Local zoning · Montebello

Montebello — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Montebello Zoning Code requires for off‑street parking, loading, circulation and bicycle parking inside the city. The city’s off‑street rules are concentrated in Chapter 17.52 — Off‑Street Parking (parking counts, dimensions, loading), with zone‑specific references in the residential, commercial and industrial chapters and a Downtown Specific Plan that adds site‑level parking design rules. See the city’s rules for development standards and site plan/plot plan requirements before preparing building or permit applications (development standards link: Montebello Development Standards). All quoted requirements below are from the Montebello Municipal Code; the controlling sections are cited after each rule.

How to read this page

Key city rules (high‑level)

  • Purpose: the off‑street parking regulations exist to prevent street congestion and protect public safety; new uses must provide required parking ( § 17.52.010, § 17.52.020 ).
  • Required counts: the city uses Exhibit 17.52.050 (the off‑street parking table) for minimum parking by use type (residential, commercial, industrial). See § 17.52.050 and Exhibit 17.52.050 for the full table.
  • Loading: off‑street loading spaces are required per gross floor area ranges and must meet minimum size/location/clearance rules (see § 17.52.230 and Exhibit table; loading dimensions in § 17.52.230(C)).
  • Dimensions and circulation: minimum stall size, parallel length, aisle widths, driveway widths, and vertical clearances are specified in Chapter 17.52 and its exhibits — for non‑residential stalls the minimum is typically 8'6" × 18' (other special rules for parallel, R‑3/R‑4 driveways and vertical clearance). See §§ 17.52.060–17.52.120 and Exhibits.
  • Plot plan & approvals: parking lot/space plans must be shown on plot/site plans for building permits; city planner may refuse plans creating traffic hazards — appealable to the Planning Commission ( § 17.52.180 ).
  • Bicycle parking & TDM: larger nonresidential projects must provide bicycle parking and other commute reduction measures (specific bike‑rack counts per § 17.53.020).
  • Landscaping, screening & lighting: parking areas must meet landscape and screening requirements (trees, screening walls, perimeter landscaping) and lighting/photometrics (see § 17.52.120, § 17.52.260 and the commercial and downtown sections).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the Montebello Zoning Code uses named districts such as R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-R, C-1, C-2, C-M, M-1, M-2, plus the Downtown Specific Plan zones/overlays. Below I summarize parking-related requirements and the most decision‑relevant dimensional standards for each district. Always verify parcel‑specific questions with the city; I cite the related code for each district.

R-A and R-1 (Single‑family residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family detached homes and accessory structures ( § 17.14.010 ).
  • Parking requirement: 2 enclosed spaces per unit (Exhibit 17.52.050 / § 17.52.050). Garage and driveway rules appear in the residential chapter (no parking in front/side yards except in driveway; see § 17.10.060 and Exhibit 17.10.020).
  • Key dimensional & locational rules: minimum lot area and widths found in Exhibit 17.10.020 (e.g., 5,000 sq ft south of Beverly Blvd / 6,000 sq ft north of Beverly — refer to exhibit), and parking must be on the same lot ( § 17.52.200(A) ).
  • ADUs: accessory/second dwelling units are allowed subject to § 17.10.280 (design & development standards). ADU parking: the primary dwelling must already meet Exhibit 17.52.050, and each ADU requires one additional enclosed off‑street parking space (garage door required) unless state ADU law restricts local parking rules — see § 17.10.280(11).

R-2 (Two‑family) and R-3 / R-4 (Multi‑family)

  • Purpose / permitted: duplexes in R-2; medium/high density multiple dwellings in R-3/R-4 (see Chapters 17.16, 17.18, 17.20).
  • Parking requirement: R-2/R-3/R-4 — 2 enclosed spaces per unit; plus 1 visitor space per 3 units (Exhibit 17.52.050 / § 17.52.050).
  • Additional rules: R-3/R-4 have added circulation/garage rules (no detached garage in front of the main building; driveway rules and vertical clearance requirements apply) — see § 17.10.060(C) and § 17.52.110(B).
  • Location: parking must be on same lot or follow distance limits in § 17.52.200; internal walkways and landscape standards for multi‑family are required (see § 17.10.090 and Exhibit 17.10.020).

C-R, C-1, C-2, C-M (Commercial zones)

  • Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood commercial, offices, retail and commercial‑service uses (see Exhibit 17.22.020 for zone standards).
  • Parking requirement: all commercial lots must provide parking per Chapter 17.52 and Exhibit 17.52.050; typical ratios include 1/400 sq ft for offices/retail and specific rates for restaurants, banks and outdoor sales (see § 17.52.050 and the Exhibit table).
  • Loading: any commercial use with >6,000 sq ft that requires deliveries must provide off‑street loading per the loading table in § 17.22.030 (which cross‑references Chapter 17.52 for loading sizes/location). Loading space sizes: 12' × 30' × 15' minimum; larger truck spaces required when multiple loading bays are needed ( § 17.22.030(A)(B)(C) ).
  • Screening & setbacks: parking lots abutting R zones must be screened and landscaped; setback requirements for commercial zones are in Exhibit 17.22.080(a) and § 17.22.020.

M-1 and M-2 (Manufacturing / Industrial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: light and heavy industrial uses; development standards refer to Chapter 17.32 and special industrial rules.
  • Parking and loading: each industrial lot must comply with Chapter 17.52 for off‑street parking and § 17.32.050 for site‑specific loading/parking design. Large trucking uses have extra requirements (truck parking buffers, screening, 100‑ft buffers from residential, etc.) under heavy trucking rules in the code (see Chapter 17.49 and related sections).
  • Truck yards & Brownfield overlay: the Brownfield overlay and special industrial provisions may supersede some standard requirements — check the overlay chapter and § 17.49 (or applicable overlay chapter) for exceptions and additional screening/stacking rules.

Downtown Specific Plan / Form‑Based Code (local downtown zones & overlays)

  • Parking approach: the Downtown Code emphasizes fronting, alley access, and structured/underground parking where feasible; it contains its own parking placement and design rules and can supersede Title 17 where it applies (Downtown Code is codified in Chapter 17.040.110). See the Downtown Development Code (Development Code 4.8A Parking Design) for downtown parking design, tandem rules, and limits on parking between building and street.
  • On‑street credit: the Downtown/Specific Plan allows limited use of on‑street parking to count toward commercial parking (where the plan allows it) — check the Downtown Code tables and Section 4.8A for on‑street credit rules.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant parking & loading numbers

Item City minimum / rule Code Reference
Residential (R‑A, R‑1) parking 2 enclosed spaces per unit § 17.52.050
Multifamily (R‑2, R‑3, R‑4) parking 2 enclosed spaces per unit; +1 visitor per 3 units § 17.52.050
Office / Retail 1 per 400 sq ft (office/retail typical) § 17.52.050
Industrial 1 per 750 (manufacturing) or 1 per 1,000 (other industrial uses) — see Exhibit § 17.52.050
Loading spaces (by GFA) 6001–10,000 =1; 10,001–20,000=2; 20,001–50,000=3; etc. § 17.52.230 / § 17.22.030
Minimum loading bay size 12' × 30' × 15'; some bays must be 14' × 60' when 4+ spaces § 17.52.230(2)
Typical stall size (all zones) 8'6" × 18' (min for non‑parallel) — parallel 22' length § 17.52.060 – § 17.52.090 & Exhibits
Bicycle parking for large non‑residential 4 bikes per first 50,000 sf; +1 per additional 50,000 sf § 17.53.020(B)(3)
ADU parking (additional) +1 enclosed off‑street space per ADU (primary must meet Exhibit 17.52.050) § 17.10.280(11)

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • Use the Exhibit: always consult Exhibit 17.52.050 for the use‑by‑use table when sizing required parking. The exhibit is the primary reference for counts and is cross‑referenced throughout Title 17 ( § 17.52.050 ).
  • Plot plans are required: submit a parking plot plan as part of the building permit — the city planner can deny plans that create traffic/parking/backup hazards ( § 17.52.180 ).
  • Loading is counted separately: loading bays are required for qualifying gross floor areas and must be dimensioned and located so trucks do not block public sidewalks/streets ( § 17.52.230, § 17.22.030 ).
  • Bicycle parking & TDM: for medium/large nonresidential projects prepare TDM measures and bicycle parking per § 17.53.020 (this can reduce required automobile parking through official reductions if you provide a parking management plan).
  • Landscape & screening: you must plant shade trees in surface lots (minimum ratio given in parking landscaping rules) and screen lots visible from public streets with a decorative wall or planting per § 17.22.090 and § 17.52.260.
  • Downtown exceptions: if the site is inside the Downtown Specific Plan area, the Downtown Code parking placement and design rules apply and may change where parking is allowed relative to building frontage (see the Downtown Code, Chapter 17.040.110 and Development Code 4.8A).

Checklist (what an applicant must supply)

  • Site/plot plan showing existing/proposed parking layout, stall dimensions, striping, drive aisles, curb cuts and distances to served building ( § 17.52.180 ).
  • Calculations using Exhibit 17.52.050 showing required parking counts by use and any proposed shared‑use or reductions ( § 17.52.050, § 17.52.240 ).
  • Loading plan showing required loading bays, sizes and maneuvering clearances ( § 17.52.230 , § 17.22.030 ).
  • Landscape plan for parking lot (trees, perimeter screening, irrigation) consistent with § 17.22.090 and § 17.52.120.
  • Bicycle parking plan and TDM measures if project exceeds thresholds in § 17.53.020.
  • If requesting parking reductions: parking management plan and possibly a professional parking analysis (see parking reduction procedures).
  • Confirmation of compliance with ADU parking rules when adding ADUs ( § 17.10.280(11) ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking vs. state ADU law Local ADU parking rules can be constrained by recent state ADU law; Montebello requires 1 extra enclosed space per ADU in § 17.10.280(11) but state law sometimes limits local parking conditions. Confirm whether city has updated ADU implementation to reflect state ADU parking limitations and whether your ADU qualifies for waived parking; verify with Planning Division. § 17.10.280
Which exhibit controls my use (Exhibit updates) The Exhibit tables are authoritative; the city may amend them — relying on an old exhibit risks wrong counts. Use the most recent Exhibit 17.52.050 from Title 17 and confirm no superseding downtown or overlay requirements apply. § 17.52.050
Downtown Specific Plan overrides Downtown Code can supersede Title 17 parking placement or counting rules. If property is within the Downtown boundary, follow Chapter 17.040.110/Downtown Code first and confirm with staff.
Shared/joint parking legal agreements Joint use parking requires recorded legal agreements and city approval (planning commission approvals). Provide recorded covenant/agreements and verify the joint‑use credit and conditions in § 17.52.220–240.
Bicycle parking adequacy City requires bike parking for large projects and may require more secure or covered racks. Confirm bike counts and rack/locker type with city per § 17.53.020(B)(3).

Plain‑English summary

Montebello requires minimum off‑street parking for every new or expanded use based on a standard table (Exhibit 17.52.050): houses usually get two enclosed spaces, apartments get two spaces plus visitor stalls, offices and retail use per‑square‑foot rates, and loading bays are required for larger commercial buildings; parking layout, surfacing, landscaping and bicycle parking are also regulated and must be shown on your plot plan before permits are issued (see § 17.52.050, § 17.52.180, § 17.52.230, § 17.53.020).

Source References

  • Chapter 17.52 — Off‑Street Parking: purpose, Exhibit 17.52.050, dimensions, drives, plot plan, joint use, maintenance ( § 17.52.010, § 17.52.020, § 17.52.050, § 17.52.180, § 17.52.230 ).
  • Chapter 17.10 — Residential development standards (Exhibit 17.10.020) including R‑zone development and garage rules (see § 17.10.020, Exhibit 17.10.020, § 17.10.060, § 17.10.280 for ADUs).
  • Chapter 17.22 — Commercial zones (development standards, off‑street parking & loading for C zones; § 17.22.030).
  • Chapter 17.32 — Industrial development standards (cross‑references to Chapter 17.52 for parking/loading) ( § 17.32.050 ).
  • Chapter 17.53 — Transportation demand measures, bicycle parking ( § 17.53.020 ).
  • Downtown Montebello Specific Plan / Development Code — parking placement, tandem rules, downtown deviations (Downtown Code / Chapter 17.040.110, Development Code 4.8A).
  • ADU provisions and ADU parking rule (design & parking for second dwelling units) — § 17.10.280.
  • California Building Standards Code (accessible parking and related building requirements) — state code (refer also to Title 24; see California Building Standards Code).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9246.10) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (section are) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.52) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section 17.52.190.) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9246.6) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.52) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9246.2) High relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.32) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9212.6) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9230.2) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section may) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.78) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.52) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 12.16) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section 17.10.280) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (§ 9220.14) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 11B (Section 11B-208.3.) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (section apply) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Chapter 17.74) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 020 Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (section outlines) Medium relevance
  • Montebello Zoning Code (Section provides) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the required parking spaces for a single‑family R-1 house in Montebello?

Montebello requires 2 enclosed spaces per dwelling unit in R‑1 (use Exhibit 17.52.050 / § 17.52.050) and the parking must be on the same lot; garage/driveway rules are in the residential chapter (see § 17.10.060).

How many parking spaces does a 20,000 sq ft retail store need in Montebello?

Retail parking uses the Exhibit 17.52.050 rates: retail/personal service shops typically 1 space per 400 sq ft; compute required spaces from Exhibit 17.52.050 and round fractions per § 17.52.230(A) (fractions ≥ 0.5 round up). § 17.52.050 and Exhibit.

Does Montebello require loading docks for commercial buildings?

Yes — uses with gross floor area over thresholds must provide off‑street loading per the loading table (e.g., 6001–10,000 sf = 1 space, 10,001–20,000 = 2, etc.) and loading bays must meet the minimum size (12' × 30' × 15') and location rules in § 17.52.230 and § 17.22.030.

What about bicycle parking requirements?

Large nonresidential projects must provide bicycle parking (example: 4 bicycle spaces per first 50,000 sq ft of nonresidential floor area, plus 1 per each additional 50,000 sq ft) under § 17.53.020(B)(3); bike racks/lockers must be secure and located to city satisfaction.

Can on‑street parking count toward required off‑street parking?

In certain contexts (notably under Downtown or Specific Plan provisions) limited on‑street parking may be credited for commercial components; the Downtown/Development Code and Chapter 17.52 set conditions — check the Downtown Development Code 4.8A and § 17.52 for details and limits.

Do I need a plot plan for a new parking lot or layout change?

Yes — a parking plot plan must be submitted and approved with building permit applications; the city planner can refuse plans that create traffic hazards; appeal procedures exist (see § 17.52.180).

Are there special rules for tandem or stacked parking?

Yes — the Downtown Code and Development Code allow tandem parking in some scenarios but subject to limits (e.g., residential projects may allow up to 30% of required residential spaces in tandem with assignment rules; nonresidential tandem often requires valet/attendant) — see Development Code 4.8A and related tandem provisions.

Do ADUs require additional parking in Montebello?

Montebello’s ADU rules state that an ADU cannot be permitted unless the primary dwelling provides parking per Exhibit 17.52.050 and that an additional 1 enclosed off‑street parking space is required for the ADU (see § 17.10.280(11)). However, state ADU law can limit local parking requirements — verify whether a state ADU parking waiver applies.

Where must loading doors face or be located?

Loading doors and facilities should be located so that trucks do not back into or block public rights‑of‑way and, when abutting residential property, must be screened and generally located to the rear or along alleys (see § 17.22.030(C) and industrial special standards).

How are accessible (disabled) parking spaces handled?

Accessible parking sizing and location follow applicable state accessibility statutes and the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) requirements; Montebello requires compliance with state law and counts disabled spaces toward minimum off‑street parking totals (see § 17.52.230(D) and Title 24).

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