Local zoning · La Mirada

La Mirada — Parking

Q: How big must a standard parking stall and a garage be?

A standard stall is 9 ft × 20 ft ; a compact is 7.5 ft × 15 ft; a two‑car residential garage interior is shown as 18 ft × 20 ft in the code; drive aisles for 90° stalls are 20 ft (emergency access 25 ft) § 21.68.060 .

Q: What are La Mirada’s rules for loading docks?

Non‑residential uses with more than 5,000 sq ft must provide off‑street loading per Table 21.68.150 ; minimum bay dimensions are 15 ft (width) × 25 ft (length) × 14 ft (vertical clearance) and all truck maneuvers must occur on private property § 21.68.150 .

Parking under the La Mirada 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 La Mirada's zoning ordinance requires about parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking. The controlling rules live in the Zoning Title (primarily Chapter 21.68 — Parking and Loading) and related residential chapters (e.g., ADU and residential development standards); the ordinance language below is cited to the exact municipal code sections for verification. See the city zoning menu for related topics like design review, overlay districts, and ADUs.

Key takeaways: the code sets minimum parking counts by use (Table 21.68.050), dimensional and circulation rules (including stall and drive‑aisle sizes in § 21.68.060), off‑street loading standards (Table 21.68.150, § 21.68.150), and bike parking tied to the California Green Building Standards Code (§ 21.68.160). The ADU rules modify parking for accessory units (see § 21.18.030 and related ADU design standards).

Citywide rules (quick map of the chapter)

Purpose and scope: Chapter 21.68 establishes the city's off‑street parking and loading program and applies to new uses and most expansions § 21.68.010 – § 21.68.020.
When a site plan is required: wherever four or more new spaces are required a site plan is submitted as part of permit review § 21.68.030.
Exemptions: certain resurfacing/repair items are minor and exempt from parking‑lot permits § 21.68.040.

District-by-district (how the parking rules are applied in the code)

Note: La Mirada's ordinance organizes requirements by zoning categories (single‑family, multi‑family, commercial, industrial, and overlays). Where the code uses a zoning-district name, that name is bolded. If a named, parcel‑specific district or map location is required to answer a question, the ordinance directs you to verify on the zoning map or with staff — see “Verify with the jurisdiction” below.

Single‑family Zoning Districts

What it is: Single‑family Zoning Districts set standards for detached dwellings and related accessory uses; dimensional standards are in Table 21.18.030.
Typical permitted uses: single‑family homes and accessory uses (garages, ADUs where allowed).
Parking rules that matter:
- Base single‑family parking: two fully enclosed garage spaces per dwelling unit, plus an additional 0.5 space per bedroom above two (and guest/tandem rules in the parking table) — see the off‑street parking table and dwelling entries § 21.68.050 (Table 21.68.050).
- Tandem parking is explicitly allowed for single‑family lots and single‑family with ADU in limited circumstances; tandem garages must meet minimum interior dimensions § 21.68.080(7).
- Driveway width/length limits and driveway occupancy (no more than 50% of frontage by driveway except per ADU rules) are in the driveway dimensions rules § 21.68.060.
Where it applies: All R‑1 residential lots and single‑family zones listed in Table 21.18.030 (see that table for lot size/development standards).

Multiple‑unit Residential (multi‑family)

What it is: Multiple‑unit Residential covers duplexes, apartments, condos; development standards appear in their respective zone tables.
Typical permitted uses: multi‑family residences, group residential.
Parking rules that matter:
- Multi‑family parking ratios differ by unit type (e.g., studio/1‑bed/2‑bed) and guest parking is also specified — see the parking table and the dwelling entries in the off‑street parking table § 21.68.050 (Table 21.68.050).
- Bicycle parking: multi‑unit residential requires a minimum of one long‑term bicycle parking space per unit; short‑term bicycle parking rules also apply § 21.18.100 / § 21.68.160.
- Mixed‑use developments with residential components follow the multi‑family ratios unless the development has alternative agreements § 21.68.050.

Mixed‑use and Commercial / Office / Industrial

What it is: Mixed‑use districts and commercial/industrial zones each use the off‑street parking table to set counts for retail, office, restaurants, industrial, and other uses.
Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, auto‑oriented uses (service stations) — check Table 21.68.050 for the use‑by‑use ratios.
Parking rules that matter:
- Retail and offices: parking ratios usually expressed per 300–1,000 sq ft or per employee/seat (e.g., restaurant 1 space per 3 seats) — see Table 21.68.050 § 21.68.050.
- Off‑street loading for nonresidential uses >5,000 sq ft is required per Table 21.68.150, with minimum loading dimensions (15' × 25' × 14') § 21.68.150.
- Shared parking agreements are possible where uses have complementary peak periods; the Community Development Director approves and the agreement must be recorded § 21.68.100.

Special Housing Overlay (SHO) and other overlays

What it is: overlays (for example, Special Housing Overlay (SHO)) alter development standards for defined subareas and may adjust parking requirements (including reductions) — see the overlay chapter and its cross‑reference to parking § 21.38.050 and § 21.68.050.
Example: the SHO allows parking reductions (e.g., up to 20% reduction as an incentive for affordable units) in the overlay rules § 21.38.060.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

What it is: ADU parking rules are addressed in the residential/ADU chapter (see § 21.18.030 and the objective ADU standards § 21.18.080). The city also adopts state ADU rules where applicable.
Key parking points:
- A minimum of one off‑street parking space is required for an ADU in addition to the primary‑unit parking unless the ADU qualifies for a state/local exemption (examples: ADU within the primary residence, within a historic district, within one‑half mile of transit, or one block of a car‑share) § 21.18.030.
- ADU parking may be tandem, covered, or uncovered but must be paved; driveway expansions to accommodate ADU parking have maximum widths and require Public Works permits for curb cuts § 21.18.030.
- The code references state ADU law and adopts related exemptions; where state law overrides local rules, state provisions control (see ADU handbook and local ADU text) — verify ADU specifics with § 21.18.030 and state guidance.

Most decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic / requirement	Rule (plain English)	Code reference
Where off‑street counts live	Number of spaces per use is set in Table 21.68.050 (use‑by‑use ratios); fractions round up	§ 21.68.050
Single‑family parking	Standard: 2 enclosed garage spaces per single‑family unit (plus additional per‑bedroom rules in table)	§ 21.68.050
ADU parking	Minimum 1 off‑street space for ADU unless exemption applies; can be tandem/side‑by‑side on driveway (paved); curb‑cut needs Public Works permit	§ 21.18.030
Parking stall sizes	Standard stall = 9' × 20', compact = 7.5' × 15'; two‑car garage interior = 18' × 20'	§ 21.68.060
Drive aisles	90° stalls require 20 ft drive aisles; parallel 15 ft; emergency access 25 ft	§ 21.68.060 (Table)
Compact spaces	Compact allowed up to 30% of lot when ≥20 spaces; cannot satisfy residential required parking (except limited guest uses)	§ 21.68.110
Parking lot landscaping	Minimum 10% of parking lot area landscaped; one tree per 10 spaces; perimeter screening min 30" tall	§ 21.68.140
Off‑street loading	Nonresidential >5,000 sq ft must provide loading per Table 21.68.150; minimum loading bay 15'×25' with 14' clearance	§ 21.68.150
Bicycle parking	Bicycle parking provided in compliance with California Green Building Standards Code; multi‑family: 1 long‑term bike space/unit; non‑residential: 1 space/1,000 sq ft; min 5 short‑term per establishment	§ 21.68.160 and implementing sections (see multi‑family)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before permit approval)

Provide the off‑street parking count from Table 21.68.050 and demonstrate rounding/calculation method § 21.68.050.
Submit a site plan when the project requires four or more new spaces; show stall layout, drive aisles, access to street § 21.68.030.
Dimension stalls and aisles to § 21.68.060 minimums and mark accessible stalls per ADA/State rules § 21.68.060.
For nonresidential projects >5,000 sq ft, include loading bays sized per Table 21.68.150 § 21.68.150.
Provide required bicycle parking and anchoring details per § 21.68.160 and the California Green Building Standards Code (cite design/spec)
Show parking lot landscaping (≥10% of lot) and tree planting plan § 21.68.140.
If proposing shared parking, attach a parking study and a recorded shared‑parking agreement per § 21.68.100.
ADU applicants: show 1 off‑street space (or claim exemption) and driveway/curb notes; if converting garage, show replacement plan where required § 21.18.030.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Uses not listed in the Table 21.68.050	Code delegates the community development director to determine parking for unlisted uses; risk of additional conditions	Confirm director's interpretation early; request formal interpretation if ambiguous § 21.68.050
ADU exemption distance thresholds	ADU parking exemptions (transit distance, car‑share) use specific walk distances — thresholds differ between local text and state law	Confirm the precise measuring method (property line pedestrian path) and which exemptions apply § 21.18.030
Shared parking legal mechanism	Shared agreements must run with the land and be recorded—can’t be casually informal	Verify required language and recording process with city attorney and Community Development Director § 21.68.100
Compact/stacked spaces vs. residential credit	Compact spaces are limited and the code disallows compact spaces to satisfy residential required parking in many cases	Confirm whether compact or tandem spaces proposed to serve dwelling units will be accepted § 21.68.110
Site‑specific emergency access/drive aisle conflicts	Drive aisle minima and emergency access widths are non‑negotiable for safety	Confirm turning templates with Fire Department and plan reviewer § 21.68.060

Plain‑English summary

La Mirada requires projects to provide off‑street parking by use (Table 21.68.050) and to design stalls, aisles, landscaping, loading zones, and bike parking to specific dimensional and operational rules; ADUs get relaxed/flexible parking rules in many situations—always check the specific code sections for your use and talk to the Community Development Department to confirm site‑specific interpretations. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level questions.

Source References

La Mirada Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 21.68 — Parking and Loading: § 21.68.010 – § 21.68.160 (purpose, applicability, permit rules, off‑street parking table, dimensions, design, landscaping, loading, bicycle parking)
La Mirada Residential Development / ADU rules: Table 21.18.030 (residential development standards) and ADU objective standards § 21.18.080 and ADU parking provisions referenced via § 21.18.030
Parking use table excerpts and dwelling‑type parking counts (multi‑family, single‑family, restaurants, retail) — Table excerpts in code § 21.68.050 and associated notes
Drive aisle/stall dimensions and garage sizing: § 21.68.060 (Tables 21.68.060(A) and 21.68.060(B))
Parking lot landscaping: § 21.68.140 (10% minimum coverage; tree ratio)
Off‑street loading: § 21.68.150 and Table 21.68.150 (dimensions and required counts)
Bicycle parking / California Green Building Standards Code cross‑reference: § 21.68.160 (requires compliance with CalGreen bicycle rules) and the CalGreen excerpts in the uploaded standards files
Administrative exceptions/adjustments: Administrative Adjustment rules (10% adjustments) § 21.102.020 and nonconforming parking provisions § 21.130.260

Sources

Retrieved passages

La Mirada Zoning Code (CHAPTER 21.68) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
CGBSC § 5 (section may) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (chapter on) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (CHAPTER 21.68) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Chapter 21.96) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Chapter 21.68) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Chapter 21.50) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Chapter 21.68) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Section 21.49.030) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
CBC § 51178 (Section 51178.) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Section 21.43.030.) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (title is) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Section 21.68.120.) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (Chapter 21.68) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
La Mirada Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
CBC § 5 (Section 21.68.050) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official La Mirada code library

Frequently asked questions

What off‑street parking counts apply to my commercial tenant space in La Mirada?

Use the off‑street parking table (Table 21.68.050) to find the ratio for the specific commercial use (retail, restaurant, office, etc.). The table sets counts by square footage, seats, or employees and fractions round up; the city may require a different number when a discretionary permit is processed § 21.68.050.

How big must a standard parking stall and a garage be?

A standard stall is 9 ft × 20 ft; a compact is 7.5 ft × 15 ft; a two‑car residential garage interior is shown as 18 ft × 20 ft in the code; drive aisles for 90° stalls are 20 ft (emergency access 25 ft) § 21.68.060.

Can I use compact or tandem spaces to meet required residential parking?

Compact stalls are allowed in surface lots up to the limited percentage and tandem parking is generally not permitted except for single‑family residences and single‑family with ADU per the code; compact stalls normally cannot satisfy required residential parking § 21.68.110.

What are La Mirada’s rules for loading docks?

Non‑residential uses with more than 5,000 sq ft must provide off‑street loading per Table 21.68.150; minimum bay dimensions are 15 ft (width) × 25 ft (length) × 14 ft (vertical clearance) and all truck maneuvers must occur on private property § 21.68.150.

Do I need to provide bicycle parking for my project?

Yes — bicycle parking must be provided in compliance with the California Green Building Standards Code as adopted by La Mirada; multi‑family projects require at least one long‑term bicycle space per unit and many non‑residential uses must provide bicycle parking by floor area (e.g., 1 bike/1,000 sq ft) § 21.68.160 and multifamily utilitarian elements § 21.18.100.

If my use isn't listed in Table 21.68.050, how many spaces do I need?

The community development director determines parking for unlisted uses based on comparable uses and activity; that determination is a formal interpretation — get a pre‑application meeting and, if needed, a written formal interpretation § 21.68.050(c).

Can I reduce parking for affordable housing or density bonus projects?

Yes — density bonus projects and certain affordable housing projects can request parking incentives or reductions under Chapter 21.49; the code allows requests for reduced minimum parking ratios for eligible housing developments § 21.49.090.

Where do ADU parking rules appear and when is an ADU exempt from providing its own parking?

ADU parking requirements appear in the residential/ADU chapter (see § 21.18.030 and objective ADU standards § 21.18.080). ADUs are exempt from additional parking when located within the primary residence, within an historic district, within one‑half mile of transit, or within one block of a car‑share vehicle (local code mirrors state ADU exemptions) § 21.18.030.

Do I need a recorded agreement for shared parking?

Yes. Shared parking agreements must be legally binding, recorded, and approved by the city attorney and Community Development Director; they must meet the findings listed in § 21.68.100.

Can the city waive or change the parking amount on a specific project?

For discretionary permits the approving authority can increase or decrease the required parking if it finds the standard requirement is inadequate or unnecessary for that project; administrative adjustments also allow up to a 10% change in the number of parking/loading spaces § 21.68.050; § 21.102.020.

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