Norco — Parking

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Norco's zoning ordinance (Title 18) requires about off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle parking. The City uses a citywide off‑street standard (Chapter 18.38) and most base zone chapters import that chapter; where zones add local tweaks those citations are noted. Read this as a zoning‑only summary — building code and Title 24 requirements are separate. See the City’s zoning overview for context at Norco Zoning.

How the ordinance is organized (short)

• The off‑street rules live in Chapter 18.38 (General Provisions — Off‑Street Parking and Loading); the chapter sets required spaces by use, construction/maintenance, layout rules (turnaround widths, paving), shared/combined parking, and loading space dimensions (see § 18.38.02, § 18.38.04, § 18.38.10, § 18.38.16, § 18.38.20, § 18.38.30) .
• Most zone chapters point applicants to Chapter 18.38 for parking requirements; some zones add overlay or site‑design instructions that affect parking layout and landscaping (see examples below).

(First time the page mentions related process items: see Norco Development Standards for setbacks and site design, Norco Design Review for design conformity, Norco Overlay Districts for overlays, Norco Landscaping and Screening for landscaped parking requirements, Norco ADUs for accessory dwelling unit parking rules, and the California Building Standards Code for building code matters.)

Citywide parking / loading / bicycle basics (what Chapter 18.38 actually requires)

• Purpose: Off‑street parking and loading are required for new buildings, changes of use, or intensification to relieve street congestion and serve uses appropriately (§ 18.38.02, § 18.38.04) .
• Required spaces: The ordinance lists use‑based minimums; examples: one‑family dwellings require a garage accommodating not less than two parking spaces; multifamily generally requires two roofed parking spaces per dwelling unit (see § 18.38.10) .
• Computation rules: Gross floor area is used unless otherwise specified; fractional spaces are rounded up at one‑half; shared/combined parking is allowed with Planning Commission approval and a parking study (§ 18.38.16, § 18.38.18, § 18.38.19) .
• Design and improvements: Non‑SFD parking areas must be paved to specified construction standards, have perimeter barriers, interior circulation so cars can move between aisles without re‑entering a public street, lighting angled away from neighbors, and minimum landscaping percentages for lots of ten or more spaces (§ 18.38.20 and related subsections) .
• Turnaround/minimum aisle widths are specified by stall angle (e.g., 25 ft for 90° aisles, 18 ft for 60°), and minimum delivery widths differ for single‑family and other uses (§ 18.38.20 subparts shown in the code) .
• Loading: Each required off‑street loading space must be at least 12 ft wide × 15 ft high × 25 ft long and located so loading vehicles do not extend onto public sidewalks or streets (§ 18.38.30) .
• Trip‑reduction / parking reductions: The City can allow parking reductions tied to trip‑reduction measures (transit, carpool preferential parking, bicycle parking, etc.) subject to Director approval (trip reduction measures and parking reductions are allowed; see the list in the code) .

See Chapter 18.38 for the full use table and computation rules (§ 18.38.02, § 18.38.04, § 18.38.10, § 18.38.16, § 18.38.20, § 18.38.30) .

District-by-district breakdown — Norco base zones and how parking is handled

The ordinance establishes base zones in § 18.03.02 (OS, HS, LD, A‑E, A‑1, A‑2, R‑1, R‑3, C‑G, C‑4, C‑R, C‑O, M‑1, M‑2) and overlays (PD, P‑E). The list of zones is recorded in § 18.03.02.

Below: one subsection per zone with what the ordinance text gives about parking or other development standards that directly affect parking/layout. If a zone chapter simply imports Chapter 18.38 without extra parking rules, that is stated and the controlling § is cited.

OS (Open Space)

• Purpose / typical uses: Open space uses; zones listed in § 18.03.02.
• Parking rule: Zone chapters point to Chapter 18.38 for off‑street parking; no OS‑specific parking standard found in retrieved materials (Not found in retrieved materials for further OS specifics). Verify with the Planning Department.

HS (Hillside Development)

• Purpose / typical uses: Low density/hillside development (Chapter 18.26).
• Key dimensional items that affect parking/layout: streets in HS may use reduced pavement widths if parking bays are provided; cul‑de‑sac/loop reductions must provide parking bays at intervals — three parking spaces for every two lots served when street widths are reduced (see § 18.26.16). Off‑street parking otherwise follows Chapter 18.38.

LD (Limited Development)

• Purpose / typical uses: Listed with the Open Space/Hillside zones in § 18.03.02.
• Parking rule: Not explicitly detailed in retrieved materials; base rule is Chapter 18.38. Verify local map and Chapter text for any LD exceptions (Not found in retrieved materials).

A‑E (Agricultural Estate)

• Purpose / typical uses: Large‑lot agricultural/residential; see Chapter 18.11.
• Key standards that affect parking: minimum lot area and lot dimensions are specified; off‑street parking is governed by Chapter 18.38 as imported by § 18.11.26.

A‑1 / A‑2 (Agricultural Low / Agricultural)

• Purpose / typical uses: Agricultural uses (listed in the zones list § 18.03.02).
• Parking rule: Base parking per Chapter 18.38; the chapter text for these specific agricultural zones was not retrieved in full here (Not found in retrieved materials).

R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential)

• Purpose / typical uses: Single‑family homes; R‑1 is listed in § 18.03.02.
• Parking standard references: R‑zone chapters frequently reiterate that Chapter 18.38 applies; an example site‑level provision is that required parking for many residential districts may not be located in required front or corner side yards (see zone language cross‑references such as § 18.17.26 and other zone subsections citing Chapter 18.38) . Verify your parcel’s exact R‑zone chapter for any additional local rules.

R‑3 (Low Density Multiple‑Family Residential)

• Purpose / typical uses: Small multi‑family; R‑3 listed in § 18.03.02.
• Parking: Multifamily standards in Chapter 18.38 apply; several multifamily‑specific chapters require two roofed parking spaces per unit or other project‑level ratios — see § 18.38.10 and site‑plan rules.

C‑G (Commercial General)

• Purpose / typical uses: General commercial uses.
• Parking: Commercial zones generally must provide parking per Chapter 18.38; many commercial zone chapters explicitly allow shared/combined parking with Planning Commission approval and require site plan review of parking layout and landscaping (site design standards reference Chapter 18.38 and 18.40 for site plan content).

C‑4 (Commercial)

• Purpose / typical uses: Local shopping/retail; see the C‑4 chapter excerpts (e.g., § 18.23.14 yаrd and parking allowances).
• Key parking notes: C‑4 may permit parking in the front or street side yard in many cases (subject to limited landscaped strips — example: parking permitted except within the first 10 ft or 5 ft of frontage depending on the subsection), and the Planning Commission can vary front yard to enable more visible western‑themed architecture (see § 18.23.14 and related site design language). Parking layout, landscaping and screening requirements apply.

C‑R (Commercial‑Recreation) and C‑O (Commercial‑Office)

• Purpose / typical uses: Special commercial categories; listed in § 18.03.02.
• Parking: Chapter 18.38 controls parking; specific site design standards in individual chapter text may require parking to be at side/rear and require minimum landscaping and screening where parking is within a setback (example site design standards § 18.24.10 for office/other campus‑style projects).

M‑1 / M‑2 (Industrial / Manufacturing)

• Purpose / typical uses: Light commercial/industrial uses; listed in § 18.03.02.
• Parking: Industrial chapters import Chapter 18.38 for vehicle parking and loading; heavy industrial uses should pay special attention to required truck courts, separation of passenger and truck parking, and screening requirements when loading areas could face the street (site design language in several chapters addresses truck courts and screening).

PD (Planned Development Overlay)

• Purpose / typical uses: Allows planned mixes and exceptions on a site‑by‑site basis; PD text allows the development plan to establish maximums for parking and loading for that PD project (see § 18.27.14 on structural standards and parking).

P‑E (Pedestrian‑Equestrian Trails overlay)

• Purpose / typical uses: Equestrian/pedestrian trail corridors (Chapter 18.28). Parking: Prohibits motorized parking within overlay except where necessary for driveway access or maintenance; driveways across the P‑E Zone are subject to encroachment standards (§ 18.28.08, § 18.28.16)

Notes: many base zone chapters simply state "Off‑Street Parking: The provisions of Chapter 18.38 shall apply" — examples include § 18.11.26 (A‑E), § 18.21.26, § 18.22.26, and § 18.25.26 among others. Where the zone chapter adds extra layout or landscape rules, those are called out above.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant parking standards (high‑value excerpts)

(Always confirm the full use table in § 18.38.10; above are high‑impact excerpts.)

Practical guidance / interpretation tips

• Start with Chapter 18.38: it contains the base use‑by‑use table and the design standards you must meet. Pull the exact use that matches your project (e.g., retail, restaurant, office, residential) to compute the minimum spaces and any special rules (handicap ratios, passenger loading). § 18.38.10 and § 18.38.16 are the starting points.
• Expect site plan review to require a scaled parking plan that shows location, number of stalls, stall dimensions, aisle widths, landscaping, and internal circulation — the Site Plan chapter requires off‑street parking depiction in plans (§ 18.40.08(5)). Link that to design review if applicable.
• If your project proposes shared parking, prepare a parking study showing differing peak hours/demand and ask the Planning Commission for approval under the shared parking rules (§ 18.38.19).
• If you propose any parking inside setbacks or non‑standard surfacing, check the applicable zone chapter: some zones explicitly allow parking in front/side yards subject to landscaped buffer widths (examples: C‑4 and certain site design standards § 18.23.14, § 18.24.10(B)).
• For ADUs: local ADU provisions modify parking rules (the ADU chapter states 1 space per ADU but allows exemptions for zero‑bedroom units — see ADU chapter text). Always cross‑check the ADU chapter when adding a unit.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a parking submission)

• Consult the Chapter 18.38 use table and compute required parking and loading (§ 18.38.10, § 18.38.30)
• Prepare a site plan showing stall counts, dimensions, aisle widths, circulation, entrances/exits, and landscaping around parking (§ 18.40.08(5))
• Provide paving and drainage details meeting § 18.38.20 construction and surfacing standards (or justify alternate surfacing with Director approval)
• Show accessible (handicapped) stalls per ordinance counts and at least one handicapped passenger loading spot per threshold when multi‑tenant (as stated in Chapter 18.38)
• Demonstrate compliance with landscape area minimums for parking (percentage and placement per zone; see local zone landscaping citations)
• If requesting shared parking or trip‑reduction credits, include a parking/operations study and proposed measures for Director/Commission approval (§ 18.38.19 and trip reduction list)
• For ADUs/SROs, include the unit type and confirm ADU/SRO parking rules (ADU chapter, SRO rules § 18.66.06)

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

Norco uses Chapter 18.38 as the citywide rulebook for off‑street parking, loading and bicycle parking; base‑zone chapters generally adopt it and sometimes add site‑specific layout or landscaping rules (for example, hillside street designs and C‑4 front‑yard parking allowances). Start with § 18.38 to compute spaces, then check your base zone chapter and submit a site plan that shows stall counts, surfacing, circulation, landscaping and loading areas.

Source References

• Title 18, Chapter 18.38 (General Provisions — Off‑Street Parking and Loading): § 18.38.02, § 18.38.04, § 18.38.10, § 18.38.16, § 18.38.18, § 18.38.19, § 18.38.20, § 18.38.30.
• Site Plan Review requirements (what to show on plans): § 18.40.08 (site plan content).
• Zone listing and map (zones established): § 18.03.02 (Zones established: OS, HS, LD, A‑E, A‑1, A‑2, R‑1, R‑3, C‑G, C‑4, C‑R, C‑O, M‑1, M‑2, PD, P‑E).
• HS zone development / reduced street width parking bays: § 18.26.16.
• A‑E zone: Off‑Street Parking: Chapter 18.38 applies — § 18.11.26.
• C‑4 yard/parking allowances: § 18.23.14 (front yard and parking permissions).
• Site design / parking location guidance and screening requirements: § 18.24.10 (site design standards).
• SRO and bicycle parking requirements: § 18.66.06(14–15) (SRO parking and bicycle lockups).
• ADU parking summary and local ADU rules (see the ADU chapter excerpts for number/dimensions): ADU text and parking rules as quoted in the code excerpts (local ADU provisions).

(These are excerpts from the City's Title 18 Zoning text as retrieved from the provided ordinance file.)

Retrieved passages

• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.38.22.) High relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (Chapter 18.38.) High relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance show source text
• California Building Code (Title 18.) High relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.17.16.) High relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.38.30.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (Chapter 18.40.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.23.14.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.38.16.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.17.24.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.25.16.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.38.14.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.21.18.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.22.18.) Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 18.26.14 (§ 18.26.14.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.22.30.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.44.12.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (section may) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (Chapter 18.27.) Medium relevance show source text
• Norco Zoning Code (§ 18.45.08.) Medium relevance show source text
• CWUIC § 1.11 (Chapter as) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Title 18, Chapter 18.38 (General Provisions — Off‑Street Parking and Loading): **§ 18.38.02**, **§ 18.38.04**, **§ 18.38.10**, **§ 18.38.16**, **§ 18.38.18**, **§ 18.38.19**, **§ 18.38.20**, **§ 18.38.30**. (Title 18)
• Site Plan Review requirements (what to show on plans): **§ 18.40.08** (site plan content). (§ 18.40.08)
• Zone listing and map (zones established): **§ 18.03.02** (Zones established: OS, HS, LD, A‑E, A‑1, A‑2, R‑1, R‑3, C‑G, C‑4, C‑R, C‑O, M‑1, M‑2, PD, P‑E). (§ 18.03.02)
• HS zone development / reduced street width parking bays: **§ 18.26.16**. (§ 18.26.16)
• A‑E zone: Off‑Street Parking: Chapter **18.38** applies — **§ 18.11.26**. (§ 18.11.26)
• C‑4 yard/parking allowances: **§ 18.23.14** (front yard and parking permissions). (§ 18.23.14)
• Site design / parking location guidance and screening requirements: **§ 18.24.10** (site design standards). (§ 18.24.10)
• SRO and bicycle parking requirements: **§ 18.66.06(14–15)** (SRO parking and bicycle lockups). (§ 18.66.06)
• ADU parking summary and local ADU rules (see the ADU chapter excerpts for number/dimensions): ADU text and parking rules as quoted in the code excerpts (local ADU provisions). (chapter excerpts)
• Norco_ZoningCode.md

• Official Norco code library