Local zoning · Newman

Newman — Parking

Q: What parking counts apply to a single‑family home in Newman?

A single‑family dwelling in Newman must provide 2 parking spaces in a garage per dwelling unit ; if you propose an accessory residential unit the code requires one additional off‑street parking space for the accessory unit (placement rules for that extra space are in the accessory unit section). See § 5.17.030 and § 5.03.050 (J, 6) .

Q: How many spaces does a new retail store need?

Retail (commercial) uses generally require 1 parking space per 300 square feet of gross floor area unless another ratio applies in the code or the property is inside the Downtown Parking District, which has distinct ratios. See § 5.17.030 and check § 5.17.090 if the site is downtown.

Q: What are the required dimensions for parking stalls and loading berths?

Residential garage stalls must be at least 20 ft long by 10 ft wide ; uncovered stalls 19 x 9 . Loading spaces are specified as at least 40–45 ft long by 12 ft wide with 14 ft overhead clearance (see the off‑street loading rules). See § 5.17.060 and the City "Standard Specifications and Details" for nonresidential stall/aisle geometry.

Q: Do downtown (Central Business District) projects have different rules?

Yes. The Downtown Parking District uses different ratios (new construction 1/400 sf , reconstruction 1/800 sf , theaters/restaurants 1/10 seats ) and contains a non‑retroactivity clause for existing buildings. Confirm whether your parcel is in the downtown district and which rule applies. § 5.17.090 .

Q: Are compact car stalls allowed?

Yes — compact car stalls can be used for up to 30% of required parking in commercial or industrial developments where the total provided stalls are at least 15 . See § 5.17.030 (compact stall rule) .

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Newman Zoning Ordinance requires for on‑site parking, loading, bicycle parking and related design controls (the local zoning title is Title 5: Zoning; the off‑street parking rules are collected in Chapter 5.17). Where the rules vary by zone I list the key, decision‑relevant standards and where to look in the code. For background on how parking interacts with setbacks and site rules see the city's development standards and for discretionary design review see the city's design review rules. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretations.

Note: first mentions above link into the Newman menu for related topics: "parking" links to the city's zoning page, "development standards" to standards, "design review" to the design review page, "overlay" rules to overlays, "ADUs" to the ADU guidance, and references to the state code link to the California Building Standards Code. These links are intended to point you to the other Newman pages that interact with parking requirements.

What the Newman code requires (big picture)

The municipal parking rules live in Chapter 5.17 (Off‑Street Parking Regulations) of Title 5. The chapter sets minimum counts for land uses, dimensional/layout rules, bicycle parking, loading standards, permitting options (shared parking, reductions), and paving/drainage/striping and handicapped requirements. See § 5.17.010 and § 5.17.020 for purpose and general provisions.
Minimum vehicle parking by use is tabulated in § 5.17.030 (residential, commercial, public/institutional categories). Bicycle parking minimums and the off‑street loading tables appear later in the chapter.
Dimensional standards (stall size, drive aisle, loading berth size, handicapped references) and layout rules (curb cuts, backing over sidewalks, walkways) are in § 5.17.060 – § 5.17.070 and paving/striping/drainage in § 5.17.080. Handicapped stall design refers to Title 24 standards.

District‑by‑district breakdown

Below are the most common districts in Newman and the parking/related site controls that apply in each. Each district title that follows is the local district name in the Newman Zoning Ordinance; bolded district names are the code labels.

If more than one standard applies, the more restrictive rule controls. For rules about where a particular parcel sits on the zoning map, consult the official Newman zoning map on file with the City Clerk.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes (subzones R‑1‑6000, R‑1‑7000, R‑1‑8000).
Parking rule: minimum of 2 parking spaces in a garage per dwelling unit; otherwise off‑street parking is to comply with Chapter 5.17. Accessory residential units require one additional off‑street parking space (placement rules and exceptions are spelled out in the accessory unit provisions). See § 5.03.050 (J, 6).
Key dimensional/site provisions that affect parking: front yard setback 20 ft, rear 10 ft, side 5 ft; driveways must be full width of garage for first 20 ft; placement of accessory parking in front yard is allowed only with findings (see § 5.03.050).

R-2 / R-2S (Duplex / Medium Density) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: duplexes, two‑family, small multiunits; supportive or transitional housing may be allowed. R‑2 details and R‑2S variations listed in Chapter 5.04.
Parking rule: duplexes require 2 spaces per unit (one covered); minimums for multiunits defer to § 5.17.030 for multi‑family counts. Layout and driveway access rules are stricter for corner lots.

R-3 (Multiple‑Residential) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: apartment and higher‑density residential. See Chapter 5.05 for permitted, conditional uses and property standards.
Parking rule: multi‑family parking ratios in § 5.17.030 apply (studio/1‑bed = 1 space; 2–3 beds = 2 spaces; 4+ beds = 2.5 spaces). Density bonus parking incentives may limit required parking for affordable units (see density bonus/parking incentives in § 5.14.080).

C‑1 / C‑2 / C‑8 (Commercial districts) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: retail, offices, services (C‑8 is the Highway 33 corridor district permitting regional retail, auto‑oriented uses). See Chapters 5.06 and 5.08.
Parking rule: commercial retail baseline is 1 space per 300 sf GFA; restaurants/bars 1 space per 150 sf (minimums apply); auto service and specialty uses have higher ratios; see § 5.17.030. Compact stalls allowed up to 30% of required stalls where at least 15 stalls are provided. Display of cars/stock counts into parking are handled separately for auto sales.

M / I (Light Industrial / Controlled Manufacturing) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, heavy commercial uses. See I district chapter and property standards (setbacks, FAR, screening).
Parking & loading: industrial/warehouse loading and on‑site loading space minimums are set in § 5.17.060 / § 5.17.030 (K) — e.g., one on‑site loading space up to 10,000 sf; two spaces beyond that; specific berth sizes and clearance requirements apply. Loading areas cannot be within 25 ft of residentially zoned property and cannot occupy required yards.

P‑Q (Public & Quasi‑Public) — purpose & parking basics

Purpose / typical uses: municipal facilities, schools, parks, public parking facilities. See Chapter 5.11.
Parking: public uses follow the Chapter 5.17 formulas; municipal/public parking lots are specifically contemplated and may be used to meet other requirements if authorized.

Downtown Parking District (Central Business District) — special rules

The Downtown Parking District modifies parking minimums downtown: new commercial construction uses 1 space per 400 sf (reconstruction: 1 per 800 sf), theaters/restaurants 1 per 10 seats, and other downtown uses are set by the Planning Director/Commission when not listed. See § 5.17.090. The code also contains a non‑retroactivity clause for pre‑existing buildings in the downtown district.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

Topic	Requirement (short)	Code reference
Residential (single‑family) parking	2 spaces in garage per dwelling unit	§ 5.17.030
Multi‑family parking	Studio/1‑BR = 1; 2–3 BR = 2; 4+ BR = 2.5 spaces	§ 5.17.030
Retail/commercial	1 space per 300 sf GFA (unless listed differently)	§ 5.17.030
Restaurants/bars	1 space per 150 sf, min 10	§ 5.17.030
Bicycle parking (minimum)	Scales from 0 (1–4 auto spaces) to 10 (400+ auto spaces) per table	§ 5.17.060 (F)
Loading berth sizes	Off‑street loading berths 40–45 ft long by 12 ft wide; overhead clearance 14 ft	§ 5.17.060 and § 5.17.060 (D)
Stall dimensions	Residential garage stall min 20 ft x 10 ft; uncovered 19 x 9; nonresidential per City standard details	§ 5.17.060
Layout rules	No backing across sidewalk (except single/two‑family); curb cut limits; 3‑ft from side property line; walkways to entrances required	§ 5.17.070
Paving / drainage / striping	Paved and graded per City "Standard Specifications and Details"; striping required	§ 5.17.080
Handicapped stalls	Design per Title 24/Title 24 Chapter 71 (state code); blue paint/signage required	§ 5.17.080 (cross‑reference)
Downtown (CBD)	New commercial 1/400 sf; reconstruction 1/800 sf; theaters/restaurants 1/10 seats	§ 5.17.090
Shared parking / reductions	Use permit may allow up to 20% reduction, or reduced spaces via findings/use permit	§ 5.17.040
In‑lieu fee / off‑site parking	Where parking can't be provided, Council may accept off‑site parking or a cash payment in lieu (fee by resolution)	§ 5.17.110 / § 5.17.100

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

Start with § 5.17.030: that table prescribes the baseline count for almost every use. If your use is not listed, the Planning Director/Commission determines an appropriate requirement by analogy. Always cite that section in your submittal and explain how your proposed demand aligns with it.
Dimensional compliance is checked against the City "Standard Specifications and Details" (the ordinance requires those dimensions rather than listing every aisle/stall geometry). Provide the standard sheets (S‑7, S‑9) or engineered plans showing conformance. See § 5.17.060–070.
Bicycle parking is required for non‑single‑family developments per the table in § 5.17.060 (F) — show rack counts and the rack type in your site plan.
Loading: industrial and large retail uses have mandatory on‑site loading; loading berths cannot be in required yards or within 25 ft of residential zoning and must be screened/oriented away from streets — call this out in elevations/landscaping plans. See § 5.17.060 and § 5.17.080 (K).
Downtown: the Downtown Parking District has lower parking demand for core areas but stricter rules for remodeled vs new construction — flag whether your site lies within the downtown district and use § 5.17.090 rules when applicable.
Reductions/Shared parking: reductions are possible by use permit with specific findings (shared parking, survey data, non‑vehicular access measures). The maximum automatic shared‑parking reduction is 20% and, as always, the Commission may require additional parking later if demand exceeds supply. Cite § 5.17.040–050 and be prepared to supply a parking study if you request relief.
ADA/handicapped: handicapped stall counts/design follow the state code (Title 24) — the zoning text refers the design and signage to that code; provide Title 24 calculations and stall layouts. Link to the California Building Standards Code for the building/accessible parking standards when preparing plans.

Checklist

Confirm zoning district and whether property is inside the Downtown Parking District (check City zoning map).
Calculate required vehicle parking using § 5.17.030 and document in submittal.
Show bicycle rack count and locations per § 5.17.060 (F).
Provide loading‑berth sizing, orientation and screening (if nonresidential) per § 5.17.060 / § 5.17.080 (K).
Dimension stalls/aisles per City Standard Specifications (cite S‑7/S‑9) and show handicapped stalls per Title 24.
Provide site grading/drainage and striping plans (paving/drainage per § 5.17.080).
If requesting reductions/shared parking, include parking demand study and written shared‑parking agreement (see § 5.17.040–050).
For accessory dwelling units, show the required extra parking and any front‑yard placement findings per § 5.03.050 (and be aware of state ADU rules).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Applicability downtown vs. standard table	Downtown district uses different ratios for new work vs reconstruction; misapplying the wrong ratio causes incorrect submittals	Confirm whether parcel is in the Downtown Parking District and which rule applies (new construction vs reconstruction). Verify with the City. § 5.17.090
Shared parking reductions	Shared parking requires a use permit and written agreement; the Commission can later require more spaces	If relying on shared parking, secure the required written agreement and be ready with peak‑hour evidence. § 5.17.040–050
Bicycle parking adequacy	Bicycle minimums are modest but mandatory for non‑single‑family uses — missing racks can trigger conditions of approval	Show exact rack type/anchor details and locations per § 5.17.060 (F).
Loading berth siting near residential properties	Loading areas must be 25 ft from residential zones and cannot be in required yards — this can force alternative service access	Provide loading orientation, screening, and distance measurements; reference § 5.17.060 and § 5.17.080 (K).
ADU parking vs. state ADU law	City requires an extra space for accessory units but state ADU law limits local parking restrictions in certain cases	For ADU projects, check both § 5.03.050 (city rule) and state ADU rules (state law may constrain local parking conditions). Verify with City planning and state ADU resources.
Interpretation for unlisted uses	If a use isn't listed, the Planning Director/Commission decides the ratio — this introduces discretionary risk	Early coordination meeting with Planning Director is recommended; cite § 5.17.030 and be prepared with comparable use analyses.

Plain‑English summary

Newman's zoning requires you to provide off‑street parking according to the use tables in Chapter 5.17 (two garage spaces for a single‑family home; different, higher rates for restaurants and industrial uses), plus bike racks and minimum loading berth sizes for nonresidential projects; stall sizes, layout, paving, and handicapped stalls must follow the city's standard details and Title 24 standards. Requesting fewer spaces is possible but requires a use permit and evidence (shared parking or a parking study).

Source References

Newman Zoning Ordinance, Title 5: Chapter 5.17, Off‑Street Parking Regulations — purpose and general provisions: § 5.17.010, § 5.17.020.
Off‑street parking requirements (use tables): § 5.17.030.
Off‑street parking dimensional requirements and layout: § 5.17.060 – § 5.17.070.
Paving / drainage / striping / handicapped references: § 5.17.080 (handicapped stall design references Title 24).
Downtown Parking District (Central Business District) rules: § 5.17.090.
Shared parking / reductions: § 5.17.040 – § 5.17.050.
Off‑street loading table and industrial loading rules: § 5.17.060 and Chapter references in § 5.17.080 (K).
R‑1 property development standards (accessory unit parking and placement): § 5.03.050 (and accessory unit provisions).
District definitions and lists (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑2, C‑8, M, I, P‑Q): § 5.02.010 and related district chapters 5.03–5.12.
State ADU guidance (uploaded handbook) — for state ADU parking limits: California ADU guidance (uploaded).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Newman Zoning Code (§ 15) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.17.050.) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.17.060.) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.17.080.) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (title as) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (Chapter 5.17.) Medium relevance
CBC § 5.17.080 (§ 5.17.080.) High relevance
Newman Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (§ 5.03.050.) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (chapter if) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (title as) Medium relevance
CBC § 12 (title for) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (title as) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code (title as) Medium relevance
Newman Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Newman code library

Frequently asked questions

What parking counts apply to a single‑family home in Newman?

A single‑family dwelling in Newman must provide 2 parking spaces in a garage per dwelling unit; if you propose an accessory residential unit the code requires one additional off‑street parking space for the accessory unit (placement rules for that extra space are in the accessory unit section). See § 5.17.030 and § 5.03.050 (J, 6).

How many spaces does a new retail store need?

Retail (commercial) uses generally require 1 parking space per 300 square feet of gross floor area unless another ratio applies in the code or the property is inside the Downtown Parking District, which has distinct ratios. See § 5.17.030 and check § 5.17.090 if the site is downtown.

Do I need bicycle parking for my project?

Yes — bicycle parking is required for all parking areas associated with land uses except single‑family and two‑family dwellings. The ordinance provides a step table (1 bike rack for 5–14 auto spaces, 2 for 15–29, etc.); include secured bike racks on your site plan. See § 5.17.060 (F).

What are the required dimensions for parking stalls and loading berths?

Residential garage stalls must be at least 20 ft long by 10 ft wide; uncovered stalls 19 x 9. Loading spaces are specified as at least 40–45 ft long by 12 ft wide with 14 ft overhead clearance (see the off‑street loading rules). See § 5.17.060 and the City "Standard Specifications and Details" for nonresidential stall/aisle geometry.

Can I reduce my parking requirement through shared parking or a waiver?

Yes. The Planning Commission may approve shared parking or reduced parking when findings are met; a shared parking reduction is limited to 20% (and not less than one space per 200 sf GFA in some contexts). You will normally need a written agreement and/or a parking study per § 5.17.040–050.

How must handicapped parking be provided?

Handicapped parking stall count and design must comply with the state accessibility standards referenced by the Newman code (Title 24 / the Building Code). The city requires stalls to be delineated with blue paint and standard signage; provide Title 24 calculations and stall layouts in the plan set. See § 5.17.080.

Do downtown (Central Business District) projects have different rules?

Yes. The Downtown Parking District uses different ratios (new construction 1/400 sf, reconstruction 1/800 sf, theaters/restaurants 1/10 seats) and contains a non‑retroactivity clause for existing buildings. Confirm whether your parcel is in the downtown district and which rule applies. § 5.17.090.

Can loading docks face the street or be located in a required yard?

No. Loading areas cannot be located in any required front yard (or street‑side yard on corner lots) and must be at least 25 ft from property zoned residential. Loading docks must be screened or oriented away from public streets. See § 5.17.080 (P) and § 5.17.060 / § 5.17.080 (K).

What if my specific use is not listed in the parking table?

If the use is not listed, the Planning Director or Planning Commission will determine an appropriate parking requirement based on analogous uses and project characteristics. Early coordination with Planning is recommended and a parking demand study may be requested. See § 5.17.030.

Are compact car stalls allowed?

Yes — compact car stalls can be used for up to 30% of required parking in commercial or industrial developments where the total provided stalls are at least 15. See § 5.17.030 (compact stall rule).

Does the city accept cash‑in‑lieu for parking?

When it is physically impossible to provide the required parking, the City Council may allow alternate compliance by providing parking on nearby property or by paying a cash fee in lieu of required spaces; the fee is set by resolution and tied to development costs. See § 5.17.110 and related provisions.

Ask about any Newman property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Newman zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial