Imperial County Parking — Zoning Ordinance

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page distills how the Imperial County Land Use Ordinance governs parking for projects in the unincorporated areas. Parking rules live primarily in Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 2 (Off‑Street Parking), with zone‑specific cross‑references scattered through the base districts. If you are new to the County’s structure, start with the Imperial County zoning & planning overview and the base codes in Imperial County Zoning.

The County’s parking chapter sets minimum, use‑based space counts and objective design rules (stall size, aisle widths, paving), and it applies at new construction, change of use, or expansions of 40% or more. See § 90402.00, § 90402.07 and § 90402.13.

Countywide parking fundamentals (applies across all zones)

Applicability and timing. Provide required off‑street parking when a building or use is erected, established, changed, or expanded; expansions totaling 40% or more trigger full compliance. These are minimum standards. § 90402.00
How to count. Fractions ≥ 0.45 round up by one space (except residential Subsection A). “Floor area” means gross floor area unless stated otherwise. § 90402.02–.03
Seating conversions. Where counts are by seats: 18 inches per bench/pew = 1 seat; without fixed seating, use 7 sf/seat (concentrated) or 15 sf/seat (non‑concentrated). § 90402.05–.06
Stall size. Standard stalls are 9 ft × 20 ft; up to 10% of spaces (facilities >10 spaces) may be compact at 8 ft × 18 ft. § 90402.07–.08
Accessible parking. All accessible stalls/aisles must follow the state accessibility code; see California Building Standards Code. § 90402.07 (Title 24 reference)
Location and off‑site allowances.
- Residential: required spaces must be on the same parcel; no parking in the front setback (ADU rules are different). § 90402.11(A)
- Nonresidential: spaces must be on‑site or within 300 ft; off‑site/shared locations require recorded agreements. § 90402.11(B), § 90402.12
Design/paving/aisles/driveways. Paving materials and aisle widths are standardized; tandem is only allowed in residential when ≥3 off‑street spaces exist. § 90402.13(F)–(H)
Loading. Many industrial/commercial uses must also provide on‑site loading, with large‑vehicle operations reviewed by Public Works. § 90402.10
Definitions. “Off‑street parking,” “parking lot,” and “parking area” are defined terms. § 91401.15 (definitions)

Residential and ADU notes in unincorporated areas

Single‑family/duplex/condo/manufactured homes up to 3 bedrooms: 2 spaces/unit; >3 bedrooms: add 0.5 space per extra bedroom. Multifamily: +1 guest space/5 units. § 90402.01(A)(1)–(2)
ADUs: 1 space for 1‑BR ADU; 2 spaces for 2+ BR ADU; can be tandem on an existing driveway. State‑law exemptions apply (e.g., within ½‑mile of transit, in historic districts, in conversions). § 90402.01(A)(3) and state exemptions therein
Additional ADU provisions include not replacing primary‑unit parking when a garage/carport is converted to an ADU and allowing ADU parking in setbacks/tandem unless specific findings are made. § 90405.07(E),(F),(G)

Selected off‑street parking ratios by use (Countywide)

Use	Minimum Off‑Street Parking	Code Reference
Single‑family / duplex / condo / manufactured (≤3 BR)	2 spaces per unit (add 0.5/BR over 3)	§ 90402.01(A)(1)
Multifamily guest	1 per 5 units (in addition to base)	§ 90402.01(A)(2)
Boarding/rooming houses, dorms	1 per bedroom	§ 90402.01(B)
Mobile home park	2 per space + 1 guest per 5 spaces	§ 90402.01(C)
Retirement/rest homes	1 per 3 beds	§ 90402.01(D)
Offices (business/professional)	1 per 250 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(F)(1)
Financial institutions	1 per 200 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(F)(2)
Medical/dental/clinic/vet	1 per 200 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(F)(3)
General retail	1 per 250 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(G)(1)
Furniture store	1 per 500 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(G)(2)
Nursery	1/250 sf indoor + 1/2,000 sf outdoor	§ 90402.01(G)(3)
Auto sales	1/10,000 sf sales area + 1/250 sf office	§ 90402.01(G)(4)
Heavy equipment/RV/truck sales	1/2,500 sf sales + 1/250 sf office	§ 90402.01(G)(5)
Restaurant/cafe/coffee shop	1 per 100 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(G)(6)
Fast food; bars/taverns	1 per 75 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(G)(7)–(8)
Bowling alley	4 per lane or 1/500 sf (greater)	§ 90402.01(E)(1)
Dance hall/ballroom/discotheque	1/30 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(E)(2)
Hotel/motel	1/room + 2 mgr + 1/1,000 sf public; add meeting‑room parking as determined by PDS	§ 90402.01(E)(5)
Theaters	1 per 2 seats	§ 90402.01(E)(9)
Churches	1 per 3 fixed seats, or 1/50 sf GFA	§ 90402.01(…church)
Hospitals	1 per 2 beds	§ 90402.01(…hospitals)
Schools (K‑8, HS)	1/employee + 1/10 students	§ 90402.01(K)(2)–(3)
College/business/trade schools	1/employee + 1/2 students	§ 90402.01(K)(4)

Design highlights you’ll likely use:

Minimum aisle widths: 30° single row: 12 ft; 45°: 15 ft; 60°: 20 ft; 90°: 25 ft. § 90402.13(F)
Residential tandem allowed only when ≥3 off‑street spaces are provided. § 90402.13(G)
Driveway widths: residential on same lot 14 ft min (15 ft vertical clearance); commercial/industrial 20 ft min (18 ft clearance), reducible by Planning + Public Works. § 90402.13(H)

EV charging spaces (zoning provisions)

The County adopts EV charging requirements in its land use rules (separate from building‑code wiring). For multifamily projects, a portion of spaces must be EV‑ready; certain nonresidential projects may be required to provide EV charging by decision of the Planning Director. EV charging stalls count toward minimum parking. See § 90501.19(b)–(f) (including Table 90501.19(e)) . For the underlying installation standards, see Imperial County Development Standards and the state California Building Standards Code.

District-by-district notes (how parking shows up in base zones)

Below are the core zones most often encountered. For a full map/context, see Imperial County Land Use and Imperial County Overlay Districts.

R-1 (Low Density Residential)

Purpose/where: Detached neighborhoods up to 5 du/acre. § 90502.00
Parking interplay with setbacks: front setback options explicitly tie to providing 3–4 off‑street spaces behind the setback; “Innovative Options” allow reduced setbacks where all off‑street parking is in the rear yard and no driveway/on‑street parking is allowed. § 90502.06(A),(D)–(E)
Otherwise, residential counts come from § 90402.01(A) (see table above).

R-2 (Medium Density Residential)

Purpose/where: Duplexes and small multifamily.
Front setback can drop to 20–25 ft only if each unit provides the specified off‑street parking (2 per unit + visitor); the parking must sit behind the setback, with enclosed parking for the 20‑ft option. § 90503.06(A)
Parking standards reference the countywide chapter (§§ 90402.00–.16). § 90503.09

R-3 (High Density Residential)

Purpose/where: Higher‑density multifamily.
Front setback may reduce to 15 ft if 2 spaces/unit + visitor (1/3 units) are provided on‑site. § 90504.06(A)
Parking chapter applies; enclosed/hidden garages can allow additional site flexibility under R‑3. § 90504.09

A-2 (General Agriculture)

Purpose/where: Working ag lands with rural housing.
Parking: off‑street parking follows § 90402.01(A) for each single‑family dwelling; accessory/secondary uses may require more. § 90508.09

C-1 (Light Commercial)

Purpose/where: Neighborhood commercial. § 90512.00
Parking: relies on §§ 90402.00–.15. There is language about a possible 5% density reduction “where off‑street parking is prohibited vis‑à‑vis enclosed parking garages that are not readily visible from the street” — confer with staff on intended application. § 90512.09
Setbacks and landscaping link to visibility and compatibility; see Imperial County Landscaping and Screening. § 90512.06–.10

C-2 (Medium Commercial)

Purpose/where: Wider retail/commercial, often on major corridors.
Parking: as per §§ 90402.00–.15. § 90513.09

C-3 (Heavy Commercial)

Purpose/where: Highway/regional commercial.
Parking: as per §§ 90402.00–.15. § 90514.09

M-1 (Light Industrial)

Purpose/where: Light industrial/flex.
Parking: “as provided in accordance with § 90402.01(f).” Verify which subsection applies to your industrial use type. § 90515.09

M-2 (Medium Industrial)

Purpose/where: Wholesale/storage/trucking/general manufacturing.
Parking: “as provided in accordance with § 90402.01(F).” Verify the applicable schedule for your specific industrial activity. § 90516.09

M-3 (Heavy Industrial)

Purpose/where: Heavy processing/fabrication.
Parking: “as provided in accordance with § 90402.01(F).” Confirm ratios with Planning for your use. § 90517.09

AM-2 (Ag‑Industrial Mixed)

Purpose/where: Agricultural processing/light industrial adjacency.
Parking: same as M‑1. § 90511.09

S-1 (Open Space/Recreational)

Purpose/where: Desert/mountain/waterfront recreation/open space.
Parking is context‑specific to allowed uses; confirm early if a campground/RV/mobile home/RV mix is proposed. See S‑1 permitted uses and tie back to the countywide parking schedule. § 90518.00–.01

Checklist

Identify zone(s) and any overlays for the parcel; confirm if the site is in unincorporated County. See Imperial County Zoning and Imperial County Overlay Districts.
Determine use category and apply the § 90402.01 schedule; run fractional rounding per § 90402.02.
If a theater/assembly/school/church, convert seats/floor area to spaces using § 90402.05–.06.
Place stalls lawfully: residential on‑parcel and outside front setback; nonresidential on‑site or within 300 ft with recorded agreement. § 90402.11–.12
Add loading space(s) if your use is manufacturing/storage/retail/hospitality/etc.; coordinate truck routing with Public Works if semi‑deliveries are expected. § 90402.10
Meet stall size, aisle widths, driveway and paving/striping standards. § 90402.07–.13
For ADUs, apply County ADU parking plus state exemptions embedded in § 90402.01(A)(3) and § 90405.07; cross‑check California ADU law.
Confirm EV charging obligations under § 90501.19 and whether EV stalls can offset minimum parking on your project.
If a district ties setbacks to on‑site parking location/quantity (e.g., R‑1/R‑2/R‑3), incorporate that into your site plan. § 90502.06; § 90503.06; § 90504.06
Coordinate any design review or site plan items with Planning; see Imperial County Design Review.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
C‑1 “5% density reduction” clause	Wording is unclear about when/how the reduction applies related to enclosed garages not visible from the street	Ask Planning to interpret § 90512.09 for your site.
Industrial ratio cross‑reference	M‑1/M‑2/M‑3 point to § 90402.01(F); ensure you’re using the correct subcategory for your industrial use	Confirm ratio mapping with Planning; if use isn’t listed, staff will assign based on closest use. § 90402.04; § 90515.09; § 90516.09; § 90517.09
Off‑site/shared parking	Recording is required and runs with the land	Confirm legal descriptions and recording of agreements per § 90402.11(B)–.12.
ADU exemptions	Transit/historic/conversion/car‑share exemptions remove parking	Document evidence for exemptions under § 90402.01(A)(3) and § 90405.07(H).
Loading for truck deliveries	Semi‑truck access triggers Public Works review	Include truck maneuvering/berths early; § 90402.10.
Bicycle parking	Not addressed in § 90402; state building code may require it	Not found in retrieved materials; check California Building Standards Code.
G/S zone parking text	The parking provision is referenced but not retrieved here	Not found in retrieved materials; verify § 90520.09 with the jurisdiction.

Plain-English Summary

Imperial County sets minimum off‑street parking by use and requires standard 9×20‑ft stalls, clear aisle widths, paving, and on‑site loading where relevant. Put residential parking on the same lot and out of the front setback (ADUs have special rules), and keep nonresidential parking on‑site or within 300 ft with a recorded agreement. Some residential and commercial setbacks shrink if you place enough parking behind the setback line. Industrial and other specialized uses must match the countywide parking schedule or obtain a staff determination for unlisted uses.

Information Gaps

Industrial/manufacturing/warehouse specific ratios beyond the cross‑reference to § 90402.01(F): Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Bicycle parking standards in zoning: Not found in retrieved materials.
Government/Special Public (G/S) zone parking text (§ 90520.09): Not found in retrieved materials.

Source References

Title 9 Land Use Code applicability and purpose (unincorporated areas) — § 90101.00–.03
Off‑Street Parking chapter — § 90402.00–.13 (purpose; calculations; dimensions; location; joint use; design/paving/aisles/driveways; loading)
Parking schedule by use — § 90402.01 (residential, office, retail, restaurants, assembly, schools, hospitals, hotels, recreation)
ADU/minor residential parking provisions — § 90402.01(A)(3) and § 90405.07 (ADU standards)
Zone‑specific parking cross‑references — § 90512.09 (C‑1), § 90513.09 (C‑2), § 90514.09 (C‑3), § 90508.09 (A‑2), § 90511.09 (AM‑2), § 90515.09 (M‑1), § 90516.09 (M‑2), § 90517.09 (M‑3), § 90503.09 (R‑2), § 90504.09 (R‑3)
Setback/parking interactions (R‑1/R‑2/R‑3) — § 90502.06; § 90503.06; § 90504.06
EV charging in land use ordinance — § 90501.19(b)–(f), Table 90501.19(e)
Related County pages: Imperial County Development Standards, Imperial County Design Review, Imperial County Nonconforming Uses, Imperial County Variances and Exceptions, Imperial County Signage, California housing laws, California ADU law, California Building Standards Code

Sources

Retrieved passages

Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
California Building Code High relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
CFC § 3 (§ 3) High relevance
CFC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 65852.2) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 90402.01) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 11) Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 90101.01) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Title 9) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (Section 90502.01) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
CFC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 31121) Medium relevance
Imperial County Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CGBSC § 4.106.4.2 (Section 4.106.4.2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Imperial County code library

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces do I need for a single-family house in unincorporated Imperial County?

The base requirement is 2 spaces per unit up to 3 bedrooms. Add 0.5 space per bedroom above 3. These spaces must be on the same lot and outside the front setback. See § 90402.01(A)(1) and § 90402.11(A).

Can I put required residential parking in the front yard setback?

No. Required residential parking cannot be in the front setback. ADUs are treated differently (tandem/driveway/setback allowances and state exemptions may apply). § 90402.11(A); § 90402.01(A)(3); § 90405.07.

How far away can off-site nonresidential parking be located?

Within 300 feet of the use, with a recorded agreement that runs with the land (and joint‑use parking must still meet the total sum of required spaces for all uses it serves). § 90402.11(B)–.12.

What are the minimum stall dimensions and aisle widths I should draw on my plan?

Standard stalls are 9 ft by 20 ft (with up to 10% compact at 8 ft by 18 ft if the lot has >10 spaces). Aisles range from 12 ft (30°) to 25 ft (90°). § 90402.07–.08; § 90402.13(F).

How is restaurant parking calculated?

Restaurants/cafes/coffee shops require 1 space per 100 square feet of gross floor area; fast‑food restaurants and bars/taverns require 1 per 75 sf. § 90402.01(G)(6)–(8).

Do I need a loading space?

Yes, if your use receives or distributes goods (e.g., retail, warehouse, manufacturing, hotel/restaurant, hospital). For semi‑truck deliveries, loading provisions are reviewed by Public Works. § 90402.10.

Can I reduce setbacks if I tuck parking behind the building in residential zones?

Often yes. R‑1, R‑2 and R‑3 tie specific front‑setback reductions to providing a set number of off‑street spaces behind the setback line or in enclosed garages. See § 90502.06; § 90503.06; § 90504.06.

Are there EV charging space requirements that affect my parking count?

Yes. The County’s land use code requires EV‑ready/EV‑equipped spaces in certain multifamily and, at the Planning Director’s determination, some nonresidential projects. EV spaces count toward minimum parking. § 90501.19(b)–(f).

Imperial County — Parking