Local zoning · Lomita

Lomita — Parking

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Lomita’s off-street parking rules are codified primarily in Article 66 of the zoning ordinance (the city’s local "Title 11" zoning text) and applied across zones by specific zone standards and overlays. Article 66 establishes required parking counts, loading standards, location and landscaping rules, and defers bicycle, EV and preferential-carparking design to the California Green Building Standards Code and related state rules; see § 11-1.66.01–.10 and the ADU parking rules in § 11-1.30.06 . For how parking interacts with local dimensional rules and project review see the city’s Lomita Development Standards and Lomita Zoning pages. Planning review and site-plan requirements that affect parking layouts are administered under the city’s Lomita Design Review / Article 70 procedures.

(First-time readers: "Article 66" is the city's Off‑Street Parking, Storage and Loading article; the code uses section numbers such as § 11-1.66.03 for parking requirements.)

How the rules are organized (short primer)

  • Citywide off‑street parking, loading, location and design rules live in Article 66, § 11-1.66.01–.10 (intent, definitions, parking requirements, loading, general provisions, landscaping, location, approval procedures). Key subsections: § 11-1.66.03 (parking ratios), § 11-1.66.04 (loading) and § 11-1.66.10 (approval procedures) .
  • The code defers bicycle parking counts, EV-ready and low-emitting/carpool stall marking to the state Green Building standards; see § 11-1.66.03(K–M) and the California Building Standards Code / CalGreen references in city materials.
  • Many zone- or project-specific sections (mixed-use overlay, M‑C, RVD, planned residential, ADU rules) add or modify parking rules for those districts; those are cited in each district subsection below.

District-by-district breakdown

R-1 / R-2 / R-3 — Single‑ and Multi‑Family Residential (general residential zones)

  • Purpose & typical uses: conventional single‑family and multi‑family housing (specific uses and where each is permitted are shown in the use tables and zone articles). See the permitted-use matrix and residential standards in Part 3 of the zoning ordinance.
  • Parking rules that apply: the city’s base residential ratios are in § 11-1.66.03(A): One‑family dwellings require two (2) parking spaces (plus additional uncovered spaces for larger bedroom counts); duplex/multifamily are two (2) spaces per unit up to 4 bedrooms and three (3) for units with 5+ bedrooms, plus guest spaces per the ordinance. Tandem parking is allowed by right (where the ordinance says so) and converted/demolished covered parking used for ADUs need not be replaced (see ADU rules). § 11-1.66.03
  • Key dimensional/locational points: residential required parking must be on the same lot as the use (§ 11-1.66.09(B)) and front‑yard parking pads need approval per Article 70; storage of boats/large equipment in front yards is restricted and screening rules apply. § 11-1.66.09
  • Where it applies: citywide to residential zones unless a special zone or overlay modifies the requirement; ADU rules are in § 11-1.30.06 and may relax parking for ADUs under certain conditions.

RVD — Residential, Variable Density

  • Purpose & typical uses: multifamily/variable density housing and conversions (see condominium conversion standards). § 11-2.380 sets conversion standards.
  • Parking specifics: condominium conversions and planned residential developments must follow Article 66 for parking; planned residential developments often require two enclosed spaces per unit and one guest space per two units (see planned-residential standards). § 11-1.30.14 and § 11-1.66.03
  • Where it applies: RVD parcels and any condominium conversion projects (see § 11-2.380).

Mixed‑Use Overlay Zone

  • Purpose & typical uses: promote a mix of residential and non‑residential uses on qualifying parcels; has its own residential parking ratios for mixed projects. § 11-1.27.09 / § 11-1.27.06 (mixed‑use development standards) set parking requirements and blended ratios.
  • Parking rules: residential component parking is size‑based: units 500–700 sq ft = 1 space/unit; units 701+ sq ft = 2 spaces/unit; guest parking often smaller (.25–.25 per unit or one total guest space per project depending on the subsection) — see § 11‑1.27.x and the mixed‑use subsection that references Article 66 for the commercial portion. § 11-1.27.09 and § 11-1.66.03
  • Design notes: mixed‑use projects must meet pedestrian-ground-floor frontage and open‑space standards; parking can be covered or open but not "enclosed" in the sense restricted by the overlay rules. § 11-1.27.09

M‑C (Manufacturing‑Commercial)

  • Purpose & typical uses: light industrial, manufacturing, warehousing and related commercial uses. Off‑street parking and loading must be provided per Article 66. § 11-1.50.05(D) requires the Article 66 standards to apply to each M‑C lot.
  • Typical parking rates: manufacturing/warehousing: 1 parking space per 400 sq ft gross building area plus one space per vehicle kept/operated by the use (Article 66 user table). § 11-1.66.03
  • Loading: commercial/manufacturing loading standards (size and counts) in § 11-1.66.04 (loading bay dims and spaces required by gross floor area). § 11-1.66.04

P (Parking) Zone

  • Purpose & typical uses: parcels added to permit non‑commercial vehicle parking to serve nearby commercial uses; parking‑as‑use standards and limited structures are in § 11-1.34.02–.03.
  • Development standards: limited structures allowed (wheel stops, walls to a limited height, light standards), landscaping requirements and that parking uses must follow Article 66 standards for surface, lighting and screening. § 11-1.34.03 and § 11-1.66.06

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant excerpts)

Use / Standard Minimum parking (city rule) Key note / where to look Code Reference
Single‑family house Two (2) spaces; one additional uncovered space for 4 bedrooms and another for 5+ Tandem parking allowed; front‑yard pads regulated § 11-1.66.03(A)
Duplex / apartments Two (2) spaces per unit (up to 4 BR); three (3) for 5+ BR; guest parking requirements apply Additional planned‑residential standards may require enclosed parking § 11-1.66.03(A) and § 11-1.30.14
Restaurants One (1) space per 150 sq ft of gross floor area (min. 10 spaces) Municipal parking within 500 ft may be counted by minor CUP § 11-1.66.03
Retail (general) One (1) space per 300 sq ft gross floor area (min. counts for new buildings) See specific freestanding/mixed‑use exceptions § 11-1.66.03
Manufacturing / Warehousing One (1) space per 400 sq ft gross area + one per vehicle operated Loading and large vehicle accommodations also apply § 11-1.66.03 / § 11-1.66.04
Mixed‑use residential (overlay) Units 500–700 sq ft = 1 space; 701+ sq ft = 2 spaces; guest parking small (.25 or 1/project depending on subsection) Commercial component follows Article 66 § 11-1.27.09 / § 11-1.66.03
Loading spaces Bays min. 12' × 30', 14' vertical clearance; number of bays scales by gross floor area (table in code) Loading spaces must be distinct from parking, not within aisles/driveways § 11-1.66.04
Bicycle / EV / preferential stalls Bicycle parking and EV / low‑emitting / carpool stalls required per the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) City defers counts and marking to CalGreen; see § 11-1.66.03(K–M) § 11-1.66.03(K–M) and CalGreen references

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Always start with Article 66 (§ 11-1.66.01–.10) for baseline counts, design rules, landscaping and site‑plan thresholds; for any project that requires three (3) or more parking spaces you must submit a site plan to the planning commission under the ordinance’s approval procedures (§ 11-1.66.10(A)) .
  • For mixed‑use projects treat the commercial portion under Article 66 and the residential portion under the mixed‑use overlay ratios in § 11-1.27.x; don’t mix the formulas without a planning determination. § 11-1.27.09
  • Bicycle parking, EV readiness and marked preferential stalls are required but measured to state standards (CalGreen); the zoning text points applicants to those state standards rather than giving local numeric tables for every use (§ 11-1.66.03(K–M)). Verify CalGreen counts during plan preparation.
  • Loading (commercial/manufacturing) requires distinct striped loading bays sized min. 12' × 30' with 14' vertical clearance and a table that scales bays to gross floor area — don’t count loading as parking. § 11-1.66.04

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

  • Calculate required off‑street parking using Article 66 parking rates (residential and commercial) and round fractions per code rules (§ 11-1.66.03(F)) .
  • Show separate striped loading spaces sized as required; do not locate loading within required parking aisles (§ 11-1.66.04(A–B)) .
  • Provide site plan when establishing required parking for 3+ motor vehicles (dimensioned stalls, aisles, ingress/egress) (§ 11-1.66.10(A)) .
  • Provide required landscaping for parking areas of 3+ spaces in commercial/industrial zones (minimum 6% interior planting) (§ 11-1.66.06(A)) .
  • Show bicycle parking, EV or EV‑ready infrastructure, and preferential carpool stalls to meet CalGreen/State rules as cited by the local code (§ 11-1.66.03(K–M)) .
  • If proposing shared, off‑site, or reduced parking, prepare a minor conditional use permit application and parking study per § 11-1.66.10(B) and the findings required there. § 11-1.66.10(B) .
  • For ADUs, follow ADU parking rules (generally one off‑street space per ADU or bedroom, with multiple statutory exceptions); see § 11-1.30.06 and state ADU law guidance. § 11-1.30.06 .
  • Verify any frontage/driveway curb cuts comply with driveway standards and LA County Public Works specs (driveway width & curb depression rules are in the code). § 11-1.30.05 / driveways section .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Bicycle counts & EV stalls delegated to CalGreen City references state standards rather than enumerating local counts; applicants might under‑supply required racks/EV readiness Check the current California Green Building Standards Code for exact counts and EV readiness rules; see § 11-1.66.03(K–M)
ADU parking exceptions ADUs may be exempt from parking when near transit, in historic districts, part of the primary structure, etc.; local ADU rules mirror state law Confirm ADU parking exceptions and measure walking distance to transit; see § 11-1.30.06(G)(6)
Shared/off‑site parking & reductions Shared parking or reductions require a minor conditional use permit with findings — project approval not automatic Plan for a parking study and minor CUP if seeking reductions; see § 11-1.66.10(B)
Front‑yard parking pads and driveway curb cuts Front pads are controlled (may require review) and curb cuts must follow county specs; illegal curb cuts or pads can block approval Confirm pad approval under Article 70 and LA County Public Works specs; see § 11-1.66.09(B) and driveway rules § 11-1.30.05
Applicability of overlay rules vs. base zone Mixed‑use overlay and special plans have their own parking formulas; using the wrong ratio can create under‑parking Verify which standard governs your lot (overlay vs underlying zone); see § 11-1.27.09 and Article 66

Plain‑English summary

Lomita requires off‑street parking for nearly every new or expanded use; the city’s Article 66 gives the parking counts (two spaces for a typical single‑family house, size‑based ratios for commercial uses, and unit‑size rules for mixed‑use projects), loading bays must be separately provided, and bicycle/EV/car‑pool stalls are required to meet state green‑building rules — file a dimensioned site plan for projects with three or more spaces and expect landscaping, screening and possible conditional permits for shared or reduced parking. § 11-1.66.03–.10

Source References

  • Lomita Zoning — Article 66, Off‑Street Parking, Storage and Loading: § 11-1.66.01–.10
  • Lomita loading standards and loading bay table: § 11-1.66.04
  • General provisions, location and parking design requirements: § 11-1.66.05, § 11-1.66.06, § 11-1.66.09
  • Site plan and parking reduction / shared parking approval procedures: § 11-1.66.10
  • ADU parking and related ADU standards: § 11-1.30.06 (ADU/JADU rules, parking exceptions)
  • Mixed‑Use Overlay parking ratios and standards: § 11-1.27.06–.09
  • M‑C development and parking reference: § 11-1.50.05(D)
  • Use tables (permitted/conditional uses by zone): use table excerpts and mapping in the zoning articles and schedule of uses
  • California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) and CalGreen EV/Bicycle references (referred to by local code) — city requires compliance per § 11-1.66.03(K–M)

Related internal pages (first time the topics are mentioned, linked): Lomita Zoning, Lomita Development Standards, Lomita Design Review, Lomita Overlay Districts, Lomita ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and Lomita Landscaping and Screening. (These links are for navigation to related local guidance pages.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Lomita Zoning Code (Section 11-1.70.08) High relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (Section 11-1.15.02) High relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CGBSC § 000 (article have) High relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (Section 11-1.66.04) High relevance
  • CGBSC § 1 (article in) High relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CBC § 11 (Article 66.) Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (section 11-1.68.04.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • California Fire Code Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Lomita Zoning Code (section to) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the off‑street parking requirements for a single‑family home in Lomita?

A typical single‑family home requires two (2) parking spaces (with additional uncovered spaces required when the house has four or more bedrooms and additional counts for five or more), and tandem parking is allowed by right. See § 11-1.66.03(A) for residential parking rules.

Do ADUs in Lomita require off‑street parking?

Yes, generally one off‑street parking space is required per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less; however local ADU rules incorporate the state ADU exceptions (no parking required if within ½ mile of transit, in a historic district, part of the primary residence, on‑street permit situations, or near a car‑share). See § 11-1.30.06(G)(6) and the ADU provisions.

Is bicycle parking required, and how many racks do I need?

Bicycle parking is required but Lomita defers numeric counts and detailed design to the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen); the local code references bicycle parking compliance to that state standard under § 11-1.66.03(K). Verify the current CalGreen section for exact counts and rack design.

How big must loading spaces be for a commercial building?

Required off‑street loading bays must be at least 12 feet wide, 30 feet long with 14 feet vertical clearance; the number of loading bays scales with gross floor area per the code table. Loading spaces must be separate from parking aisles and backout areas. § 11-1.66.04

Can I count municipal or off‑site parking toward my project requirement?

Possibly – shared parking, off‑site parking, or reductions require a minor conditional use permit and specific findings under § 11-1.66.10(B); municipal parking within 500 feet can be considered in some cases for restaurant/retail uses under a minor CUP. § 11-1.66.10(B) and the use‑specific notes in § 11-1.66.03 cover this.

When must I submit a parking/site plan to the city?

A dimensioned site plan is required for any project that will establish required parking for three (3) or more motor vehicles (except single‑family residence parking) — submit under the site‑plan procedures in § 11-1.66.10(A).

Are there landscaping requirements inside parking lots?

Yes: required parking facilities for three (3) or more vehicles in commercial and industrial zones must include interior landscaping equal to at least 6% of the non‑building area; the planning commission can modify this in limited circumstances. § 11-1.66.06(A)

What rules apply to driveway widths and curb cuts for new developments?

Driveway/depression widths are prescribed by use and distance to the street; typical one‑way minimums are 15 ft and two‑way 20 ft, with special requirements for larger projects and certain major thoroughfares; driveway approaches must follow Los Angeles County Public Works specs. See the driveway standards in the development standards portion (driveway and approach rules). § 11-1.30.05 / driveways.

If my project is in the Mixed‑Use Overlay, which parking rules control?

For mixed‑use projects the commercial portion follows Article 66, and the residential portion follows the overlay ratios (units 500–700 sq ft = 1 space; 701+ sq ft = 2 spaces; guest parking also specified in the overlay). Check § 11-1.27.06–.09 and Article 66.

Can required parking be reduced for higher density housing or density‑bonus projects?

Yes — the planning commission may approve parking reductions in accordance with density bonus law and with a completed parking study if specific findings are met (see multiple‑family and planned residential standards for factors). See the planned/multiple‑family standards and § 11-1.30.14 for reductions and the references to Government Code sections for density bonus compliance.

More in Lomita code

Ask about any Lomita property

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

Start Free Trial

More Lomita zoning topics

Lomita Zoning

Lomita Land Use

Lomita Development Standards

Lomita Design Review

Lomita Overlay Districts

Lomita Historic Preservation

Lomita Signage

Lomita Nonconforming Uses

Lomita Variances and Exceptions

Lomita Landscaping and Screening

Lomita overview