Local zoning · Rancho Palos Verdes

Rancho Palos Verdes — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Rancho Palos Verdes regulates parking, off‑street loading, driveways, and parking dimensions under the local zoning ordinance (commonly framed as Title 17). It pulls the city’s specific parking and loading tables and the single‑family and multifamily parking rules so applicants can plan site layout and parking counts before filing. Always verify parcel‑specific issues with the City; where the municipal text defers to state codes, that is noted below.

This page links to related local topics you will likely use while designing parking: Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning for district rules, Development Standards for setbacks and lot coverage, Design Review where applicable, Overlay Districts for special controls, ADUs (state ADU limits interact with parking), and the California Building Standards Code for accessible parking details.

How the ordinance controls parking (core rules)

  • The city’s Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards are codified in § 17.50.010–.050; minimum off‑street parking for listed nonresidential uses is set in § 17.50.020 and Table 50‑A.
  • Loading space design and placement rules are in § 17.50.050 (setbacks allowed for loading, separate striped spaces, no dead‑end loading without turn‑around).
  • Single‑family parking and driveway standards (minimum garage/driveway counts, parking stall dimensions, driveway width and turning radii, tandem rules) are codified in § 17.02.030 (and related single‑family development standards). Key minimums include at least two enclosed and two unenclosed spaces for most single‑family units and three spaces for larger homes as described in § 17.02.030(E).
  • Multifamily (RM) district parking ratios and guest parking percentage appear in § 17.04.040 (RM tables): typical requirements show 1 garage space per 0–1 bedroom unit and 2 garage spaces per 2+ bedroom unit for RM‑6, and the RM districts require 25% of required parking as guest parking (see footnote).
  • Where a use is not in Table 50‑A, the code directs use of Table 12‑A in the commercial district chapter (the base commercial district tables) or the most comparable use rate; that cross‑reference is in § 17.50.020. Disabled/accessible parking is governed by the state amended California Building Code (Title 24) and counts toward the total required spaces.

Note on tandem parking: the code permits enclosed tandem spaces only as exceptions and only where each space meets minimum dimensions; consult § 17.02.030 for the limits and minimum dimensions.

District‑by‑district breakdown (where the code names the districts and ties to parking)

Each subsection below gives the local district label, typical permitted uses, and the way parking is controlled for that district in the Rancho Palos Verdes code.

Single‑Family Residential Districts — RS / single‑family (via § 17.02.030)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family residences and accessory uses. Parking rules and driveway standards are applied at the single‑family development standard level.
  • Key parking standards:
    • Minimum enclosed parking: 2 garage spaces (for homes <5,000 ft² habitable); 3 garage spaces if habitable area ≥5,000 ft² — see § 17.02.030(E)(1–2).
    • Minimum unenclosed (driveway) spaces: 2 spaces (or 3 for larger homes). Driveway width minimum 10 ft; garage setback from front/street minimum 20 ft for direct‑access garages. Stall dims: 9 ft × 20 ft unobstructed; vertical clearance 7 ft for enclosed. See § 17.02.030(E)(3–6).
    • Tandem parking is allowed only in certain circumstances and otherwise limited (see § 17.02.030).
  • Where ADUs are proposed, ADU parking is handled per chapter 17.10 and state ADU law — check both § 17.02.030 and chapter 17.10 (and state ADU rules linked below).

Multifamily Residential — RM districts (e.g., RM‑6, RM‑8, RM‑10, RM‑12, RM‑22) — § 17.04.040

  • Purpose / typical uses: multi‑family apartments/condominiums; density varies by RM‑# designation.
  • Key parking standards:
    • Parking per dwelling unit varies by district as shown in the RM table in § 17.04.040 — example: RM‑6 shows 1 garage space for 0–1BR and 2 garage spaces for 2+BR units; other RM districts defer to the RM table. The RM footnote requires that 25% of required parking be provided as guest parking in addition to regular parking.
    • Under‑building parking must be enclosed or screened from public view; parking layout must comply with Chapter 17.50 for aisle widths and loading.

Commercial Districts — CL, CN, CP, CR, CG (various commercial chapters, cross‑referenced to parking)

  • Purpose / typical uses: local retail/service (CL), neighborhood commercial (CN), commercial professional/offices (CP), regional/commercial retail (CR), general commercial (CG). See each district chapter for permitted uses.
  • Key parking standards:
    • The commercial district tables (the commercial district development standards) include a column for minimum parking space requirement per floor area (for example: CL — 1 sp/250 sq. ft., CN — 1 sp/200 sq. ft. + 1 loading sp/10,000 sq. ft., CP — 1 sp/150 sq. ft., CG — 1 sp/200 sq. ft. + 1 loading sp/10,000 sq. ft.) — these are given in the commercial district tables and are applied in conjunction with Chapter 17.50.
    • For nonresidential uses, use Table 50‑A in § 17.50.020 to find the specific rate (restaurants, hotels, health clubs, etc.); if a use is not listed, follow the instruction in § 17.50.020 to apply the commercial table or a similar use rate.
    • Loading spaces must be separate and striped and cannot occupy required front setbacks; see § 17.50.050(C–E) for placement and circulation rules.

Special / Other Districts

  • Open Space Recreation: parking for private uses is determined by the planning commission, based on comparable uses in Title 17; see § 17.34.050(D) and Chapter 17.50 for development of the parking area.
  • Specific Plan / Coastal: specific plans or coastal overlays may include special parking rules or require conformance; the Coastal Specific Plan (Specific Plan District I) and other overlays can modify parking or require additional findings — see the relevant overlay chapters and § 17.38.010 for scope. Verify overlay impacts at project intake.

Quick decision‑relevant table

Item What the code requires (practical) Code reference
Nonresidential parking rates (by use) Use Table 50‑A in § 17.50.020 (e.g., restaurants 1/3 seats or 1/75 sq ft; health clubs 1/150 sq ft). § 17.50.020, Table 50‑A
Loading design & siting Loading must be separate, striped, not in front/street setbacks; dead‑end loading requires 90 ft radius turn‑around; small buildings <15,000 sq ft may locate loading within driveway lanes (limited). § 17.50.050
Single‑family minimum garage/driveway 2 enclosed + 2 driveway spaces (standard homes); 3/3 for homes ≥5,000 ft². Stall size 9'×20' min. Driveway 10' min. Garage setback 20'. § 17.02.030 (E)
Multifamily parking & guest parking RM tables in § 17.04.040; example RM‑6: 1 garage space (0–1BR), 2 garage spaces (2+BR). 25% guest parking required in RM districts. § 17.04.040
Where use not listed Apply Table 12‑A commercial rates or closest similar use per § 17.50.020. § 17.50.020
Site plan content (parking shown) Site plan must show number, layout, aisle circulation and loading facility locations. § 17.70.020

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before filing)

  • Confirm the base zoning district for the parcel (e.g., RS, RM‑6, CL) and apply that district’s parking ratios (see § 17.04.040 and commercial district tables).
  • For nonresidential uses, calculate required spaces from Table 50‑A in § 17.50.020; round fractions up; provide at least two spaces minimum for any use.
  • Provide accessible/disabled stalls per the state amended California Building Code (Title 24); count accessible stalls as part of the total required. Not a local choice.
  • Place loading areas per § 17.50.050 (not in front setback; separate striped space; turnaround requirements).
  • For single‑family projects, dimension stalls and driveways to 9' × 20' minimum and driveway width 10' min., with direct‑access garage setback 20'; show turning radii if slope/length require it. § 17.02.030(E).
  • For multifamily projects, include guest parking equal to 25% of required parking in RM districts (in addition to unit parking) where applicable. § 17.04.040.
  • Prepare a site plan that includes all parking dimensions, number of stalls, internal circulation, and loading facility layout per § 17.70.020.
  • If proposing tandem or enclosed tandem spaces, confirm the acceptability and dimensions under § 17.02.030.
  • Check overlays/coastal area rules and design review triggers that may alter parking/layout (Specific Plan / Coastal overlay). Verify with planning staff.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking exemptions vs local RS requirements California ADU law restricts local parking rules for ADUs; local code refers ADU parking to chapter 17.10 but state law can preempt. Verify ADU parking treatment in chapter 17.10 and confirm how the city applies state ADU parking exemptions at intake; consult planning staff. Not found in retrieved materials for final ADU text.
Bicycle parking / long‑term short‑term standards The zoning title does not set explicit bicycle parking quantities — some bicycle requirements are found in California Green Building/Referenced Standards files but not clearly as a local numeric standard. Confirm whether city applies local bicycle parking standards or relies on CalGreen / Title 24; city staff verification recommended. Not found in retrieved materials.
EV charging readiness or requirements Local code references state codes for certain infrastructure but does not provide an independent EV‑charging ratio. Confirm whether the city enforces CALGreen EV readiness or local EV policies at plan check. Not found in Title 17 parking chapters.
Tandem parking usability Tandem is allowed only in limited contexts; misuse can make units noncompliant or unsellable. Confirm whether proposed tandem spaces are counted toward minimums and whether those circumstances (enclosed vs. unenclosed) match § 17.02.030 rules.
Which table applies for a custom commercial use § 17.50.020 says to use Table 50‑A or Table 12‑A if not listed — choice affects parking count by a potentially large margin. For unusual uses, get a director determination in writing at pre‑application — cite § 17.50.020.
Coastal or overlay modifications Overlays can change allowable setbacks and thereby affect where parking or driveways can be placed. Check overlay maps and applicable overlay chapter for the parcel (e.g., Coastal Specific Plan). Verify at intake.

Plain‑English summary

Rancho Palos Verdes sets parking rates by use for nonresidential projects in § 17.50.020 (Table 50‑A) and specific parking/driveway minimums for single‑family homes in § 17.02.030; multifamily districts use the RM tables in § 17.04.040 and require extra guest parking. Loading design rules and where a loading bay can be placed are in § 17.50.050. Always show the parking layout and loading on the site plan per § 17.70.020 and confirm overlay or ADU exceptions with planning staff before finalizing the design.

Source References

  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — Chapter 17.50: Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards (purpose, parking rates, Table 50‑A, rounding, disabled parking reference): § 17.50.010–.020.
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — § 17.50.050 (loading space placement and circulation requirements).
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — Single‑family development and parking/driveway standards: § 17.02.030 (E) (garage counts, stall dimensions, driveway width, ramp/turn radius).
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — RM district development standards and parking table: § 17.04.040 (RM‑6 etc., guest parking 25% footnote).
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — Site plan requirements: § 17.70.020 (site plan must show parking and loading layouts).
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code — Commercial district development tables (CL, CN, CP, CR, CG) with per‑floor‑area parking columns (commercial chapter tables referenced in the file).
  • California Green Building Standards Code and referenced standards (bicycle parking and EV readiness are generally implemented via state codes; City often relies on state code for accessible parking counts): see uploaded CALGreen excerpts (for local application, verify with City).

Information Gaps

  • Local numeric bicycle‑parking minimums for specific commercial/residential projects were not found explicitly in the uploaded Rancho Palos Verdes zoning excerpts. The code does not appear to spell a local bicycle parking schedule; it references state standards. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Local EV charging / EV‑capable parking requirements are not stated in the Title 17 excerpts provided; the city may rely on state CALGreen requirements. Not found in Title 17 material.
  • Exact cross‑reference to the commercial Table 12‑A (the chapter/table number) is referenced by § 17.50.020 but the local file excerpts do not display the full Table 12‑A text — consult the commercial chapter in the municipal code for full commercial rates.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (section 17.76.030) High relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (chapter 17.80) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (section 17.02.040) High relevance
  • CPC § 1280 High relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (title may) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (§ 17.02.030) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (Section 17.42.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (section 17.80.090) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (chapter 17.96) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (section and) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code (section 17.02.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the nonresidential off‑street parking rates in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Nonresidential off‑street parking minimums are listed in Table 50‑A under § 17.50.020 (examples: restaurants either 1 space per 3 seats or 1/75 sq ft dining area; health clubs 1/150 sq ft; hotels 1 per room for first 100 rooms and ½ per room thereafter). Use that table first; if your specific use is not listed, § 17.50.020 directs you to the commercial district table (Table 12‑A) or a comparable use rate.

How many parking spaces does a single‑family house need in Rancho Palos Verdes?

Single‑family homes generally must provide at least two enclosed garage spaces and two driveway (unenclosed) spaces for homes under 5,000 ft² of habitable area; homes with ≥5,000 ft² typically require three enclosed + three driveway spaces. Stall and driveway dimensions and garage setback (20 ft minimum for direct‑access garage) are specified in § 17.02.030(E).

Do multifamily projects require guest parking?

Yes. In the RM district table (§ 17.04.040) the code requires that 25% of required parking be provided as guest parking in addition to unit parking in RM districts (see the RM table footnote). Confirm the applicable RM district (RM‑6, RM‑8, etc.) for exact unit parking counts.

Where can I legally put loading docks or delivery spaces?

Loading spaces must follow § 17.50.050: they may occupy rear or interior side setbacks (not front or street‑side setbacks), they must be separate striped spaces in addition to required parking, and they cannot be located on a dead‑end access without a 90‑ft radius turn‑around. Smaller commercial buildings (<15,000 sq ft) have limited flexibility to put loading within parking aisles per the same section.

Are accessible/disabled parking counts set by the city or the state?

Accessible parking stall counts and dimensions are determined by the state amended California Building Code (Title 24); the Rancho Palos Verdes zoning chapters direct applicants to follow the current state‑amended California Building Code for disabled parking. Accessible stalls count toward the zoning total. § 17.50.020 refers applicants to the state building code for disabled parking.

Can I use tandem parking to meet minimums?

Tandem parking is allowed only in limited situations and cannot generally be the sole method to meet minimums. The code restricts enclosed tandem spaces to circumstances set out in § 17.02.030 and requires each tandem space to meet minimum dimensions; verify your project configuration against § 17.02.030 and consult planning staff for confirmation.

Does the code require bicycle parking?

Title 17 parking chapters in the materials provided do not spell out a local numeric bicycle parking schedule; the city appears to rely on state codes (CalGreen/Referenced Standards) for bicycle parking standards in some project types. Confirm with planning staff whether the project must meet local numeric bicycle counts or state standards. Not found in Title 17 excerpts.

Will overlays (coastal, etc.) change where I can place parking?

Yes — Coastal Specific Plan zones and other overlays can change allowed setbacks, view/setback zones, and impose additional requirements that affect parking siting. Always check overlay maps and the overlay chapter to see if your parcel sits within Specific Plan District I (Coastal) or another overlay that modifies parking/development rules. See § 17.38.010 and overlay chapters.

What must be shown on the site plan about parking?

Per § 17.70.020, the site plan must clearly show parking area location and dimensions, number of spaces, arrangement of spaces and internal circulation patterns, loading facilities (location/number), and access/egress points. This is required before building permits will be issued.

If my use is not listed in Table 50‑A, how is my parking calculated?

If your use is not listed in Table 50‑A (§ 17.50.020), you must apply the rate from Table 12‑A in the commercial chapter or the most similar use rate (as directed by the code); when in doubt, request a director determination prior to submitting a formal plan. ---

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