Local zoning · Inglewood

Inglewood — Parking

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

The City of Inglewood regulates off-street parking and related facilities primarily in Article 19 of its zoning code (often reported as Title 12 / zoning), requiring on‑site parking for new or expanded uses and establishing alternatives (leased/off‑site/shared parking), bicycle parking, loading, size/dimension standards, and transportation demand management (TDM) triggers. The city ties parking/site layout review into its site plan review process and design standards; large nonresidential projects (and those over thresholds) must also provide TDM/car‑pool spaces and bicycle facilities. See the municipal rules for the detailed formulas and exceptions referenced below. (Key citations: § 12‑40, § 12‑41, § 12‑42.1, § 12‑43)

(First internal links: the word "parking" links to the Inglewood Development Standards page and the first mention of "site plan review" links to Inglewood Design Review.)
parking: /us/california/inglewood/development-standards — site plan review: /us/california/inglewood/design-review

How the rules are organized (short)

  • Mandatory off‑street parking for most new construction or expansions: § 12‑40.
  • Residential parking standards (including R‑zone formulas and ADU rules): § 12‑43 and related parts of § 12‑41.
  • Commercial parking formulas by use and size: § 12‑44.
  • Bicycle, carpool/vanpool and TDM rules for larger projects: § 12‑42.1.
  • Parking dimensions, compact/tandem sizing, drive aisles and handicapped standards: § 12‑51, § 12‑54, § 12‑57.
  • Loading berths and minimums: § 12‑58.

(Other related topics mentioned on this page: overlays, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, zoning, landscaping; the first appearance of each term below is linked to the jurisdictional menu.)
overlays: /us/california/inglewood/overlay-districts — ADUs: /us/california/inglewood/adu — California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes — zoning: /us/california/inglewood/zoning — landscaping: /us/california/inglewood/landscaping-and-screening

District-by-district breakdown (parking-focused)

Below are the Inglewood code zones that most directly affect how parking is applied on a parcel. Each subsection summarizes the zone purpose, typical permitted uses (relevant to parking demand), and site-level parking or dimensional notes drawn from the code.

R-1 (One‑Family Zone)

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Single‑family dwellings and accessory uses. (See general R zone provisions.) Notable permitted accessory: garages/attached parking.
  • Parking rules that apply: Two enclosed parking spaces per dwelling unit for one‑ or two‑unit lots (refer to § 12‑43(A) and the referenced parking location standards). Tandem parking and driveway sizing rules in § 12‑52 apply to residential access.
  • Dimensional/site notes: Driveway widths and circular driveway rules (maximum/minimum widths, placement) are specified in § 12‑52; garages facing streets must be attached and enclosed per the front‑facing garage rules.

R-2 (Limited Multiple‑Family Zone)

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Small multi‑unit residential (duplexes, small multifamily). Parking standard: Two enclosed spaces per unit for multiunit residential unless other rules apply; the R‑zone rules allow certain flexibility for additional units where existing parking meets minimum width/length. See § 12‑43 and related R‑zone clauses.

R-3 (Multiple‑Family Zone) — § 12‑21

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Larger multi‑family dwellings and associated uses; permits boarding houses, group homes (with conditions).
  • Parking requirements: Two enclosed parking spaces per unit for multiple‑unit dwellings under § 12‑21 and cross‑referenced § 12‑43; tandem parking is permitted only in subterranean garages for older developments (with minimum widths stated). Loading requirements for larger residential uses are in Article 19.

C-1 (Limited Commercial / Central Business District)

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Retail and service uses concentrated downtown; special historic CBD rules apply.
  • Parking rules: Commercial parking formulas in § 12‑44 apply, but an older existing commercial building in the Central Business District may be converted without adding parking in some circumstances; see the CBD carve‑out in § 12‑41(D)/(E) for grandfathering rules and maximum requirements. Verify if your property sits inside the CBD polygon defined in § 12‑41(E).

MU‑1 (Mixed Use‑1 Zone)

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Higher‑density transit‑oriented mixed use — retail/services at ground floor, residential/office above; plazas and shared parking structures are encouraged. Parking may be satisfied with shared/structured solutions; TDM and bicycle provisions are especially relevant. (See § 12‑31.20 and Article 19 rules.)

P (Automobile Parking Zone / R‑xP)

  • Purpose / Typical uses: Permits a parking lot use where residential lots adjoin commercial/industrial lots. The code creates R‑1P/R‑2P/R‑3P variants to allow open air parking by right (with conditions).
  • Site rules: Parking lot access, distance limits to the served commercial lot, and improvement standards reference Article 19 (off‑street parking improvements). § 12‑37.1 limits access from residential streets and sets maximum distances (300 ft) from the served lot.

HPSP (Hollywood Park Specific Plan zone) and Stadium / Hollywood Park area

  • Purpose / Typical uses: The Hollywood Park Specific Plan governs parking and loading for that area; the zoning code defers to the Specific Plan development standards for parking/landscaping/signage/height in § 12‑31.13. If your property is in that plan area, use the Specific Plan for parking rules in place of the generic Article 19 numbers.

A‑C (Airport Campus) and Transportation Corridor / Overlay Zones

  • Purpose: The A‑C Zone (Airport Campus) and the new Transportation Corridor Overlay contain special provisions that can allow shared/public parking, mobility hubs, or replace some code provisions via design guidelines. The Transportation Corridor Overlay sets its own parking and design rules under the ITC Design Guidelines; when development is within that overlay the ITC guidelines can supersede conflicting code provisions. Verify overlay boundaries for your parcel.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant parking standards

Requirement / Topic What the Code Requires (short) Code Reference
Off‑street parking required for new/expanded uses On‑site parking must be provided and maintained unless one of the code alternatives applies (leased, off‑site, shared). § 12‑40
Residential parking (1–2 units) Two enclosed parking spaces per unit (per standards of § 12‑50). § 12‑43(A)
Residential parking (3+ units) Two enclosed parking spaces per unit; special counts for dorms/senior housing. § 12‑43(B–F)
Commercial parking (retail/offices) Typical: 1/300 sf for small retail; scaled rules for >18,000 sf and other specific uses — consult § 12‑44 for use table. § 12‑44
Bicycle parking (large nonresidential) 4 bicycle spaces per first 50,000 sf + 1 per each additional 50,000 sf (round up at ≥0.5). § 12‑42.1(C)(3)
Carpool/vanpool preferential parking Minimum reserved employee carpool spaces (percent varies by use); at least one signed space per 100,000+ sf. § 12‑42.1(C)(1–2)
TDM trigger New nonresidential or residential additions ≥ 25,000 sf must provide TDM measures and a TDM coordinator; annual reporting required. § 12‑42.1(A), (E)
Parking space dimensions Standard: 8' x 18' (varies with obstructions). Compact: 8' x 16'. Tandem: 9' x 18' each (36' total). § 12‑51
Drive aisle / maneuvering depth Standard approach (aisle) 24 ft for standard spaces; compact 22 ft; truck loading 30 ft. § 12‑54
Handicapped parking Minimum number based on total on‑site spaces; van‑accessible and sizing rules in § 12‑57 (14' wide including access area). § 12‑57
Loading spaces Required for commercial/industrial/medical/institutional uses > 4,000 sf; minimum dims and clearances specified; additional spaces may be required for function. § 12‑58
Garage conversion Conversion of required parking/garage to living space is prohibited, except for ADU conversions following Article 35 rules. § 12‑40.1

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • If your project is in a Specific Plan or an Overlay (e.g., Hollywood Park Specific Plan, Transportation Corridor Overlay, or MU‑1 transit area), those plan documents may supersede or modify Article 19 requirements — always confirm overlay boundaries and plan provisions. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Large nonresidential projects (≥ 25,000 sf) must prepare a TDM program, provide bicycle parking and preferential carpool stalls, and appoint a TDM coordinator prior to occupancy — factor the TDM submittal and the annual reporting requirement into your schedule. (See § 12‑42.1.)
  • Where shared or off‑site parking is proposed (leased or covenant approach), the code requires recorded covenants and distance limits (typically 600 ft; for some downtown areas up to 1,000 ft to municipal lots) — plan for legal/recording lead time. (See § 12‑41(A–B), § 12‑37 P‑zone rules.)
  • ADU parking: the code reflects ADU exceptions (e.g., no replacement when converting a garage to an ADU and exemptions if the ADU is near transit). Also be aware of state ADU law limits; local code references and state rules must both be considered. (See § 12‑41(I) and state ADU guidance.)

Checklist

  • Provide a scaled site plan showing all existing and proposed parking spaces, loading berths, drive aisles, striping, handicapped stalls and bicycle parking per § 12‑39.52 and Article 19.
  • Calculate required parking using the correct use line in § 12‑44 (commercial) or § 12‑43 (residential).
  • If project ≥ 25,000 sf (nonresidential) or triggers the TDM thresholds, prepare and submit a TDM program and identify a TDM coordinator per § 12‑42.1.
  • Provide bicycle parking counts per § 12‑42.1(C)(3) for applicable nonresidential projects.
  • Show handicapped stalls and dimensions per § 12‑57; ensure accessible routes from stalls to building entrances.
  • If proposing shared/leased/off‑site parking, prepare the required recorded covenant and confirm the distance limit (600 ft or as noted). (See § 12‑41.)
  • If in an overlay or Specific Plan area (HPSP, MU‑1, Transportation Corridor), verify whether the plan’s parking/design guidelines replace Article 19 standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Transit‑oriented / Specific Plan exemptions The code repeatedly notes “except as provided for properties located within a Transit Oriented Development Plan Area” but does not list the TOD parking formulas inline. Confirm whether the parcel sits inside a TOD plan, MU‑1, or HPSP boundary and apply that plan’s parking rules. Verify with Planning. (Code: § 12‑43; HPSP: § 12‑31.13.)
ADU parking and garage demolition rules Local code allows garage conversion to an ADU under Article 35, and states no replacement parking is required in certain ADU cases; state ADU law also restricts parking conditions. Confirm the local ADU implementation (Article 35) and whether the state ADU exemptions apply for your site (transit proximity, etc.). (See § 12‑41(I) + state ADU guidance.)
Shared/off‑site parking covenant enforceability Shared parking requires recorded covenants and sometimes special permits (SUP). If the off‑site lot is privately controlled, private arrangements may fail if not properly recorded. Confirm the covenant language, distance measurement method (street centerline? property line?), and SUP requirements. (See § 12‑41.)
Applicability of parking reductions The code allows limited reductions (e.g., Medical Enterprise overlay may get 1–10% reductions as SUP conditions) and exceptions for Vehicle Parking Districts. If seeking a reduction, confirm overlay status, SUP requirements, and whether a municipal parking district exists that affects the parcel. (See § 12‑41(G), § 12‑41(D).)
Driveway counts and public street access Driveway counts differ for small vs larger parking lots; P‑zone parking lots have specific access prohibitions from residential streets. Verify driveway count rules for your parking total and whether alley access or frontage restrictions apply. (See § 12‑54, § 12‑37.1.)

Plain‑English summary

If you build or change a use in Inglewood, you must provide the off‑street parking the zoning code requires (or use an approved alternative such as leased/shared parking), size and lay out spaces to the City’s standards (including accessible stalls, bike parking and, for large projects, a TDM plan), and show it all on your site plan so Planning can approve it; special plans or overlays (like Hollywood Park, MU‑1 or Transportation Corridor) may change these rules so always confirm the parcel’s zoning/overlay status. (See §§ 12‑40, 12‑43, 12‑44, 12‑42.1.)

Source References

  • § 12‑40. Off‑Street Parking. Facilities Required.
  • § 12‑40.1. Garage Conversion Prohibited.
  • § 12‑41. Required Parking. Alternatives (leased, off‑site, shared, P‑zone).
  • § 12‑42.1. Transportation Demand Management Requirements for Carpool Parking and Bicycle Facilities.
  • § 12‑43. Residential Parking Requirements.
  • § 12‑44. Commercial Parking Requirements (use table).
  • § 12‑51. Size of Parking Spaces.
  • § 12‑54. Parking Access and Turning Radius (drive aisles).
  • § 12‑57. Handicapped Parking.
  • § 12‑58. Loading Facilities.
  • § 12‑37 – § 12‑37.2. P (Automobile Parking) Zone and parking‑lot access/improvement requirements.
  • § 12‑31.13. Hollywood Park Specific Plan development standards reference (HPSP governs parking in that plan area).
  • In addition: State ADU/parking guidance is summarized in the uploaded ADU handbook (2025 ADU handbook) for state limitations that the city must respect where applicable.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-39.54.) High relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-39.56.) High relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Chapter 8) High relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-42.1.) High relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Article 19) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Chapter 8) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-51.) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Section provided) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-40.) High relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-44.) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Article are) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (§ 12-52.) Medium relevance
  • Inglewood Zoning Code (Section but) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What off‑street parking does a typical single‑family lot in Inglewood need?

A one‑ or two‑unit single‑family lot must provide two fully enclosed parking spaces per unit, built per the city’s location and size standards (see the residential rules and driveway/garage rules). See § 12‑43(A) and the driveway standards in § 12‑52.

How many parking spaces does a new 30,000‑sf retail building need?

For retail not larger than 18,000 sf the ratio is 1 space per 300 sf; for buildings larger than 18,000 sf the code specifies 60 spaces plus 1 per 400 sf over 18,000 sf. Apply § 12‑44(1)(a–b). If your project sits in a Transit Oriented Development area or Specific Plan, different rules may apply — verify.

When do I have to prepare a TDM program or provide bicycle parking?

Any new nonresidential development or nonresidential building addition that equals or exceeds 25,000 square feet of gross floor area triggers the TDM and bicycle/carpool requirements. Bicycle parking minimums for large nonresidential projects are in § 12‑42.1(C)(3).

Can I convert my garage into living space to create an ADU and still keep required parking?

The zoning code generally prohibits converting required parking/garage to non‑parking uses; however, the code includes an exception allowing conversion of a garage into an ADU subject to Article 35 rules and to state ADU law. The city also recognizes state restrictions on imposing parking for ADUs in certain situations — confirm with Planning and refer to § 12‑40.1 and the ADU rules.

How close can off‑site shared parking be located?

Off‑site (or leased) parking must be within 600 feet of the use it serves for most zones; for some downtown/H‑C or MU‑1 zones the code allows up to 1,000 feet to a municipal parking structure. Shared/leased arrangements require recorded covenants (see § 12‑41).

What are the required dimensions for a standard parking stall and drive aisle in Inglewood?

A standard stall is normally 8 ft × 18 ft (wider if columns/walls obstruct). Drive aisle (maneuvering) depth for standard stalls is 24 ft; compact spaces and truck spaces have different aisle/depth rules. See § 12‑51 and § 12‑54.

Are handicapped spaces in the total parking count or extra?

Handicapped spaces are included in the total required off‑street parking (not in addition). The minimum number of accessible stalls depends on the total number of stalls on site and sizing/van access rules are in § 12‑57.

If my property is in the Hollywood Park Specific Plan, which rules govern parking?

The Hollywood Park Specific Plan controls parking and loading standards for properties inside that plan. The zoning code directs users to follow the Specific Plan development standards in § 12‑31.13 — consult the Specific Plan text for exact requirements.

Can I request fewer parking spaces as part of a Special Use Permit?

Yes — for certain overlay areas (for example Medical Enterprise Overlay Zone), the code authorizes limited reductions (e.g., 1–10%) as part of an SUP; other reductions may be approved through SUPs or where municipal parking districts provide public spaces. Confirm the specific overlay or district provisions. (See § 12‑41 and overlay sections.)

Does the code set bicycle parking minimums for small retail or office uses?

The explicit bicycle parking counts in the code are tied to larger nonresidential projects (see § 12‑42.1). For smaller projects, the code defers to site plan review and the Objective Design Standards; Planning may require bicycle parking as appropriate under § 12‑39.53. Verify with the Planning Division. ---

More in Inglewood code

Ask about any Inglewood property

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

Start Free Trial

More Inglewood zoning topics

Inglewood Zoning

Inglewood Land Use

Inglewood Development Standards

Inglewood Design Review

Inglewood Overlay Districts

Inglewood Historic Preservation

Inglewood Signage

Inglewood Nonconforming Uses

Inglewood Variances and Exceptions

Inglewood Landscaping and Screening

Inglewood overview