Local zoning · Mill Valley

Mill Valley — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Mill Valley Zoning Ordinance requires for parking (off‑street vehicle parking, loading, and bicycle parking) and how those rules interact with local districts and overlays. The governing parking standards are in § 20.60.090 (with related design/installation requirements in § 20.60.080) — read together they set required spaces, dimensions, compact‑car allowances, payment‑in‑lieu and rules for shared/tandem parking.

(Quick internal links used below: Mill Valley parking policy is administered through the city's Mill Valley Zoning rules; see Mill Valley Development Standards for setbacks and FAR interactions, Mill Valley Design Review for driveway/setback exceptions, Mill Valley Overlay Districts for SLHO/OSHO rules, Mill Valley ADUs for accessory unit parking exceptions, and the statewide California Building Standards Code for accessibility/Title 24 obligations. I also note historic‑district exemptions under Mill Valley Historic Preservation.)

What the code requires (high level)

  • Off‑street parking quantity and most use‑specific ratios are set by § 20.60.090; design/installation (e.g., ingress/egress, turning radii, weatherproof surfaces) is in § 20.60.080.
  • A municipal definition of a parking space is at least 9 × 20 ft and must be located entirely off the public right‑of‑way; garage/carport definitions and driveway vehicle storage definitions are in the code definitions (see § 20.08.158).
  • The code allows up to 25% of required spaces to be compact cars, and uses a rounding rule that half‑spaces count as full spaces; shared parking, tandem/stacked parking rules, and visitor‑parking minima are addressed in the ordinance.

Below I break the parking rules down by the key districts and overlays that most affect how parking is calculated and built in Mill Valley.

District‑by‑district (how parking rules are applied)

Notes: each district description highlights the ordinance name/label used in the code and then the parking implications. All numeric parking requirements below flow from § 20.60.090 unless otherwise noted; where the ordinance text places a specific exception in a different chapter I cite that chapter or indicate the relevant section.

RS (single‑family residential zones; e.g., RS‑6, RS‑7.5, RS‑10, RS‑15, RS‑20, etc.)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory structures and limited accessory units; development standards are in § 20.16.040.
  • Parking rules: single‑family lots are governed by the base parking table in § 20.60.090 — the code explicitly treats single‑family garages/carports as satisfying required parking and establishes garage/carport setback rules for front walls (e.g., 15 ft or slope‑based reductions) in the accessory/garage provisions (see the garage setback table and limits). Backing onto public streets is generally prohibited except in R‑S districts.
  • Where it applies: all RS labeled districts across the city; design review and driveway/garage encroachments are subject to § 20.66.020 and the accessory chapter.

RM (multi‑family residential zones — e.g., RM‑PA, RM‑P, RM‑B, RM‑M variants)

  • Purpose / typical uses: multi‑family housing, community facilities, some mixed use; permitted uses and special rules are in the RM chapter.
  • Parking rules: multi‑family developments use the per‑unit ratios in § 20.60.090 (the table lists 2 spaces per dwelling unit for many multifamily configurations, with guest parking conditional where on‑street is unavailable). Efficiency units may count as 0.5 unit for parking/density purposes in certain zones. Tandem/stacked parking and shared parking reductions are addressed in the overlay/overlay‑housing subsections (SLHO/OSHO) and through the density‑bonus provisions.

C‑D (Downtown Commercial), C‑L (Limited Commercial), C‑N (Neighborhood Commercial), C‑G (General Commercial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: downtown retail and services, neighborhood shopping, general commercial activities (tables of permitted uses are in the commercial chapters). Where commercial character areas are defined, the development standards table points to parking being supplied per § 20.60.090.
  • Parking rules: retail, restaurants, offices, banks, hotels, etc., have specific ratios listed in the off‑street parking table that is contained in § 20.60.090 (examples in the code include 1 per 200 sq ft for banks, 1 per 225 sq ft for business and professional offices, 1 per 100 sq ft for restaurants/bars, etc.). The Planning Commission can set parking for special uses by CUP when the table does not list a use. Compact car allowance (25%) and the rounding rules apply.

R‑P (Planned Development) and PD / Special Development Permits

  • Purpose / typical uses: customized development standards approved via a precise development plan or master plan (see § 20.18.010 and PD provisions).
  • Parking rules: the Planning Commission/Council may attach site‑specific parking requirements or allow deviations from base district parking when approving a Planned Development; PD approvals may alter parking standards (but must comply with Title unless explicitly modified by the permit). Off‑street parking must still be shown on the precise development plan.

Overlays that change parking rules: SLHO (Small Lot Housing Overlay) and OSHO (Opportunity Site Housing Overlay)

  • Purpose / typical uses: allow smaller/more intensive residential or mixed‑use housing on qualifying sites. See the overlay chapters.
  • Parking rules: both overlays say the parking requirements of § 20.60.080 and § 20.60.090 apply except for enumerated exceptions: for example, units ≤ 1,000 sq ft in some overlay projects may require 1 off‑street space per unit (rather than the standard ratio), uncovered parking allowances, shared parking allowances and visitor‑parking minima for buildings with ≥10 units, and allowances for tandem/stacked parking for spaces serving the same dwelling unit. Shared‑parking studies (using ITE or ULI methodology) can be used to request a reduction up to 10% in aggregate required spaces.

Key numeric / design rules (decision‑relevant table)

Topic Rule (plain English) Code Reference
Base off‑street parking rules and use table Uses, minimum spaces, compact car allowance (25%), rounding rules; full use table live in ordinance § 20.60.090
Parking design / installation (surfaces, ingress/egress) All off‑street spaces must be usable in all weather and meet turning/circulation standards; backing onto a public street is prohibited except in R‑S § 20.60.080
Definition of a parking space Minimum 9 × 20 ft, entirely off the right‑of‑way; driveway vehicle storage defined § 20.08.158
Single‑family parking requirement Complies with the base table in § 20.60.090; garage setbacks and front‑setback exceptions for garages apply (slope‑based reductions; typical front setback 15 ft) § 20.60.090; garage/setback rules in accessory chapter (garage table)
ADU parking rule (local exceptions) One off‑street parking space per ADU is generally required except where listed exemptions apply (e.g., within ½ mile of transit, entirely within existing structure, historic district, onsite car‑share space). The code states the ADU rules but exact chapter § number for these lines not located in retrieved excerpts. ADU parking language found in the ADU chapter; see Chapter 20.90 (exact § not found in retrieved materials).
Loading spaces Retail/warehouse/manufacturing: minimum 1 loading space per establishment and not less than 1 per 10,000 sq ft; other categories (hotels, hospitals) need at least one — see table § 20.60.090 (loading subsection)
Payment in lieu / variances Planning Commission may allow payment in lieu for CG, CN, PA zones when on‑site parking cannot reasonably be provided; parking variances can be conditioned on payment § 20.60.090 (payment/variance text)

Practical guidance & interpretation (plain English synthesis)

  • Start by checking § 20.60.090 for the use‑specific ratio that applies to your project; that single table controls most required counts.
  • If you are in a housing overlay (SLHO/OSHO) or seeking density bonus relief, the base ratios in § 20.60.090 still apply but the overlay chapters explicitly allow exceptions (reduced per‑unit requirements for units ≤1,000 sq ft, shared parking studies, visitor‑parking minima). Shared parking analyses must use ITE or ULI methods per the code.
  • For ADUs and JADUs: the municipal ordinance grants explicit local exceptions (car‑share, transit proximity, historic district, conversion of a garage) — review the ADU chapter and then confirm by site plan whether replacement parking is required if a garage is demolished. The code ties ADU parking to the ADU chapter and to § 20.60.090 for replacement rules.
  • For design issues (driveways in setbacks, car decks, garage front setbacks on sloped lots): anticipate Design Review under § 20.66.020 and the accessory/garage setback tables (slope‑based values). If you need a garage within a front setback, expect to show slope calculations and request design review.
  • Accessibility (Van/ADA accessible stalls) and accessible parking dimensions remain subject to the state code/Title 24; show accessible stalls on your plan and coordinate with the Building Division for compliance with the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist

  • Confirm which zoning district the parcel is in (e.g., RS‑, RM‑, C‑D, C‑N, C‑G) and any overlays (SLHO/OSHO). Verify allowed uses.
  • Lookup the exact parking ratio for your land use in § 20.60.090 and calculate required spaces (include guest/visitor spaces if applicable).
  • Produce a site parking plan showing: parking stall sizes (9 × 20 ft minimum), compact stalls (≤25% of required), ADA stalls (Title 24), turning radii and driveway grade, and any shared/tandem arrangements. Cite § 20.08.158 and § 20.60.080.
  • If using shared‑parking reductions or requesting fewer spaces, prepare an ITE or ULI shared parking study and map how spaces are assigned (overlay chapters require this).
  • If proposing ADU/JADU, confirm whether ADU parking exceptions apply (transit proximity, carshare space, conversion of existing garage) and document accordingly. If demolishing garage, document whether replacement is required.
  • For driveway/garage encroachments into setbacks or car decks, prepare Design Review materials per § 20.66.020 and include slope calculations where front‑setback exceptions are requested.
  • If on‑site parking cannot be provided (commercial CG/CN/PA), evaluate payment‑in‑lieu or variance options; show cost estimates if proposing in‑lieu payment.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU local exceptions vs. state ADU law ADU parking exemptions are listed locally but federal/state housing law can interact; local code text and state ADU law both matter Verify with Planning whether the ADU parking exemption applies to your parcel (historic district, transit proximity, car‑share) and confirm the exact ADU chapter § to cite. Not found in retrieved materials: exact ADU § number.
Exact sub‑paragraph references in the parking table Code frequently cites § 20.60.090 but subletters (e.g., (A)(1), (B)(7)) are used in the ordinance PDF — this can affect small exceptions (e.g., guest parking for narrow lots) Confirm the exact subsection in § 20.60.090 that addresses your use (guest parking exceptions for lots ≤25 ft are specifically referenced).
Driveway/garage setback exceptions driven by slope Garage front setback reductions depend on slope ranges — incorrect slope calculation can cause noncompliance or require variance Verify the average slope calculation method and match the front‑35‑ft average slope to the ordinance table (garage/front‑setback) before design review.
Shared parking reductions and study acceptance The code requires ITE or ULI methodology; an inadequate study risks denial of reductions Confirm the City’s preferred methodology details with Planning; provide robust data and a clear allocation plan.
Payment in lieu formula / current fee The maximum payment per space is adopted by Council resolution and can change; quoting the wrong amount stalls approvals Contact the City Finance/Planning staff to get the current in‑lieu rate before submitting a variance or in‑lieu request.

Plain‑English summary

Mill Valley’s zoning code sets the required number and design of off‑street parking spaces in § 20.60.090 (with installation/design rules in § 20.60.080); most projects simply use the ordinance table, but overlays (SLHO/OSHO), ADU rules, shared‑parking studies, and slope/garage setback rules create common exceptions that you must document on your site plan and in design review.

Source References

  • Mill Valley Zoning — Off‑street parking requirements, loading, compact‑car allowance, payment‑in‑lieu and the use table: § 20.60.090.
  • Mill Valley Zoning — Parking design, ingress/egress, circulation, weatherproof surface requirement: § 20.60.080.
  • Definitions (parking space, garage, carport, car deck, driveway vehicle storage): § 20.08.158.
  • ADU/JADU parking language and local ADU exceptions (transit proximity, car share, historic district, conversion of garage): ADU chapter / Chapter 20.90 (text located in uploaded materials; exact subsection number for each ADU exemption not found in retrieved materials).
  • Overlay parking exceptions and shared‑parking study requirements (SLHO, OSHO): overlay chapters referencing § 20.60.080 and § 20.60.090; shared parking study standards (ITE/ULI).
  • Design review and driveway/parking in setbacks: § 20.66.020 and accessory/garage setback tables (slope‑based).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.095.) High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.48.010) High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.090.) High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.090) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.090) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.060.) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 2 (Section 21155) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.08.050) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.66.020.) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (Section 20.60.090.) Medium relevance
  • Mill Valley Zoning Code (section of) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I use the same parking table for a shop in downtown Mill Valley and a shop in a neighborhood commercial node?

Yes. The ordinance directs users to the § 20.60.090 off‑street parking table for the base ratio across commercial districts, but downtown character areas also have design and stepback rules that affect where parking can sit on the site; any exceptions or site‑specific parking can be addressed via CUP or design review.

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

Follow the base table in § 20.60.090; single‑family lots typically must provide the number of spaces listed for dwellings in that table (the code also contains garage/carport definitions and allows one space to be compact in some circumstances). Confirm front‑setback and garage‑encroachment rules in the accessory chapter if your driveway or garage impacts setbacks.

Do ADUs always require an extra parking space?

Not always. Mill Valley’s ADU rules list local exemptions: no additional ADU parking is required in certain circumstances (e.g., within ½ mile of high‑quality transit, the ADU is inside the existing structure, parcel is in a historic district, on‑street permits are not offered to ADU occupant, or a nearby car‑share space exists). The ADU chapter ties replacement parking for demolished garages to § 20.60.090 when applicable. For the exact local ADU subsection, see the ADU chapter text; the uploaded excerpts reference Chapter 20.90 but an explicit ADU § number was not located in the retrieved snippets (verify with Planning).

Can I propose tandem or stacked parking to meet required spaces for an apartment building?

Tandem/stacked parking is allowed to meet residential parking for occupants of the same dwelling unit, but it is prohibited for occupants of different dwelling units per the overlay and residential parking rules. If your project is in an overlay (OSHO/SLHO) the code explicitly restates this allowance and limitation.

What are the parking requirements for restaurants and bars?

The code’s off‑street parking table in § 20.60.090 lists restaurants and bars at 1 space per 100 sq ft of gross floor area (use the ordinance table to compute required spaces and include any loading and bicycle parking as applicable). If the use is not listed, the Planning Commission may determine parking via CUP.

When can I pay in lieu of providing parking on site?

Where it can be demonstrated that reasonable and practical development precludes required on‑site parking, the Planning Commission may allow payment in lieu in certain commercial and public zones (for example, C‑G, C‑N and PA) — the in‑lieu option is available under the parking/variance provisions in § 20.60.090 and the City Council sets the per‑space rate by resolution. Verify current in‑lieu rates with Planning/Finance.

Do bicycle parking requirements appear in the same section as motor vehicle parking?

Bicycle parking is referenced in use‑specific reviews (e.g., commercial amusement devices require on‑site bicycle spaces at a ratio) and is treated as part of site design; the municipal code requires bicycle racks for specific uses and may require internal bicycle parking if no outside area exists — see the use‑specific portions and design review standards for where bicycle parking is required.

What about loading spaces for a new retail warehouse?

Loading is addressed separately inside the parking/loading subsections of § 20.60.090: retail/warehouse/manufacturing typically require at least 1 loading space per establishment and not less than 1 per 10,000 sq ft of gross area; hotels and hospitals also require at least one. Show loading on your site plan.

If my lot is very narrow (≤25 ft) do I still need guest parking?

Mill Valley has a narrow‑lot exception in the code: lots 25 ft wide or less are not required to provide guest parking that would otherwise be required for multifamily development; the code points to the parking table and the exception language that references § 20.60.090. Verify which subsection applies to your lot.

Who enforces parking stall dimensions, slopes and accessible stalls?

The Planning and Building Department enforces zoning parking counts; the City Engineer/Building Division enforces design standards and accessibility (Title 24) on stall dimensions and accessible parking layout (the code requires spaces to be usable under all weather and to meet the standards depicted in the ordinance). Coordinate both departments early.

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