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Rancho Palos Verdes — Parking

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

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Quick answer

Nonresidential uses must meet Table 50‑A ratios (e.g., restaurants: 1 per 3 seats or 1/75 sq ft) with fractions rounded up and a 2‑space minimum (§ 17.50.020). Standard stalls are 9x20 ft (compact 8x15 ft, max 20%) and required spaces cannot sit in required front or street‑side setbacks (§ 17.50.040). Multifamily adds 25% guest parking to per‑unit garage spaces (§ 17.04.040).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Rancho Palos Verdes's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Rancho Palos Verdes planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Rancho Palos Verdes’ zoning code concentrates most vehicle and loading requirements in Title 17’s nonresidential parking chapter, with district-specific residential rules layered in for single‑family, multi‑family, and overlays. The City sets detailed minimum ratios by use, strict lot design standards for facilities with six or more spaces, and clear limits on where required spaces can sit on a site. Where the code is silent (for example, bicycle parking), no separate requirement is established in the source materials.

The City requires you to round up any fractional calculations and provide a minimum of 2 spaces for any use or development; where a nonresidential use isn’t listed, rely on the commercial district table cross‑referenced by the code (§ 17.50.020).

Citywide nonresidential parking basics (Title 17, Chapter 17.50)

  • Minimums apply to nonresidential uses citywide; they are the City’s baseline and may be increased in special cases to protect health and safety (§ 17.50.010).
  • For the listed uses in Table 50‑A, calculate stalls using the stated ratios; round up any fraction and never provide fewer than 2 spaces total (§ 17.50.020).
  • Additions only trigger parking for the added floor area or seats — not for the entire existing development (§ 17.50.020).
  • If a nonresidential use is not in Table 50‑A, the code directs you to “table 12‑A of chapter 17.12 (Commercial Districts)” to determine the requirement (§ 17.50.020).
  • Disabled stall counts and dimensions come from the California Building Standards Code (CBC); those ADA/CBC stalls are part of, not in addition to, the total required (§ 17.50.020; § 17.50.040(F)(10)).

Selected nonresidential ratios (Table 50‑A)

Use Minimum Parking Requirement Code Reference
Restaurants, bars, lounges 1 per 3 seats OR 1 per 75 sq ft dining area (greater governs) § 17.50.020
Food/grocery/drug stores 1 per 250 sq ft GFA § 17.50.020
Professional office 1 per 275 sq ft GFA § 17.50.020
Medical/dental clinic or office 1 per 250 sq ft GFA § 17.50.020
Health clubs/spas 1 per 150 sq ft GFA § 17.50.020
Hotels 1 per room (first 100) + 0.5 per room (above 100) + 1 per 2 employees § 17.50.020
Motels 1 per sleeping unit + 1 per 2 employees § 17.50.020
Auto service/repair/gas 1 per employee + 2 per service bay + 1 per fleet vehicle § 17.50.020
Barber/beauty 3 per chair/station § 17.50.020
Bowling alley 5 per lane § 17.50.020
Theater/church/assembly 1 per 3 fixed seats OR 1 per 50 sq ft assembly (greater governs) § 17.50.020

Notes:

  • Where employees factor into the ratio, count them across typical shifts unless a more specific approach is approved. Round fractions up (§ 17.50.020).
  • Other listed uses (e.g., golf, driving ranges, laundromats, skating rinks, mortuaries) follow Table 50‑A as written (§ 17.50.020).

Joint use and common parking

  • Day/night complementarity: up to 50% of a primarily day‑use supply can serve a primarily night‑use (and vice versa), with a formal reciprocal agreement (§ 17.50.030(A), (C)).
  • Schools/churches: up to 50% of daytime supply may serve church/school auditoriums on specific days, with the same legal agreement requirement (§ 17.50.030(B), (C)).
  • Shopping centers/commons: the Planning Commission may reduce requirements for shared lots if a parking demand study justifies it (§ 17.50.030(D)).
  • A binding legal instrument that includes the City as a party is required for any joint‑use approval (§ 17.50.030(C)).

Parking lot development standards (lots with six or more spaces)

These standards apply to any parking area with 6+ stalls, across districts (§ 17.50.040):

  • Approvals and programs
    • Obtain a Parking Lot Permit for any facility with 6+ stalls (§ 17.50.040(A); see Rancho Palos Verdes Design Review for related site approvals).
    • New nonresidential projects must comply with City Transportation Demand Management parking requirements (§ 17.50.040(B)).
  • Location and setbacks
    • Required stalls must be on the same lot unless the Planning Commission approves off‑site parking; then locate within 150 ft for sleeping/boarding uses and 300 ft for all other uses, measured along a legal, safe pedestrian path to the nearest entrance (§ 17.50.040(C)(1)).
    • Required spaces may sit in interior side/rear setbacks, but no space — required or otherwise — may be in a required front or street‑side setback unless the base zoning explicitly allows it (§ 17.50.040(C)(2); see Rancho Palos Verdes Development Standards).
  • Access and circulation
    • Provide a minimum 10‑ft‑wide, 4‑in‑thick concrete accessway from the public street or alley (§ 17.50.040(D)).
    • Internal performance: 25‑ft outside turning radius on site; 30‑ft into public alleys; no backing across sidewalks; vehicles must circulate on site without re‑entering a street; no dead‑end aisles serving >5 stalls without a turnaround (§ 17.50.040(F)(1)–(4)).
    • Provide bumpers/tire stops along pedestrian ways and edges, except where screening walls are installed (§ 17.50.040(F)(5)).
  • Paving, striping, and dimensions
    • Pave with asphaltic or cement concrete at least 3 in thick (§ 17.50.040(F)(6)).
    • Standard stall minimum: 9 ft x 20 ft (parallel stalls 26 ft long). Compact stall minimum: 8 ft x 15 ft, capped at 20% of total spaces unless otherwise authorized; compact stalls must be signed/marked (§ 17.50.040(F)(7)).
    • Stripe all spaces and post directional arrows; aisle widths must match Exhibit 50‑A unless the Director of Public Works approves an alternate that maintains circulation performance (§ 17.50.040(F)(7)–(9)).
    • Disabled stall layout per CBC (§ 17.50.040(F)(10)).
  • Screening and landscaping
    • Where a lot abuts a residential district: install a solid masonry wall at least 5 ft high (can be 42 in where it prolongs a front setback). The Planning Commission may waive with extra setbacks/berms/planting (§ 17.50.040(E)(1)).
    • Across the street from a residential district: provide a 10‑ft landscape border along the frontage (§ 17.50.040(E)(2)).
    • Perimeter planter bed at least 5 ft wide around the entire parking lot, except where accessways cut through; devote at least 5% of paved area to interior planting; tree wells no more than 50 ft apart for large trees or 30 ft for small/medium; install full‑coverage irrigation and 6‑in curbs; maintain plantings (§ 17.50.040(G)(1)–(9)). See also Rancho Palos Verdes Landscaping and Screening.

Off‑street loading (nonresidential)

  • Minimum space dimensions: 10 ft wide x 20 ft long with 14 ft vertical clearance (§ 17.50.050).
  • Required counts scale with gross floor area (GFA) and use type (§ 17.50.050(A)). Examples:
    • Commercial buildings: 1 space at 3,000–15,000 sq ft; 2 at 15,001–45,000; up to 5 at 105,001+ (§ 17.50.050(A)).
    • Institutional: 1 at 3,000–20,000; 2 at 20,001–50,000; up to 5 at 110,001+ (§ 17.50.050(A)).
  • Location/performance:
    • Use the alley if one abuts; special layout allowances apply to narrow lots (§ 17.50.050(B)).
    • Loading may occupy required rear or interior side setbacks, but not front or street side; spacing of drive entries limited to one per 60 ft frontage (§ 17.50.050(C)).
    • Loading stalls must be striped and separate from required parking; for commercial buildings <15,000 sq ft GFA, loading may share a drive aisle/back‑out area (§ 17.50.050(D)).
    • No loading on a dead‑end aisle unless a 90‑ft turn‑around circle is provided (§ 17.50.050(E)).

District‑by‑district guidance

RS — Single‑Family Residential districts

  • Purpose/uses: Predominantly detached single‑family neighborhoods; parking is governed by single‑family development standards in RS (§ 17.02.030).
  • Key parking standards:
    • Stall dimensions: 9 ft x 20 ft (enclosed stalls need 7 ft minimum vertical clearance) (§ 17.02.030).
    • Driveway: minimum 10 ft wide; provide a 25‑ft paved turning radius between garage/parking area and the street when the driveway averages 10%+ slope and is 50+ ft long (§ 17.02.030(6)).
    • Side buffer: 18‑in landscaped strip required along a driveway at a side property line unless it would reduce driveway width below 10 ft (§ 17.02.030(8)).
    • Tandem: enclosed tandem may only count for spaces beyond the minimum required in RS (§ 17.02.030(10)).
    • Location: required parking may be in interior side/rear setbacks, but not in required front or street‑side setbacks (§ 17.50.040(C)(2)).
  • Minimum number of required RS spaces: Not found in source materials.

RM — Multiple‑Family Residential districts (RM‑6, RM‑8, RM‑10, RM‑12, RM‑22)

  • Purpose/uses: Multi‑family residential at varying densities; the district suffix number is the max units/acre (§ 17.04.040).
  • Key parking standards (per dwelling unit), plus guest parking:
    • 0–1 bedroom units: 1 garage space per unit (§ 17.04.040, Table 04‑A).
    • 2+ bedroom units: 2 garage spaces per unit (§ 17.04.040, Table 04‑A).
    • Guest parking: provide an additional 25% of the district’s required parking as guest spaces, in all RM districts (§ 17.04.040 n.2).
    • Under‑building parking must be enclosed or screened from the public right‑of‑way and affected views (§ 17.04.040 n.2).
  • Other RM site standards (setbacks/heights/open space) are separate from parking; see Rancho Palos Verdes Development Standards.

RPD — Residential Planned Development standards that affect parking

  • Applicability: Residential planned development standards for common‑lot neighborhoods (§ 17.42.040).
  • Key parking provisions:
    • Uncovered spaces must be in off‑street areas; the Planning Commission may allow parallel on‑street stalls to satisfy up to 50% of the uncovered requirement if no other feasible method exists (§ 17.42.040(3)).
    • Spaces must be individually accessible without moving other cars; uncovered spaces may be in the driveway of the served unit; required spaces must be within 300 ft of the dwelling (§ 17.42.040(4)).
    • The Planning Commission may reduce uncovered spaces to 1 per dwelling when common lots are nearby (§ 17.42.040(5)).
    • Consider storage needs for boats/trailers/campers as part of site design (§ 17.42.040(6)).

Commercial districts

  • Applicability: All commercial zones rely on Chapter 17.50 for minimum ratios and design; if your use is not listed in Table 50‑A, use “table 12‑A” in Chapter 17.12 per code cross‑reference (§ 17.50.020).
  • Site interface/buffer notes: Where a buffer setback is required at a commercial district boundary, no parking is allowed in that buffer (§ 17.12.090(3)). Parking requirements are also referenced to § 17.22.040(D) and Chapter 17.50 (§ 17.12.090(8)).

MUOD — Mixed‑Use Overlay District

  • Applicability: Overlay standards apply in addition to Article VI objective standards; if there’s a conflict, the MUOD section controls (§ 17.47.040).
  • Parking: The overlay relies on Article VI use and development standards (which include Chapter 17.50 for nonresidential) unless the overlay prescribes otherwise; no MUOD‑specific parking ratios are provided in the source excerpt (§ 17.47.040).
  • Setbacks, heights, and frontage design in MUOD may affect where on site parking can be placed; coordinate early with Rancho Palos Verdes Overlay Districts.

ROD — Residential Overlay District provisions (parking‑related)

  • Applicability: Parking standards are listed for the overlay in § 17.48.040(C).
  • Key parking provisions:
    • Multi‑family in ROD: minimum 1 space per dwelling unit (Table 17.48.040(4)) (§ 17.48.040(C)(1)(b)).
    • Nonresidential in ROD: apply Chapter 17.50 and the underlying base district’s rules (§ 17.48.040(C)(1)(c)).
    • Screening: except for single‑family, screen parking areas that face a street or abut residential so they are not visible from the street or other on‑site uses (§ 17.48.040(C)(2)(a)).
    • Street setback: except for single‑family, at‑grade surface parking is prohibited in the street setback (§ 17.48.040(C)(2)(b)).

Agriculture (A) District

  • Parking specifics: Not found in source materials for Chapter 17.44.

Bicycle parking

  • Requirements, ratios, or design standards for bicycle parking: Not found in source materials.

Practical siting rules that trip projects

  • No stalls (required or otherwise) in required front or street‑side setbacks unless expressly allowed in the underlying district (§ 17.50.040(C)(2)).
  • Off‑site parking to meet minimums requires Planning Commission approval and a legal agreement; keep within 150 ft (sleeping/boarding uses) or 300 ft (all others) measured along a legal/safe pedestrian path (§ 17.50.040(C)(1)).
  • Compact stall cap is 20% of total unless the Director/Planning Commission says otherwise; mark them “compact” (§ 17.50.040(F)(7)).

Information Gaps

  • Single‑family RS minimum space counts per dwelling: Not found in source materials.
  • Detailed commercial district names/ratios in “table 12‑A” (Chapter 17.12) when a use is not in Table 50‑A: Not found in source materials.
  • Bicycle parking (any citywide or district ratio/design standard): Not found in source materials.
  • Full text of drainage and lighting standards for 6+ stall lots (§ 17.50.040(H)) is incomplete in source excerpt; Verify with the jurisdiction.

Checklist

  • Identify your base district/overlay and whether your use is listed in Table 50‑A (§ 17.50.020).
  • Calculate spaces using the listed ratio; round up; apply the 2‑space minimum for any nonresidential use (§ 17.50.020).
  • For RM projects, add required garage spaces per unit plus 25% guest parking (§ 17.04.040 n.2). For ROD multifamily, ensure at least 1 space/unit (§ 17.48.040(C)(1)(b)).
  • If sharing parking, prepare a demand study (for shopping centers) or a joint‑use legal instrument naming the City as a party (§ 17.50.030).
  • Site required stalls on the same lot; if off‑site, keep within 150 ft (sleep/boarding) or 300 ft (all others) and secure Planning Commission approval (§ 17.50.040(C)(1)).
  • Keep spaces out of required front/street‑side setbacks; use interior side/rear setbacks as allowed (§ 17.50.040(C)(2)).
  • Design access and circulation: 10‑ft concrete accessway; 25/30‑ft turning radii; no dead‑end aisles >5 stalls without a turnaround; no backing over sidewalks (§ 17.50.040(D), (F)(1)–(4)).
  • Dimension and stripe stalls: standard 9x20 ft (parallel 26 ft), compact 8x15 ft (≤20% of total), disabled per CBC (§ 17.50.040(F)(7)–(10)).
  • Provide screening/landscaping: masonry wall at residential edges, 10‑ft street landscape border facing residential, 5‑ft perimeter planter, 5% interior planting, irrigation/curbs (§ 17.50.040(E), (G)).
  • For 6+ stalls, obtain a Parking Lot Permit; check TDM applicability (§ 17.50.040(A), (B)).
  • Size and locate loading stalls per § 17.50.050; keep them out of front/street setbacks.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
RS minimum parking count per dwelling Determines baseline garage/driveway count for single‑family projects Not found in source materials; Verify with the jurisdiction (§ 17.02.030 references dimensions only)
Use not listed in Table 50‑A Wrong ratio leads to under‑ or over‑parking Confirm “table 12‑A” requirements in Chapter 17.12 (§ 17.50.020)
Compact stalls >20% Overuse can trigger redesign Need Director/PC authorization for higher share (§ 17.50.040(F)(7))
Off‑site parking distances Too far invalidates compliance Confirm 150 ft/300 ft along a legal, safe pedestrian path (§ 17.50.040(C)(1))
Joint‑use commitments Informal sharing won’t count Record a legal instrument naming the City as a party (§ 17.50.030(C))
Parking in street setbacks in overlays Overlays can be stricter than base code In ROD, at‑grade surface parking is prohibited in street setbacks (§ 17.48.040(C)(2)(b))
Loading sharing aisles Smaller buildings can, larger cannot Only <15,000 sq ft commercial can place loading in a drive aisle (§ 17.50.050(D))
Bicycle parking Omitted requirements can surprise tenants/users Not found in source materials; if required by conditions or other codes, apply them

Plain-English Summary

Rancho Palos Verdes uses fixed ratios to size nonresidential parking and sets clear design rules for lots with six or more stalls. Multifamily areas add per‑unit garage space plus guest parking, and most districts ban required stalls in front or street‑side setbacks. You can share parking between complementary uses or within shopping centers if you secure Planning Commission approvals and the proper legal agreements.

Source References

  • § 17.50.010 (Purpose — Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards)
  • § 17.50.020 (Parking requirements; Table 50‑A; rounding; minimums; cross‑reference to Chapter 17.12; disabled parking via CBC)
  • § 17.50.030 (Joint use and common parking facilities; day/night sharing; parking demand study; legal instrument)
  • § 17.50.040 (Development standards for parking areas with six or more spaces; location, access, screening, dimensions, landscaping)
  • § 17.50.050 (Loading; counts, dimensions, locations)
  • § 17.96.1410 (Definition of “Parking space”)
  • § 17.04.040 (RM district development standards; Table 04‑A; guest parking 25%; under‑building parking screening)
  • § 17.42.040 (Residential planned development standards affecting uncovered/driveway/on‑street parking)
  • § 17.12.090 (Commercial district buffer; no parking in buffer; cross‑references to § 17.22.040(D) and Chapter 17.50)
  • § 17.02.030 (Single‑family parking space/driveway dimensions; tandem limits; driveway buffers)
  • § 17.47.040 (Mixed‑Use Overlay District; Article VI applicability; site standards that affect parking location)
  • § 17.48.040(C) (Residential Overlay District parking minimum and screening; street‑setback prohibition for surface parking)

Also see:

Sources

Source passages

  • CBC § 020 (§ 17.50.020) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.96.1410) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.50.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.47.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.50.010) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.04.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.42.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.48.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.50.050) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.12.090) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.02.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does a restaurant need in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Restaurants, bars, and lounges must provide 1 space per 3 seats or 1 space per 75 sq ft of dining room area, whichever requires more spaces. You must round up fractions and provide at least 2 spaces total for any use (§ 17.50.020).

Can different tenants in a center share parking?

Yes. The Planning Commission may approve joint use where day/night or different peak times complement each other, up to 50% sharing with a legal agreement that includes the City. For shopping centers, reductions may be approved based on a parking demand study (§ 17.50.030).

How close must off-site parking be to my building?

For sleeping or boarding uses (e.g., hotels, motels), required spaces must be within 150 ft of the building. For all other uses, required spaces must be within 300 ft, measured along a legal and safe pedestrian path to the nearest entrance (§ 17.50.040(C)(1)).

Are compact parking spaces allowed?

Yes, but they must be at least 8 ft by 15 ft and cannot exceed 20% of the total approved spaces unless otherwise authorized by the Director or Planning Commission. Compact stalls must be marked for compact use only (§ 17.50.040(F)(7)).

Do multifamily projects need guest parking?

Yes. In all RM districts, provide an additional 25% of the required parking as guest parking, on top of the per‑unit garage spaces (1 per 0–1 bedroom unit; 2 per 2+ bedroom unit). Under‑building parking must be enclosed or screened (§ 17.04.040, Table 04‑A and n.2).

Can required stalls be in the front setback?

No. Required spaces may be located in interior side and rear setbacks, but not in required front or street‑side setbacks unless the base zoning says otherwise. Overlays like ROD can be stricter about street setbacks for surface parking (§ 17.50.040(C)(2); § 17.48.040(C)(2)(b)).

Do I need a permit for my parking lot?

Yes. Anyone constructing a parking lot with six or more stalls must obtain a Parking Lot Permit and comply with TDM parking requirements for new nonresidential development (§ 17.50.040(A), (B)).

What are the loading space requirements for my building?

Provide off‑street loading spaces based on gross floor area: for example, commercial buildings need 1 space at 3,000–15,000 sq ft up to 5 spaces at 105,001+ sq ft. Each loading space must be at least 10 ft by 20 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance (§ 17.50.050).

Can on-street parking count toward required spaces in residential projects?

In residential planned developments, the Planning Commission may allow parallel on‑street parking to meet up to half of the uncovered parking requirement if no other feasible method exists. Conditions apply, including accessibility and proximity to units (§ 17.42.040(3)–(5)).

What stall and aisle dimensions does the City require?

Standard stalls must be at least 9 ft by 20 ft (parallel 26 ft), with aisle widths per the City’s Exhibit 50‑A diagrams. All lots must also meet turning radius, circulation, and striping requirements; disabled stall details come from the CBC (§ 17.50.040(F)).

General information, not legal advice.

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