Local zoning · Monte Sereno

Monte Sereno — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Monte Sereno zoning ordinance requires about parking (off-street vehicle parking, guest parking, and ADU parking), and where those rules live in the local code. It is strictly grounded to the Monte Sereno municipal zoning/land-use ordinance text: district development standards for R-1-44, R-1-20, R-1-8, RM, P/P‑RM, and Planned Development (PD) rules, plus the city's accessory dwelling unit standards. Where the code delegates or references state rules (ADUs, building standards) that is noted and cited. Links below point to the city planning menu pages readers commonly need for design and standards: the first mention of each related topic is linked for quick navigation (development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, building code).

  • First mention links: "parking" → Monte Sereno Development Standards, "setbacks/development standards" → Monte Sereno Development Standards, "design review" → Monte Sereno Design Review, "overlays" → Monte Sereno Overlay Districts, "ADUs" → Monte Sereno ADUs, "California Building Standards Code" → California Building Standards Code.

What the Monte Sereno code says (district-by-district)

Notes on citations: each rule below is tied to the ordinance section number (§ ###) and to the uploaded Monte Sereno code file extracts returned in the search (file citation markers are included after the § citation).

R-1-44 — § 10.05.020 (R-1-44 Residential District)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single-family lots with large minimum lot size; accessory buildings and ADUs allowed. See § 10.05.020.
  • Key development standards (high level): minimum lot area and setbacks per § 10.05.020; coverage and impervious limits apply. See § 10.05.020.
  • Parking requirement: off-street parking minima vary depending on whether the lot has available on‑street parking; the code text tied to R-1-44 includes the off-street parking prescriptions used for the larger residential districts (see table below). See § 10.05.020.

R-1-20 — § 10.05.030 (R-1-20 Residential District)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single-family lots (medium lot sizes), accessory uses allowed. See § 10.05.030.
  • Key dimensional standards: front/side/rear setbacks, building height, structural and impervious coverage set in § 10.05.030. See § 10.05.030.
  • Parking requirement: off-street parking is required per dwelling. For many R‑1‑20 rules the code states one (1) covered + one (1) uncovered parking space for lots with or without on‑street parking unless noted otherwise; consult § 10.05.030 for the exact pairing that applies to a particular lot. See § 10.05.030.

R-1-8 — § 10.05.040 (R-1-8 Residential District)

  • Purpose & typical uses: single-family neighborhood district (smaller lots); ADUs and junior ADUs are allowed. See § 10.05.040.
  • Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area = 8,000 sq ft (or slope-based formula), front/side/rear setbacks, height limits and coverage established in § 10.05.040. See § 10.05.040.
  • Parking requirement: the code requires off-street parking per dwelling and specifies sizes: a parking space = 10 ft × 20 ft (definition) and the district standard gives two (2) enclosed + two (2) uncovered where on‑street parking is available, and two (2) enclosed + four (4) uncovered where no on‑street parking exists. See § 10.05.040 and the parking-space definition at § 10.01.020.

RM (Multi‑Family Residential) — § 10.05.043

  • Purpose & typical uses: small-scale multifamily (duplex, triplex) and accessory buildings; ADUs addressed separately. See § 10.05.043.
  • Key standards: height, coverage, lot-size minima and specific development rules in § 10.05.043. See § 10.05.043.
  • Parking requirement: RM off-street parking standard is (with on‑street parking) two (2) enclosed + two (2) uncovered; (without on‑street) two (2) enclosed + three (3) uncovered. See § 10.05.043.

P / P‑RM (Public / Public‑Residential Multi‑Family) — § 10.05.045 and P/RM overlay rules

  • Purpose & typical uses: public facilities, limited residential in P/RM overlay, emergency shelters (with employee parking requirement). See § 10.05.045.
  • Overlay-specific standards (P/RM overlay): unit sizes, parking included in per‑unit size calculations, coverage and setback rules — see the P/P‑RM development standards. See § 10.05.045 and overlay subsections.
  • Parking requirement: for P and P/RM the ordinance gives one (1) covered + one (1) uncovered parking space per dwelling in the overlay in many places, and special rules (e.g., one parking space per employee for emergency shelters). See § 10.05.045 and P/RM overlay subsections.

Planned Development (PD) — § 10.05.047 (PD Districts / PD permits)

  • Purpose & typical uses: PD allows site‑specific standards. Where a PD is in effect, the PD permit controls dimensional standards and required parking counts for that site; the PD may require a specific number of off‑street spaces that supersedes base district minima. See § 10.05.047.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — § 10.06.140 (Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards)

  • ADU parking baseline: Monte Sereno implements the ADU parking approach described in its ADU rules: at least one (1) parking space for each accessory dwelling unit in addition to the primary dwelling's minimum, unless an ADU meets statutory exemptions (within 1/2 mile of transit, part of primary residence or existing accessory structure, historic district, on‑street permit restrictions, car‑share nearby, or other state‑specified exemptions). See § 10.06.140.
  • The ordinance explicitly allows ADU parking to be tandem or in setback areas and states that if a garage/carport is demolished or converted to an ADU, the off‑street parking need not be replaced. See § 10.06.140.
  • Where state ADU law limits local parking rules (e.g., one space per unit/bedroom maximum, exemptions), those state rules interact with local § 10.06.140 (the code cites state law provisions and exemptions). See § 10.06.140 and Government Code references summarized in the city's ADU text.

Key numeric standards (quick reference table)

District / Topic Required off‑street parking (typical) Parking‑space size / other notes Code reference
R-1-44 See district text; district parking follows the residential schedule (on-street vs no on‑street variations) Parking space defined as 10 ft × 20 ft § 10.05.020 ; parking space def. § 10.01.020
R-1-20 1 covered + 1 uncovered (district text prescribes the per‑lot pairings; confirm for parcel) 10 × 20 ft min per space § 10.05.030 ; § 10.01.020
R-1-8 With on-street: 2 enclosed + 2 uncovered. Without on-street: 2 enclosed + 4 uncovered 10 × 20 ft per space § 10.05.040 ; § 10.01.020
RM (multi‑family) With on-street: 2 enclosed + 2 uncovered. Without: 2 enclosed + 3 uncovered Per‑space 10 × 20 ft; guest/accessible requirements must follow state CBC/ADA § 10.05.043 ; CBC/ADA references
P / P‑RM overlay Typical overlay rule: 1 covered + 1 uncovered per dwelling (plus employee parking rules for shelters) P/RM overlay includes parking in unit size accounting; emergency shelters: 1 space per employee § 10.05.045 and P/RM overlay subsections
ADU At least 1 parking space per ADU (additional city exemptions mirror state exemptions); spaces may be tandem or in setbacks; demolition/ conversion exceptions apply ADU parking cannot exceed state maximums; see § 10.06.140 and Gov. Code references § 10.06.140 ; state ADU guidance
Planned Development (PD) PD permit controls exact parking count — PD permit language prevails over base district numeric minimums Verify PD permit text for the parcel § 10.05.047 (PD)

(Use these as the starting rule: confirm parcel‑level PD overlays, historic overlays, and any density‑bonus or affordable‑housing adjustments that change parking minima — see checklist.)

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain English synthesis)

  • The Monte Sereno ordinance sets parking minima by zoning district and usually distinguishes whether a lot benefits from on‑street parking. Where a PD (Planned Development) permit applies, the PD-approved parking count overrides the base district numbers (PD permit controls). See § 10.05.047.
  • For homeowners adding an ADU, expect the city to require one (1) off‑street space for the ADU unless the ADU qualifies for one of the ordinance’s (and State’s) exemptions (near transit, part of the principal dwelling, car‑share nearby, etc.); the city explicitly allows tandem parking and use of setback areas for ADU parking. See § 10.06.140.
  • Parking stalls must meet the local definition dimension of 10 ft × 20 ft unless the PD or a specific development standard states otherwise; accessible parking and loading must meet the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) and ADA rules referenced by the city. See § 10.01.020 and CBC references.
  • If you request a density bonus or other incentive that affects parking, Monte Sereno processes those requests under the density‑bonus chapter and allows on‑site vehicular parking ratios per state law (see § 10.24.020/10.24.030). See § 10.24.020–10.24.030.

Checklist

  • Confirm the zoning district for the parcel (one of R-1-44, R-1-20, R-1-8, RM, P/P‑RM or PD). See § 10.05.010 and the district text.
  • Check whether a PD permit or overlay applies (PD permit language can override base district parking). See § 10.05.047.
  • Prepare a site plan showing number and location of all parking stalls (each 10 × 20 ft unless otherwise approved) and indicate whether spaces are covered/uncovered and whether tandem or in setback. See § 10.01.020 and district rules.
  • If proposing an ADU, include ADU plan and state the proposed ADU parking (1 space unless an exemption applies); show tandem/setback parking if used. See § 10.06.140.
  • If seeking a density bonus or parking reduction, file the density‑bonus preapplication and include calculations, on‑site parking ratio requests, and supporting financial analysis per § 10.24.030.
  • For multifamily or public projects, confirm accessible and loading stall counts and marked spaces that must meet CBC/ADA rules. See CBC references in code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
PD permit overrides PD permits can prescribe a different number/location of spaces than base district Confirm whether a PD applies to the parcel and read the PD permit; PD language controls (§ 10.05.047).
“Lot with on‑street parking” test Different parking minima apply depending on that test Verify whether the city considers on‑street parking available at the parcel (city determination). See district text (e.g., § 10.05.040).
ADU exemptions vs local rule State ADU law provides exemptions to local parking requirements; city ordinance codifies many of these For ADU proposals, confirm the specific exemption that applies (transit distance, car‑share, historic, etc.) and cite § 10.06.140 plus state law.
Parking counted as enclosed vs uncovered Some districts distinguish enclosed (garage) vs uncovered counts On plan submittal label covered vs uncovered stalls clearly and confirm whether conversions/demolitions change requirements (ADU conversion exception). See district sections and ADU rules.
Accessible / loading requirements ADA/CBC mandates may add stalls or dimensions beyond zoning minima Confirm accessible stall count and loading geometry with Building Official and follow CBC references cited by the code.

Plain-English Summary

Monte Sereno sets off‑street parking counts by zoning district (R‑1 and RM variants) and usually distinguishes whether on‑street parking is considered available; ADUs normally require one extra off‑street space unless an exemption applies; PD permits override base district numbers — always check the parcel's PD/overlay status and the ADU and density‑bonus sections for exceptions. See the specific code sections cited below.

Source References

  • § 10.05.010 — Zoning district designations and district list (R‑1‑44, R‑1‑20, R‑1‑8, RM, P, P/RM, PD).
  • § 10.05.020 — R‑1‑44 development standards (includes permitted uses and related rules).
  • § 10.05.030 — R‑1‑20 development standards (setbacks, coverage, parking rules).
  • § 10.05.040 — R‑1‑8 development standards including off‑street parking counts.
  • § 10.05.043 — RM (Multi‑Family) district development standards and parking prescriptions.
  • § 10.05.045 — P / P‑RM district and overlay development standards; emergency shelter parking.
  • § 10.05.047 — Planned Development (PD) district and PD permit effect on parking.
  • § 10.06.140 — Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards (ADU parking rules, exemptions and siting flexibility).
  • § 10.24.020–10.24.030 — Density bonus, incentives and permitted parking reductions (state‑law interactions).
  • Definition: "Parking space" = 10 ft × 20 ft (local definition in the code). § 10.01.020 (definitions).
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — accessibility/loading and other technical parking geometry and accessible stall rules (referenced by code). /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section requires) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Chapter 10) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 65801) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§1) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section the) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Title of) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section the) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1132A.1 (Section 1132A.1_) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Chapter 10.05) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 904.3.1 (CHAPTER 9) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 907.2.9 (CHAPTER 9) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 65852.26.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 11B (Section 11B-208.3.) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 65913.4.) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 10.01.020) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 21155) Medium relevance
  • Monte Sereno Zoning Code (Section 10.24.010) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking does my R‑1‑8 lot need in Monte Sereno?

R‑1‑8 lots are governed by § 10.05.040: the code requires off‑street parking per dwelling and distinguishes whether the lot has on‑street parking. Typical text requires two (2) enclosed + two (2) uncovered stalls when on‑street parking exists, and two (2) enclosed + four (4) uncovered when it does not; stalls are sized at 10 × 20 ft. Verify with the Planning Department for your parcel and any PD that may apply (§ 10.05.040).

How many parking spaces are required for an ADU in Monte Sereno?

Monte Sereno’s ADU section requires at least one (1) parking space for each accessory dwelling unit in addition to the primary dwelling’s spaces, but the city follows the state ADU exemptions (transit proximity, part of existing residence/accessory structure, car share, on‑street permit rules, historic district, etc.) so many ADUs qualify for no parking. ADU parking can be tandem or in setback areas; see § 10.06.140.

Does a PD permit change parking rules on my lot?

Yes. When a Planned Development (PD) permit has been implemented, the PD’s adopted development plan and permit provisions — including the exact number and layout of off‑street parking spaces — prevail over the base district standards. Always check the PD permit text for the parcel; see § 10.05.047.

Are parking stall dimensions specified in the Monte Sereno code?

Yes. The code defines a parking space as at least 10 feet by 20 feet (inside dimensions) exclusive of drive aisles and structural supports; districts reference that definition when prescribing counts. See the code definitions (10.01.020) and district development standards.

Will a density bonus or affordable‑housing incentive allow me to reduce parking?

Monte Sereno processes density‑bonus and incentive requests under § 10.24.020–10.24.030. The ordinance allows applicants to request on‑site parking ratio adjustments consistent with Government Code Section 65915; the city may approve reductions or alternative ratios following the findings and procedures in § 10.24.030.

Do I need accessible parking or loading spaces in Monte Sereno projects?

Yes for multifamily and nonresidential projects the California Building Standards Code and ADA rules apply; the Monte Sereno code references these technical standards for accessible stalls and passenger drop‑off/loading geometry. Check the CBC/Title 24 technical requirements early with Building staff. See the code’s references to Title 24/CBC and ADA standards.

Can I count tandem or driveway parking toward the required spaces?

Yes — Monte Sereno expressly allows tandem parking and the use of setback areas for ADU parking and recognizes tandem or driveway configurations in density‑bonus on‑site parking calculations in certain circumstances; confirm the specific proposal with Planning as site‑specific conditions (fire access, sight lines) may affect acceptability. See § 10.06.140 and § 10.24.030.

What if my garage is converted to an ADU — do I have to replace those parking spaces?

No. The Monte Sereno ADU rules specifically state that if a garage, carport or covered parking structure is demolished or converted to an ADU, the off‑street parking spaces shall not be required to be replaced. See § 10.06.140.

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