Local zoning · Hawaiian Gardens

Hawaiian Gardens — Parking

Q: How many spaces does an apartment building need per unit?

The code requires 1.0 space for 1‑bedroom units, 1.5 spaces for 2‑bedroom units, and 2.0 spaces for 3+ bedroom units , plus guest parking at 1 space per 3 units . These requirements appear in § 18.50.010 .

Q: Are compact stalls allowed to meet the requirement?

Yes, but no more than 20% of required spaces may be compact, and compact stalls must be clearly marked. See the compact space limits and dimensions in § 18.50.010(D) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Hawaiian Gardens' Zoning Code requires for parking, off‑street loading, bicycle parking, and parking‑area design. It focuses on the local rules in Title 18 (the Zoning Code): who must provide spaces, the typical ratios by use, dimensional and landscape/layout rules, special rules for residential zones and parking districts, and where reductions or shared arrangements are allowed. See the zoning text for full language; key parking rules appear in § 18.50.010 (residential) and § 18.70.010 (non‑residential).

(Note: this page links to related Hawaiian Gardens topics: zoning, development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code where those topics are first mentioned in the text below.)

What the code covers (quick map of authorities)

The City’s zone list and zone purposes are in § 18.30.010 (zones such as R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4, RIH, MHP, C‑2, C‑4, M‑1, MU‑1, MU‑2, and overlays).
Residential parking and special residential‑zone rules are in § 18.50.010.
Non‑residential parking, loading, ADA counts, layout/dimension, stacking lanes, and bicycle parking rules are in § 18.70.010.
General parking lot design, planting, screening, and maintenance standards are dispersed through the same chapters (see parking layout tables and landscaping requirements).

(First occurrence links: Hawaiian Gardens Zoning, Hawaiian Gardens Development Standards, Hawaiian Gardens Design Review, Hawaiian Gardens Overlay Districts, Hawaiian Gardens ADUs, California Building Standards Code.)

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the zoning districts in the Zoning Code that matter for parking. For each district I identify the purpose, typical permitted uses (short), the parking rules that apply to development in that district, and where that district is mapped (where it applies).

Note: the zoning map and zone list are in § 18.30.010; use that to confirm the exact zone for a parcel.

R‑1 (Single‑Family Estate and Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes and accessory residential uses (see Chapter 18.40). § 18.40 establishes residential zones.
Parking rule: single‑family and duplex units require 2 spaces in an enclosed garage (and in some small lots only 1 enclosed garage space) — see § 18.50.010. Driveway/front‑yard parking is permitted only on a paved driveway leading directly to the garage and limited in width to match the garage/carport.
Where it applies: areas mapped as R‑1 on the zoning map; consult § 18.30.010.

R‑2 / R‑3 / R‑4 (Medium → High Density Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: small multi‑family, apartments, and higher density housing per zone tables in Chapter 18.40. Development standards (setbacks, density ranges) are in each R‑zone section (e.g., § 18.40.030, § 18.40.050).
Parking rule: multi‑family parking is calculated per unit: 1.0 space/unit for 1‑bedroom, 1.5 spaces/unit for 2‑bedroom, 2.0 spaces/unit for 3+ bedrooms; guest parking = 1 space per 3 units. These requirements are in § 18.50.010.
Special: RIH (below) and by‑right housing provisions may modify development rules; verify with Community Development for parcel‑specific interpretation.

RIH (Religious Institution Housing)

Purpose / typical uses: high density residential where associated with existing church properties. § 18.40.055 lists development standards for the RIH zone.
Parking rule: residential parking standards apply per § 18.50.010 (see multi‑family ratios above). If a parking lot for a nonresidential use is proposed inside a residential zone, a CUP is required and special rules at § 18.50.010(L) apply.

MHP (Mobile Home Park)

Purpose / typical uses: mobile home parks; standards in Chapter 18.40. Parking for mobilehome spaces is addressed via Chapter 18.50 referencing mobilehome lot standards.

C‑2 (Downtown Commercial) and C‑4 (General Commercial)

Purpose / typical uses: retail, restaurants, services, commercial centers. § 18.60.010–.020 describe C‑2 and C‑4 zones and require non‑residential parking standards in Chapter 18.70.010.
Parking rule: non‑residential uses follow the use‑specific parking schedule in § 18.70.010 (examples in the table: theaters, financial institutions, car washes, etc.), plus loading space rules and ADA counts. Shared parking for commercial centers can be allowed with a minor use permit and recorded agreement (see § 18.50.010(G) / § 18.70.010).

M‑1 (Light Industrial)

Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, storage, warehousing. Parking requirements for industrial uses are set out as ratios in § 18.70.010 (for example: manufacturing 1 per 500 sf, storage 1 per 1,000 sf for first 20,000 sf then stepped rates). Loading requirements for industrial buildings are in the same non‑residential section.

MU‑1 / MU‑2 (Mixed‑Use)

Purpose / typical uses: mixed residential/commercial; parking for mixed uses must total the sum of the separate uses unless a shared parking reduction or special mixed‑use provision applies (see mixed‑use cross references in § 18.70.010 and Chapter 18.55). Verify mixed‑use parking rules and any reductions with the Community Development Director.

Overlay zones (e.g., (BC), (CC))

Overlays apply additional standards to underlying zones. The Bingo Club overlay (BC) explicitly sets a parking standard for bingo parlors (one space per two seats). When an overlay applies, overlay rules and the underlying zone must both be respected; see § 18.80.030–.040 and the bingo overlay language.

Key numeric standards and design controls (decision table)

Topic	Typical rule / number	Code Reference
Single‑family parking	2 spaces in an enclosed garage (exceptions for lots ≤25 ft).	§ 18.50.010
Multi‑family (by unit)	1.0 / 1.5 / 2.0 spaces per unit (1‑bed / 2‑bed / 3+ bed); guest 1 per 3 units.	§ 18.50.010
Handicap/ADA spaces	Required by lot size table; ADA spaces count toward total parking.	§ 18.70.010(C)
Non‑residential ratios	Varies by use (e.g., theater 1 per 4 seats, financial 1 / 250 sf, laundromat 1 / 3 washers, manufacturing 1 / 500 sf).	§ 18.70.010 (use table)
Loading spaces (non‑res)	Commercial: none if <15,000 sf; 1 for 15,001–45,000 sf; up to 4 for very large buildings.	§ 18.70.010 (loading table)
Parking stall dims (regular)	90° stall = 9' x 20', two‑way aisle 24' (angled and compact dimensions also specified).	§ 18.50.010(D) (dimension tables)
Compact spaces limit	No more than 20% of required parking may be compact.	§ 18.50.010(D)
Bicycle parking	Short‑term inverted "U" racks; long‑term secure parking encouraged in structures.	§ 18.50.010(M) / § 18.70.010(M)
Landscaping in lots	1 tree per 10 spaces; landscaped islands at intervals; pedestrian sidewalk and 6' landscape strips specified.	§ 18.50.010(5)(a–v)
Parking in residential front yard	Only on paved driveway to garage; driveway width ≤ garage width; no parking on unpaved surfaces.	§ 18.50.010(J)
Tandem parking	Generally not counted, except large developments with valet and >500 spaces.	§ 18.50.010(D)(4)

(See the full tables in § 18.50.010 and § 18.70.010 for additional uses and complete tables.)

Practical guidance / interpretation tips

Start with the zone for the parcel in § 18.30.010 to determine which chapter governs the project (residential Chapter 18.50 vs non‑residential 18.70).
For a proposed use, find the matching use in the § 18.70.010 use table (non‑residential) or the residential schedule in § 18.50.010; if the use isn’t listed, the Community Development Director determines the closest comparable use. § 18.50.010 / § 18.70.010 explain this director determination.
ADA/accessible stalls must meet Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) and CVC sign rules; the Zoning Code requires that ADA spaces be provided and counts them toward totals but defers technical construction specifications to the state code. Link to the local California Building Standards Code. § 18.70.010(C)
If proposing shared parking, prepare a shared parking study and a recorded agreement as the code requires (minor use permit + recorded agreement). § 18.50.010(G) and related provisions spell out distance limits and required findings.
Bicycle parking: provide inverted “U” racks for short‑term near entrances; long‑term bicycle parking must be secure (structure or secured area). § 18.50.010(M) / § 18.70.010(M).

Checklist

Confirm the parcel's zone on the zoning map (§ 18.30.010) and applicable overlays.
Determine the use category and pull required ratio from § 18.50.010 (residential) or § 18.70.010 (non‑residential).
Calculate total spaces, rounding fractions up per the code. § 18.50.010 / § 18.70.010.
Provide required ADA spaces per the lot table in § 18.70.010(C) and ensure design follows the California Building Standards Code.
Dimension stalls and aisles to the minimum tables in § 18.50.010(D); cap compact stalls at 20%.
Include required landscape (1 tree / 10 spaces; finger islands; perimeter curbs) and screening when abutting residential zones. § 18.50.010.
If proposing shared parking or a reduction, prepare the shared parking study and recorded agreement per § 18.50.010(G).
If parking will be off‑site or within a parking district, confirm in‑lieu fee rules and location restrictions (see parking district rules). § 18.50.010(J).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking exceptions	ADU parking rules differ by type (attached/detached vs converted vs junior ADU). Mistaking the category can cause permit denial.	Check § 18.50.010 ADU lines and § 18.90.080 supplemental ADU rules. Verify unit type and apply the exact ADU subsection.
Use not listed in the table	The Director must pick a comparable use; that decision affects required spaces.	If the use is not explicit, request a Director determination per § 18.50.010 / § 18.70.010 and expect possible referral to the Planning Commission.
Shared parking distance limits	Shared parking reductions have distance limits (150' for certain uses; 500' for others). Mis‑locating parking can invalidate a shared plan.	Confirm allowed walking distance and required recorded agreement per § 18.50.010(G).
Parking districts / in‑lieu fees	An established parking district may allow payment of an in‑lieu fee instead of providing spaces.	Check zoning map for parking districts and City Council in‑lieu fee resolutions; see parking district provisions in § 18.50.010(J). Verify whether a district applies to the parcel.
Tandem / valet exceptions	Tandem parking is generally not allowed to meet minimums unless specific size/valet conditions are met.	Confirm whether your project qualifies (e.g., >500 spaces + valet) per § 18.50.010(D)(4).
Parcel‑specific rules (overlays, specific plans)	Overlays or SPs can alter parking or require special conditions (e.g., bingo overlay sets its own rule).	Check for overlays (e.g., (BC), (CC)) on the parcel via § 18.30.010 and overlay sections (Chapter 18.80).

If an item above cannot be confirmed from the retrieved text, the code language either references other chapters or requires administrative determination — Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

Hawaiian Gardens requires most projects to provide on‑site off‑street parking calculated by use: single‑family homes normally need two enclosed garage spaces; apartments use unit‑based ratios; businesses use a use‑by‑use table. The code also sets stall dimensions, compact limits, landscape/curb/tree requirements, bicycle parking standards, loading space counts, ADA stall counts (which must meet Title 24), and a process for shared parking or minor reductions — see § 18.50.010 and § 18.70.010.

Source References

City of Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code — Zones list and map: § 18.30.010.
Residential parking & general parking applicability: § 18.50.010 (Parking and loading requirements).
Non‑residential parking, loading, ADA counts, layout, stacking lanes, bicycle parking: § 18.70.010.
Parking layout dimensions and compact‑space rules: parking dimension tables in § 18.50.010(D).
Shared parking, management plans, and minor exception rules: § 18.50.010(G) and related subsections.
Overlay rules and the Bingo Club overlay parking standard: Chapter 18.80 (BC overlay).
Bicycle parking short/long term: § 18.50.010(M) / § 18.70.010(M).
California Building Standards Code (for ADA / stall construction technical requirements) — state code referenced by the Zoning Code. Link: California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
CBC § 001 (Chapter 6.47) High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Section 18.100.130) High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (section is) High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Section 18.100.130) High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Section 18.70.010) High relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Chapter 18.50) Medium relevance
CBC § 100 (Chapter 6.47) Medium relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Chapter 6.47) Medium relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Section 18.100.170) Medium relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Chapter 18.10) Medium relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (Section 18.100.170) Medium relevance
Hawaiian Gardens Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Hawaiian Gardens code library

Frequently asked questions

What parking rules apply to a single‑family lot in Hawaiian Gardens?

Single‑family homes follow the residential schedule: normally 2 enclosed garage spaces required (lots 25' wide or less may require only one enclosed space); driveway parking is allowed only on a paved driveway leading directly to the garage and must not exceed the garage/carport width. See § 18.50.010(J) and § 18.50.010 for the residential parking schedule.

How many spaces does an apartment building need per unit?

The code requires 1.0 space for 1‑bedroom units, 1.5 spaces for 2‑bedroom units, and 2.0 spaces for 3+ bedroom units, plus guest parking at 1 space per 3 units. These requirements appear in § 18.50.010.

Do commercial buildings need loading docks and how big must they be?

Yes — non‑residential buildings have loading requirements by floor area (e.g., none under 15,000 sf; 1 loading space for 15,001–45,000 sf; up to 4 for very large facilities). An individual loading space must be at least 10 ft wide x 24 ft long with 14 ft clearance, and loading areas cannot block drive aisles or be located within required off‑street parking stalls. See § 18.70.010 (loading tables and standards).

Where are bicycle parking requirements specified for new developments?

Short‑term inverted “U” racks at or near entrances and secure long‑term bicycle parking in structures are required as described in the bicycle parking subsection of the parking chapter (see § 18.50.010(M) / § 18.70.010(M)). Bicycle stalls do not count as required automobile spaces.

Can required parking be satisfied by off‑site spaces or an in‑lieu fee?

Off‑site parking can be allowed only under limited circumstances or where the City Council has established a parking district; within an identified parking district nonresidential off‑street parking may be satisfied by an in‑lieu fee. See parking district rules in § 18.50.010(J) and related mapping references. Verify whether a parking district applies to your parcel.

Are compact stalls allowed to meet the requirement?

Yes, but no more than 20% of required spaces may be compact, and compact stalls must be clearly marked. See the compact space limits and dimensions in § 18.50.010(D).

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

If a use is not listed, the Community Development Director will assign the most similar listed use (Director determination); that process and potential appeal rights are described in the zoning code. See the determination and appeal rules in § 18.40.070 and the parking chapters.

Does the code require landscape and tree planting in parking lots?

Yes — parking lots must provide landscape islands and trees (typically one tree per 10 spaces), planter islands, and perimeter screening where abutting residential zones. The landscaping and tree counts are in the parking/lot design subsections of § 18.50.010.

Can I use tandem parking or valet to reduce stall counts?

Tandem parking is generally not allowed to meet required minimums unless the development has over 500 spaces and a valet attendant is on duty; check § 18.50.010(D)(4) for the exact limitation.

Do ADA accessible spaces count toward the total parking requirement?

Yes — accessible spaces count toward the total required parking and must be provided in the numbers and locations required in the ADA/lot table; detailed construction specs are governed by the California Building Standards Code. See § 18.70.010(C).

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