recordation can void approval	Confirm deed restrictions meet city attorney standards and recording requirements per § 18.36.065(D)
Downtown exceptions vs. downtown specific plan	Downtown parking exceptions require findings that they conform to the downtown plan; this can be subjective	Early coordination with planners and citing § 18.07.050 plus § 18.08.045 is recommended
Bicycle parking “commercial centers” definition	Location and visibility standards vary by use; misplacing racks can fail inspection	Confirm whether your project qualifies as a “commercial center” and follow § 18.36.070(A)(2) for location and signage
State vs local ADU/parking rules	State law can override local parking requirements for ADUs in some instances	Verify current state ADU rules and consult § 18.33.050; if uncertain, “Verify with the jurisdiction.”

Plain-English Summary

Half Moon Bay’s zoning code requires developers to provide a specific number of off‑street vehicle parking spaces, bicycle racks, and loading berths based on the type and size of the use (see Chapter 18.36). Standards set stall sizes, aisle widths, surfacing, screening, and where parking can be off‑site; downtown and ADU areas have flexible or waived rules in mapped situations, but exceptions require planning commission findings and sometimes recorded covenants (see § 18.36.040, § 18.36.065, § 18.33.050).

Source References

City of Half Moon Bay Municipal Code, Chapter 18.36, Parking Standards — § 18.36.005, § 18.36.010, § 18.36.040, § 18.36.045, § 18.36.050, § 18.36.055, § 18.36.060, § 18.36.065, § 18.36.070.
Definitions and parking‑related definitions (EV parking, parking space) — § 18.02.040.
Parking exceptions and findings (general exceptions & downtown specific references) — § 18.08.045.
Residential parking standards and stall dimensions — § 18.06.040.
ADU parking rules and mapped ADU parking waiver areas (Figure 18.33‑1) — § 18.33.050.

If you want the local code web pages themselves (the ordinance text online), those are the source of the file excerpts used here (downloaded from the city eCode implementation in the uploaded materials) — verify specific parcel consequences with the City of Half Moon Bay Planning Division or the exact online municipal code if you need full verbatim language.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 18.36.055) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 18.36.040) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 18.36.030.) High relevance
CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 18.36.040) High relevance
Half Moon Bay Zoning Code (§ 18.36.040) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Half Moon Bay code library

Frequently asked questions

What are the required off‑street parking counts for common commercial uses in Half Moon Bay?

The numerical counts are in Table A of § 18.36.040; examples include auto sales — 1 per 500 sq ft, marina — 1 per 2 boat moorings, and other commercial uses calculated per gross floor area or per employee as listed in that table (see § 18.36.040 for the full list).

How wide and long must parking stalls and aisles be?

Standard stall dimensions and aisle widths are set in Table B (see § 18.36.040). The ordinary standard stall is 9' x 19' clear, and aisle widths vary by parking angle (e.g., 90° two‑way aisles commonly 25 ft); compact stalls and corresponding dimensions are in Table C.

Can required parking be located off‑site from the building it serves?

Yes, but only if strict conditions are met: the off‑site lot must be within 300 ft walking distance or otherwise useful, must not create traffic hazards, must be under common control or under a recorded instrument guaranteeing its continued use, and the planning commission/city council must approve ( § 18.36.065 ) .

Do multifamily projects need guest parking?

Yes. Multifamily residential developments must provide guest parking on site at a ratio of 1 guest space per 4 units ( § 18.36.050(A) ) .

What bicycle parking is required?

Short‑term bicycle parking is required at 1 bicycle space per 10 required vehicle spaces with a minimum 4 bicycle spaces for many uses; short‑term stalls must be within 50 ft of the main entrance and anchored so a frame and wheel can be secured ( § 18.36.070(A)(1–4) ) .

What are the loading berth requirements?

Buildings that receive/distribute goods must provide off‑street loading berths sized and numbered per § 18.36.045. Minimum berth dimensions are 10 ft wide x 60 ft long with 14 ft clearance; number of berths scales with gross floor area (one berth up to 20,000 sq ft; two for 20–50k; additional berths per 50k thereafter).

Are there special downtown parking rules?

The downtown C‑D district is treated differently: planning commission may approve parking exceptions consistent with the downtown specific plan, but exceptions must meet the findings in § 18.08.045 and be as nearly compliant with Chapter 18.36 as reasonably possible ( § 18.07.050 ; § 18.08.045 ) .

Does Half Moon Bay require EV parking or charging spaces?

The code defines EV parking spaces and references provision of EV parking consistent with state requirements; projects should provide EV spaces and equipment in line with California standards and identify these on plans (definitions and EV references are in § 18.02.040 and Chapter 18.36). For technical charger standards, consult the California Building Standards Code.

Can a homeowner park in the front yard in a residential zone?

Limited driveway parking in front of garages is allowed in R districts for all‑weather driveways; however, parking/storing a vehicle in the front yard beyond short temporary periods (no more than 24 hours in any 30‑day period) is not permitted ( § 18.36.060 ) .

If my project can’t meet required parking counts, what can I do?

You can apply for a parking exception or variance; for commercial or downtown districts the planning commission will evaluate a parking demand study and make findings under § 18.08.045 before approving an exception, and may require EV, bicycle, and ADA accommodations as part of the approval.

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