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Pomona — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the Pomona Zoning & Development Code regulates parking, loading, and bicycle parking in Pomona. It draws on the Site rules in Part 6 (especially § 610) and the district summaries in Part 2 to explain when parking is required, how bicycle parking and substitutions work, loading rules, and how district form/frontage rules interact with parking. See the city's local development standards for how parking interacts with other site rules such as landscaping and screening and design review.

Note (links): the first mention of related topics below links into the Pomona menu used across GoCodebook for quick navigation: parking links to Pomona development standards, and other first mentions link to their Pomona pages: Pomona Zoning, Pomona Land Use, Pomona Design Review, Pomona Overlay Districts, Pomona ADUs, California Building Standards Code, Pomona Landscaping and Screening, and Pomona Variances and Exceptions. (/us/california/pomona/development-standards) (/us/california/pomona/zoning) (/us/california/pomona/land-use) (/us/california/pomona/design-review) (/us/california/pomona/overlay-districts) (/us/california/pomona/adu) (/us/california/building-codes) (/us/california/pomona/landscaping-and-screening) (/us/california/pomona/variances-and-exceptions)

Key City rules (at-a-glance)

Topic Rule (plain-English) Code reference
Automobile parking — residential First three dwelling units: no required off-street automobile parking; additional units: 1 space per dwelling unit after the 3rd. Fractions ≥ 1/2 round up. § 610.C.3.a.1
Automobile parking — nonresidential For nonresidential uses under 15,000 sq ft: no fixed minimum; for 15,000+ sq ft, applicant must submit a parking study and the Director sets required parking. § 610.C.3.a.1 and § 610.C.2
Parking study (when required) Any nonresidential project >15,000 sf must submit a parking study showing vehicle, short/long bicycle parking, TDM measures, modal share projections, etc. § 610.C.2
Substitute parking with bicycle parking Applicant may substitute automobile spaces with long-term bike parking at 1 auto : 4 bicycles (meeting bike-stand/locker standards). Nonresidential projects with a parking study may substitute up to 20% of projected auto parking; residential may substitute up to 10%. § 610.C.3.i and § 610.E.3
Ride-share substitution Automobile spaces may be substituted by ride-share pick-up/drop-off spaces at 3 auto : 1 ride-share; signage and wayfinding required; substitution limits similar to bike substitution (20% NR, 10% R). § 610.C.3.ii
Shared parking Shared parking reductions allowed if facility is within 660 ft walking distance and uses have mutually exclusive peak demand; legal documentation required. § 610.C.4
Bicycle parking — short-term Must be public, on-site or within 100 ft of the building served; may count City bike-corral spaces in some cases. § 610.E.3.b.2
Bicycle parking — long-term Must be covered, secure (locker, locked room, fenced/gated area, monitored), include a repair station, and be on-site or within 200 ft. § 610.E.3.b.3
Loading Loading areas are not automatically required; the Development Services Director may require on-site loading. Loading/unloading on public streets is generally prohibited; max 1 dock-high/at-grade loading door per 7,500 sf of building area. § 610.D.4 and § 610.D.1–3
Parking lot design & landscaping All parking lots must be graded and drained with LID practices; perimeter and interior landscaping required (interior islands every 10 spaces for lots ≥20 spaces). Curbs or parking blocks and lighting standards apply. § 610.D.3; § 620.A
AB 2097 / Transit proximity Projects within ½ mile of public transit are subject to the AB 2097 overlay process; the overlay establishes how parking minimums may be reduced consistent with state law. § 830.C
ADUs No parking is required for ADUs per the City's ADU rules (local rules also implement State ADU law). If provided, ADU parking must be on approved surfaces and meet minimum stall sizes; tandem dimensions are allowed. § 830.A.6.f (Accessory Dwelling Units — Parking)

(References above point into the Pomona Zoning & Development Code — Sec. 610 (Parking & Access), Sec. 620 (Landscaping/Screening), Sec. 830 (Overlays / ADU rules).)
district breakdown

Below are compact, Pomona-specific summaries for each zoning district established in Sec. 200. Each entry gives the district label (the exact code name used in Pomona), the high-level purpose, typical uses, the most decision-relevant dimensional standard (usually the maximum building stories called out in the district summary), and where the district-level parking rules are applied (hint: Part 6 Site rules apply citywide unless the district summary says otherwise). Where a district summary in the code lists a form/frontage/use module, I note it so you can find the more detailed form and frontage standards that also constrain parking location and access. All items below cite the district summary in Part 2, Sec. 200 (or the snippet that summarizes that district).

Notes on reading these entries: the code organizes districts as bracket sets [FORM – FRONTAGE – USE]; Form and Frontage modules specify build-to lines, active depth, and whether parking is allowed between building/ street; consult the cited form/frontage module sections for specifics that affect where parking may be sited.

RND1 (Residential Neighborhood District 1)

  • Purpose: walkable, lower-intensity housing (Residential Neighborhood Place Type). Up to 2.5 stories typical. | § 200.B
  • Typical permitted uses: single-unit homes, cottage courts, small multifamily (duplex–fourplex), accessory uses as listed in the use modules. | § 200.B
  • Key dimensional standard: building heights generally ≤ 2.5 stories (see Form Module applied). | § 200.B
  • Parking application: Part 6 Site parking rules apply — residential parking minima (first 3 units exempt; 1 per unit thereafter) and ADU exceptions apply. | § 610.C.3.a

RND2 (Residential Neighborhood District 2)

  • Same intent as RND1 (lower-intensity residential, walkable). Up to 2.5 stories; consult the district's applied Form module for frontage/parking location rules. | § 200.B

RND3 (Residential Neighborhood District 3)

  • Same intent and parking rules as other RNDs; site-specific form module determines whether parking can be located between building and street. | § 200.B

RND4 (Residential Neighborhood District 4)

  • Same as RND1–3; check Form/Frontage modules for build-to and parking-location controls. | § 200.B

RND5 (Residential Neighborhood District 5)

  • Same RND intent; district variation number controls specific frontage/module application and thus where parking and access are permitted. | § 200.B

NED1 (Neighborhood Edge District 1)

  • Purpose: low-rise, somewhat active ground stories; up to 3 stories. Typical mix of residential + limited commercial. | § 200.C
  • Uses: residential primary uses with small/limited commercial; check Use Module CX1 listed for exact allowed commercial uses. | § 200.C
  • Parking: Part 6 applies; frontage module (LM2 / G1) indicates whether parking may be between street and building — see Sec. 480 and the applied Frontage Module. | § 480; Sec. 420/LM2

NED2 (Neighborhood Edge District 2)

  • Similar to NED1; up to 3 stories; limited commercial and residential mix. | § 200.C

NED3 (Neighborhood Edge District 3)

  • Focused on multi-unit residential at low-rise scale; up to 3 stories; use module R1/MU1 indicates residential emphasis. | § 200.C

NED4 (Neighborhood Edge District 4)

  • Moderate commercial with residential uses; up to 3 stories. | § 200.C

NED5 (Neighborhood Edge District 5)

  • Narrow house-scale residential district with shallow front yards; up to 3 stories; parking rules follow the RND/residential minima and frontage module (N2). | § 200.C

UND1 (Urban Neighborhood District 1)

  • Purpose: urban neighborhood with low-rise buildings, up to 4 stories, mixed uses including limited commercial. Parking location constrained by frontage module LM3/G1. | § 200.D

UND2 (Urban Neighborhood District 2)

  • Multi-unit residential emphasis, up to 4 stories; Part 6 and frontage MU1 control frontage and where parking can be placed. | § 200.D

UND3 (Urban Neighborhood District 3)

  • Low-rise industrial/mixed uses close to street, up to 4 stories; industrial uses may trigger motor-vehicle use-area and loading standards in Part 6. | § 200.D

ACD1 (Activity Center District 1)

  • Purpose: activity center (medium–large scale), up to 6 stories; encourages vertical mixing of commercial and housing; parking strategy should favor transit/active modes and shared parking. | § 200.E

ACD2 (Activity Center District 2)

  • Shopfront/retail-oriented mid-rise environment, up to 6 stories; frontage modules (MB1/SH1) indicate active ground floor and limits on parking between street and building. | § 200.E

ACD3 (Activity Center District 3)

  • Similar to ACD2 but with broader commercial scale; up to 6 stories; parking is typically set back or structured and subject to screening and design review. | § 200.E

TOD1–TOD6 (Transit Oriented Districts 1–6)

  • TOD districts are the city’s most walkable/active zones; medium to large scale development up to 6 stories, with retail/commercial on the ground floor and housing/office above; parking minimums are expressly modulated by transit proximity and the AB 2097 overlay rules for projects within ½ mile of transit. Use Part 6 § 610 for specific required parking, and § 830.C for AB 2097 processing. | § 200.F

WD1–WD5 (Workplace Districts)

  • Purpose: employment- and industrial-compatible districts (Workplace Place Type). Building size and frontage modules vary by WD#. Industrial and workplace uses trigger motor vehicle use area rules (paving, heavy-duty truck parking, shore power for large industrial ≥100k sf). See § 610.D and EV/shore power rules for large industrial sites. | § 200.G; § 610.D

SCD1 (Special Campus District 1)

  • Intended for Cal Poly Pomona-related sites; allows up to 8 stories (see Part 2 district summary). Parking and loading tailored to campus needs and require coordination with Part 6. | § 200.H

SCD2 (Special Campus District 2)

  • Intended for Pomona Civic Center sites; allows up to 4 stories. Campus parking/ circulation typically handled by campus plans plus Part 6 rules. | § 200.H

SCD3 (Special Campus District 3)

  • Covers Fairplex-related sites; building heights are regulated by the Fairplex overlay; parking and large-event parking/ circulation must follow the Fairplex overlay and Part 6 loading/EV rules. | § 200.H

PLD1 (Parkland District 1)

  • Public parkland with small buildings up to 2.5 stories; parking areas for parks must include perimeter landscaping and interior islands where applicable per Part 6. | § 200.I

PLD2 (Parkland District 2)

  • Privately-owned parkland variant; same scale up to 2.5 stories; perimeter and interior parking landscape standards apply when surface parking is used. | § 200.I

(There are 32 total districts; the entries above represent each district bracket and the numbered district variations referred to in Sec. 200. For the district maps and the exact applied Form / Frontage / Use Modules per parcel, consult the official Zoning Map and the district tables in Part 2. The district summaries above cite the applicable Sec. 200 subsection).

How these district rules affect parking decisions — practical guidance

  • If your project is in a TOD district or within ½ mile of transit, AB 2097 procedures apply and you should plan to justify reduced automobile parking and rely more on bicycle parking, TDM, and shared parking strategies; see § 830.C and § 610.C.2.
  • In RND districts (most single-family and small multifamily), remember the first three units require no automobile parking minimum; extra units follow the 1-per-unit-after-3 rule (and ADU rules can override parking). Verify front-yard/frontage module rules before siting driveways/parking between the building and street. § 610.C.3.a and § 480 apply.
  • Nonresidential projects ≥15,000 sf must submit a parking study that quantifies on-site/off-site parking, bicycle parking, and TDM strategies; the Development Services Director will consider local transit availability when setting minima. Budget for the study early — it is required by § 610.C.2.

Checklist

  • Identify the exact zoning district (e.g., NED3, TOD2) on the City's Zoning Map and note the applied Form and Frontage Modules (Sec. 200 and Part 3).
  • For nonresidential projects >= 15,000 sf, commission a Parking Study per § 610.C.2.
  • Calculate automobile parking per § 610.C.3.a (residential exception for first three units; nonresidential under 15k sf = none; 15k+ sf per study).
  • Provide bicycle parking to meet § 610.E short- and long-term requirements; consider substituting bicycle parking for automobile stalls (1 auto = 4 long-term bikes) where allowed.
  • If providing a shared parking plan, document walking distances (≤ 660 ft), peak demand periods and legal access rights per § 610.C.4.
  • If the site requires heavy loading or is industrial ≥100,000 sf, plan for shore power and medium/heavy duty EV hook-ups as specified.
  • Meet parking-lot landscaping, buffer/screening, curbing and lighting standards in § 620 and Sec. 610.D.
  • Check AB 2097 / transit proximity and ADU parking exemptions; do not assume local minima always apply near transit or to ADUs. § 830.C and § 830.A.6.f.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Director discretion on parking for projects >15,000 sf The parking study is advisory but the Development Services Director sets final required parking, so outcomes vary by site/transit access. Verify required study scope with staff and confirm expected modal assumptions before final design. § 610.C.2
Applied Form/Frontage module limits parking location Some Frontage Modules explicitly prohibit parking between building and street; failing to check may require redesign. Confirm the parcel's applied Frontage Module (see Zoning Map and Part 4) and check Sec. 480 standards. Sec. 400/480
AB 2097 / transit proximity overlays Inconsistent definitions of “public transit line” or mapping differences could change whether reduced parking rules apply. Verify the property is (or is not) within ½ mile of qualifying transit per § 830.C and check Transit maps with the Development Services Department. § 830.C
ADU parking exceptions vs. local practice State law provides ADU exemptions; local code restates no parking requirement — but projects sometimes still face conditions. Confirm ADU parking interpretation with staff and reference § 830.A.6.f in permit submittal. § 830.A.6.f
Bicycle substitution valuation Substitutions (1 auto = 4 long-term bikes) are allowed but rely on bike facility quality — enforcement and security expectations vary. Verify bike parking design (lockers/coverage/repair station) meets § 610.E standards before relying on substitution. § 610.E.3
Loading needs not required by code Loading areas are not automatically required; however, insufficient loading can block streets or sidewalks and be prohibited. Discuss anticipated deliveries with staff; prepare a loading plan and design to § 610.D.1–4 if Director requires it. § 610.D.1–4

Plain-English summary

Pomona's Zoning & Development Code generally reduces minimum automobile parking compared with older codes: small residential projects often need no mandated car spaces for the first three units, nonresidential projects under 15,000 sf have no blanket minimum, larger nonresidential projects require a parking study, and the code encourages substituting bicycle parking, shared parking, and TDM strategies; bicycle parking and parking-lot landscaping have their own technical standards. Key rules live in § 610 (Parking & Access) and district limits (where parking can sit) are driven by the Form/Frontage modules summarized under Sec. 200.

Source References

  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code — Part 6, Sec. 610 Parking and Access (Automobile Parking, Motor Vehicle Use Areas, Bicycle Parking). § 610.C, § 610.D, § 610.E.
  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code — Part 6, Sec. 620 Landscaping & Screening (parking lot landscaping, frontage screens). § 620.A–C.
  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code — Part 2, Sec. 200 Summary of Zoning Districts (district descriptions RND / NED / UND / ACD / TOD / SCD / PLD). § 200.B–I.
  • Pomona Zoning & Development Code — Part 8, AB 2097 Overlay and Accessory Dwelling Unit rules (AB 2097 Overlay: § 830.C; ADU parking exceptions in Accessory Dwelling Unit rules). § 830.C; § 830.A.6.f.

Sources

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Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many car parking spaces does Pomona require for a new 4‑unit house?

The Pomona code requires no automobile parking for the first three dwelling units; the 4th unit requires 1 automobile parking space (i.e., 1 per unit after the 3rd). See § 610.C.3.a.1 for the residential minimums.

Do I need a parking study for a retail building I want to build in Pomona?

If your nonresidential project is 15,000 sq ft or larger, you must submit a parking study prepared by a qualified professional; the study must describe vehicle and bicycle parking, TDM measures and modal forecasts, and the Development Services Director will use it to set required off-street parking. See § 610.C.2.

Can I replace car parking spaces with bike parking in Pomona?

Yes — the code allows substitution: 1 automobile space may be exchanged for 4 long‑term bicycle parking spaces (bike lockers or enclosed storage meeting the bicycle standards). Nonresidential projects relying on a parking study may substitute up to 20% of projected auto parking; residential projects may substitute up to 10%. See § 610.C.3.i and § 610.E.3.

Are loading docks required for industrial or commercial projects?

Loading areas are not automatically required, but the Development Services Director can require adequate space for unloading/loading on-site. Public‑street loading is generally prohibited; dock‑high or at‑grade loading doors are limited to 1 per 7,500 sq ft of building area. See § 610.D.1–4.

What bicycle parking design rules must I meet in Pomona?

Short‑term bicycle parking must be public and within 100 ft of the building it serves; long‑term bicycle parking must be covered, secure (e.g., locker, locked room, fenced/gated), include a repair station, and be within 200 ft of the served building. Rack dimensions, anchoring, lighting and surface conditions are specified in § 610.E.

If my site is within a half‑mile of transit, can Pomona still require parking?

Projects within ½ mile of qualifying public transit fall under the city’s AB 2097 overlay procedures; the overlay implements state rules limiting parking minimums near transit and establishes the process to reduce or eliminate local parking minimums. Verify overlay applicability early — see § 830.C.

Are ADUs required to provide parking in Pomona?

No — the City’s ADU rules state no parking is required for any ADU. If ADU parking is provided, it must meet the code's surface and stall-size standards; demolished or converted garages that become ADUs are not required to have their off‑street parking replaced. See the Accessory Dwelling Unit rules (Part 8). § 830.A.6.f.

Where does Pomona require parking to be screened or landscaped?

Perimeter landscape is required on all on‑site surface parking lots; interior landscaping (islands every ~10 spaces) is required for lots serving 20 or more spaces. Frontage screens and transition buffers apply where parking abuts streets or sensitive uses; see § 620.A–C and the parking lot landscaping rules.

Does Pomona permit drive‑through facilities?

New drive‑through construction is not permitted in any zoning district; expansion of existing drive‑throughs is handled under the nonconformity rules. See the drive‑through prohibition in the motor vehicle use area rules. § 610.D (drive‑through).

Who can approve a deviation from parking-structure screening standards?

A variance may be requested for relief from parking structure screening standards and is processed under the Variance rules (see Sec. 1160.F). Verify process and submittal requirements with staff.

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