Local zoning · Palm Springs

Palm Springs — Parking

Q: What are the minimum dimensions for a standard parking stall and aisles in Palm Springs?

Standard surface parking dimensions are 9′ wide × 17′ deep for a standard stall and 8′ × 15′ for compact, with aisle widths tied to parking angle (e.g., two‑way 24′ for 90°). These design dimensions are set in § 93.06.00 (design dimensions and Exhibit F).

Q: How many loading docks do I need for a new commercial building?

Loading requirements are specified in § 93.07.01 : for commercial/industrial buildings the table requires 1 loading space for 3,000–15,000 SF , 2 spaces for 15,001–40,000 SF , and more for larger buildings; minimum bay size is 12′ × 40′ with 14′ vertical clearance.

Q: Can I use compact parking to meet required counts?

Yes, but compact stalls are limited: up to 40% of the total provided may be compact spaces subject to planning commission approval, and the first 20 spaces of any proposal must be standard sized. Expect planner/commission scrutiny for circulation and usability. § 93.06.00 and related design subsections cover this.

Q: If my parcel is in an ESA‑SP area, which parking standards apply?

Specific plans in ESA‑SP areas can supersede the base Zoning Code; the ESA‑SP text requires that each planning area comply with its adopted specific plan, so check the applicable specific plan for parking rules. § 92.21.1.00 notes the specific plan supersedes conflicting provisions.

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Palm Springs Zoning Code requires for parking (off‑street parking, loading, bicycle parking, and design/dimensional rules) and how those rules apply across local zoning districts. The primary city rules live in § 93.06.00 (off‑street parking design and ratios) and § 93.07.00 (loading/trash/loading dimensions); many zone sections then say “the provisions of Section 93.06.00 shall apply.”

(First mentions: this page links the city pages for Parking and related topics for navigation — see parking, development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.)

How this page is organized

Citywide controlling rules: § 93.06.00 (off‑street parking) and § 93.07.00 (loading).
District‑by‑district notes: the code’s zone sections (for example R‑4, C‑S‑C, C‑M, D downtown combining zone, ESA‑SP, and R overlay) all reference and layer on the citywide parking rules; each district subsection below pulls the district purpose and the way parking is handled locally.

Citywide controls (what to read first)

The master off‑street parking table, ratios by use, and dimension & layout rules are in § 93.06.00. This section sets required spaces per use (restaurants, retail, apartments, banks, etc.), design dimensions (space widths and depths, aisle widths, compact‑space limits), and amenity/screening rules for parking areas.
Off‑street loading (size, number, screening, location, and special rules for alleys) is in § 93.07.00 and § 93.07.01. Minimum loading bay size, vertical clearance, and required number by gross floor area are specified there.
Many zone sections explicitly adopt these provisions: typical language is “The provisions of Section 93.06.00 shall apply” for parking and “The provisions of Section 93.07.00 shall apply” for loading. Always check the specific zone section for any exceptions or modifications.

(For site design matters that frequently interact with parking — tree wells, perimeter planting, screening walls, decorative paving — see the city’s Development Standards. This matters for where parking is placed on a lot and what the site must show during plan check. )

Links used in text: parking (/us/california/palm-springs/zoning), development standards (/us/california/palm-springs/development-standards), design review (/us/california/palm-springs/design-review), overlays (/us/california/palm-springs/overlay-districts), ADUs (/us/california/palm-springs/adu), California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: almost every district defers to § 93.06.00 for parking counts and to § 93.07.00 for loading; the district notes below highlight any district‑specific parking rules or exceptions stated in the zone text.

R-4 (large-scale hotel and multiple‑family residential)

Purpose & typical uses: hotels, resort hotels, multiple‑family dwellings, and accessory commercial uses for hotels.
Parking rules: Residential and hotel uses in R‑4 must meet the off‑street parking ratios and design criteria of § 93.06.00. Guest parking and covered parking provisions (one covered space per unit and one guest per four units for certain multifamily forms) appear in the parking subsections that apply to residential uses.
Key dimensional standards & where it applies: standard parking dimensions (9′ × 17′ standard; compact 8′ × 15′) and aisle widths as set in § 93.06.00 apply. For accessible parking dimensions see the handicap rules cross‑referenced to § 93.06.00(C)(10).

C‑S‑C (shopping center)

Purpose & typical uses: community shopping centers and integrated retail/restaurant complexes.
Parking rules: The shopping center section requires the provisions of § 93.06.00 to apply and adds design expectations (integration of bus/bicycle provisions and consolidated vehicular/pedestrian systems). Special setbacks require parking be set back (for example a 20 ft parking setback on certain frontages).
Key dimensional standards: parking lot entrances must have decorative paving 10′ back of right‑of‑way where required; perimeter landscaping every 10 stalls; solid masonry walls where parking abuts residential zones per § 93.06.00 and zone standards.

C‑M (commercial manufacturing)

Purpose & typical uses: heavier commercial, light industrial, service industries, trucking, auto repair, vehicle sales.
Parking rules: § 93.06.00 applies. The planning commission may allow up to 15% of required parking to be pull‑through RV/truck stalls for certain uses (counts as two standard spaces) — a local zone exception. A minimum of the first 20 spaces must be standard sized.

D — downtown parking combining zone

Purpose & typical uses: a combining zone applied over downtown areas to recognize shared parking characteristics (mixed office, retail, residential).
Parking rules: uses in the D zone provide spaces according to § 93.06.00, except explicitly enumerated exceptions (for example offices: 1 per 325 sq ft, residential: one covered primary space per dwelling unit + one guest per four units within downtown combining rules). Shared/common loading or parking agreements among lots are allowed with Director findings.

ESA‑SP (Environmentally Sensitive Area Specific Plan)

Purpose & typical uses: clustered residential, ranchettes or resort projects limited by a specific plan.
Parking rules: the ESA‑SP states that its provisions supersede conflicting Zoning Code provisions and that a specific plan is required for each planning area — therefore check the adopted specific plan for parking rules; the citywide § 93.06.00 can be superseded by area‑specific plan standards. Verify with the specific plan.

R (resort overlay)

Purpose & typical uses: an overlay applied to other zones to prioritize visitor accommodations and services. Uses remain those of the underlying zone. Parking is governed by the underlying zone plus § 93.06.00; the overlay does not create a separate parking table but may influence required guest parking or shared parking strategies in resort areas.

Quick reference: common parking ratios and design rules

Land use (example)	Required parking	Key design rule / note	Code Reference
Apartments / Condominiums	Primary parking per unit; guest: 1 per 4 units (guest rules vary by building type)	Covered parking often required for each unit; multifamily specifics in residential subsections	§ 93.06.00
Restaurants (freestanding)	1 per 35 sq ft of area where public is served, or 1 per 3 seats	In large mixed‑use complexes restaurants may be included in shared parking under limits	§ 93.06.00
Retail (general)	1 per 300 sq ft gross floor area	See large‑shopping center provisions for shared parking specificity	§ 93.06.00
Offices (downtown D zone)	1 per 325 sq ft (D combining zone exception)	Downtown combining rules supersede typical office ratio in the D area	§ 92.26.00 / § 93.06.00
Warehousing / distribution	Varies by SF: up to 100k 1/800 SF, next 100k 1/1,250 SF, additional 1/5,000 SF	Truck loading and delivery parking required in addition to these counts	§ 93.06.00
Loading spaces (commercial/industrial)	Table: e.g., 3,000–15,000 SF = 1 loading space; 15,001–40,000 SF = 2	Loading bay min 12′ x 40′ with 14′ vertical clearance; trucks should not back into a street.	§ 93.07.01
Parking dimensions	Standard: 9′ × 17′; Compact: 8′ × 15′; up to 40% compact allowed (planning commission approval); aisle widths depend on angle (e.g., two‑way 24′ at 90°)	First 20 spaces must be standard sized in proposals with compact spaces	§ 93.06.00 (design dims)

Bicycle parking and other modal provisions

The code requires provision for bicycles and buses in shopping centers and larger complexes; the shopping center section explicitly states design should make provision for "other transportation systems, such as buses and bicycles." For specific short‑term/long‑term bicycle stall counts, the Zoning Code references the off‑street parking design requirements and allowances in § 93.06.00; explicit numeric bicycle parking tables are not found in the retrieved materials. Verify bicycle stall counts with the Department of Community Development.
For building‑level e‑vehicle readiness, the statewide California codes and Green Building/CalGreen requirements set EV infrastructure/readiness mandates that interact with parking design — consult the California Building Standards Code and CalGreen for electrical/EV rules when specifying EV spaces. Link to the California Building Standards Code for guidance.

Checklist

Calculate required parking spaces using the use‑specific ratios in § 93.06.00; document gross floor area and seats where relevant.
Show parking stall, aisle, and driveway dimensions per § 93.06.00 (standard 9′ × 17′, compact 8′ × 15′, aisle widths per angle).
Provide required accessible (handicapped) spaces and van‑accessible stalls as cross‑referenced in § 93.06.00(C)(10).
Provide loading spaces sized and counted per § 93.07.01 when project is a hospital, hotel, commercial or industrial building.
Show perimeter landscaping, planting islands, screening walls where parking abuts streets or residential zones per § 93.06.00 and zone text.
If proposing compact spaces > standard allowances, prepare justification and expect Planning Commission review (compact cap and first 20 spaces rule).
For downtown projects, check whether the D downtown parking combining zone modifies ratios or allows shared parking.
If the lot/building cannot meet on‑site requirements, evaluate in‑lieu parking fee or parking agreement options referenced in the zoning code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking exemptions	State ADU law restricts local parking requirements in many ADU cases, but the local code text for ADU parking exemptions is not in the retrieved materials	Verify with the Department of Community Development and the local ADU page; local confirmation required. Not found in retrieved materials.
Downtown shared parking interpretations	The D combining zone recognizes shared parking; misapplication can undercount required spaces	Confirm which downtown parcels are in § 92.26.00 combining zone and whether your use qualifies for shared parking allowances.
Specific bicycle parking counts	Code directs provision for bicycles in shopping center design, but numeric bicycle stall counts are not explicit in the retrieved text	Verify bicycle parking minimums with Community Development; they may be in a separate design standard or administrative checklist. Not found in retrieved materials.
In‑lieu parking fund / shared agreements	The code allows payment into an off‑street parking fund or other agreements as alternatives; local findings are required	Confirm current fee amount and whether an agreement is acceptable for your parcel — city council resolution and findings required.
Conflicting specific plan or overlay rules	ESA‑SP or other specific plans may supersede § 93.06.00	Check the applicable specific plan or overlay text for the parcel; where conflicts exist, the specific plan can control.
Compact‑space percentage and first‑20‑spaces rule	Up to 40% compact allowed, but first 20 spaces must be standard and planning commission approval is needed	If your project relies on compact stalls to meet counts, expect discretionary review and to demonstrate usability and circulation.

Plain‑English Summary

Palm Springs forces most projects to follow the citywide parking and loading rules in § 93.06.00 and § 93.07.00 (which set the required number of spaces for common uses, the minimum stall and aisle sizes, loading bay sizes, and landscaping/screening around parking). Individual zones (for example R‑4, C‑S‑C, C‑M, and the D downtown combining zone) adopt those rules and sometimes add local exceptions — always check the zone text that applies to your parcel.

Source References

Palm Springs Zoning Code — Off‑street parking, design dimensions and ratios: § 93.06.00.
Palm Springs Zoning Code — Parking design dimensions and maneuvering (includes space widths/depths, aisle widths): § 93.06.00 (design dimensions / Exhibit F).
Palm Springs Zoning Code — Off‑street loading requirements and dimensions: § 93.07.00 and § 93.07.01.
Palm Springs Zoning Code — Downtown parking combining zone § 92.26.00 (D zone).
Palm Springs Zoning Code — R‑4 large‑scale hotel and multiple‑family residential zone § 92.05.00 / § 92.05.01.
Palm Springs Zoning Code — C‑S‑C shopping center zone (special parking/setback rules): § 92.11.00 series.
Palm Springs Zoning Code — C‑M commercial manufacturing zone § 92.15.00 / § 92.15.01 (planning commission exception for pull‑through RV/truck parking).
Palm Springs Zoning Code — Environmentally Sensitive Area Specific Plan § 92.21.1.00 (specific plan may supersede city parking rules).
California ADU guidance and state restrictions on local ADU parking requirements (state law summary).
California Building Standards Code (for EV/electrical and building code interactions with parking design): California Building Standards references. /us/california/building-codes

Sources

Retrieved passages

Palm Springs Zoning Code High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code (Section 93.06.00) High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code (Section 93.06.00.Other) High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code (Section 93.06.00) High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code (Section 93.02.00) High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code (Section 93.06.00) High relevance
Palm Springs Zoning Code High relevance
CPC § 1280 High relevance

Cited sections

Official Palm Springs code library

Frequently asked questions

What section of the Palm Springs code sets the required number of off‑street parking spaces?

The required parking counts and the use‑by‑use table are in § 93.06.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Code; this section is the primary starting point for calculating required spaces for restaurants, retail, apartments, offices, etc.

What are the minimum dimensions for a standard parking stall and aisles in Palm Springs?

Standard surface parking dimensions are 9′ wide × 17′ deep for a standard stall and 8′ × 15′ for compact, with aisle widths tied to parking angle (e.g., two‑way 24′ for 90°). These design dimensions are set in § 93.06.00 (design dimensions and Exhibit F).

How many loading docks do I need for a new commercial building?

Loading requirements are specified in § 93.07.01: for commercial/industrial buildings the table requires 1 loading space for 3,000–15,000 SF, 2 spaces for 15,001–40,000 SF, and more for larger buildings; minimum bay size is 12′ × 40′ with 14′ vertical clearance.

Does downtown Palm Springs have different parking rules?

Yes. The D downtown parking combining zone alters how spaces are provided in the downtown core (recognizes shared parking, modifies some use ratios such as offices 1 per 325 sq ft, and residential guest parking rules). Check § 92.26.00 and then § 93.06.00 for details.

Can I use compact parking to meet required counts?

Yes, but compact stalls are limited: up to 40% of the total provided may be compact spaces subject to planning commission approval, and the first 20 spaces of any proposal must be standard sized. Expect planner/commission scrutiny for circulation and usability. § 93.06.00 and related design subsections cover this.

Are there in‑lieu parking fees or options to provide off‑site parking?

The code allows options: where new structures cannot provide required parking the applicant may provide on‑site parking, pay into an off‑street parking fund set by city council resolution, or negotiate a binding agreement with the city if it provides equivalent parking benefit — see the zoning provisions that reference in‑lieu payments and agreements. Verify current fee amounts with the city.

Do I need to provide bicycle parking, and where is that specified?

Shopping center and larger project provisions require design to make provision for bicycles and buses; the zoning text references modal accommodations but a numeric bicycle parking table was not found in the retrieved materials. Confirm bicycle stall counts with Community Development or the development standards checklist. Not found in retrieved materials.

If my parcel is in an ESA‑SP area, which parking standards apply?

Specific plans in ESA‑SP areas can supersede the base Zoning Code; the ESA‑SP text requires that each planning area comply with its adopted specific plan, so check the applicable specific plan for parking rules. § 92.21.1.00 notes the specific plan supersedes conflicting provisions.

Does Palm Springs require covered parking for apartment units?

The code indicates that covered parking is typically required for each unit in certain residential subsections (one covered parking space per unit), with some exceptions for existing lots of record; the parking ratios and covered/guest parking rules are in § 93.06.00 and the residential zone sections.

If I propose stacked/underground parking, are the rules different?

Underground, decked, or covered parking must meet the same minimum stall dimensions but additional circulation/transition requirements apply (e.g., level transition area and landscaping recommendations). See § 93.06.00 (Underground, Decked and Covered Parking) for required site‑specific treatments. ---

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