Local zoning · Lakewood

Lakewood — Parking

Q: What parking standard applies to my business in Lakewood?

Start with the use table in § 9490 to find your business category (banks, retail, restaurant, warehouse, etc.); that gives the base number of required off‑street spaces. If your exact use isn’t listed the Director will assign the most comparable use under § 9490.1 . Always confirm whether state law reduces or waives parking for your project.

Q: How many parking spaces does a single‑family home need in Lakewood?

Lakewood requires a minimum of two (2) off‑street parking spaces for a single‑family lot (one‑ or two‑unit) and those spaces must comply with § 9490 and driveway rules in § 9492.L ; state ADU laws and other state statutes may modify requirements — verify at intake.

Q: What are the stall size and aisle width requirements?

Standard stall minimum is 9 ft x 20 ft (non‑residential) and small/compact stalls are 8 ft x 16 ft (subject to caps); residential stalls in MU are 9 ft x 18 ft (see § 9492 ). Drive aisles are 12 ft per travel direction minimum and 90° stalls require a 24 ft back‑up width. Accessible stall sizing follows § 9492.A.3 and State code.

Q: Do I need to file a separate parking plan and who approves it?

Parking plans for zones other than R‑1 and R‑A must be approved by the Development Review Board (DRB) prior to building permit issuance; the Director may refer plans to the Planning and Environment Commission . Plans must show layout, striping, lighting, landscaping, and loading. See § 9493 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what Lakewood's local zoning ordinance requires for parking, including off‑street automobile stall dimensions, loading spaces, driveway rules, bicycle parking for multi‑unit and mixed‑use projects, and how required parking is calculated. The controlling rules live in the Lakewood Municipal Code Part 19 (Off‑Street Parking Requirements) and related development standards; key rules are in § 9490, § 9492, and related definitions and plan procedures. See the city's zoning menu and development standards for related topics like parking and zoning basics, design review procedures for parking lots at design review, and site standards at development standards. § 9490 lists the specific parking ratios by use; § 9492 sets design/dimension standards and loading rules.

How Lakewood’s code organizes parking rules (quick map)

Required number of spaces by use: § 9490 (the use table / schedule).
General calculation/joint use rules: § 9490.2 and § 9490.1.
Stall dimensions, surfacing, striping, maneuvering, accessible stalls, loading: § 9492 (and related subsections).
Parking plan approvals: § 9493 (DRB/PEC review for non‑R‑1/R‑A zones).
Definitions (vehicle, parking lot): § 9302.48a and related defs.

District‑by‑district breakdown (parking‑specific)

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: R‑1 is Lakewood’s single‑family residential zone. Typical uses are detached homes and accessory uses.
Parking requirements: Every single‑family dwelling must provide off‑street parking per § 9490 and related provisions; the code requires a minimum of two (2) off‑street parking spaces for one‑ or two‑unit single‑family lots unless state law or other sections modify the requirement; driveway standards apply (driveway materials, width) in § 9492.L.
Design standards that affect parking: Driveway paving materials and width limits (no asphalt for SF driveways unless approved), and ability to expand the driveway in limited circumstances—see § 9492.L.
Where it applies: City single‑family lots and planned single‑family PDs (verify parcel zoning). Verify with the jurisdiction for ADU parking exceptions. Not found in retrieved materials: parcel‑specific driveway apron encroachment approvals (Public Works permits). Verify with the jurisdiction.

R‑A (Residential‑Agricultural) and PD‑SF (Planned Development — Single Family)

Purpose & typical uses: Similar residential parking expectations as R‑1, with site‑specific PD standards possibly altering layout. Parking counts default to § 9490; design/dimension rules in § 9492 apply.

M‑F‑R (Multi‑Family Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: Multiple dwelling units (apartments, condos).
Parking requirements: The M‑F‑R zone has special controls: required parking is intended for tenants/guests and a separate rent for required parking is prohibited (see § 9491). Typical ratios for multi‑family uses are listed in § 9490; conditional and special housing types (e.g., senior housing, SRO) have adjusted ratios described in the use schedule.
Design standards: Tandem parking only allowed in limited cases, compact stall caps, aisle widths, accessible stall sizing follow § 9492. At least one space per unit must be covered for mixed‑use overlay projects (see MU rules).

C‑1 / C‑3 / C‑4 (Commercial Zones)

Purpose & typical uses: Neighborhood and general commercial uses (retail, offices, services).
Parking requirements: Non‑residential parking ratios are in § 9490 (e.g., banks, retail, restaurants have specified spaces per sq.ft or per seat). Mixed‑use projects in these commercial zones must provide residential parking in addition to non‑residential parking (see § 9492.J.1).
Loading & service: Loading facilities and minimum off‑street loading space rules apply to C and M zones (minimum 10 ft x 25 ft loading stall with 14 ft clear height) — see § 9492.H.

M / M‑1 (Industrial / Manufacturing)

Purpose & typical uses: Industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, light manufacturing.
Parking requirements: Industrial uses have specific ratios in § 9490 (warehouses, truck storage). Joint use/employee parking provisions also apply. Loading requirements are emphasized: minimum 10' x 25' loading stalls with 14 ft unobstructed height in C and M zones. Truck parking setbacks and screening rules apply to truck storage areas (setbacks up to 15 ft from property lines; 30‑ft front setback when abutting residential unless M‑zone masonry wall alternative is used). See § 9492.

OS (Open Space) and Public/Institutional

Purpose & typical uses: Parks, public facilities. Parking areas in OS are required to be lit for safety and follow surfacing/striping rules in § 9492.I/L.

Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU)

Purpose & typical uses: Integrates residential units into commercial centers.
Parking requirements: The MU overlay adds residential parking ratios on top of non‑residential parking: for C‑1/C‑3/C‑4 MU projects provide 2 spaces per unit (≤2 bedrooms), 2.5 spaces per unit (≥3 bedrooms), plus 10% guest parking; for Regional Shopping Centers and M‑1, different bedroom‑based formulas apply (see § 9492.J). A PEC can approve a reduction supported by a parking study; state law modifications may supersede these rules.

Planned Developments, Regional Shopping Center, Historic, PD‑MF

Purpose & typical uses: PDs, Regional Shopping Centers have special applications: Regional centers can have adjusted joint‑use rules and shared parking formulas; Historic overlay or PD conditions can modify parking through approved plans and the DRB. See § 9490.2, § 9493, and the overlay/PD provisions.

Key numerical standards (decision‑relevant) — quick table

Standard / Requirement	Code reference
Required number of spaces by use: master schedule (banks, retail, restaurants, apartments, warehouses, etc.) — consult the use table	§ 9490
Compact stall min. dimensions: 8 ft x 16 ft; Standard stall min. 9 ft x 20 ft	§ 9492.A
Residential (MU) stall dimensions: Standard 9 ft x 18 ft; compact 8 ft x 16 ft	§ 9492.J.7
Handicapped stall dimensions: 14 ft x 20 ft (includes 5 ft loading aisle) and stall quantity schedule	§ 9492.A.3
Loading space (C & M zones): min 10 ft x 25 ft, unobstructed height 14 ft	§ 9492.H
Truck/large vehicle setback from street or residential property line: 15 ft (30 ft front setback if abutting residential) — M‑zone alternative with masonry wall (5 ft)	§ 9492.F
Drive aisle width: min 12 ft per travel direction; 90° stalls require 24 ft backup width	§ 9492
Parking plan approval (non‑R‑1/R‑A zones): DRB (possible PEC referral)	§ 9493
Bicycle parking for mixed‑use/residential: 1 bicycle space per 20 parking spaces (residents); SRO: 1 bike per 3 units	§ 9492 (mixed‑use bicycle rules and SRO)
Surfacing, striping, wheel stops, lighting, walls: detailed materials, double‑striping, wheel stop heights 6 in., max spill 0.5 foot candles	§ 9492

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain‑English synthesis)

Start from the use table in § 9490 to calculate the baseline number of required spaces; if your use is not listed the Director determines an equivalent rate per § 9490.1. For mixed uses add each use requirement unless the site is a Regional Shopping Center or you obtain an approved joint‑use arrangement under § 9490.2.
For non‑residential and multi‑family parking areas, expect a required parking plan submittal and review by the Development Review Board (DRB); large or complex proposals may go to the Planning and Environment Commission (PEC). See § 9493.
Design matters: stall size, aisle widths, surfacing, wheel stops, lighting limits, and screening of loading areas are mandatory design elements — they’re enforced at plan review under § 9492. Failure to meet dimension or surfacing rules commonly delays approval.
Bike parking: Lakewood explicitly requires bicycle parking for mixed‑use residential components (short‑ and long‑term) and for certain housing types (e.g., SROs). If your project includes residential units, include a bicycle plan and racks as required in the MU and SRO rules.
Loading zones: Ensure at least one 10' x 25' loading bay with 14 ft vertical clearance for projects in C and M zones and conceal/rear‑locate loading areas where required.

Related city topics you will likely use during design and submittal: development standards (setbacks/driveways), design review (parking plan approval), overlay districts (MU, PD), landscaping and screening (parking lot landscaping), ADUs (ADU parking exceptions), and be prepared to meet California standards referenced in the code (e.g., accessible parking per the California Building Standards Code).

Checklist

Determine the base parking requirement from the Lakewood use table (§ 9490) and note any special sub‑rules (e.g., SRO, warehouse)
For mixed uses, add required parking for each use; consider joint‑use per § 9490.2 or PEC reduction with a parking study
Provide parking plan drawings showing dimensions, striping, wheel stops, surfacing, lighting, landscaping, entrances/exits, and loading zones (plans must comply with charts/diagrams on file with the Director) — see § 9492 and § 9493
Design accessible stalls per § 9492.A.3 and the California Building Standards Code (referenced in the local code)
For MU projects, add residential parking per § 9492.J and include required guest parking percentage; provide bicycle parking plan and long/short‑term spaces per the MU rules
Show loading spaces for C/M uses (10' x 25', 14' height minimum) and concealment screening if required
If expanding driveways or altering curb cuts, confirm public works encroachment/curb‑cut permits and driveway apron rules (driveway width rules and surface materials per § 9492.L)
Submit parking plan to the DRB for non‑R‑1/R‑A zones; expect plan review or PEC referral per § 9493

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
State law overrides (ADU, SB‑9, TOD, other state parking reductions)	The Lakewood ratios are subject to state law exceptions; relying on local numbers only can cause an unnecessary overcount or hold‑up.	Verify whether the proposed project qualifies for state parking reductions (ADU rules, etc.) and cite the controlling state law; confirm application of state law at permit intake. Not found in retrieved materials: exact text where each state statute modifies local code.
Use classification ambiguity (your use isn’t clearly listed in § 9490)	Director/PEC will assign the "most comparable use" or require a parking study — outcomes can change required spaces.	Ask the City’s planner for a formal Director determination; document comparables. See § 9490.1.
Bicycle parking requirements outside MU/SRO language	Mixed‑use bicycle rules are explicit; the code is less explicit for standard commercial uses.	Confirm with the City whether bicycle parking requirements beyond MU are enforced and whether charts/diagrams on file apply. Not found in retrieved materials: a comprehensive bicycle parking schedule for all non‑MU uses.
Parcel‑specific driveway/curb cut constraints or public ROW encroachments	Driveway apron and curb‑cut permits (Public Works) can limit allowed driveway widths/expansions despite local driveway rules.	Verify Public Works encroachment requirements and obtain curb‑cut permit where required. Not found in retrieved materials: Public Works permit form/process.
Mixed‑use guest parking % and joint‑use agreements	Incorrectly counting guest parking or failing to record joint‑use agreements can cause noncompliance.	If proposing shared parking, record the agreement per § 9490.2 and get City/City Attorney approval; guest parking minima are in § 9492.J.

Plain‑English Summary

Lakewood’s zoning code sets required parking by use in § 9490 and then prescribes how parking areas must be sized, surfaced, striped, lit, and accessed in § 9492; commercial and industrial projects must include at least one 10' x 25' loading stall with 14 ft clearance, multi‑family projects have rules for compact and tandem spaces, and mixed‑use projects must provide extra residential parking plus bike parking — all plans for non‑residential parking require DRB/PEC review. Always verify state law exceptions (ADUs, other housing laws) and ask the City to confirm any site‑specific determinations.

Source References

§ 9490. Automobile Parking Spaces Required (use table; calculation rules) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
§ 9490.1 (uses not specified — Director determination) and § 9490.2 (mixed occupancies, joint use) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
§ 9492. General requirements for development of off‑street parking areas (stall dimensions, compact stalls, handicapped stalls, surfacing, striping, wheel stops, lighting, truck setbacks, tandem rules, EV charging reference) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
§ 9492.H. Loading Facilities (C and M zones: 10' x 25' minimum & 14 ft height) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
§ 9493. Parking Plans (DRB/PEC approval process) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
Definitions: § 9302.48a. Vehicle Parking Lot (definitions of vehicle parking lot, illegal/nonconforming/commercial lots) — Lakewood Municipal Code.
Mixed‑Use Overlay parking rules and bicycle parking requirements — Lakewood Municipal Code (§ 9492.J and mixed‑use subsections).

If you need the full text of the use table in § 9490 (every use and its ratio) or a parcel‑specific check (zoning for a specific address), tell me the parcel address or APN and I’ll extract the applicable lines and walk through a required‑spaces calculation.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Lakewood Zoning Code (Section 9492.L.) High relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (Section correspond) High relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (Section or) High relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (section and) Medium relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code Medium relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (§ 9302.48a.) Medium relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (§ 9490.2.) Medium relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code (§ 9491.) Medium relevance
Lakewood Zoning Code High relevance
CBC § 000 High relevance

Cited sections

Official Lakewood code library

Frequently asked questions

What parking standard applies to my business in Lakewood?

Start with the use table in § 9490 to find your business category (banks, retail, restaurant, warehouse, etc.); that gives the base number of required off‑street spaces. If your exact use isn’t listed the Director will assign the most comparable use under § 9490.1. Always confirm whether state law reduces or waives parking for your project.

How many parking spaces does a single‑family home need in Lakewood?

Lakewood requires a minimum of two (2) off‑street parking spaces for a single‑family lot (one‑ or two‑unit) and those spaces must comply with § 9490 and driveway rules in § 9492.L; state ADU laws and other state statutes may modify requirements — verify at intake.

Do mixed‑use projects need separate parking for the residential and commercial parts?

Yes. Under the Mixed‑Use Overlay rules, residential parking is additive to non‑residential parking: e.g., in C‑1/C‑3/C‑4 MU projects provide 2 spaces per unit (≤2 bedrooms) and 2.5 for ≥3‑bedrooms, plus 10% guest parking; non‑residential uses still use § 9490. A PEC can approve reductions with a parking study.

What are the stall size and aisle width requirements?

Standard stall minimum is 9 ft x 20 ft (non‑residential) and small/compact stalls are 8 ft x 16 ft (subject to caps); residential stalls in MU are 9 ft x 18 ft (see § 9492). Drive aisles are 12 ft per travel direction minimum and 90° stalls require a 24 ft back‑up width. Accessible stall sizing follows § 9492.A.3 and State code.

Are loading stalls required and how big must they be?

Yes. For developments in C and M zones the code requires at least one off‑street loading space; each loading space must be at least 10 ft wide x 25 ft long with 14 ft unobstructed height. Placement should be screened and located at the rear of buildings when practical.

Do I need to file a separate parking plan and who approves it?

Parking plans for zones other than R‑1 and R‑A must be approved by the Development Review Board (DRB) prior to building permit issuance; the Director may refer plans to the Planning and Environment Commission. Plans must show layout, striping, lighting, landscaping, and loading. See § 9493.

What about bicycle parking — how many bike spaces do I have to provide?

Mixed‑use and certain residential facilities require bicycle parking: for mixed‑use residential components, provide bicycle racks/lockers at a rate of 1 bicycle space per 20 parking spaces for residents, and SROs require 1 bike space per 3 units; the MU rules also require short‑ and long‑term bicycle storage and a bicycle circulation plan for large mixed‑use projects. For other commercial uses consult the Director or charts on file.

Can I use shared or joint parking to reduce required spaces?

Yes. The PEC may authorize joint use of parking (e.g., daytime/nighttime sharing) under the conditions in § 9490.2; joint‑use agreements must be recorded and approved by the City Attorney. Up to 50% of one use’s requirement may be met by another compatible use in some scenarios; follow the rules in § 9490.2.

Does Lakewood require EV‑capable parking or charging?

The local code defers to the California Green Building Code for EV‑capable and charging station requirements and references that provision in the parking design rules; provide EV‑capable stalls as required by state green building standards and show compliance on plans. See § 9492 and the code’s cross‑references to state standards.

Where can I find the official parking dimensions, striping charts, and diagrams?

The Director of Community Development maintains charts, diagrams, and standards on file which are mandatory guides for plan preparation; the code authorizes their use and requires plan conformance under § 9492 and § 9494. Request those resources directly from the Director’s office during pre‑application.

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