Local zoning · Porterville

Porterville — Parking

Q: Do single‑family homes in Porterville have to provide two covered parking spaces?

Yes. Single‑family detached homes are required to provide 2 covered parking spaces per dwelling unit under the on‑site parking table (Table 304.04A) and the parking rules in § 304.04 . Show the covered spaces/garage on the site plan; garages are generally set back 20 ft from front property lines per the residential standards in Table 201.03.

Q: How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment need in Porterville?

For multi‑family the code requires 2 spaces per 2‑bedroom unit (Table 304.04A) and one of the unit’s spaces must be designated and covered; guest parking ratios are also required per the same table (§ 304.04 ). Verify counts on the site plan and allow accessible spaces per § 304.10 .

Q: Can I make some spaces compact to save area?

Yes—on sites with at least 10 parking spaces up to 10% of the total required can be compact stalls (minimum 7' x 16' ) provided the code’s compact parking standards are met; residential covered required spaces must be standard size (§ 304.10(B) ).

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Porterville Development Ordinance requires for on‑site parking, on‑site loading, and bicycle parking. It explains the rules that apply citywide, highlights the special Downtown Parking Districts, and ties parking requirements to the city's residential districts (RS‑1, RS‑2, RM‑1, RM‑2, RM‑3) and relevant development standards. For related approvals and design controls see the city's zoning, design review, overlay districts, and development standards pages.

Note: all requirements below are drawn from the Porterville Development Ordinance (Article 304 and related development tables). Each legal citation shows the controlling code section (for example, § 304.04) and the file extract used.

What the code requires (quick map of rules)

On‑site parking is required at the time a main building is erected or when a use is established or expanded (§ 304.02).
The number of spaces is set by Table 304.04A (Required On‑Site Parking Spaces) and calculated per rules in § 304.04; fractional spaces round up at 0.5 (§ 304.04).
Downtown parcels have special rules and zone‑by‑zone ratios in § 304.07 and Table 304.07(B).
Bicycle parking must comply with the California Green Building Standards Code and be shown on the site plan (§ 304.08).
Large uses (≥10,000 sq ft) must provide on‑site loading per § 304.09 (size and counts specified).
Parking area design, stall dimensions, compact‑space limits, ADA/handicapped provisions, surfacing and circulation standards are in § 304.10 and related tables (e.g., Table 304.10C1).
Parking and storage of recreational/large vehicles are restricted in front yards; side/rear yard storage behind a 6‑ft solid fence is allowed with limitations (§ 304.11).

District‑by‑district breakdown (where district rules intersect parking)

Below are the Porterville base residential districts that most frequently raise parking questions, plus the Downtown Parking District rules that change parking calculation. Each district subsection cites the code provision that establishes the district standards and where the parking rules apply.

RS‑1 (Very Low Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: Single‑family detached and limited accessory uses; permitted uses table is in § 201.02 (Table 201.02).
Parking rule: 2 covered parking spaces per dwelling unit required for single‑family detached (see Table 304.04A and § 304.04).
Key dimensional standards (where parking design matters): minimum lot area 12,500 sq ft; front yard 15 ft; garage setback 20 ft (Table 201.03 / § 201.03). These setbacks govern driveway/garage placement and therefore the on‑site layout of required spaces.

RS‑2 (Low Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: similar to RS‑1 but smaller lots and allows attached/detached single‑family per Table 201.02 (§ 201.02).
Parking rule: 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit for single‑family; accessory units refer to second‑unit rules (see Table 304.04A; second unit reference points to § 301.16).
Dimensional standards: minimum lot area 6,000 sq ft; front yard 15 ft; garage setback 20 ft (Table 201.03) — these shape how/where required parking is placed.

RM‑1 (Low‑Medium Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: allows smaller single‑family and low‑rise multi‑family; multi‑family allowed per Table 201.02 (§ 201.02).
Parking rule: Multi‑family ratios are captured in Table 304.04A: e.g., 1 space per studio; 1.5 per 1‑bed; 2 per 2‑ or 3‑bed; one space per unit must be designated and covered; guest spaces required (table notes). See § 304.04.
Dimensional standards: minimum lot area 6,000 sq ft; max height 35 ft; front yard 15 ft (Table 201.03). These affect lot layout and the ability to provide covered unit parking.

RM‑2 (Medium Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: larger multi‑family and higher densities than RM‑1; multi‑family permitted (Table 201.02).
Parking rule: Same multi‑family ratios in Table 304.04A; additional guest parking ratios apply (see Table 304.04A and § 304.04).
Dimensional standards: min lot area 6,000 sq ft; max height up to 50 ft (Table 201.03) — taller buildings may trigger transitional setbacks that affect surface parking placement.

RM‑3 (High Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: apartment buildings and attached housing at highest residential density (Table 201.02 and § 201.02).
Parking rule: Higher‑density projects still use Table 304.04A ratios for unit types; units must have one covered space designated to the unit and guest parking per the table (§ 304.04).
Dimensional standards: minimum area per unit 1,000 sq ft; max height up to 50 ft; increased lot coverage allowed (Table 201.03), which can constrain on‑site parking layout.

Downtown Parking District No. 1 and No. 2

Purpose: recognizes shared parking and transit proximity so required off‑street parking demand is generally reduced in downtown areas (§ 304.07).
How it changes counting: Table 304.07B sets zone‑by‑zone ratios in Downtown Parking District No. 1 (Zones A–E range from no required parking up to 1 per 250 sf); Downtown Parking District No. 2 parking requirements are set by City Council (§ 304.07).
In‑lieu payments: the code allows payment instead of building spaces within these downtown districts subject to Council rules (§ 304.07(C)).

(For full lists of base districts and official map, see § 101.01 and § 101.02.)

Key standards at a glance

Rule / Topic	Short rule you need to know	Code Reference
Single‑family parking minimum	2 covered spaces per dwelling unit	§ 304.04; Table 304.04A
Multi‑family ratios	1/studio; 1.5/1‑bed; 2/2‑ or 3‑bed; one covered per unit; guest spaces per table	§ 304.04; Table 304.04A
Downtown reduced ratios	Zone A–E rates (no required up to 1 per 250 sf); City Council sets District No.2	§ 304.07; Table 304.07B
Bicycle parking	Must follow latest California Green Building Standards Code; show on site plan	§ 304.08
On‑site loading	≥ 10,000 sq ft building → 1 loading space; +1 per additional 40,000 sq ft; minimum 12' x 30' x 15'	§ 304.09
Stall dimensions	Standard 9' x 20' (or 9' x 18' with 2' overhang allowance); compact 7' x 16'; aisle widths per angle in Table 304.10C1	§ 304.10; Table 304.10C1
Compact spaces	Up to 10% of required spaces may be compact on sites with ≥10 spaces; residential covered spaces must be standard size	§ 304.10(B)
ADA/handicapped	Accessible spaces required and located as near as practical to primary entrance (ADA + state law compliance)	§ 304.10(A)
When to construct parking	Required on‑site parking must be built prior to Certificate of Occupancy	§ 304.02(E)

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

Where the table lists a use "to be determined by the Zoning Administrator" the Administrator can require parking studies and set the number (§ 304.04(G)); expect this for unusual commercial or mixed uses.
Shared parking or reductions (including Transportation Demand Management measures) are possible but require formal approval per § 304.06 (Parking Reductions / Shared Parking). If you propose less than table amounts include a parking demand study.
On‑street spaces in Downtown may be credited proportionally to a site if on‑street parking is allowed and counted per § 304.04(D) and § 304.07.
Bicycle parking details (counts, short‑ vs long‑term) are not in Table 304.04A but are required to follow the California Green Building Standards Code; provide locations on site plans (§ 304.08). For the state code reference see the city's California Building Standards Code page and the code excerpt in the project record.

Checklist

Show required number and location of parking spaces on the site plan per Table 304.04A and calculation rules in § 304.04 (including rounding rules).
If in a downtown district, check the applicable downtown zone (A–E) and apply Table 304.07B or prepare for Council determination (§ 304.07).
Provide bicycle parking location and ensure count/style follow the California Green Building Standards Code; show on site plan (§ 304.08).
If building ≥10,000 sq ft or the use normally receives large deliveries, show on‑site loading (size 12' x 30' x 15') and maneuvering areas (§ 304.09).
Design stalls/aisles to Table 304.10C1 dimensions; show ADA parking and accessible route (§ 304.10).
If requesting a reduction, shared parking, or using nonstandard ratios, submit a parking demand study and Transportation Demand Management plan as required (§ 304.06 and § 304.03).
Confirm surfacing and drainage requirements for parking areas (residential vs non‑residential surfacing rules in § 304.10(D)).
For ADUs or second units check cross‑references (Table 304.04A refers to § 301.16 for second units). Verify with planning staff for ADU parking exemptions or updates (§ 304.04 / § 301.16).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning Administrator discretion for unspecified uses	The Administrator can set parking for uses not listed or marked "to be determined" — this affects approval time and required studies	Confirm whether your use is listed in Table 304.04A; if not, ask the Zoning Administrator what evidence/study is required (§ 304.04(F–G)).
Shared parking / parking reductions	Reductions permit fewer spaces but require justification and conditions; improper reductions create violations	If proposing shared parking or TDM, prepare a parking demand study and formal shared‑parking approval per § 304.06. Verify required study scope with planning staff. Not all downtown projects can use in‑lieu payment without Council approval.
Downtown zone mapping & on‑street credit	Which downtown zone (A–E) applies to a parcel controls required rate; on‑street credits depend on whether on‑street parking is allowed	Confirm zone from the official zoning map and whether your block face is eligible for on‑street credit per § 304.07 and § 304.04(D).
Second units / ADUs and parking	Table 304.04A refers second‑unit parking to § 301.16 (second dwelling units); state ADU law can preempt local rules	Check § 301.16 (second units) and consult the city's ADU guidance; state law may limit local parking requirements for ADUs (Verify with jurisdiction).
Nonconforming parking	Existing nonconforming sites have limits on expansion (may trigger requirement to add spaces)	If your structure lacks required parking, expansion rules and thresholds differ for residential vs nonresidential — check § 307.xx and nonconforming parking rules in § 304.03. Verify with planning staff.

Plain‑English summary

Porterville requires on‑site parking matched to the use shown in Table 304.04A (two covered spaces for a typical single‑family house; set ratios for apartments). Downtown has lower, zone‑based requirements. Bicycle parking must follow the California Green Building Standards Code and loading spaces are required for large buildings; stall sizes and surfacing rules are spelled out in Article 304. Always show parking, bicycle racks, and loading on your site plan and expect the Zoning Administrator to require studies if you propose exceptions. Key legal rules live in § 304.01–§ 304.11.

Source References

Porterville Development Ordinance — Article 304, On‑Site Parking and Loading (304.01–304.11) — includes Table 304.04A, Table 304.07B, bicycle and loading rules. § 304.01–§ 304.11.
Table 304.04A: Required On‑Site Parking Spaces (full table of residential and many commercial ratios). § 304.04 / Table 304.04A.
Downtown Parking District rules and Table 304.07B. § 304.07.
Parking area design, stall dimensions, compact‑space rules, surfacing and ADA notes. § 304.10 and Table 304.10C1.
Parking and storage of recreational/large vehicles. § 304.11.
Base district lists and residential development standards (RS‑1 through RM‑3): § 101.01, § 201.02, and development standards Table 201.03.
California Green Building Standards Code (bicycle parking provisions referenced by the Porterville code). See § 304.08 and the state's code excerpt in the project record.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CBC § 304.04 High relevance
CGBSC § 304.07 (section shall) High relevance
CGBSC § 304.07 (section shall) High relevance
CGBSC § 304.07 (section shall) High relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (ARTICLE 304.) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (ARTICLE 200.) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (Title And) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code High relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (ARTICLE 304.) High relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (Section 304.06) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (Section 300.16) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (section 12926) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
Porterville Zoning Code (article 608) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Porterville code library

Frequently asked questions

Do single‑family homes in Porterville have to provide two covered parking spaces?

Yes. Single‑family detached homes are required to provide 2 covered parking spaces per dwelling unit under the on‑site parking table (Table 304.04A) and the parking rules in § 304.04. Show the covered spaces/garage on the site plan; garages are generally set back 20 ft from front property lines per the residential standards in Table 201.03.

How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment need in Porterville?

For multi‑family the code requires 2 spaces per 2‑bedroom unit (Table 304.04A) and one of the unit’s spaces must be designated and covered; guest parking ratios are also required per the same table (§ 304.04). Verify counts on the site plan and allow accessible spaces per § 304.10.

Does the downtown area require less parking?

Yes. Porterville established Downtown Parking Districts with lower or zone‑specific ratios: Table 304.07B (Zones A–E) ranges from no required spaces (Zone A) up to 1 per 250 sq ft (Zone E); Downtown Parking District No.2 parking is set by Council action (§ 304.07). On‑street spaces can be credited proportionally where allowed.

Is bicycle parking required?

Yes. Bicycle parking must comply with the latest California Green Building Standards Code and the location of bicycle parking must be shown on the site plan as required by § 304.08. The Porterville code defers technical counts and design standards to that state code.

When is an on‑site loading space required?

An on‑site loading space is required when a building (or part) has 10,000 sq ft or more of floor area for uses that receive or distribute goods (manufacturing, wholesale, retail, hotels, hospitals, etc.). Minimum loading size is 12' x 30' x 15', and additional spaces are required per 40,000 sq ft increments (§ 304.09). The requirement can be adjusted if an applicant demonstrates it is unnecessary.

Can I use on‑street spaces to meet my off‑street parking requirement?

In Downtown districts, on‑street parking may be credited to off‑street requirements in proportion to the block face your site occupies, but only where on‑street parking is allowed and per § 304.04(D) and § 304.07. Outside downtown, the code does not authorize general on‑street credit; verify eligibility with planning staff.

Can I make some spaces compact to save area?

Yes—on sites with at least 10 parking spaces up to 10% of the total required can be compact stalls (minimum 7' x 16') provided the code’s compact parking standards are met; residential covered required spaces must be standard size (§ 304.10(B)).

Do ADUs (second units) have separate parking rules in Porterville?

Table 304.04A refers second units to the second‑unit rules (see § 301.16). The local ordinance cross‑references that section for second‑unit parking; state ADU law may further limit local parking requirements — Verify with the jurisdiction. See § 304.04 and § 301.16.

What happens to parking if I expand a non‑residential building that is already short on spaces?

A nonresidential structure that is nonconforming for parking may not be expanded unless the parking required for the expansion is provided in accordance with Chapter 304 (On‑Site Parking and Loading). Check the nonconforming parking rules and expansion thresholds in § 304.03 and related nonconforming use sections.

Are there surfacing requirements for parking lots?

Yes. Residential projects (or residential driveway improvements over $25,000 within two years) must provide paved driveways; non‑residential parking and frequently used aisles/access drives must be paved with asphalt or concrete per § 304.10(D) and associated standards. ---

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