Local zoning · Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove — Parking

Q: What does Pacific Grove require for parking on a single‑family lot?

Single‑family parking is set by lot size: none required for lots under 2,700 sq ft ; 1 covered + 1 uncovered for 2,700–4,000 sq ft ; and 2 covered for lots over 4,000 sq ft . A driveway at least 20 ft long can count as the uncovered space. See § 23.20.080 .

Q: How many parking spaces do I need for a multifamily project in R‑3?

For multifamily units the code requires 1.5 spaces per unit for units with fewer than two bedrooms, and 2 spaces per unit for two‑bedroom (and larger) units; tandem parking and mechanical lifts are allowed where shown. See § 23.26.090 .

Q: Can the city allow compact stalls or shared parking instead of standard stalls?

Yes. The review authority may approve compact stalls within limits (e.g., up to 50% of parking in excess of baseline in certain cases), and shared parking is explicitly permitted when appropriate. See § 23.64.190 (n), (p) .

Q: Do ADUs in Pacific Grove need off‑street parking?

An ADU located within one‑half mile walking distance of public transit does not require off‑street parking. If not within that distance, one off‑street space is required but may be tandem or located in setback areas per § 23.80.060(d) . No parking is required for a JADU. See the ADU chapter.(/us/california/pacific-grove/adu)

Q: Is bicycle parking regulated in the zoning code?

Specific bicycle parking counts or long‑term/short‑term bicycle parking standards are not found in the retrieved zoning excerpts. The California Green Building Standards and Title 24 often address bicycle parking; verify with Planning and Building for how bicycle parking is enforced locally. Not found in retrieved materials.

Q: Are loading spaces (for deliveries/trucks) specified in the code?

A specific, standalone local loading‑dock table was not found in the retrieved materials. The planning commission can set parking (and likely loading) requirements for uses not specifically enumerated, and project‑level review is typical. Verify with the planning department. Not found in retrieved materials; see § 23.64.190 for how unspecified uses are handled.

Q: Do parking lots in Pacific Grove need trees or landscaping?

Yes — surface parking lots must include landscaped areas; the code requires not less than one tree per six parking spaces , and front/lot landscaping rules apply. See § 23.64.190(q) and § 23.64.195 .

Q: If my lot is small or constrained, can I get a reduction in required parking?

Potentially. The review authority may allow reduced parking for low‑vehicle‑ownership uses or other demonstrated needs, and compact/tandem options are available subject to limits. Any reduction typically requires justification to the review authority. See § 23.64.190 (n),(o) .

Q: What driveway depth counts as a parking space?

A driveway of at least 20 feet from property line to garage or carport opening counts as the required uncovered space; there are exceptions for very narrow public ways and for use permits. See § 23.20.080(b) .

Q: Do paid public parking programs need planning approval?

Yes — establishing or changing a paid public parking program (hours, locations, rates) is subject to a coastal development permit (CDP) with required analysis of coastal access impacts per § 23.90.220 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (zoning title) requires for off‑street parking, compact spaces, driveway lengths, and parking-related on‑site landscaping and shared‑parking options. It is drawn from the city's zoning regulations (Title 23 — Zoning) and the ADU chapter; it does not attempt to restate building-code (Title 24) or state ADU law except where the local ordinance expressly adopts or references them. Where the code text is silent on an item (for example, bicycle parking or loading docks), I note that explicitly. For the city's zoning program see the Pacific Grove Zoning page.(/us/california/pacific-grove/zoning)

Key rules at a glance

Single‑family residential parking is scaled by lot size; driveway length and covered‑space requirements are specified. See § 23.20.080.
Multifamily parking is expressed as spaces per unit (1.5 spaces for units <2 bedrooms; 2 spaces for other units). See § 23.26.090 (R‑3) and related district chapters.
The city authorizes compact spaces, shared parking, and reduced parking for low‑vehicle‑ownership uses — under the review authority and per the off‑street parking standards. See § 23.64.190 (off‑street parking rules).
ADU parking exceptions: ADUs within 1/2 mile of transit need no off‑street parking; otherwise one space is required and may be tandem or in setback. See § 23.80.060(d). Link: Pacific Grove ADUs.(/us/california/pacific-grove/adu)
Surface parking lots must provide landscaping (trees at a minimum ratio). See § 23.64.190(q) and § 23.64.195.

Note: this page links to related local pages where the topic naturally arises: development standards (setbacks/driveways), design review, overlay districts, historic preservation, landscaping and screening, and the California Building Standards Code. See those menu pages for process, design review triggers, and Title 24 expectations.(/us/california/pacific-grove/development-standards) (/us/california/pacific-grove/design-review) (/us/california/pacific-grove/overlay-districts) (/us/california/pacific-grove/historic-preservation) (/us/california/pacific-grove/landscaping-and-screening) (/us/california/building-codes)

District-by-district breakdown (decision‑relevant)

Note: where districts cross‑reference the general parking rules the controlling reference is the off‑street parking chapter. I name the actual district labels used in the Pacific Grove code and show the practical parking expectations found in the text.

R-1 (single‑family residential)

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses; see the R‑1 chapter for uses. (See the zoning map and district chapters.)
Parking standard (single‑family): the off‑street schedule for single‑family lots is based on lot area: none required for lots under 2,700 sq ft; 1 covered + 1 uncovered for 2,700–4,000 sq ft; 2 covered for lots larger than 4,000 sq ft. A driveway of at least 20 ft may count as the uncovered space. See § 23.20.080.
Driveway/coverage limits: driveway length and how much street frontage driveways may occupy are controlled (20 ft minimum distance to garage opening; driveways shall not occupy more than 40% of street frontage in certain districts). See § 23.20.080 and district yard rules (e.g., R‑3 front yard coverage rules reference).

R-2 / R-2‑B‑3 (two‑family / combined)

Parking: R‑2 largely follows the same off‑street schedule; the combined R-2‑B‑3 chapter specifically requires two covered spaces for the R‑2‑B‑3 exception. See § 23.20.090 and the underlying schedule § 23.20.080.

R-3 (multifamily)

Purpose / uses: multifamily, apartments, accessory dwelling units as allowed by Chapter 23.80.
Parking: Multifamily units: 1.5 spaces per unit for units with fewer than two bedrooms; 2 spaces per unit for two‑bedroom+ units. Mechanical lifts and tandem parking are expressly allowed; driveway length rules apply. See § 23.26.090.

R-4

The R‑4 chapter incorporates the general rules and expressly points back to the off‑street parking standards (see the district summary tables that reference § 23.64.190). Developers should use the R‑4 allowed uses list and then apply the parking schedule in § 23.64.190.

Commercial districts (C-1, C-2, C-D, C-FH, C-1‑T etc.)

Approach: commercial and mixed‑use parking obligations are governed by the parking chapter. The code gives specific formulas for certain uses (e.g., restaurants, churches) and allows the planning commission to set parking for uses not enumerated. See § 23.64.190 for the general formulas and special cases (including parking for mixed‑use projects).

Planned and mixed‑use (MU / PD / specific plan)

These districts defer to the off‑street parking standards and allow project‑level adjustments, shared parking, and other project‑specific solutions per the review authority. See § 23.64.190 (shared parking, reductions) and the permit tables in § 23.70.012 for review authority.

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Standard / use	Requirement (practical)	Code Reference
Single‑family parking by lot size	<2,700 sf: none; 2,700–4,000 sf: 1 covered + 1 uncovered; >4,000 sf: 2 covered; 20 ft driveway may count as uncovered space	§ 23.20.080
Duplexes	1.5 spaces/unit (<2 beds); 2 spaces/unit otherwise; one space/unit in garage/carport	§ 23.20.080
Multifamily	1.5 spaces/unit (<2 beds); 2 spaces/unit (2+ beds). Tandem/ mechanical lifts allowed	§ 23.26.090
Driveway length (counts as parking)	Minimum 20 ft from property line to garage/carport opening (exceptions via use permit)	§ 23.20.080(b)
Compact spaces allowance	Review authority may approve compact spaces (caps: 50% of additional spaces above baseline in commercial/industrial; 50% in excess of required for R district uses)	§ 23.64.190 (n)
Shared parking & reductions	Shared parking permitted; reduced parking allowed for low‑vehicle‑ownership uses if justified to review authority	§ 23.64.190 (o),(p)
Parking lot landscaping	Not less than 1 tree per 6 parking spaces; other landscaping rules for front yards and lots	§ 23.64.190(q) and § 23.64.195
ADU parking	ADU within ½ mile of transit: no off‑street required; otherwise 1 space allowed in setback or tandem; replacing garage converted to ADU not required	§ 23.80.060(d)
Parking aisle widths	Aisle widths specified by stall angle (perpendicular aisle 24 ft; 60° aisle 18 ft, etc.)	§ 23.64.190 (m)
Paid public parking (coastal)	Establishing paid public parking or program changes requires CDP and analysis of coastal access impacts	§ 23.90.220

Checklist — what an applicant must provide or satisfy

Apply the off‑street parking schedule applicable to your district and use (single‑family vs. duplex vs. multifamily) and show calculations on plans: cite § 23.20.080 and § 23.26.090 as applicable.
Dimensioned parking plan showing stall count, compact stalls (if any), aisle widths and angles per the aisle table. Cite § 23.64.190(m).
Landscape plan for surface lots showing 1 tree per 6 spaces and street‑front landscaping per § 23.64.195.
Driveway layout showing 20 ft driveway depth from property line to garage opening where required or a use‑permit request for a shorter driveway per § 23.20.080(b).
If requesting compact stalls, shared parking, or a parking reduction for low‑vehicle‑ownership tenants, include a justification and request to the review authority per § 23.64.190(n)–(o).
For ADUs, demonstrate transit proximity (½ mile) or provide the single off‑street space and show allowable tandem/setback location per § 23.80.060(d). Link: Pacific Grove ADUs.(/us/california/pacific-grove/adu)
If the project affects public coastal parking (paid parking program, new visitor parking, or changes), include coastal access analysis and a CDP as required by § 23.90.220.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Bicycle parking standards	The local zoning text reviewed does not specify long‑ or short‑term bicycle parking requirements; state green building rules address bicycle parking but the local code does not reproduce those numbers.	Not found in retrieved materials — verify with Community Development (and check Title 24 / California Green Building Standards for building‑level bicycle parking requirements).
Off‑street loading / commercial loading standards	The retrieved zoning excerpts do not show a clear, standalone off‑street loading standard (truck docks, delivery spaces). Lack of a local number means project‑specific conditions or use permits may be used.	Not found in retrieved materials — verify with the planning department and review § 23.64.190 for how the planning commission sets parking/loading for unspecified uses.
Applicability in Historic Overlay or HRI	Historic review can impose design controls; conflicts between ADU/state law and historic preservation can be sensitive.	Confirm whether the property is on the HRI or in a historic district; if so, check Historic Preservation rules and whether ADU or parking siting interacts with HRC review. Verify with Historic Resources staff.
Parcel‑specific driveway exceptions (narrow lots / alley access)	Driveway width/depth limits and driveway coverage percentages can affect feasible parking; some districts cap driveway width to 40% of lot width (R‑3 reference).	Verify existing lot width, alley access, and whether a use permit is required for any driveway deviations. See § 23.26.090(d) for driveway width rules.

Plain‑English summary

Pacific Grove requires most new homes and developments to provide on‑site vehicle parking following a district schedule (single‑family by lot size; multifamily by bedrooms), sets a 20‑foot driveway standard, allows compact/shared/reduced parking when justified, requires landscaping in surface lots, and gives ADUs special, transit‑based parking exemptions — see the off‑street parking rules § 23.64.190, the single‑family schedule § 23.20.080, and the ADU rules § 23.80.060(d) for the exact mechanics.

Source References

Pacific Grove Municipal Code — Title 23 (Zoning), Chapter 23.20: Parking standards and driveway length — § 23.20.080.
Pacific Grove Municipal Code — Chapter 23.26 (R‑3 districts): Off‑street parking schedule for multifamily — § 23.26.090.
Pacific Grove Municipal Code — Off‑street parking rules (compact stalls, shared parking, aisle widths, landscaping ratio) — § 23.64.190 (subsections m–q).
Pacific Grove Municipal Code — Landscaping of front and side yards and related standards — § 23.64.195.
Pacific Grove Municipal Code — ADU rules (parking rules for ADU/JADU) — § 23.80.060(d). See the ADU chapter for the full list.
Pacific Grove Municipal Code — Paid public parking / coastal access requirements — § 23.90.220.
Pacific Grove zoning overview and district tables (referencing parking section § 23.64.190 in district summaries).

If you want the direct city website texts or an annotated PDF of the specific code sections above, say so and I will retrieve and link the precise city webpage copies or assemble the cited sections into a single annotated download (verify with the planning department for any parcel‑specific interpretation). For process triggers — when design review, historic review, or a use permit is required — see Pacific Grove Design Review and the table of review authorities.(/us/california/pacific-grove/design-review) (/us/california/pacific-grove/historic-preservation)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 11-141) High relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 9) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 23.26.070.) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 2 (Title 12) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 23.31.50) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 11-141) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
Pacific Grove Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Pacific Grove code library

Frequently asked questions

What does Pacific Grove require for parking on a single‑family lot?

Single‑family parking is set by lot size: none required for lots under 2,700 sq ft; 1 covered + 1 uncovered for 2,700–4,000 sq ft; and 2 covered for lots over 4,000 sq ft. A driveway at least 20 ft long can count as the uncovered space. See § 23.20.080.

How many parking spaces do I need for a multifamily project in R‑3?

For multifamily units the code requires 1.5 spaces per unit for units with fewer than two bedrooms, and 2 spaces per unit for two‑bedroom (and larger) units; tandem parking and mechanical lifts are allowed where shown. See § 23.26.090.

Can the city allow compact stalls or shared parking instead of standard stalls?

Yes. The review authority may approve compact stalls within limits (e.g., up to 50% of parking in excess of baseline in certain cases), and shared parking is explicitly permitted when appropriate. See § 23.64.190 (n), (p).

Do ADUs in Pacific Grove need off‑street parking?

An ADU located within one‑half mile walking distance of public transit does not require off‑street parking. If not within that distance, one off‑street space is required but may be tandem or located in setback areas per § 23.80.060(d). No parking is required for a JADU. See the ADU chapter.(/us/california/pacific-grove/adu)

Is bicycle parking regulated in the zoning code?

Specific bicycle parking counts or long‑term/short‑term bicycle parking standards are not found in the retrieved zoning excerpts. The California Green Building Standards and Title 24 often address bicycle parking; verify with Planning and Building for how bicycle parking is enforced locally. Not found in retrieved materials.

Are loading spaces (for deliveries/trucks) specified in the code?

A specific, standalone local loading‑dock table was not found in the retrieved materials. The planning commission can set parking (and likely loading) requirements for uses not specifically enumerated, and project‑level review is typical. Verify with the planning department. Not found in retrieved materials; see § 23.64.190 for how unspecified uses are handled.

Do parking lots in Pacific Grove need trees or landscaping?

Yes — surface parking lots must include landscaped areas; the code requires not less than one tree per six parking spaces, and front/lot landscaping rules apply. See § 23.64.190(q) and § 23.64.195.

If my lot is small or constrained, can I get a reduction in required parking?

Potentially. The review authority may allow reduced parking for low‑vehicle‑ownership uses or other demonstrated needs, and compact/tandem options are available subject to limits. Any reduction typically requires justification to the review authority. See § 23.64.190 (n),(o).

What driveway depth counts as a parking space?

A driveway of at least 20 feet from property line to garage or carport opening counts as the required uncovered space; there are exceptions for very narrow public ways and for use permits. See § 23.20.080(b).

Do paid public parking programs need planning approval?

Yes — establishing or changing a paid public parking program (hours, locations, rates) is subject to a coastal development permit (CDP) with required analysis of coastal access impacts per § 23.90.220.

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