Local zoning · Los Banos

Los Banos — Parking

Q: Do I need a zoning clearance to pave a new driveway in Los Banos?

Yes — in the R‑1 and R‑2 residential districts a zoning clearance certificate is required for paved driveways, paved driveway extensions, or improved parking areas unless those improvements were previously approved through a discretionary approval (site plan/use permit/variance) (§ 9‑3.2016). § 9‑3.2016.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Los Banos Municipal Code (Title 9, Planning & Zoning / “Title 17 Zoning” style zoning rules as codified in Title 9) requires about parking: required counts, design/improvement standards, bicycle parking, loading, in‑lieu fees, and special rules for R‑1/R‑2 residential parking and ADU parking. Read this as a planning/zoning reference — building, fire, and Title 24 technical rules are separate. For the City’s zoning context see the Los Banos zoning overview and the municipal zoning chapters linked below.

The City’s off‑street parking program is implemented through the off‑street parking article (design standards, improvement standards, and the City’s required items for site plan approval) — see the code provisions cited throughout.

(Internal links used: zoning, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, landscaping & screening)

Key rules, where to find them (plain English + code citations)

Sitewide design & submission requirements: applicants must submit a scaled site plan showing off‑street stalls, ingress/egress, circulation, landscaping, lighting and loading spaces; the Planning Director reviews these as part of site plan review (§ 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2315). § 9‑3.2011 ; § 9‑3.2315
Parking pavement, marking, and circulation: all off‑street parking areas, driveways and circulation shall be paved and maintained per the City’s Improvement Standards and Specifications; parking stalls must be marked (§ 9‑3.2011). § 9‑3.2011
Loading / unloading: required loading/unloading areas and dimensions are governed by the City’s Improvement Standards and Specifications; the site plan must show loading spaces (§ 9‑3.2011; loading reference). § 9‑3.2011
Accessible parking (people with disabilities): required numbers and design follow State/ADA standards; the code reproduces the State table for minimum numbers and expressly requires compliance with State/ADA dimensions (§ 9‑3.2005). § 9‑3.2005
Bicycle & motorcycle parking: required for commercial, industrial, public and semipublic uses; when 10 or more automobile spaces are required provide bicycle/motorcycle spaces equal to at least 10% of required automobile spaces; racks must allow locking and be located near entrances (§ 9‑3.2006). § 9‑3.2006
Parking design dimensions & compact spaces: minimum stall dimensions and compact/standard rules refer to the adopted Improvement Standards and Specifications; compact stalls may not exceed 20% of spaces in nonresidential lots and may not count toward minimum parking for 1–4 family dwellings (§ 9‑3.2009). § 9‑3.2009
Parking lot landscaping & shade rules: nonresidential parking must include interior landscaping (minimum 4% of gross parking area) and a 50% canopy shading target within five years for nonresidential lots; the City has a parking‑lot shading list and standards adopted by resolution (§ 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2012). § 9‑3.2011 ; § 9‑3.2012
In‑lieu fee: property owners may pay a City in‑lieu fee equal to 50% of the current value to avoid providing required off‑street spaces; Council sets the per‑space value by resolution (§ 9‑3.2007). § 9‑3.2007
Joint use / shared parking: the Planning Commission (or authorized agent) may approve joint use of parking (with distance/operating‑hour conditions and recorded covenants) — joint use can supply up to 50% of required spaces in some cases (§ 9‑3.2008). § 9‑3.2008
Parking for accessory dwelling units (ADUs): the ADU article caps ADU parking at a maximum of one space per ADU; many ADUs are explicitly exempt from additional parking (e.g., JADUs, ADUs within 1/2 mile of transit, within historic districts, converted spaces, car‑share nearby, etc.). Tandem and driveway parking is allowed under the ADU rules; replacement of demolished parking for an ADU is not required (§ 9‑3.3007). § 9‑3.3007
On‑site parking & storage prohibitions for residential zones: R‑1 and R‑2 have a focused article that prohibits parking/storage on unpaved surfaces and defines “paved driveway / paved driveway extension / improved parking area”; paved driveway improvements require a zoning clearance (unless part of discretionary approval) (§ 9‑3.2013–9‑3.2017). § 9‑3.2013; § 9‑3.2014‑17
Density bonus / affordable housing parking adjustments: the City allows modified parking ratios for density bonus projects (specific ratios and options are in the density bonus article) and permits applicants to request lower parking ratios consistent with state density bonus law (see § 9‑3.3412–3413). § 9‑3.3412‑3413

District‑by‑district practical breakdown

The Code establishes districts in § 9‑3.301; the districts below show where the parking rules above apply and any district‑specific notes.

Note: district purposes and permitted uses are laid out across the code; for a short cross‑reference to districts see § 9‑3.301. § 9‑3.301

R‑1 (Low Density Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family residences, accessory uses. § 9‑3.301
Parking controls: on‑site parking & storage rules are codified specifically for R‑1 (and R‑2) in the on‑site parking article — paved driveway and paved driveway extension definitions, prohibition of parking on unpaved surfaces, zoning clearance requirement for driveway/parking improvements, and minor‑adjustment allowances (§ 9‑3.2014–9‑3.2017). § 9‑3.2014–17
Practical: A homeowner adding a second driveway extension or paved front‑yard parking in R‑1 will need a Zoning Clearance unless the work was previously approved as part of a site plan/variance; RV storage in front yards is tightly limited and must be on paved areas and meet dimensional/screening rules (§ 9‑3.2024). § 9‑3.2016; § 9‑3.2024

R‑2 (Medium Density Residential)

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, small multi‑family. § 9‑3.301
Parking controls: same dedicated on‑site article as R‑1 for driveway/parking surface, plus ADU parking rules apply when accessory units are involved (§ 9‑3.2014–17; § 9‑3.3007). § 9‑3.2014–17 ; § 9‑3.3007

C‑N / C‑1 / H‑C (Commercial districts)

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood, general, and highway‑oriented commercial (retail, restaurants, offices). § 9‑3.301
Parking controls: nonresidential off‑street parking counts and design (stall layout, compact limit, access, lighting, landscaping and shading) apply; bicycle parking rules are triggered when 10+ automobile spaces are required (§ 9‑3.2009; § 9‑3.2006; § 9‑3.2011). § 9‑3.2009 ; § 9‑3.2006 ; § 9‑3.2011
Practical: expect to show ingress/egress, ADA stalls, landscape islands (min 4% interior landscaping), and shading plan; if parking demand is difficult, the City allows in‑lieu fee or joint‑use proposals (§ 9‑3.2007; § 9‑3.2008). § 9‑3.2007 ; § 9‑3.2008

L‑I (Light Industrial) and I (General Industrial)

Purpose / typical uses: warehousing, manufacturing, vehicle repair (in specified manners). § 9‑3.301
Parking & loading: industrial uses have use‑specific parking standards and the Improvement Standards govern loading dimensions; special uses (e.g., large collection facilities) have bespoke off‑street parking counts and screening/setback conditions (§ 9‑3.2906; parking improvement rules). § 9‑3.2906 ; § 9‑3.2011
Practical: vehicle repair uses must provide the parking counts in the code and cannot use the parking area for vehicle servicing (daily repair work in parking lots for nonresidential is prohibited) (§ 9‑3.2011). § 9‑3.2011

P‑F (Public Facilities)

Purpose / typical uses: governmental, schools, hospitals, public utilities. § 9‑3.301
Parking: parking counts and accessible parking requirements depend on use/occupancy and must follow ADA/state rules; special parking requests for transit or joint‑use reviewed case‑by‑case (§ 9‑3.2005; § 9‑3.2008). § 9‑3.2005 ; § 9‑3.2008

Decision‑relevant standards (compact table)

This table highlights the most commonly referenced code provisions for applicants and planners.

Topic	Short rule	Code Reference
Paving & marking	All off‑street parking, circulation and driveways must be paved and marked per the Improvement Standards.	§ 9‑3.2011
Accessible parking	Provide ADA/State required accessible stalls per State/ADA; code reproduces State minimum table.	§ 9‑3.2005
Bicycle/motorcycle parking	If 10+ automobile spaces required, provide bicycle/motorcycle spaces = min 10% of required automobile spaces; racks that allow locking; near entrances.	§ 9‑3.2006
Landscaping & shading	Parking areas: min 4% interior landscaping; nonresidential lots must reach 50% canopy shade coverage within 5 years.	§ 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2012
In‑lieu payment	Owner may pay 50% of per‑space value instead of building spaces; Council sets per‑space value.	§ 9‑3.2007
Joint/shared parking	Joint use may supply up to 50% of required spaces subject to distance, hours, and recorded covenant.	§ 9‑3.2008
ADU parking	Max 1 space per ADU; many ADUs exempt (JADUs, near transit, conversions, historic district, car‑share, etc.); tandem allowed per ADU rules.	§ 9‑3.3007
On‑site residential storage/driveway permits	R‑1/R‑2: paved driveway/driveway extension definitions; zoning clearance required for driveway/parking improvements (unless part of discretionary approval).	§ 9‑3.2015‑16
Parking design dimensions	Minimum dimensions and compact space rules are in the Improvement Standards; compact ≤20% (nonresidential); compact spaces do not count for 1–4 family dwellings.	§ 9‑3.2009

For the full, use‑by‑use parking schedule (counts for restaurant, retail, vehicle repair, gyms, etc.) consult the Municipal Code’s off‑street parking entries and the applicable tables in the code (use table entries and the off‑street parking article). Not every single use ratio is reproduced here — see code. (See the code’s off‑street parking article and the use‑by‑use listing in the Municipal Code.)

Checklist (what an applicant must provide)

Scaled site plan showing all parking stalls, drive aisles, ingress/egress, loading/unloading, ADA stalls with dimensions, internal circulation and signage (Site plan review requirement) — § 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2315.
Landscaping plan that shows interior parking landscaping (≥4%) and parking‑lot shade canopy plan for nonresidential lots — § 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2012.
Demonstration of required number of spaces (or in‑lieu payment, or joint‑use agreement, or approved parking reduction such as density bonus adjustment) — § 9‑3.2007; § 9‑3.2008; § 9‑3.3412.
Bicycle parking plan when triggered (10+ automobile spaces) showing racks or wall brackets and proximity to entrances — § 9‑3.2006.
Zoning clearance/encroachment permit for new paved driveway or driveway approach in R‑1/R‑2 unless previously approved with discretionary permit — § 9‑3.2016.
If seeking parking modifications for density bonus or affordable project, include the density bonus application and parking modification request per § 9‑3.3413.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact location of the City’s use‑by‑use parking schedule (table)	Practitioners need the single authoritative table when calculating required spaces.	Verify the precise code subsection or table in the off‑street parking article (search the municipal code for the off‑street parking schedule or ask City planning staff). Not all snippets give a standalone § number for the table in the source excerpt.
Improvement Standards & Specifications references	Many dimensional and loading standards are adopted outside the zoning text (Improvement Standards) and are controlling for implementation.	Confirm the current adopted Improvement Standards and Specifications document and any recent resolutions (verify with Public Works / City Engineer). § 9‑3.2011 references this.
ADA design vs. local code interplay	State/ADA design rules can change; the code defers to State/ADA requirements for accessible parking.	Confirm the latest State/ADA dimensional table and coordinate with building/engineering plan check. § 9‑3.2005.
ADU parking exemptions and state law	City lists exemptions but state ADU law also constrains local rules.	For an ADU project, verify both § 9‑3.3007 and current California ADU law; if conflict arises, state law may preempt. § 9‑3.3007
Loading dimensions and heavy‑use industrial loading	Loading sizes and turning radii can stop a plan from being approvable.	Loading/unloading dimensions are in the Improvement Standards — confirm the exact numeric requirements with Public Works. § 9‑3.2011.

Plain‑English summary

Los Banos requires off‑street parking to be provided, paved, and laid out so vehicles circulate safely; accessible and bicycle parking are mandatory where triggered; many specific counts and design rules live in the off‑street parking article and in the City’s Improvement Standards; R‑1/R‑2 have extra rules about paved driveways and prohibiting vehicle storage on unpaved surfaces; ADUs get a maximum of one parking space and multiple exemptions. Refer to the cited municipal code sections below and confirm dimensions with the City’s Improvement Standards. § 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2005; § 9‑3.2006; § 9‑3.3007.

Source References

Off‑street parking design & improvement standards (paving, marking, interior landscaping): § 9‑3.2011.
Parking lot shading/canopy: § 9‑3.2012.
Parking on unpaved surfaces (ban) and R‑1/R‑2 on‑site parking article: § 9‑3.2013; § 9‑3.2014–9‑3.2017.
Bicycle/motorcycle parking requirement: § 9‑3.2006.
Accessible parking (people with disabilities) numbers / design: § 9‑3.2005.
Parking design/minimum dimensions reference to Improvement Standards: § 9‑3.2009.
In‑lieu fee for parking: § 9‑3.2007.
Joint‑use parking provisions: § 9‑3.2008.
ADU parking rules (cap and exemptions): § 9‑3.3007.
District list (where these standards apply): § 9‑3.301.
Density bonus parking adjustments: § 9‑3.3412–9‑3.3413.
Use‑by‑use required parking entries and examples appear in the Municipal Code off‑street parking article (see the code’s parking use listings and the off‑street parking article excerpts). Example use entries (restaurants, vehicle repair, convenience stores etc.) are found in the off‑street parking tables in the code.

Additional helpful references:

Los Banos Zoning & Planning overview: /us/california/los-banos
Los Banos Zoning (main zoning menu): /us/california/los-banos/zoning
Los Banos Development Standards: /us/california/los-banos/development-standards
Los Banos Design Review: /us/california/los-banos/design-review
Los Banos Overlay Districts: /us/california/los-banos/overlay-districts
Los Banos ADUs: /us/california/los-banos/adu
California Building Standards Code (Title 24 / building code reference): /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

Los Banos Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (Article 30) High relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (section are) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (article is) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 9-1.12.) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (Article 23) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (article shall) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (section for) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (section applies) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 14) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
CFC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 4.01) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 9-3.3905.) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code (§ 2.01) Medium relevance
Los Banos Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Los Banos code library

Frequently asked questions

What parking counts does Los Banos require for commercial buildings?

Los Banos requires off‑street parking according to the Municipal Code’s off‑street parking schedule (use‑by‑use counts) and design standards; accessible stalls must follow State/ADA rules (§ 9‑3.2005) and bicycle parking is required when 10+ automobile stalls are required (§ 9‑3.2006). For detailed per‑use numbers consult the off‑street parking table in the code and the Improvement Standards for stall dimensions (see § 9‑3.2005–9‑3.2009). § 9‑3.2005; § 9‑3.2006; § 9‑3.2009.

Do I need a zoning clearance to pave a new driveway in Los Banos?

Yes — in the R‑1 and R‑2 residential districts a zoning clearance certificate is required for paved driveways, paved driveway extensions, or improved parking areas unless those improvements were previously approved through a discretionary approval (site plan/use permit/variance) (§ 9‑3.2016). § 9‑3.2016.

How many bicycle parking spaces must I provide for my new retail center?

If your project requires 10 or more automobile parking spaces, provide bicycle and motorcycle parking equal to at least 10% of the required automobile spaces; provide compatible bike racks and locate bicycle parking near entrances so it does not interfere with circulation (§ 9‑3.2006). § 9‑3.2006.

Can the City accept money instead of building required parking?

Yes. The owner may pay an in‑lieu parking fee equal to 50% of the value per parking space as set by City Council resolution in lieu of providing off‑street spaces (§ 9‑3.2007); funds are dedicated to municipal parking or related improvements. § 9‑3.2007.

Are compact stalls counted toward minimum parking?

Compact stalls are controlled by the Improvement Standards; compact spaces cannot exceed 20% of the total spaces in a nonresidential lot and compact spaces do not count toward minimum required parking for single‑family and small multi‑family dwellings (1–4 unit) (§ 9‑3.2009). § 9‑3.2009.

What special parking rules apply to ADUs in Los Banos?

Los Banos caps ADU parking at one parking space per ADU (maximum); junior ADUs require no additional parking. Several exemptions (no additional parking) apply including ADUs within 1/2 mile of transit, conversions within an existing dwelling/structure, historic district units, and where on‑street permits are not available — see § 9‑3.3007 for full details. § 9‑3.3007.

Does Los Banos require shading/trees in parking lots?

Yes. Nonresidential parking lots must plan for interior landscaping (min 4% of gross parking area) and must achieve a 50% shade‑tree canopy coverage on site within five years per the City’s parking lot shading standards and master shade tree list (§ 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2012). § 9‑3.2011; § 9‑3.2012.

Where are loading dimensions written down?

Loading/unloading area dimensions are set out in the City’s adopted Improvement Standards and Specifications; the zoning code requires loading spaces and refers applicants to those Improvement Standards (§ 9‑3.2011). Verify the current Improvement Standards with Public Works. § 9‑3.2011.

Can two different uses share parking in Los Banos?

Yes. Joint‑use/shared parking may be authorized (subject to distance limits, operating hours, and recorded covenant) and in some cases up to 50% of required parking may be supplied by another compatible use (§ 9‑3.2008). § 9‑3.2008.

What if my project wants fewer spaces because it’s near transit or is affordable housing?

Los Banos’ density bonus article allows parking adjustments and modified ratios for qualifying affordable housing/density bonus projects; applicants may apply for reduced parking ratios consistent with § 9‑3.3412–3413 and state density bonus law. § 9‑3.3412–3413.

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