Local zoning · Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Manhattan Beach regulates off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle parking in Title 10 of the Municipal Code, principally Chapter 10.64 — Off‑Street Parking and Loading Regulations. The rules set required parking counts by use (Schedule A), off‑street loading by building group (Schedule B), detailed dimensional and design standards (aisles, driveways, surfacing), rules for shared/collective and in‑lieu parking, and bicycle parking minimums and hardware requirements. See the zoning framework in Title 10 and the city’s development rules for how parking interacts with setbacks and site standards. § 10.64 is the controlling chapter for nearly all local parking requirements .

(Links: first mention of parking is to Manhattan Beach Zoning) For related rules see Manhattan Beach Development Standards, Manhattan Beach Design Review, Manhattan Beach Overlay Districts, Manhattan Beach ADUs and the California Building Standards Code.

What the Code requires (key rules, plain-English)

  • Off‑street parking and loading must be provided at construction, initial occupancy, or for major alterations (major = >50% reconstruction value) (§ 10.64.020) .
  • Required parking counts are taken from the schedules in § 10.64.030 (Schedule A); loading berths from Schedule B; where a use is not clear the Community Development Director determines the requirement and may request survey data (§ 10.64.030) .
  • Residential minimums (selected examples from Schedule A): Single‑family — 2 enclosed spaces per unit for homes under 3,600 sq ft; 3 enclosed for homes ≥3,600 sq ft; Multifamily/condominiums — 2 spaces per unit including 1 enclosed per unit (with area‑district variations) (§ 10.64.030) .
  • Bicycle parking for commercial uses = 5% of automobile parking requirement (with several use exceptions); industrial uses = none; public/semi‑public = set by permit. Each required bicycle space must have a stationary rack or bracket that secures both wheels and the frame for a 6‑ft cable/lock (§ 10.64.080) .
  • Parking dimensions, aisle widths, driveway clearances and other geometric standards are specified (typical 90° large‑car stall 9.0×19 ft in residential garages; aisles vary by angle; residential driveway minima; see §§ 10.64.090–10.64.150) .
  • Accessible/disabled parking must comply with California building/accessibility rules (Title 24) and CVC signing (§ 10.64.070) .
  • Off‑site required parking may be allowed under recorded agreements (generally a minimum 10‑year covenant) and joint/collective parking is possible by use permit with a max allowable reduction (up to 15% under the collective parking provision) (§ 10.64.040; Life‑of‑facility covenant) .
  • The City allows cash parking in‑lieu payments in designated parking districts (City will not accept fees for more than 20 spaces without Council approval) (§ 10.64.060) .
  • Parking area plans (showing stalls, striping, landscaping, drainage and lighting) are required before construction/reconstruction of parking areas (single‑family on pre‑existing lots are exempt) (§ 10.64.220) .
  • Special rules: ADU parking exceptions (one space required in addition to primary dwelling unless exemption criteria met), garage conversions to ADUs may not trigger replacement parking (§ 10.52.050, ADU rules) .

District‑by‑district breakdown

Below are the primary district groups and the parking provisions or district notes that most affect applicants. For each district the bold name is the local district label used in the Code.

R districts (all R zoning; Area Districts I–IV apply)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑ and multi‑family residential development; preserve neighborhood character (Title 10, Part II) .
Key parking rules:

  • Single‑family dwellings: 2 enclosed spaces/unit (with additional unenclosed guest spaces required depending on BFA thresholds); homes ≥3,600 sq ft require 3 enclosed spaces (§ 10.64.030) .
  • Multifamily: 2 spaces per unit including 1 enclosed/unit; guest parking minimums apply (condominiums 1.0 guest space/unit; apartments 0.25/unit for 4+ unit buildings) (§ 10.64.030) .
  • Driveway and garage rules: driveway widths/visibility and alley access rules; tandem guest parking allowed (with Strand exception) (§§ 10.64.140, 10.64.150, 10.64.190) . Where it applies: all R‑zoned parcels; the Code further divides R into RS/RM/RH across Area Districts I–IV which can affect enclosure requirements and whether both spaces must be enclosed (§ 10.64.090; area district rules) .

C districts and I districts (commercial and industrial)

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood & regional commercial, services, and industrial uses. Parking counts use Schedule A and loading use Schedule B (§ 10.64.030) .
Key rules:

  • Required parking may be located in required yards in C or I districts (but must meet landscaping and screening in § 10.60.070 and § 10.64.160) .
  • Parking access and driveway placement are discouraged on pedestrian‑intensive commercial streets (Downtown, North End/El Porto, etc.); garages and structures must meet additional aesthetics provisions (§ 10.64.160 and related development standards) . Where it applies: all C and I zoned properties; pedestrian‑intensive areas (Downtown, North End) have special access/aesthetic expectations (§ 10.64.160) .

CD District (Commercial/ Downtown special district)

Purpose / typical uses: downtown/commercial core (Code calls out a CD District for reduced parking rules).
Key rules:

  • Reduced parking rules: For nonresidential uses on small building sites the calculation excludes a base floor area (e.g., FAF exceptions and first 5,000 sq ft exclusion for sites >10,000 sq ft), and the CD district may allow no parking if FAF <1:1; consult § 10.64.050 for the CD exceptions and calculation method .
  • Distance exceptions: parking located within the CD district can serve nonresidential uses up to 1,000 ft away when used within the district (§ 10.64.020/Location and Ownership) . Where it applies: the City’s CD boundaries on the zoning map (verify with the zoning map) .

Area Districts I, II, III, IV (the City’s area‑district overlay used for residential standards)

Purpose / typical uses: geographic overlay that modulates setbacks, floor‑area, and parking enclosure rules.
Key parking implications:

  • Area Districts affect how many enclosed spaces are required, whether tandem configurations are allowed, and what counts as buildable floor area for parking calculations (see §§ 10.64.090; area district tables in Part II) . Where it applies: citywide; determine your lot’s Area District on the zoning map (City files) .

Other neighborhood notes (Downtown, North End / El Porto, Strand)

  • Driveway encroachments discouraged on primary commercial streets in Downtown and North End; driveway placement and parking garage facades must meet the pedestrian design guidance (§ 10.64.160 and related development standards) .
  • The Strand has special exceptions for tandem configuration and driveway approvals (§ 10.64.190) .

Quick reference table (most decision‑relevant standards)

Topic Requirement / Rule Code Reference
When parking is required At initial occupancy, construction, or major alteration (>50% reconstruction value) § 10.64.020
Residential parking (single‑family) 2 enclosed spaces/unit (<3,600 sq ft); 3 enclosed if ≥3,600 sq ft § 10.64.030 (Schedule A)
Multifamily/Condos 2 spaces/unit, 1 enclosed/unit (area district variations) § 10.64.030
Bicycle parking (commercial) 5% of auto parking requirement; design: rack or bracket securing frame & both wheels § 10.64.080
Loading berth Schedule B by use group; typical minimum 10′ × 20′ berth or 25′ lineal loading zone § 10.64.030; § 10.64.230; § 10.64.210
Aisles & stall dims Residential large car stalls ~9×19 ft; aisle widths depend on angle (90°→24 ft for large car) §§ 10.64.090–10.64.110
Off‑site / collective parking Use permit for collective parking; max 15% reduction possible; off‑site must be recorded for 10 years § 10.64.040 (collective); Life‑of‑facility clause
In‑lieu payments Allowed in designated parking districts; City not obligated for >20 spaces without Council approval § 10.64.060
Parking area plan Required before construction/reconstruction of parking areas (detailed plan items listed) § 10.64.220

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • Treat the Schedule A numbers as the starting point; the Community Development Director can require survey data or determine a use when ambiguous (§ 10.64.030) .
  • If your site is in the CD District, run the FAF calculation and CD exceptions early — some small commercial sites may have much lower effective parking obligations (§ 10.64.050) .
  • Bicycle parking is a low‑cost requirement for most commercial projects (5% of auto stalls) but is a code obligation, and the hardware must allow locking the frame and both wheels (§ 10.64.080) .
  • For ADUs, read the ADU chapter: ADU parking is generally one additional off‑street space unless statutory/local exemptions apply (transit proximity, historic district, conversion of existing garage, car‑share, etc.) — see § 10.52.050 and ADU rules .
  • Where the code allows reductions (collective parking, use permits, or CD adjustments), prepare empirical survey data and a clear operations plan; the Planning Commission/Director will weigh actual demand and hours of operation (§§ 10.64.040, 10.64.050) .

Checklist (what an applicant must provide)

  • Confirm the zoning and area district for the parcel and applicable district rules (Area District I–IV, CD, C/I, R) — verify on zoning map .
  • Calculate required parking using Schedule A (auto) and Schedule B (loading); include guest parking and ADU rules where applicable (§ 10.64.030; § 10.52.050) .
  • Provide a parking area plan showing dimensions, circulation, striping, surfacing, drainage, lighting and landscaping per § 10.64.220 .
  • Show bicycle parking count and hardware (racks/brackets) and indicate exemptions if any (§ 10.64.080) .
  • Demonstrate accessible parking compliance with state accessibility requirements and CVC signage (§ 10.64.070) .
  • If proposing off‑site, collective, or reduced parking, include leases/agreements, survey data, and the requested reduction with findings for a use permit (§ 10.64.040; life‑of‑facility covenant) .
  • If proposing in‑lieu payment, confirm the site sits within a designated parking district and calculate the fee; note City limits on accepting payments (§ 10.64.060) .
  • Show screening/landscaping for parking in yards (C/I) per § 10.60.070 and § 10.64.160; include lighting and curb separation (§ 10.60.070; § 10.64.190) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
How to classify a marginal use The required number of spaces follows the use classification; wrong classification → wrong parking count Confirm the use class with the Community Development Director; be ready to submit survey data (§ 10.64.030)
Buildable Floor Area (FAF) calculations in CD district FAF exclusions change required parking under CD rules and can cut requirements substantially Have a professional FAF calculation and check § 10.64.050 CD rules; verify CD district boundary on zoning map
Off‑site parking covenant length Off‑site parking is often acceptable but requires a 10‑year recorded agreement; losing the lot can invalidate occupancy Confirm recordation requirements and any City waiver (City lots exception) (§ Life‑of‑facility clause)
ADU parking exemptions ADU parking exceptions (transit proximity, conversion of garage, historic district) materially affect required spaces Apply ADU checklist early and confirm distance to transit / historic district status (§ 10.52.050)
Parking in‑lieu availability In‑lieu payments are only allowed in designated parking districts and City refuses >20 spaces without Council approval Verify your site is inside a designated parking district and check fee schedule (§ 10.64.060)
Conflicts with accessibility law Local code defers to Title 24 and the Vehicle Code for accessible stalls/signs Check compliance with the California Building Standards (Title 24) and provide required accessible stall counts/signage (§ 10.64.070)

Plain‑English summary

Manhattan Beach requires off‑street vehicle and bicycle parking based on the use and building size (see Schedule A/B in § 10.64.030), with dimensional and surfacing standards, loading rules, and options for shared, reduced, or in‑lieu parking through specific procedures; ADUs and the CD district have targeted exceptions — always confirm the parcel’s zoning/area district and get a parking plan approved before building .

Source References

  • Manhattan Beach Planning & Zoning (Title 10) — Chapter heading and general purposes; Planning & Zoning Ordinance (Title 10) .
  • § 10.64.020 — Basic requirements for when off‑street parking/loading is required and change‑of‑use rules .
  • § 10.64.030 — Off‑street parking and loading spaces required; Schedule A (auto) and Schedule B (loading) references .
  • § 10.64.040 — Collective provision of parking and allowable reductions (use permit) .
  • § 10.64.050 — Reduced parking rules for the CD District (calculation method and exceptions) .
  • § 10.64.060 — Parking in‑lieu payments and limits (20‑space cap without Council OK) .
  • § 10.64.070 — Accessibility / handicapped parking compliance point to Title 24 and CVC requirements .
  • § 10.64.080 — Bicycle parking numbers and design requirements .
  • § 10.64.090–10.64.150 — Parking space dimensions, aisles, access, driveway widths, visibility and design standards .
  • § 10.64.190–10.64.220 — Additional design, landscaping/screening, and parking area plan requirements .
  • ADU parking rules and exceptions — ADU chapter and § 10.52.050 (ADU parking exemptions and replacement rules) .
  • Official source: Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, Title 10 — Planning and Zoning (print export; Manhattan Beach zoning code excerpts) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.64.030.) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.68.030) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 10.94) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 10.84) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.52.050.) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (chapter are) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 10.94) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.64.090) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.60.070) High relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Manhattan Beach Zoning Code (Section 10.64.020) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What counts as required off‑street parking in Manhattan Beach?

Required off‑street parking is determined by the use and size of the building using Schedule A (automobile parking) and Schedule B (loading) in § 10.64.030; if the use is unclear the Community Development Director will decide and may require survey data (§ 10.64.030) .

How many parking spaces does a single‑family house need?

Per Schedule A a single‑family dwelling typically requires 2 enclosed spaces per unit for houses under 3,600 sq ft, and 3 enclosed spaces for houses 3,600 sq ft and larger; garage and driveway layout must follow the dimension and driveway visibility rules in Chapters 10.64.090–10.64.150 (§ 10.64.030; §§ 10.64.090–10.64.150) .

Do ADUs require additional parking in Manhattan Beach?

An ADU generally requires one off‑street parking space in addition to the primary dwelling, but there are specific exemptions (within 1/2 mile of transit, historic districts, conversions of existing accessory structures, one block of a car‑share space, etc.) per the ADU rules and § 10.52.050 .

What are the bicycle parking requirements?

For commercial uses Manhattan Beach requires bicycle parking equal to 5% of the auto parking requirement (some commercial activities are exempt); each required bicycle space must provide a stationary object to secure both wheels and the frame for a 6‑ft cable/lock (§ 10.64.080) .

Can I use off‑site parking to meet requirements?

Yes — off‑site parking can be used if it is within the maximum allowable walking distance (customer/visitor 200 ft, employee 400 ft; a CD district exception allows up to 1,000 ft within that district) and is generally secured by a recorded agreement for 10 years; collective parking use permits may allow up to a 15% reduction in required spaces (§ 10.64.040; location/ownership rules) .

How do I get a reduced parking requirement?

Reductions can be sought via a use permit for collective parking (max reduction 15%), or under the CD District calculation rules which exclude certain floor area from the parking calculation; the Planning Commission/Director will require findings and may request survey data (§ 10.64.040; § 10.64.050) .

Are there in‑lieu parking payments?

The City allows in‑lieu payments for required parking only in designated parking districts; the City will not be obligated to accept a fee for more than 20 spaces without Council approval — see § 10.64.060 for requirements and limitations .

What are the minimum driveway widths I must provide?

Minimum unobstructed paved driveway widths depend on use and number of spaces served (e.g., residential serving 6 or fewer spaces 8 ft, 7–25 spaces 12 ft; nonresidential serving <14 spaces 12 ft; two‑way 20 ft) — see § 10.64.140 for the full table and exceptions .

Do parking lots need landscaping and screening?

Yes — parking areas must meet the landscaping separation and screening standards (landscaping separated from circulation by a 6‑inch curb; parking in yards in C/I districts must meet landscaping and screening in § 10.60.070 and § 10.64.160) .

Can existing nonconforming parking stay as‑is?

Existing legal nonconforming parking may remain nonconforming in number, width, depth and vertical clearance (subject to some limits and minor exception rules) but cannot be reduced below previously existing required numbers; see nonconforming provisions and exceptions (§ 10.64.090; Chapter 10.68) .

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