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King City — Parking

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

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Quick answer

In King City, standard stalls are 9 ft x 20 ft and parking in residential zones may not occupy required yards (§ 17.01.380; § 17.52.020). Required spaces are generally on-site, with joint-use allowed only if times don’t conflict, and industrial uses may place parking off-site within 300 ft with approval (§ 17.52.030; § 17.52.010). Projects over 50 spaces can reduce counts by up to 10% by adding equivalent-area landscaping (§ 17.52.040).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from King City's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with King City planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

King City’s off-street parking is governed by Title 17 Zoning, with the core rules in Chapter 17.52. Most zone chapters cross-reference those citywide standards and add only limited, district-specific tweaks. Counts are assigned by use, spaces must be on-site and accessible, and several targeted reductions are available. Where the code is silent (for example, bicycle parking), treat those items as discretionary and verify early.

A standard parking space in King City is at least 9 ft by 20 ft and must be accessible and usable; in residential zones, off-street parking cannot be placed in any required yard or setback (§ 17.01.380; § 17.52.020).

Core citywide parking rules (Title 17, Chapter 17.52)

  • Applicability and scope. The city assigns minimum parking ratios by use, and those apply to all “buildings erected” and new or expanded uses; uses not listed are set by the planning commission (§ 17.52.010(a)).
  • Key definitions. The code defines “sales floor area” and “gross floor area” to calculate counts (§ 17.52.010(b)). A compact space is smaller than standard but is capped at 25% of required spaces (§ 17.52.010(b), cross-ref to § 17.52.060 diagrams).
  • Space size and location. A parking space is 9' x 20' minimum (§ 17.01.380). All spaces must be accessible and usable; in residential zones they may not occupy any required yard/setback (§ 17.52.020).
  • On-site requirement and joint use. Required parking must be on-site unless this chapter authorizes otherwise (§ 17.52.030(b)). Joint-use is allowed only if there is no time-of-use conflict and sufficient parking for all uses (§ 17.52.030(c)).
  • Perimeter screening next to housing. New off-street parking, car or trailer sales areas must be improved to city specs and be enclosed by a solid fence when adjacent to any R district: 6 ft high behind the front setback, 3 ft within the front setback (§ 17.52.030(a)).
  • Reductions.
    • Public parking/assessment districts: in C-N, C-1-TD, C-2, H-S, or M districts, required parking may be reduced proportionally to the assessed-cost equivalent of district-provided spaces (§ 17.52.040(a)).
    • Large lots: for facilities needing >50 spaces, up to a 10% reduction if the area of the reduced stalls is provided as extra landscaping; requires planning commission and city council consideration (§ 17.52.040(b)).
    • Hardship: the planning director may recommend a reduction when strict application causes undue hardship (§ 17.52.040(c)).
  • Mixed-use (residential over commercial). In any commercial zone allowing second-story residential, residential parking is required in addition to the commercial parking; the planning commission may waive the covered-parking requirement for the residential portion in this instance only (§ 17.52.010(c), after (4)(E)).
  • Layout standards. The city relies on “Parking standards diagrams” in Exhibit A to Ordinance 454 (stall/aisle geometry) (§ 17.52.061). Verify current diagrams with the city clerk.

Selected use-by-use minimums

The following are the most commonly referenced requirements; apply definitions of “sales floor area” and “gross floor area” when computing (§ 17.52.010(b)).

Use Minimum parking Notes Code Reference
Single-family home 2-car garage or carport per unit, min interior area 20' x 20', min 16' door, plus paved driveway ≥ 20' wide FmHA-financed units have a special exception; at least one uncovered paved space outside the driveway approach must still be provided § 17.52.010(c)(1)(A)
Studio (“0-bedroom”) apartment 1 covered + 0.5 uncovered per unit Round per city practice; verify fractional handling § 17.52.010(c)(1)(B)
1–2 bedroom apartment 1 covered per unit + 0.5 uncovered § 17.52.010(c)(1)(C)
3+ bedroom apartment 1 garage + 1 covered per unit § 17.52.010(c)(1)(D)
Multifamily guest parking 1 uncovered per 5 units Counts as “open area” under § 17.18.130 § 17.52.010(c)(1)(I)
Hotels/motels 1 per rental unit + 2 for manager’s office § 17.52.010(c)(1)(H)
Restaurants 1 per 3 seats, but not less than 1 per 30 sf of dining room Use larger of the two § 17.52.010(c)(4)(E)
General retail (most shops listed) 1 per 200 sf sales floor + 1 per 1,000 sf remaining GFA Specific retail types listed in code § 17.52.010(c)(4)(C)
Furniture/appliance/lumber/etc. 1 per 400 sf sales floor + 1 per 1,000 sf remaining GFA Includes auto/motorcycle dealers § 17.52.010(c)(4)(A)
Business/professional office (non-medical) 1 per 300 sf GFA § 17.52.010(c)(4)(B)
Medical/dental clinic 1 per 250 sf GFA or 4 per doctor, whichever is greater § 17.52.010(c)(3)(C)
Elementary/junior high 1.5 per classroom + 3 per office § 17.52.010(c)(2)(B)
High school 4 per classroom + 4 per office § 17.52.010(c)(2)(C)
Churches/theaters/lodges/etc. 1 per 4 seats, but not less than 1 per 50 sf of largest hall Use higher number § 17.52.010(c)(2)(D)
Auto repair/auto wrecking 1 per 500 sf GFA § 17.52.010(c)(5)(A)-(B)
Manufacturing/heavy commercial Min 2 per 3 employees on largest shift, but not less than 1 per 1,000 sf GFA; off-site within 300 ft allowed with approval See M‑1 table below for a district-specific standard § 17.52.010(c)(5)(C)
Warehousing/wholesaling 1 per 1,000 sf GFA; off-site within 300 ft allowed with approval § 17.52.010(c)(5)(D)

Related topics you may need to check with your planner include zoning, land use, development standards, design review, overlay districts, and ADUs.

District-by-district application

Agricultural (Ch. 17.10)

  • What controls parking: The agricultural zone applies Chapter 17.52 for minimum off-street parking and improvements (§ 17.10.090).
  • Special cross-application: Certain uses governed by § 17.13.020(8)-(9) must meet agricultural-zone parking standards per § 17.13.100(b).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction or see zoning.
  • Practical note: Agricultural operations typically calculate parking by GFA or employee counts per § 17.52.010 where analogous use categories fit.

Residential — Chapter 17.12

  • What controls parking: Chapter 17.52 controls counts and improvement; spaces in residential zones cannot occupy required yards/setbacks (§ 17.12.120; § 17.52.020).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Practical note: Apply the single-family or multifamily ratios in § 17.52.010(c)(1).

Residential — Chapter 17.14

  • What controls parking: Chapter 17.52 controls counts and improvement; residential-yard prohibition applies (§ 17.14.120; § 17.52.020).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Practical note: Confirm whether your project triggers guest parking under § 17.52.010(c)(1)(I).

Residential — Chapter 17.16

  • What controls parking: Chapter 17.52 controls counts and improvement (§ 17.16.120).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Practical note: Use covered vs uncovered requirements exactly as stated in § 17.52.010(c)(1)(B)-(D).

High-Density Residential — R-4 (Ch. 17.18, cross-referenced)

  • What controls parking: Guest parking in multifamily counts as “open area” per § 17.18.130, as referenced in § 17.52.010(c)(1)(I).
  • Special cross-application: For certain residential/workforce uses under § 17.13.020(10)-(11), parking may be reduced to 1.25 spaces per unit with findings that other transportation is available and the workforce does not provide its own transportation; landlords must prioritize tenants without vehicles or provide for on-street parking (§ 17.13.100(c)).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Commercial districts — C-N, C-1-TD, C-2, H-S

  • What controls parking: Chapter 17.52 ratios for commercial/retail/restaurant/office uses apply (§ 17.52.010(c)(4)).
  • Reductions tied to public parking: In any portion of these districts within a public parking or assessment district, required on-site parking may be reduced proportionally to the assessed-cost equivalent of district spaces (§ 17.52.040(a)).
  • Mixed-use note: Where second-story residential is allowed over commercial, add residential parking to the commercial count; the covered parking requirement for the residential portion may be waived by the planning commission in this instance only (§ 17.52.010(c), post (4)(E)).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Industrial — M district(s)

  • What controls parking: Chapter 17.52 provides citywide industrial ratios, including off-site parking within 300 ft with planning commission approval for certain uses (§ 17.52.010(c)(5)(C)-(D)).
  • Reductions tied to public parking: Parcels in an assessment district may claim proportional reductions (§ 17.52.040(a)).
  • Purpose/uses/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Industrial — M-1 district (Ch. 17.30)

  • What controls parking: M‑1 adds siting and design direction—employee/visitor parking at the sides/front; truck parking/docking areas screened; all parking/docking/traffic ways must be graded, paved, and marked (§ 17.30.140).
  • District-specific ratios (M‑1 table in § 17.30.140):
    • Manufacturing/heavy industrial/heavy commercial: min 2 per 3 employees on largest shift, but not less than 1 per 2,000 sf GFA; off-site within 300 ft may be approved.
    • Warehousing/wholesaling/commercial cannabis level one/testing: min 2 per 3 employees, but not less than 1 per 3,000 sf GFA.
    • Mini-warehouses: 1 per 1,000 sf GFA.
    • Contractor yards: 1 per 1,000 sf GFA.
    • Office/business services: 1 per employee, but not less than 1 per 250 sf GFA.
    • Retail/commercial accessory to primary use: 1 per 150 sf of gross sales floor area, in addition to primary use parking.
  • Access control: Driveway/access design is subject to approval by the city engineer (§ 17.30.100).
  • Practical note: For M‑1, use the § 17.30.140 table even where it differs from § 17.52.010; confirm with staff which standard governs your project phase and entitlements.

Other commercial/industrial chapters with parking cross-references

  • Chapter 17.20 and 17.22: Minimum off-street parking and loading areas must meet Chapter 17.52 and be improved accordingly (§ 17.20.100; § 17.22.120).
  • Chapter 17.24: Same rule, and clarifies that emergency shelters use the same numbers as other uses in the same district; design must meet Chapter 17.52 standards (§ 17.24.120).
  • Additional access provisions: Access in the chapter governing those uses is also “approved by the city engineer” (§ 17.32.100).

Parking design, access, and layout

  • Layout geometry: Follow the city’s parking standards diagrams (Exhibit A to Ord. 454) for stall dimensions, aisles, and angles; confirm the current exhibit with the city clerk (§ 17.52.061).
  • Access: Driveway and access arrangements require city engineer approval in the applicable zone chapters (§ 17.30.100; § 17.32.100).
  • Residential yard protection: No off-street parking may intrude into required residential yards/setbacks (§ 17.52.020).
  • Screening next to R districts: Solid fencing at 6 ft (behind front setback) and 3 ft (within front setback) is required for parking/car/trailer sales areas abutting R districts (§ 17.52.030(a)).
  • Industrial surfacing/marking: In M‑1, all parking/docking/traffic ways must be graded, paved, and marked; truck areas should be screened and visually consistent (§ 17.30.140).
  • Landscaping trade for large lots: Where >50 spaces are required, up to 10% of spaces can be traded for equivalent-area additional landscaping with approvals (§ 17.52.040(b)). Coordinate early with landscaping and screening and design review.

Mixed-use and residential nuances

  • Second-story residential in commercial zones must provide residential parking in addition to the commercial count; only the covered-parking obligation for the residential part may be waived, and only by the planning commission in this context (§ 17.52.010(c), post (4)(E)).
  • Multifamily guest parking at 1 per 5 units must be uncovered and can count toward “open area” (§ 17.52.010(c)(1)(I)).
  • For ADUs/JADUs and “second units and two‑unit developments,” the code defers to separate chapters (§ 17.52.010(c)(1)(J)-(K)). See the city’s ADUs page; state law background is at California ADU law.

Special/overlay-linked parking (Chapter 17.13 cross-refs)

  • Uses in § 17.13.020(1)–(7): Apply M‑1 minimums (Ch. 17.30) (§ 17.13.100(a)).
  • Uses in § 17.13.020(8)–(9): Apply Agricultural (Ch. 17.10) parking (§ 17.13.100(b)).
  • Uses in § 17.13.020(10)–(11): Apply R‑4 (Ch. 17.18) parking, but the ratio may be reduced to 1.25 spaces per unit with required findings and tenant-priority/on-street provisions (§ 17.13.100(c)).
  • For anything else under that chapter, the planning commission sets the minimum (§ 17.13.100(d)). Coordinate with overlay districts and variances and exceptions if relief is sought.

Checklist

  • Identify your use category and compute required spaces per § 17.52.010(c) (use definitions of “sales floor area” and “gross floor area” in § 17.52.010(b)).
  • Confirm space size: standard stalls are 9' x 20'; compact stalls may not exceed 25% of required spaces (§ 17.01.380; § 17.52.010(b)).
  • Keep residential off-street spaces out of required yards/setbacks (§ 17.52.020).
  • Provide parking on-site unless an allowed off-site or joint-use arrangement is approved (§ 17.52.030(b)-(c); § 17.52.010(c)(5)(C)-(D)).
  • If adjacent to an R district, include required solid fencing: 6 ft behind front setback, 3 ft within front setback (§ 17.52.030(a)).
  • Use city parking diagrams for stall/aisle geometry; verify current Exhibit A with the city clerk (§ 17.52.061).
  • In M‑1, locate and design parking/docking per § 17.30.140; obtain city engineer approval for access (§ 17.30.100).
  • Evaluate eligible reductions: assessment‑district credit, up to 10% trade for extra landscaping on lots with >50 spaces, or hardship recommendation (§ 17.52.040).
  • For second‑story residential over commercial, add residential spaces and confirm any covered‑parking waiver with the planning commission (§ 17.52.010(c), post (4)(E)).
  • For ADUs/two‑unit developments, apply the referenced chapters (§ 17.52.010(c)(1)(J)-(K)); coordinate with ADUs.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Industrial ratios conflict § 17.52.010 sets 1/1,000 sf minimum for manufacturing; § 17.30.140 sets 1/2,000 sf in M‑1. Which section governs your site; apply § 17.30.140 in M‑1 unless staff directs otherwise.
Access language is truncated §§ 17.30.100 and 17.32.100 read “Access to any approved by the city engineer.” Exact submittal/geometry standards the city engineer uses for driveways.
Parking standards diagrams not in code text Stall/aisle dimensions live in Exhibit A on file (§ 17.52.061). Obtain the latest Exhibit A; confirm angles, aisle widths, compact stall dimensions.
Joint-use adequacy Joint use allowed only with no timing conflict and “sufficient parking” (§ 17.52.030(c)). Provide a shared‑parking analysis; secure written approvals.
Assessment‑district reductions Credits depend on assessment math (§ 17.52.040(a)). Confirm district boundaries, cost per space, and reduction rounding rules with staff.
Large-lot 10% reduction Available only for >50-space lots and requires extra landscaping (§ 17.52.040(b)). Document landscaped area equivalence and secure commission/council approvals.
Mixed-use covered parking waiver Waiver is limited to covered requirement for second‑story residential over commercial (§ 17.52.010). Don’t assume stall-count reductions; confirm scope of any waiver.
Bicycle parking standards No bicycle parking ratios are in the source materials. Whether the city imposes bicycle parking by policy/conditions of approval.
Loading space ratios Chapters 17.20/17.22/17.24 reference loading improvements but give no ratios. Any loading requirements the planner will apply to your use.
Residential yard prohibition Misplaced stalls in setbacks violate § 17.52.020. Overlay or plan exceptions, if any; check nonconforming uses status for existing conditions.

Plain-English Summary

King City sets parking by use, with standard stalls at 9 by 20 feet and compact spaces capped at 25% of the total. Parking must be on the property and out of required residential yards, but limited reductions are possible (assessment-district credits, up to 10% for extra landscaping on large lots, or hardship). Industrial sites follow M‑1 design rules, and second-story housing over shops needs its own residential parking unless only the covered requirement is waived.

Source References

  • § 17.52.010 Off-street parking requirements—Definitions and use-by-use minimums (Ord. 354; Ord. 808 § 36, 2022)
  • § 17.52.020 Accessibility; residential yard/setback prohibition
  • § 17.52.030 Additional parking requirements; on-site rule; joint-use conditions; fencing by R districts
  • § 17.52.040 Reduction in facilities when (assessment districts; >50-space 10% landscaping trade; hardship)
  • § 17.52.061 Parking standards diagrams (Exhibit A to Ord. 454)
  • § 17.01.380 Parking space (9' x 20' minimum)
  • § 17.10.090 Minimum off-street parking (Agricultural zone applies Ch. 17.52)
  • § 17.12.120; § 17.14.120; § 17.16.120 Minimum off-street parking (residential chapters apply Ch. 17.52)
  • § 17.20.100; § 17.22.120; § 17.24.120 Minimum off-street parking/loading improvements; emergency shelter note
  • § 17.13.100 Off-street parking for uses under § 17.13.020; cross-application to M‑1, Ag, R‑4; 1.25-space reduction criteria
  • § 17.30.100 Parking space access (city engineer approval)
  • § 17.30.140 Parking requirements (M‑1 siting/design; industrial/offices/retail within M‑1 ratios)
  • § 17.32.100 Parking space access (city engineer approval)

Information Gaps

  • Bicycle parking: Not found in source materials.
  • Loading space ratios/dimensions: Not found in source materials (only general improvement references).
  • District purposes/typical uses and dimensional standards for chapters 17.12, 17.14, 17.16, 17.20, 17.22, 17.24: Not found in source materials.
  • Current version of Exhibit A (stall/aisle diagrams): Obtain from city clerk per § 17.52.061.

Sources

Source passages

  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.52.040) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.52.061) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.01.380) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.52.030) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.52.010) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.16.120) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.13.100) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.22.120) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.14.120) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.24.120) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.20.100) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.10.090) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.52.020) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.12.120) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.32.100) Medium relevance
  • King City Zoning Code (§ 17.30.100) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What size is a standard parking space in King City?

A standard space must be at least 9 feet by 20 feet, and every space must be accessible and usable for vehicles (§ 17.01.380; § 17.52.020).

Can I count compact stalls toward my total parking in King City?

Yes, but compact stalls may not exceed 25% of the required spaces. The city’s parking diagrams govern their geometry (§ 17.52.010(b); § 17.52.061).

Can required parking be located off-site?

Generally, required parking must be on-site. Limited exceptions include industrial and warehousing uses that may locate parking within 300 feet with planning commission approval (§ 17.52.030(b); § 17.52.010(c)(5)(C)-(D)).

Are there parking reductions if I’m in a downtown parking district?

Yes. In C-N, C-1-TD, C-2, H-S, or M districts within a public parking or assessment district, required parking can be reduced in proportion to the assessed cost-equivalent of district-provided spaces (§ 17.52.040(a)).

Can large projects reduce stall counts by adding landscaping?

Possibly. Lots requiring more than 50 spaces may see up to a 10% reduction if you provide an equivalent area in additional landscaping, subject to planning commission and city council consideration (§ 17.52.040(b)).

What are the restaurant parking requirements?

Provide 1 space per 3 seats, but not less than 1 per 30 square feet of dining room area. Use the higher resulting number (§ 17.52.010(c)(4)(E)).

Do I need covered parking for second-story housing over a store?

You must provide the residential parking in addition to the commercial spaces, but the planning commission may waive the covered-parking requirement for the residential portion in this instance only (§ 17.52.010).

How much guest parking is required for apartments?

Provide 1 uncovered guest space for each 5 units; these spaces count as “open area” for § 17.18.130 purposes (§ 17.52.010(c)(1)(I)).

Can I park in my front setback in a residential zone?

No. Off-street parking in residential zones may not be located in any required yard or setback area (§ 17.52.020).

What fencing is required for parking lots next to homes?

A solid fence is required where a parking (or car/trailer sales) area is adjacent to an R district: 6 ft high behind the front setback and 3 ft in any front setback area (§ 17.52.030(a)).

General information, not legal advice.

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