Local zoning · Plymouth

Plymouth — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Plymouth Zoning Code requires for parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking. It covers the scope of Chapter 19.76 (Parking) and ties those rules to the City’s zoning districts and development standards so you can see which rules apply where. For design and permitting context see the City’s zoning overview and the zoning and development standards pages.

Chapter summary: the Zoning Code requires minimum off‑street vehicle parking by land use (Table 19.76.040‑1), provides dimensional and layout rules, establishes bicycle parking and accessible stall rules, sets loading berth standards, allows shared‑parking and administrative reductions, and creates a limited downtown waiver for off‑street vehicle parking in the Downtown Historic Overlay District. See § 19.76.010, § 19.76.040, § 19.76.060, § 19.76.100, and § 19.76.110 for the controlling text.

How to read this chapter (quick map)

  • The baseline parking rules live in Chapter 19.76 (Parking); all citations below reference the code’s paragraph numbers (for example, § 19.76.040).
  • Which district’s development rules apply is determined by the Base Zoning District on the Zoning Map (e.g., A, RR, SR, VR, VC, SC, HC, I/BP, P, OS, and PD) — see Table 19.48.020‑1.
  • Where a project modifies a building, additions or changes of use may trigger additional parking per § 19.76.020; minor repairs that do not change stall count are exempt from Plan Check.

Important internal links (first natural use of terms):

District-by-district breakdown (what parking rules you should expect in each Plymouth district)

The Plymouth Code separates base districts (Residential, Commercial/Industrial, Public/Open Space, Planned Development) and overlays. Below are the real district symbols and the parking implications you must check when preparing plans.

A (Agriculture)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Agricultural uses on 40+ acre parcels. Table of districts: Table 19.48.020‑1.
  • Parking rules that apply: Off‑street parking requirements apply by use per § 19.76.040; many agricultural uses are measured case‑by‑case (see “Uses Not Listed”). Verify with the Planning Director.
  • Dimensional notes: Development standards are minimal for A zones but parking must not be in ROW; paved and graded as required by § 19.76.060.F–G.

RR (Rural Residential), SR (Standard Residential), VR (Village Residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: residential neighborhoods with varying densities (see Table 19.56.040‑1 for A / RR / SR / VR development standards).
  • Parking demand: For single‑family dwellings the Code requires 2 fully enclosed spaces per dwelling unit; multifamily rules are in Table 19.76.040‑1. See § 19.76.040.
  • Driveways & location: Driveway attachment materials and where parking may be placed are regulated in § 19.76.060.D and § 19.70.030.C–D; front yards and street side yards are generally not permitted for required off‑street parking.
  • ADU note: State ADU law and the City’s ADU rules may alter parking obligations for accessory units; check Plymouth ADUs and Government Code references. Not all ADU parking rules are set in Chapter 19.76—verify with Planning.

VC (Village Commercial), SC (Suburban Commercial), HC (Highway Commercial), I/BP (Industrial/Business Park)

  • Purpose / typical uses: commercial and light industrial districts with specific development standards in Table 19.60.040‑1 (VC, SC, HC/C, I/BP). Commercial uses have parking ratio requirements by use in Table 19.76.040‑1.
  • Vehicle parking: Required spaces are set by use (retail, office, restaurants, warehouses, etc.) in Table 19.76.040‑1. For example, retail commonly uses 1 space per 200 sf; restaurants often require 1 space per 4 seats or 1 per 50 sf for drive‑ins—see § 19.76.040 and the table for exact entries.
  • Loading: Buildings ≥ 10,000 sf that receive/distribute by truck must provide at least one off‑street loading space, plus one per additional 40,000 sf; minimum berth size 12' × 30' and vertical clearance 15' (§ 19.76.110). Trailer parking for each dock is required (50' × 9' × 15').
  • Design & landscaping: Parking lots must meet interior landscaping (min 10% of parking area) and tree‑canopy goals; parking lot screening and planter sizing are in Chapter 19.72 (Landscaping) and referenced from the parking chapters.

P (Public/Institutional) and OS (Open Space)

  • Purpose / typical uses: P supports civic facilities; OS supports parks and recreation. See Chapter 19.64.
  • Parking needs: Table 19.76.040‑1 lists institutional parking (e.g., hospitals 1 space per bed, churches 1 per 4 fixed seats). Park acreage parking guidance: 5% of total area for parks >10 acres. Park & Ride areas are identified with administrative permit requirements in the P/OS use tables.
  • Layout: pedestrian access and designated paths through parking are required; see § 19.76.120.

PD (Planned Development) and Overlays (DH, HSC, MRP)

  • PD: Planned Development projects can set site‑specific parking ratios and alternative locations as part of the Development Plan; refer to Chapter 19.28 (PD) where the Council may approve different parking ratios or layout as conditions of approval.
  • Downtown Historic Overlay (DH): The Code provides a waiver of required off‑street vehicle parking in the Downtown Historic Overlay for many changes of use and modest rebuilds (see § 19.76.055). Bicycle parking and design/health/safety rules are not waived. If your site is in the DH overlay, read § 19.76.055 closely.
  • Other overlays may impose additional screening or landscape buffers that affect parking lot layout; check Plymouth Overlay Districts.

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant table)

What you’re deciding Rule / minimum / requirement Code reference
Minimum vehicle parking per single‑family unit 2 fully enclosed spaces per dwelling unit § 19.76.040; Table 19.76.040‑1
Multifamily baseline 1 enclosed + 1 uncovered per unit, plus 1 extra per 3 units (see table) § 19.76.040; Table 19.76.040‑1
Outdoor parking stall size (standard) 9' × 17' (plus 1' overhang) for outdoor stalls § 19.76.060.H.1
Indoor/covered stall size 10' × 20' where columns/walls are present § 19.76.060.H.2
Accessible parking counts Table 19.76.070‑1 (e.g., 1–25 spaces = 1 van‑accessible) and stall dims: 9' wide + loading pad (5' or 8') § 19.76.070; Table 19.76.070‑1
Loading berth minimum 12' × 30', vertical 15' (customer loading may be 12' × 26' × 12') § 19.76.110
Compact car allowance Up to 20% of required parking can be compact (8' × 16') § 19.76.080
Bicycle parking rates Short‑term = 5% of vehicle spaces (min 1 rack for 2 bikes); Long‑term = 5% of vehicle spaces for buildings with >10 tenants (min 1 space) § 19.76.100
Parking waiver in Downtown Historic Overlay Off‑street vehicle parking requirements may be waived under § 19.76.055 (bike parking and design standards remain required) § 19.76.055

Practical guidance & interpretation tips

  • Always start with the land‑use in Table 19.76.040‑1 to compute your parking requirement; multiple uses are additive. § 19.76.040.A.3–6 covers calculation rules (e.g., rounding, counting dens as bedrooms).
  • If your use is not listed, the Planning Commission will set a minimum guided by nearby uses (§ 19.76.040.B). Expect to provide a parking demand study for unusual cases or to request a shared‑parking Administrative Use Permit.
  • For historic downtown projects: the Downtown Historic Overlay may remove off‑street vehicle parking obligations in many conversion/change‑of‑use cases — but bike parking, ADA, and design review remain. Confirm eligibility under § 19.76.055 and the DH overlay rules.
  • Bicycle parking is mandatory for most non‑single‑family projects (new construction, >10% additions, changes of use) and must be anchored, visible, and have a 5‑ft maneuvering aisle. See § 19.76.100 for rack/locker standards.
  • Accessible parking follows the numeric table in § 19.76.070 and must meet location and dimension rules that generally align with State law. The City requires stalls be identified per State law and local standards.
  • Site plan notes: parking aisles maximum 5% grade, no required stalls in vision triangles (§ 19.76.060.B–C), lighting limits (shield glare away from residences), and parking lot landscaping and tree‑canopy goals are required (see Chapter 19.72).

Permits & submittal checklist

  • Show required number of vehicle stalls computed from Table 19.76.040‑1 and show rounding per § 19.76.040.A.6.
  • Indicate accessible stalls per Table 19.76.070‑1 and show dimensions and proximity to entrances (§ 19.76.070).
  • Dimension every stall and aisle to match § 19.76.060.H and Tables 19.76.060‑1 and 19.76.060‑2.
  • Provide loading berth location and sizing if building ≥ 10,000 sf or uses require deliveries (§ 19.76.110).
  • Bicycle parking plan (short‑ and long‑term) with rack specifications, maneuvering clearances (5 ft), and signed visibility note (§ 19.76.100).
  • Landscaping & screening plan for parking area, showing ≥ 10% landscaped area, tree wells and canopy strategy (Chapter 19.72).
  • If requesting reduced or shared parking, prepare shared‑parking agreement and justification per § 19.76.050 (Administrative Use Permit criteria).
  • If in the Downtown Historic Overlay, prepare justification for waiver and confirm your proposal meets § 19.76.055 limits.
  • Plan Check / building permit submittals: new or modified parking lots typically require a Building Permit and plan check as described in § 19.76.030 and Section 19.10.030 (Zoning Clearance).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Is the site inside the Downtown Historic Overlay? DH overlay can waive vehicle parking requirements for many changes — improperly assuming the waiver can deny your permit. Confirm overlay mapping and read § 19.76.055 for waiver limits; verify demolition/rebuild thresholds.
Is the proposed use “not listed” in Table 19.76.040‑1? Code leaves unlisted uses to Planning Commission determination; this can increase required spaces or require a study. Ask Planning Director early; be prepared to provide a parking demand study. See § 19.76.040.B.
ADU parking implications State ADU law limits and sometimes preempts local parking rules; local ADU rules may differ from Chapter 19.76. Check Plymouth ADU rules and State ADU provisions; local code references ADU parking limitations — verify with Planning. Not all ADU rules are in Chapter 19.76.
Off‑site / shared parking agreements Shared parking can reduce stalls but requires recorded agreements and findings; mistakes create long‑term enforcement problems. If proposing shared parking, submit the required agreement and ensure recording per § 19.76.050.A.2.
Bicycle parking design detail Code requires racks that secure the frame and one wheel and a 5‑ft maneuvering aisle; unclear compliance can lead to re‑submittal. Follow § 19.76.100.C–D for rack specs and aisle widths.

Plain‑English summary

Plymouth’s zoning code (Chapter 19.76) lists how many vehicle stalls different uses must provide, gives stall and aisle dimensions, mandates accessible stalls and bicycle parking, sets minimum loading bay sizes, and allows shared‑parking and certain downtown waivers — but the exact requirement depends on your zoning district (e.g., VR, SR, VC, HC), the use in Table 19.76.040‑1, and whether your site is in an overlay or PD; always check the cited sections before filing.

Source References

  • Plymouth Municipal Code, Chapter 19.76 (Parking): § 19.76.010 – § 19.76.120 (purpose, applicability, off‑street parking table, general requirements, accessible parking, compact cars, bicycle parking, loading, pedestrian access).
  • Table 19.76.040‑1 (Parking Requirements by Land Use) and related tables (angled/parallel dimensions): § 19.76.040, § 19.76.060, Table references.
  • Downtown Historic Overlay waiver for off‑street vehicle parking: § 19.76.055.
  • Planned Development and PD flexibility (integration of parking into Development Plan): Chapter 19.28, § 19.28.020.
  • Zoning district list and symbols (A, RR, SR, VR, VC, SC, HC, I/BP, OS, P, overlays): Table 19.48.020‑1 and chapter intro § 19.48.020.
  • Residential development standards (setbacks, lot coverage relevant to parking location): § 19.56.040 (Table 19.56.040‑1).
  • Commercial & Industrial development standards (VC/SC/HC/I/BP): § 19.60.040 (Table 19.60.040‑1).
  • Parking lot landscaping and screening rules: Chapter 19.72 (Landscaping for parking lots).

If you want, I can extract the exact line in Table 19.76.040‑1 for a specific use (e.g., "medical office" or "restaurant") and prepare a permit checklist tailored to your parcel’s zoning designation — supply the parcel address or zoning designation and intended use to proceed. Verify parcel‑specific boundary/overlay status with the City’s Zoning Map or Planning staff before final submittal.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Plymouth Zoning Code (Title 16) High relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (Title 16) High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) High relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code High relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 250 Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (section must) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code High relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (title to) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Plymouth Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What is the baseline off‑street parking requirement for a single‑family home in Plymouth?

Single‑family homes must provide 2 fully enclosed spaces per dwelling unit; that is the City’s baseline in Table 19.76.040‑1 and applied under § 19.76.040. If a proposed ADU or other change is involved, state ADU rules and local ADU processes may modify parking obligations — confirm with Planning.

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

Short‑term bicycle parking must equal 5% of required vehicle spaces (minimum one rack for two bikes) within 100 feet of the visitor entrance; long‑term secure bicycle parking is 5% of vehicle spaces for buildings with >10 tenant‑occupants (min one long‑term space). See § 19.76.100 for rack, maneuvering (5 ft), and security requirements.

Does Plymouth require on‑site loading berths for retailers?

If a building (or part) that receives or distributes by truck is ≥ 10,000 sf, at least one off‑street loading space is required, plus one per additional 40,000 sf; loading berths must be 12' × 30' with 15' vertical clearance (§ 19.76.110). Customer loading and smaller customer‑facing loading have different minimums (12' × 26' × 12').

Can I reduce the number of required parking stalls by sharing with a neighboring use?

Yes. Shared parking reductions are available through an Administrative Use Permit; the Planning Director evaluates whether peak demands do not coincide and other findings in § 19.76.050. A recorded shared‑parking agreement is required.

Are compact car stalls allowed and how many?

Up to 20% of required parking (except for one‑ and two‑family dwellings) may be compact spaces. Compact stalls must be at least 8' × 16', marked COMPACT, and distributed through the lot (§ 19.76.080).

If I change a downtown building from retail to a restaurant, do I still need off‑street parking?

If the property is inside the Downtown Historic Overlay, the off‑street vehicle parking requirement may be waived for many changes of use and modest modifications — read § 19.76.055 for limits (waivers exclude bike parking, ADA, and building/design standards). If not inside the DH overlay, compute required stalls from Table 19.76.040‑1.

What are the required accessible/disabled stall counts?

Accessible parking counts are set by Table 19.76.070‑1 (e.g., 1–25 total spaces = 1 van‑accessible; larger lots require more, with percentage formulas for very large lots). Stall dimensions and loading pad widths are in § 19.76.070.

Do parking lot landscaping and shading requirements affect layout?

Yes. At least 10% of the parking area must be landscaped; tree canopy goals (50% shaded at maturity) and planter sizing and placement are detailed in Chapter 19.72 and must be integrated into parking layouts. Planters must be curbed and wells have minimum sizes.

Do I need to show bicycle parking on every project?

Bicycle parking is required for most new construction, additions ≥10% floor area, and changes of use — exemptions include single‑family homes, duplexes and small multifamily under four units. See § 19.76.100 for applicability and counts.

Does Plymouth require EV charging spaces in parking?

Not spelled out in Chapter 19.76. The City references State building code and Green Building Standards for EV readiness; check the California Building Standards Code / Title 24 and the city's development standards or building permit requirements for EV requirements. Not found in Chapter 19.76. Verify with Building Division and Title 24 references.

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