Local zoning · Pittsburg

Pittsburg — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Pittsburg regulates parking and loading (including bicycle parking) in its zoning ordinance (Title 18). It pulls the controlling requirements from the off‑street parking and loading chapter and related development standards and maps those rules to Pittsburg’s actual zoning districts, special‑plan areas, and applicable design standards. Key rules: required automobile parking follows Schedule A, loading follows Schedule B, bicycle parking is a separate table, and design/dimensional requirements (space size, surfacing, landscaping, accessibility) are spelled out in the code. See the local rules for design review and development standards for plan submittal requirements. § 18.78.010–.070

(First mention links: “parking” to the city zoning menu and other related topics inline below.)

How to read this page (quick links used in the text)

  • “parking” first mention links to the Pittsburg Zoning overview: /us/california/pittsburg/zoning
  • “development standards”: /us/california/pittsburg/development-standards
  • “design review”: /us/california/pittsburg/design-review
  • “overlay” / special plan: /us/california/pittsburg/overlay-districts
  • “ADUs”: /us/california/pittsburg/adu
  • “California Building Standards Code” / Title 24: /us/california/building-codes
  • “landscaping and screening”: /us/california/pittsburg/landscaping-and-screening

Controlling rules (what the ordinance actually says)

  • Applicability: The off‑street parking and loading rules apply to each zoning district established by Title 18 unless modified by a PD or overlay zone (§ 18.78.020) .
  • When required: New uses, new structures, changes of use that increase parking demand, and additions/enlargements that increase required spaces must provide the parking/loading required by the chapter (§ 18.78.030) .
  • Computation: Parking ratios and seat/area equivalencies are computed using gross floor area and Schedule A; fractional spaces round up at 0.5 (§ 18.78.040 C–E) .
  • Off‑site parking: Residential uses in R districts must have required parking on the same site; nonresidential required parking may be offsite up to 200 feet if legal controls (deed/lease) secure it for at least 10 years (§ 18.78.040 F) .
  • Reductions and exceptions:
    • Residential infill within one‑quarter mile of transit can request reductions; the zoning administrator or planning commission must find the reduction is equivalent to reduced demand (§ 18.78.040 G.1) .
    • Multifamily projects inside the downtown subarea have a baseline of 1.5 spaces per unit but may request reductions with findings (§ 18.78.040 G.2) .
    • Nonresidential uses in the CP (Pedestrian Commercial) district are not subject to the chapter’s minimum off‑street parking/loading rules (§ 18.78.040 G.3) .
    • Projects inside the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan or the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Master Plan follow their own parking rules (those specific plans) (§ 18.78.040 G.4) .
  • Bicycle parking: Where automobile off‑street parking is required for governmental, quasipublic, commercial or industrial uses, permanent fixed bicycle racks/lockers must be provided at the table ratios in § 18.78.045 (0 stalls for 0–4 auto spaces; 1 stall for 5–10 autos; 4 for 11–20; etc.) § 18.78.045 .
  • Design & dimensions:
    • Automobile parking dimensions, aisle and clearance minimums, surfacing, curbing, grading/drainage, lighting limits, and landscape/screening requirements are in § 18.78.050. For example, most nonresidential spaces are 9 × 18 ft; parallel spaces 8 × 22 ft; garage spaces for residences 10 × 20 ft; vertical clearance minimum is generally 7 ft (§ 18.78.050 A–I) .
    • Handicapped spaces must comply with California code (Title 24) and Vehicle Code sign rules; the local code explicitly references Title 24 requirements (§ 18.78.050 D) .
  • Loading berths: Schedule B sets required off‑street loading by use group and building gross floor area; each required berth must be at least 12 ft wide × 30 ft long × 14 ft high and accessible from a public street or alley (§ 18.78.060; Schedule B) .
  • Use & maintenance limits: Required parking must be used only for residents, guests, employees, customers and visitors; no sales/storage/repair in required parking; vehicles must be operable and registered (§ 18.78.030 B, 18.78.040 H) .
  • Temporary and joint facilities: Temporary lots and joint/shared parking are allowed under standards; joint use may be approved when hours differ, subject to planning commission findings (§ 18.78.040 E) .

District‑by‑district breakdown (how parking rules interact with Pittsburg’s actual districts)

Below are the Pittsburg base districts that are most relevant to parking; each subsection states where the parking rules apply, typical uses, and key rules that affect on‑site parking.

R Districts (RR, RS‑40, RS‑10, RS‑6, RS‑5, RS‑4, RM, RMD, RH, RHD)

  • Purpose/uses: Single‑family and multifamily residential uses; accessory uses such as ADUs governed by Chapter 18.50 (§ 18.50.005) .
  • Parking rules that apply: Required residential parking is listed in Schedule A: Single‑family: 2 per unit (1 covered); Duplex: 2 per unit (1 covered); Multifamily: 2 per unit (1 covered) + 0.5 per unit with 2+ bedrooms (§ 18.78.040 Schedule A) .
  • Key practical notes: Required parking for residential uses must be on the same site (§ 18.78.040 F.1) and ADU parking exceptions are governed separately in the ADU rules (see PMC 18.50.300–315 and the city ADU guidance) . See the ADU page for state‑law ADU exceptions (/us/california/pittsburg/adu).

CP — Pedestrian Commercial district (and downtown commercial core)

  • Purpose/uses: Pedestrian‑oriented retail and small commercial uses; downtown pedestrian character is prioritized (§ 18.52.005) .
  • Parking rules that apply: Nonresidential uses in CP are explicitly not subject to the chapter’s minimum off‑street parking and loading requirements (you must follow CP development rules and design guidelines instead) (§ 18.78.040 G.3) .
  • Key practical notes: In CP and downtown areas, pedestrian frontage and design (including maximum front yard, storefront requirements) often override large surface parking. Design review is required (§ 18.52.100; § 18.36.200) — consult the city’s design review and development standards pages (/us/california/pittsburg/design-review and /us/california/pittsburg/development-standards) .

M — Mixed‑Use district

  • Purpose/uses: Combines residential and commercial; parking obligations follow Schedule A unless a specific PD or plan overrides it (§ 18.53, referenced in base district tables) .
  • Parking rules that apply: Use‑specific requirements from Schedule A apply; joint/shared parking arrangements are commonly used for mixed‑use sites where hours differ (§ 18.78.040 E) .

Industrial districts (IP, IL, IG)

  • Purpose/uses: Industrial parks, limited & general industrial uses (warehousing, manufacturing) (§ 18.54) .
  • Parking rules that apply: Schedule A sets industrial parking ratios (e.g., warehousing 1/2,000 sf; many industrial uses reference 1/500 or 1/750 sf). Loading requirements (Schedule B) are important for industrial sites (§ 18.78.040 Schedule A; Schedule B) .
  • Key practical notes: Planting, screening and landscape rules for parking lots in IL/IP/IG are contained in district development standards (e.g., planting areas, tree wells) — see landscaping rules (§ 18.54.130) and the city’s landscaping and screening page (/us/california/pittsburg/landscaping-and-screening) .

Railroad Avenue Specific Plan area & Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Master Plan

  • Purpose/uses: Site‑specific plans that set their own parking and bicycle parking standards.
  • Parking rules that apply: Projects in these areas use the applicable specific plan or master plan standards for both vehicular and bicycle parking rather than the Title 18 schedules (§ 18.78.040 G.4) .

Overlay and PD districts (‑S, ‑P, ‑O, PD)

  • Purpose/uses: Overlay districts and PDs can modify base district rules.
  • Parking rules that apply: The parking chapter applies to all base districts “except as may be modified by a PD or overlay zone” — verify whether a PD or overlay modifies minimums on a parcel (PMC § 18.78.020) . See the overlay districts page for more (/us/california/pittsburg/overlay-districts).

Quick decision‑relevant table (most used numbers and where to find them)

Item Standard / Requirement Code Reference
Single‑family parking 2 spaces per unit, 1 covered § 18.78.040 (Schedule A)
Multifamily parking 2 spaces per unit (1 covered); +0.5/unit for 2+ BR units § 18.78.040 (Schedule A)
Office parking 1 per 250 sq ft § 18.78.040 (Schedule A)
Retail/Bank parking 1 per 250 sq ft (banks) / retail ratios in Schedule A § 18.78.040 (Schedule A)
Restaurant parking 1 per 75 sq ft seating area or 1 per 4 seats (varies by type) § 18.78.040 (Schedule A)
Bicycle parking Table: 0 stalls for 0–4 autos; 1 for 5–10 autos; 4 for 11–20; 6 for 21–50; 8 for 51–100; 10 for 101–200; 1 per 10 autos for 201+ § 18.78.045
Loading berth size min. 12 ft × 30 ft × 14 ft height; Schedule B sets number by use group & GFA § 18.78.060; Schedule B § 18.78.040
Space dims (typical) Nonresidential: 9 × 18 ft; Parallel: 8 × 22 ft; Residential garage: 10 × 20 ft § 18.78.050 A
Handicapped parking Must meet California code (Title 24) and Vehicle Code signage § 18.78.050 D
Surface & curbing All required spaces/aisles paved and curb (0.5 ft) except single family/duplex § 18.78.050 I.1

Checklist (what an applicant must provide / satisfy for a typical new development)

  • Calculate required automobile spaces from Schedule A (use gross floor area or seats as specified) and compute loading berths from Schedule B (§ 18.78.040) .
  • Provide the required permanent bicycle parking at the ratios in § 18.78.045 for any governmental, quasipublic, commercial or industrial project that triggers auto parking (§ 18.78.045) .
  • Dimension spaces, aisles, vertical clearances and wheel stops to meet § 18.78.050 (e.g., 9×18 for most nonresidential spaces; 7 ft clearance minimum; paved and curbed) .
  • Ensure accessible/van spaces comply with Title 24 and Vehicle Code signage as referenced (§ 18.78.050 D) and include them on plan sheets (§ 18.36.210 required site plan info) .
  • If using off‑site parking for nonresidential uses, secure a recorded instrument for at least 10 years and ensure distance ≤ 200 ft pedestrian route (§ 18.78.040 F.2) .
  • Provide loading berths accessible from a public street or alley and dimensioned per § 18.78.060; ensure loading does not block required parking (§ 18.78.060) .
  • Address landscaping and screening for parking lots per the landscaping rules (e.g., Chapter 18.84 and district planting rules such as § 18.54.130) and include irrigation/planting on plans (/us/california/pittsburg/landscaping-and-screening) .
  • If proposing a reduced parking count (use permit for up to 25% reduction) submit a parking study and satisfy use‑permit findings (§ 18.78.040 H) .
  • Confirm whether your parcel is in the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan, the BART master plan area, or the downtown subarea — those areas may use different parking rules (§ 18.78.040 G.2–4) .
  • Submit parking and access shown on design review/zoning approval plans per PMC 18.36.210 & 18.32.010 (site plan, parking location, handicap facilities) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Applicability in PD / overlay areas Overlays or PDs can modify or replace Title 18 minimums — relying on Schedule A without checking could produce incorrect requirements Verify whether a parcel has a PD or an overlay (see PMC 18.70/18.72) and check the specific plan; verify with the city planner (§ 18.78.020)
Downtown/CP exceptions CP nonresidential uses are not subject to minimums; downtown multifamily has a different baseline — this changes required spaces substantially Confirm if property is inside the CP district or downtown subarea; refer to § 18.78.040 G.2–3 and CP rules (§ 18.52)
Parcel‑specific off‑site parking Offsite parking is allowed for nonresidential uses only with recorded controls and within 200 ft — failure to secure instruments can void approval Confirm recorded deed/lease requirements and exact measurement method (shortest pedestrian route) (§ 18.78.040 F.2)
Bicycle parking counts for mixed uses Bicycle stall requirements are tied to automobile stalls for certain use types — mixed uses require careful tabulation Use § 18.78.045 bicycle table and count autos per Schedule A; if in a specific plan area, use that plan’s rules (§ 18.78.045; § 18.78.040 G.4)
Accessibility (Title 24) coordination Local code defers to Title 24 for disabled parking — plans that meet Title 18 but not Title 24 will still fail building review Confirm Title 24 (California Building Standards Code) requirements on accessible stalls & signage; local code cites Title 24 compliance (§ 18.78.050 D)

Plain‑English summary

In Pittsburg, most new buildings and changes of use must provide off‑street automobile parking to Schedule A and loading to Schedule B; bicycle racks must be provided at the tabulated ratios. Parking space sizes, surfacing, curbs, lighting, landscape, and accessible stalls have detailed design rules. Exceptions and lower minimums exist for downtown/mixed‑use areas, the CP district, transit‑proximate infill, and where a PD/overlay or specific plan prescribes other standards. Verify parcel status — downtown, CP, Railroad Avenue specific plan, BART master plan, PD or overlay — before finalizing parking counts. (§§ 18.78.020–.070; § 18.78.045; § 18.78.050)

Source References

  • Pittsburg Municipal Code (Title 18) — Chapter 18.78, Off‑Street Parking and Loading: §§ 18.78.010–18.78.070 (Applicability, Schedule A & B, bicycle parking, design standards, loading, vehicle storage) § 18.78.010–.070
  • Schedule A (off‑street parking by use) and Schedule B (loading) — PMC § 18.78.040 (Schedule A) and Schedule B (loading) § 18.78.040 (Schedule A & B)
  • Bicycle parking table — PMC § 18.78.045 (bicycle racks/lockers and stall table) § 18.78.045
  • Parking facility design standards and dimensions — PMC § 18.78.050 (space dimensions, surfacing, lighting, landscaping, handicapped reference to Title 24) § 18.78.050
  • Loading berth sizing and access — PMC § 18.78.060 (dimensions and access) § 18.78.060
  • Off‑site parking, joint use, and use/maintenance rules — PMC § 18.78.040 F–H (location, reserved spaces, use limits) § 18.78.040 F–H
  • Residential district definitions and ADU rules referenced — Chapters 18.50 (R districts) and ADU rules at PMC 18.50.300–315 § 18.50 (R districts)
  • Commercial/CP district development standards and exceptions — Chapter 18.52 and table 18.52.115 (CO, CN, CC, CS, CSD, CW, CP) § 18.52.005; Table 18.52.115
  • City design review & submittal requirements (site plans showing parking) — PMC 18.36.200 / 18.36.210 (design review and required application information) § 18.36.200 / § 18.36.210

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (Chapter 18.32) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (Chapter 18.36) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (chapter may) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (title would) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (Title 24) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (section may) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (Title 18) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (chapter for) High relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Pittsburg Zoning Code (Chapter 18.48) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the basic off‑street parking requirement for a new apartment building in Pittsburg?

Multifamily residential projects must generally provide 2 parking spaces per unit (including 1 covered) plus 0.5 additional spaces per unit that has two or more bedrooms, per Schedule A in PMC § 18.78.040. If the project is inside the downtown subarea the baseline is 1.5 spaces per unit with the option to request a further reduction subject to findings (§ 18.78.040)

How many bicycle racks do I need to provide for a commercial building?

For governmental, quasipublic, commercial and industrial uses where automobile parking is required, the bicycle‑stall table in PMC § 18.78.045 applies: e.g., 1 bicycle stall for 5–10 required auto spaces; 4 stalls for 11–20 autos; 6 for 21–50; 8 for 51–100; 10 for 101–200; and 1 stall per 10 required auto spaces for 201+ (§ 18.78.045)

What are the required dimensions for automobile parking spaces in Pittsburg?

Typical minimum dimensions are in PMC § 18.78.050: most nonresidential spaces are 9 × 18 ft, parallel spaces 8 × 22 ft, and residential garage spaces are 10 × 20 ft; vertical clearance minimum is generally 7 ft except where noted (§ 18.78.050)

Can I locate required nonresidential parking offsite?

Yes — required parking for a nonresidential use may be on a different site (same or different ownership) provided it is within 200 feet of the use served measured by the shortest pedestrian route and is legally guaranteed (deed/lease/agreement) for at least 10 years (§ 18.78.040 F.2)

Do the downtown and Railroad Avenue plan areas follow the same parking rules?

No. Multifamily in the downtown subarea has a specific baseline (1.5 spaces/unit) and may request reductions (§ 18.78.040 G.2). Development in the Railroad Avenue Specific Plan or the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Master Plan follows the parking rules in those specific plans rather than Title 18 Schedule A (§ 18.78.040 G.4)

Are accessible (disabled) parking stalls governed by local code or the state code?

Accessible parking is required to meet California building standards (Title 24) and Vehicle Code signage requirements; the local ordinance explicitly defers to Title 24 and Section 22507.8 of the Vehicle Code for handicapped spaces and signs (see PMC § 18.78.050 D) § 18.78.050 D

Is a design review required to show parking on plans?

Yes — city design review submittal requirements require a site plan showing the location, dimensions and quantity of proposed off‑street parking and a statement of conformity with applicable regulations; design review procedures are in PMC 18.36.200–210 (§ 18.36.210 lists required site plan content)

Can I get a smaller parking requirement through a use permit?

Yes. Subject to a use permit, the net number of parking spaces required in Schedule A may be reduced by up to 25% if findings are met and supported by a parking study showing reduced demand or a TDM program; the applicant must also demonstrate the ability to add parking later if needed (§ 18.78.040 H)

What are the minimum loading berth dimensions and when are loading berths required?

Each required off‑street loading berth must be at least 12 ft wide × 30 ft long with 14 ft minimum vertical clearance; the number of berths depends on the building’s group classification and gross floor area per Schedule B (§ 18.78.060; Schedule B) § 18.78.060

My property is in the CP district — do I still need to provide parking per Schedule A?

Nonresidential uses on properties in the CP district are not subject to the minimum off‑street parking and loading spaces in Title 18; instead development in the CP district follows commercial district rules, design guidelines and any site‑specific requirements (§ 18.78.040 G.3; § 18.52) ---

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