Local zoning · Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Rancho Mirage Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) requires for parking, loading, and bicycle parking on private property. The city's off‑street parking rules are located in Chapter 17.26 (Parking and Loading Standards); they set minimum vehicle counts by land use, dimensional and surfacing/design rules for lots and stalls, handicapped and loading standards, shared‑parking/reduction procedures, and bicycle parking obligations. See the city zoning rules for district‑level standards that interact with parking requirements. § 17.26.010, § 17.26.040 .

(Links: first mention of related topics are linked into the Rancho Mirage menu.) For local context and where parking rules attach to site standards see Rancho Mirage Zoning, and for how parking interacts with setbacks and development rules see Rancho Mirage Development Standards. For design triggers and project review, see Rancho Mirage Design Review; for overlay rules that can change parking expectations see Rancho Mirage Overlay Districts; for ADU parking limits see Rancho Mirage ADUs; and for equipment/technical code overlap see the California Building Standards Code. Also consult Rancho Mirage Landscaping and Screening for the parking landscaping requirements. These internal pages are linked to help you cross‑check related requirements.

Key city rules (quick)

  • Minimum off‑street parking counts for specific land uses are set in § 17.26.040 (Table 3‑6) and are applied to every new use, expansion, or change of use; calculations round fractional spaces to the nearest whole number. § 17.26.040 .
  • Design, surfacing, shading, and landscaping standards for parking areas (minimum 15% landscaping, 25% shading, surfacing/curbing/striping rules) appear in § 17.26.070 and related subsections. § 17.26.070 .
  • Bicycle parking minimums/locations and long‑term/short‑term rules are in § 17.26.100, including the requirement that commercial/office uses over 10,000 sf provide lockable bicycle parking and the dimensional/clearance standards for racks. § 17.26.100 .
  • Loading space minimums (Tables 3‑10, 3‑11, 3‑12) and access/surfacing requirements are in § 17.26.110 and § 17.26.120. § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120 .
  • Shared‑parking reductions and a four‑step shared parking methodology are allowed under § 17.26.050 (Table 3‑7 hourly factors). § 17.26.050 .
  • Handicapped parking follows state rules (Title 24/Uniform/Vehicle Code) and a local count table is in § 17.26.060. § 17.26.060 .

District‑by‑district breakdown (how parking fits into each zoning district)

The ordinance establishes the specific zoning districts; district maps determine where each set of development standards and thus parking expectations apply (Zoning Districts established in § 17.06.010). § 17.06.010 . Below are the principal districts named in the code with the rules you must consider when calculating or designing parking on a parcel in that district.

Note: district purpose and permitted uses are summarized here from the district tables and the general development standards; for complete lists of allowed uses and permit requirements see the district tables. § 17.06.010, § 17.08.020, § 17.10.020 .

HR (Hillside Reserve)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Very low‑density hillside/reserve open space; residential estate type uses; protects hillside character. § 17.06.010 .
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum parcel size 640 acres, minimum parcel width 100 ft, front setback 25 ft, low density (1 du/640 acres) (see Table 2‑3). § 17.08.020 .
  • Parking implications: Parking rules from Chapter 17.26 apply when a structure or new use is established; rural parcels may be eligible for limited flexibility under project review—verify with the director and the zoning map. § 17.26.030 .

R‑E (Residential Estate)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Single‑family estate lots, low density. § 17.06.010 .
  • Key standards: Minimum parcel size 1 acre, setbacks 25 ft front, 10 ft side, lot coverage and density per Table 2‑3. § 17.08.020 .
  • Parking implications: Standard off‑street parking minimums in § 17.26 apply; residential driveway width and residential parking design standards in § 17.26.070 and § 17.26.080 (residential design) apply (driveway widths, surfacing, temporary occupancy vehicle rules). § 17.26.070, § 17.26.080 .

R‑L‑2, R‑L‑3, R‑M, R‑H (Residential low → high density)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Range from very low density (R‑L‑2 /R‑L‑3) to medium/high density multifamily (R‑M, R‑H) for housing types. § 17.06.010, Table 2‑3 .
  • Key standards: Setbacks typically 25 ft front, 10 ft side, densities increase through the list; see Table 2‑3 for exact parcel and setback numbers. § 17.08.020 .
  • Parking implications: For multifamily housing the ordinance provides specific parking counts (e.g., 1 covered per 1‑bed unit plus guest parking rates — see Table 3‑6 and the notes in § 17.26.040). Shared parking reductions and guest parking calculations can significantly change on‑site requirements; see § 17.26.040 and § 17.26.050. § 17.26.040, § 17.26.050 .

MHP (Mobile Home Park)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Mobile home park developments; density in Table 2‑1. § 17.06.010 .
  • Key standards: Density 5–9 du/acre, other development standards in Table 2‑3 and special sections. § 17.08.020 .
  • Parking implications: Parking standards in Chapter 17.26 apply; mobile home parks and guest parking rules are addressed in the residential parking standards (see Table 3‑6 and § 17.26.040). § 17.26.040 .

C‑N, C‑G, C‑C (Commercial: Neighborhood / General / Community)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Retail and service uses at different scales; location‑specific intensities. § 17.06.010 .
  • Key standards: Commercial districts use Table 2‑5 for lot coverage and setbacks (typical front 25 ft, side 10–20 ft depending on district). § 17.10.020, Table 2‑5 .
  • Parking implications: Use‑specific parking counts in Table 3‑6 (e.g., Retail 1 space/250 sf, Restaurants 1/80 sf, Banks 1/200 sf) are applied; loading requirements and drive aisle/stall dimensions apply per Chapters 17.26.110–120 and the design standards in § 17.26.070. § 17.26.040, § 17.26.110, § 17.26.070 .

O (Office), M‑U (Mixed Use), Rs‑H (Resort Hotel), I‑L (Light Industrial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Offices, mixed commercial‑residential, resort hotel and light industrial functions. § 17.06.010 .
  • Key standards: See Table 2‑5 for setbacks, lot coverage and height; M‑U and Rs‑H may have modified development standards under specific plan or PDP/conditional use processes. § 17.10.020, Table 2‑5 .
  • Parking implications: Numerous use‑specific entries exist in Table 3‑6: Offices 1/250 sf (first 5,000) then 1/400 sf thereafter, Hotels 1.1/guest room, Industrial/warehouse uses use separate loading/parking tables—confirm with Table 3‑6 and Tables 3‑10/3‑12. § 17.26.040, § 17.26.110 .

P (Institutional) and OS (Open Space)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Institutional (public/civic) and open space uses (parks, golf, floodways). § 17.12.020, § 17.06.010 .
  • Key standards: Table 2‑6 (P) provides lot coverage and setbacks (e.g., front 25 ft, side 10 ft, rear 20 ft) and other district controls. § 17.12.030 .
  • Parking implications: Institutional projects typically trigger Table 3‑6 ratios or site‑specific decisions; temporary parking lots may be allowed by conditional use in the P district. § 17.26.040, § 17.12.020 .

Overlays (S‑OL, SP)

  • Purpose / typical uses: Overlay districts modify underlying district rules where special conditions exist (for example, the Senior Overlay (S‑OL) governs congregate senior housing rules). § 17.14.010, § 17.06.010 .
  • Parking implications: Overlays can add specific parking standards (e.g., senior congregate care in S‑OL requires 1 covered space per dwelling unit plus guest/employee ratios) and otherwise incorporate Chapter 17.26 requirements. See the congregate housing standards and § 17.26. § 17.30.* (congregate), § 17.26.070 .

Decision‑relevant standards (table)

Topic Key local requirement Code reference
Minimum vehicle counts by use (examples) Restaurants 1 space / 80 sf; Retail 1 / 250 sf; Offices 1 / 250 sf (first 5,000) then 1 / 400 sf; Hotels 1.1 / guest room; Accessory Dwelling Unit 1 space in addition to single‑family (subject to state preemption in some cases) § 17.26.040 (Table 3‑6)
Handicapped parking Local count table for required handicapped stalls; design per state rules (Title 24/UBC) § 17.26.060
Bicycle parking Commercial/industrial/office > 10,000 sf must provide lockable bicycle parking; short‑term = 5% of visitor vehicle capacity (min 2‑bike rack); long‑term = 5% of motor vehicle capacity for buildings with >10 tenant‑occupants § 17.26.100
Loading spaces Commercial/institutional: None for <10,000 sf; 1 for 10,000–30,000 sf; additional spaces for each increment thereafter (see Tables 3‑10 / 3‑11 / 3‑12) § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120
Parking lot design (landscaping & shading) Minimum 15% of parking area landscaped; parking frontage planting strip 10 ft where adjoining public ROW; 25% permanent shading required; slope and surfacing standards specified § 17.26.070, § 17.26.070(A–M)
Shared parking reductions Shared parking methodology allowed; up to 50% reduction under certain design/amenity conditions and additional up to 20% for demonstrated multiple‑use trip generation § 17.26.050

Checklist

An applicant should (at minimum):

  • Identify the parcel's zoning district (e.g., R‑L‑3, C‑N) and applicable overlays (see § 17.06.010 and overlay chapters) and cite the district table used for dimensional checks. § 17.06.010 .
  • Calculate required vehicle parking from Table 3‑6 and round fractional spaces to the nearest whole number; show calculations for each land use on site. § 17.26.040 .
  • Show required handicapped stalls using § 17.26.060 counts and labels (design to Title 24/UBC where referenced). § 17.26.060 .
  • Include bicycle parking counts and locations per § 17.26.100 (short and long term), and show rack details and clearances. § 17.26.100 .
  • Provide loading bay counts/dimensions if applicable and show truck turning/access per § 17.26.110–120. § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120 .
  • Show parking lot layout meeting surfacing, curb/wheel stop, striping, landscaping (15%), shading (25%) and drainage rules in § 17.26.070. § 17.26.070 .
  • If seeking shared‑parking reductions or other adjustments, supply the shared‑parking analysis and any trip‑generation evidence required by § 17.26.050. § 17.26.050 .
  • Confirm whether ADU parking requirements are preempted by state law (see local ADU notes and state code); if in doubt, verify with the director. § 17.26.040 (ADU note) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking vs. state law Local Table 3‑6 lists 1 space for ADU, but state rules (Government Code) can limit municipal parking requirements for ADUs — local note references state preemption. Relying on the local number alone can lead to over‑design or denied permits. Verify ADU parking applicability against state ADU law and confirm with the Community Development Director. § 17.26.040; local note referencing state code (see code text).
Shared parking reductions Shared and multiple‑use trip reductions require director approval and specific analysis; incorrect assumptions can shortfall required stalls. Provide conservative shared‑parking analysis per § 17.26.050 and get pre‑application confirmation. § 17.26.050
Overlay district modifiers Overlays (e.g., S‑OL) may add or alter parking ratios (senior housing has its own ratios). Missing overlay rules can miscount required stalls. Check whether the parcel is in an overlay (zoning map) and apply overlay‑specific parking ratios (e.g., congregate housing standards). § 17.14.020, § 17.30.*
EV charging/technical code overlap The zoning code requires EV readiness and counts for chargers (table rule) but actual installation and electrical requirements are in codes/permit processes (building/electrical). Confirm EV installation path with Building & Safety and apply California Building Standards Code (Title 24) requirements. § 17.26 (EV table) and Title 24
Site‑specific geometry (driveway, slope) Parking stall/aisle widths and driveway slopes have strict dimensional limits (e.g., 90° stall depth 18 ft, aisle widths per angle) and slope maximums. Violations cause code rejection. Check Table 3‑9 dimensions and slope limits in § 17.26.070; verify with city engineer on grade exceptions. § 17.26.070 (Table 3‑9)

Plain‑English Summary

Rancho Mirage requires property owners to provide on‑site parking and loading by specific minimum formulas (Table 3‑6), design the lot to local surfacing/landscaping/shading standards, provide bicycle parking for larger commercial/office uses, and follow state rules for disabled stalls; shared‑parking and some reductions are allowed but need director approval—always check overlays and ADU state preemption. § 17.26.040, § 17.26.070, § 17.26.100 .

Source References

  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) — Chapter 17.26 Parking and Loading Standards: § 17.26.010, § 17.26.020, § 17.26.030, § 17.26.040 (Table 3‑6), § 17.26.050, § 17.26.060, § 17.26.070, § 17.26.080, § 17.26.100, § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120, § 17.26.130.
  • Zoning districts and district development tables: § 17.06.010 (Zoning districts established / Table 2‑1), § 17.08.020 (Residential general development standards / Table 2‑3), § 17.10.020 (Commercial/Industrial general development standards / Table 2‑5), § 17.12.030 (P district Table 2‑6).
  • Use‑specific development sections that modify parking: Bed & Breakfast § 17.30.050; Assisted Living § 17.30.040; Senior Congregate Care (S‑OL rules / § 17.30.*) — consult those local sections for special parking ratios.
  • Design standards (parking lot landscaping, shade, shading percent, curbing, surfacing, stall dimensions Table 3‑9): § 17.26.070 and related subsections.
  • Bicycle parking (standards, dimensions, short/long term criteria): § 17.26.100.
  • Loading space quantities and design: § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120 (Tables 3‑10—3‑12).
  • California Building Standards Code / Title 24 (accessibility & certain parking design references): California Building Code excerpts included in the code library (consult Title 24 for disabled parking dimensions and building‑code overlap).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.26.040.) High relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.24.120.) High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (chapter are) High relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (section when) High relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (section to) High relevance
  • CBC § 1 (section to) Medium relevance
  • CEC § 100 Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.08.020.) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (section provides) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (Section 17.56) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (Section 17.56) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does Rancho Mirage require for a restaurant?

Restaurants are measured by gross floor area: the ordinance requires 1 parking space per 80 square feet of gross floor area (Table 3‑6), applied when establishing a new use or expanding an existing restaurant; show the calculation on your site plan. § 17.26.040

Do ADUs in Rancho Mirage require a parking space?

The local Table 3‑6 lists 1 space for an accessory dwelling unit in addition to the main unit, but the ordinance also notes that state law can prohibit local parking requirements for ADUs in certain situations; confirm whether your ADU is one of the statutorily exempt situations before relying on the local number. § 17.26.040; local note referencing state law

What are the bicycle parking requirements for a new office building?

For commercial or office buildings over 10,000 square feet, the city requires adequate lockable long‑term bicycle parking (secure enclosures, rooms or lockers) and short‑term racks at pedestrian‑visible locations (short‑term: 5% of visitor motor vehicle parking capacity, minimum rack), with specific rack dimensions and clearances described in § 17.26.100. § 17.26.100

Can I reduce parking by using shared parking or transit proximity?

Yes. Rancho Mirage allows shared‑parking calculations and reductions using a four‑step methodology and hourly factors in § 17.26.050 (Table 3‑7). Additional reductions (up to 50% in some design cases, and up to 20% for demonstrated multiple‑use trips) are possible with director approval and supporting analysis. § 17.26.050

What landscaping and shading do parking lots require?

Parking areas must provide a minimum 15% of the parking area in landscaping, a 10 ft landscaped buffer adjacent to public rights‑of‑way where applicable, and 25% permanent shading for parked vehicles; interior planter and tree spacing standards are also specified in § 17.26.070. § 17.26.070

How many handicapped spaces are required?

The city uses a local handicapped parking table in § 17.26.060 (e.g., 1 space for 1–25 total spaces, 2 for 26–50, etc.), but design of stalls/signage/access aisles must follow state accessibility and vehicle code standards (Title 24/UBC / Vehicle Code). § 17.26.060

What loading space do I need for a 15,000 sq ft retail store?

For commercial/institutional uses the ordinance requires 1 loading space for 10,000–30,000 sf (Table 3‑10). Provide access that prevents backing onto public streets and meet surfacing/striping standards in § 17.26.120. § 17.26.110, § 17.26.120

Are parking lots allowed to reserve spaces for employees or valet?

The code generally prohibits assigned/reserved spaces in public or private parking lots except for handicapped stalls and approved exceptions (trip reduction plans, director approvals, or as part of council‑approved permits). Valet parking can be delineated by an approved valet permit. See § 17.26.030(J). § 17.26.030

What stall and aisle dimensions must a parking layout use?

Use Table 3‑9 dimensional standards in § 17.26.070 (example: 90° stall width 9 ft, depth 18 ft, two‑way aisle 24 ft); apply the correct angle/aisle combination and show compliance on plans. § 17.26.070 (Table 3‑9)

Who interprets parking rules and grants reductions or variances?

The Community Development Director interprets and administratively approves certain adjustments (e.g., shared parking reductions); larger exceptions or variances (including modifications to number/dimensions of parking) are subject to Chapters 17.42 (Development Plan Permits), 17.48 (Conditional Use Permits), or 17.52 (Variances). § 17.02.020, § 17.26.050, § 17.52.030

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