Local zoning · Rialto

Rialto — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes Rialto's local rules for off-street parking, loading, bicycle parking and parking design contained in Title 18 (Zoning) of the Rialto Municipal Code. It translates the code's minimum counts, stall and loading dimensions, special parking stalls (handicapped, motorcycle), and how those rules interact with overlays, specific plans and accessory dwelling units. All standards cited point to the controlling local code sections below so you can verify parcel-specific details.

Where to read the code (quick links)

Core rules (plain list)

  • Purpose and scope: off-street parking and loading are regulated to protect public safety and traffic flow and to require adequate on-site parking for new uses and expansions — § 18.58.010 .
  • Applicability and general provisions: requirements apply to any new building, new use, enlargement or occupancy change that creates a parking demand; existing parking that predates the code is not automatically nonconforming if spaces are not reduced — § 18.58.020 .
  • Where parking must be located: required spaces must be on the same legal lot, unless a reciprocal parking agreement or off-site lot (within 300 ft) is approved — § 18.58.020(E) .
  • Rounding and director discretion: fractional spaces round up; director may set requirements for unspecified uses or planning commission may increase/reduce counts with findings — § 18.58.020(H–K) .
  • Bicycle parking and Transportation Control Measures (TCM): bicycle racks/lockers are required at a rate of one bicycle space per 30 parking spaces (min 3) for developments subject to Chapter 18.59 design review thresholds — § 18.59.030(A) .
  • Loading: minimum loading space is 10 ft × 24 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance; numeric loading requirements by use are in Table 18.58.030B — § 18.58.030(O) and Table 18.58.030B .
  • Stall and aisle dimensions: standard stall 9' × 20' (min); handicapped stall 14' × 20' (min) with location and slope requirements; aisle widths are specified in Table 18.58.030A — § 18.58.030(A–C) and Table 18.58.030A .
  • Landscaping and screening: at least 10% of gross parking area must be landscaped for nonresidential parking; tree planting ratios and curbing requirements apply — § 18.58.020(K) .
  • Tandem parking: generally prohibited (except where explicitly allowed, e.g., some ADU rules) — § 18.58.030(N) .
  • Residential parking counts and ADUs: single-family requires two enclosed garage spaces (max 3 enclosed); multifamily generally two spaces per unit (one must be enclosed) and guest parking rules apply; ADU parking rules and exemptions are in § 18.10.070 (ADUs) — § 18.58.060 and § 18.10.070(N) .
  • Accessible (handicapped) stalls schedule: number required depends on total spaces and the schedule is in § 18.58.050(L) — § 18.58.050(L) .
  • Specific plans and overlays: parking requirements in adopted specific plans (e.g., Gateway, Northwest Rialto, Agua Mansa) can supersede Chapter 18.58 — § 18.58.020(N) .

District-by-district breakdown (how Chapter 18 applies across Rialto zones)

Note: Each district below points to the relevant parking chapters; the underlying parking counts and design standards live in Chapter 18.58 and related chapters cited.

R-1 (single-family residential)

  • Purpose & typical uses: detached single-family lots; regulated in Chapters such as 18.12 and similar single-family chapters. See Chapter 18.12 for zone-specific lot and garage expectations .
  • Parking rules that apply: two enclosed garage spaces per dwelling (single-family) — § 18.58.060(A) . Garage capacity may not exceed three enclosed spaces on a single-family lot (same citation).
  • ADU interaction: ADU parking is governed by § 18.10.070(N); one off-street space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less), with statutory exemptions (e.g., within 1/2 mile of transit) — § 18.10.070(N) .
  • Where it applies: all R-1 parcels and similar single-family zones; plots must still follow design/development standards in Rialto Development Standards.

PRD-A / PRD-D (planned residential attached / detached)

  • Purpose & typical uses: planned residential projects with design review and objective site standards (see Chapters 18.80 and 18.90) — see PRD chapters for detailed program rules .
  • Parking standards: PRDs have their own minimum parking (e.g., PRD-A requires two spaces for one-bedroom with one enclosed; varied rules in PRD chapters) but still reference Chapter 18.58 for design standards and handicapped stalls — PRD text and § 18.58.060 .
  • Guest parking and layout: PRD chapters explicitly require guest spaces and distribution (see PRD-specific sections) and do not permit on-street parking counts to satisfy requirements — see PRD chapters and § 18.58.060 .

R-C, C-2, C-3, C-M, F-C (retail / commercial / commercial-manufacturing / freeway commercial)

  • Purpose & typical uses: retail, services, mixed commercial uses; see zone chapters 18.31–18.36 for permitted uses and reference to Chapter 18.58 for parking .
  • Parking counts: office/commercial/industrial parking minimums are found in § 18.58.050; many specific-use ratios (e.g., convenience market, shopping center rates, professional offices, restaurants) are listed there — § 18.58.050 .
  • Design and layout: stall size, aisle widths and surfacing, drainage, landscaping (10% of gross parking),Lighting/noise/screening rules are in § 18.58.030 and § 18.58.020(K) .

M-1 / M-2 / I-P / Industrial zones

  • Purpose & typical uses: light to heavy manufacturing, warehouses, truck yards and related uses (see Chapters 18.38, 18.39, 18.35). Truck and outdoor storage sites get special access, paving and screening rules — zone chapters and Chapter 18.104 for outdoor storage .
  • Parking & loading: industrial parking rates (e.g., 1 space / 500 sq ft or 1 per employee) and loading-space schedules in § 18.58.050(J) and Table 18.58.030B (see loading matrix) — § 18.58.050(J) and Table 18.58.030B .
  • Truck routing and queuing: industrial (especially indoor storage and truck yards) must provide an operations/truck route plan and prevent on-street queuing — see Chapter 18.104 .

P (Automobile Parking Zone)

  • Purpose & typical uses: regulated parking lots and related incidental buildings; EV charging stations are explicitly allowed as accessory uses — § 18.44.010–.030 .
  • Design compliance: P-zone developments must comply with the parking design standards in Chapter 18.58 for stall dimensions, surfacing, lighting, and ingress/egress — § 18.44.030(C) and § 18.58.030 .

Most decision-relevant standards (table)

Topic Standard / Value Code Reference
Standard stall (min) 9 ft × 20 ft, vertical clearance 8.5 ft § 18.58.030(A)
Handicapped stall (min) 14 ft × 20 ft, within 100 ft of level/ramped entrance; slope ≤ 2% § 18.58.030(B)
Parking bay & aisle dims See Table 18.58.030A (angles: 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, parallel) § 18.58.030(C) & Table 18.58.030A
Loading space size 10 ft × 24 ft, vertical clearance 14 ft; counts in Table 18.58.030B § 18.58.030(O) & Table 18.58.030B
Bicycle parking rate (TCM) 1 bicycle space per 30 parking spaces, minimum 3 bicycle spaces § 18.59.030(A)
Nonresidential landscaping 10% of gross off-street parking area must be landscaped § 18.58.020(K)(1)
Residential parking (single-family) 2 enclosed garage spaces; enclosed spaces not to exceed 3 § 18.58.060(A)
Accessible spaces schedule Table in § 18.58.050(L) (1 space for 5–40, scaling up) § 18.58.050(L)
On‑lot requirement Required spaces must be on same legal lot unless ≤300 ft off-site or reciprocal easement § 18.58.020(E)

Checklist — what an applicant must show on submittal

  • Parking count worksheet showing required vs proposed spaces and rounding per § 18.58.020(H) .
  • Dimensioned parking plan with stalls, aisles, accessible stalls, loading areas, and surfacing notes that meet § 18.58.030(A–O) and Table 18.58.030A/030B .
  • Landscape plan showing ≥10% landscape area inside parking (trees: 1 fifteen-gallon tree per 5 stalls) — § 18.58.020(K) .
  • Bicycle parking detail if project meets Chapter 18.59 thresholds or is nonresidential — § 18.59.030(A) .
  • Loading plan (locations and dimensions) per Table 18.58.030B if nonresidential — § 18.58.030(O) .
  • Evidence that parking is on the same legal lot or a recorded reciprocal easement / off-site parking agreement (≤300 ft) — § 18.58.020(E) .
  • For ADUs: show ADU parking calculation and any statutory exemption (e.g., 1/2-mile to transit) per § 18.10.070(N) .
  • If in a specific plan or overlay, demonstrate compliance with that plan's parking rules (specific plans may supersede Chapter 18.58) — § 18.58.020(N) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Use not listed in parking table Director determines ratio for unspecified uses; inconsistent assumptions risk denial Confirm the director’s interpretation early; cite § 18.58.020(I)
Specific plan or overlay overrides Specific plans (Gateway, Northwest Rialto, etc.) can set different minimums Check whether parcel sits inside a specific plan or overlay and apply that parking standard first — § 18.58.020(N)
ADU parking exemptions vs. local conditions ADU parking may be waived under local and state criteria; misapplication can cause over-requirement Confirm ADU exceptions (transit distance, historic district, car-share, on-street permit availability) per § 18.10.070(N)
Handicapped stall count & layout Incorrect accessible stall counts or wrong placement leads to noncompliance and permit delay Use schedule in § 18.58.050(L) and accessibility routing in the California Building Standards Code; verify with plan reviewer — § 18.58.050(L)
Tandem parking vs ADU allowance Tandem generally prohibited, but ADU rules allow tandem in driveways Confirm whether the project is an ADU and if the tandem driveway arrangement is acceptable per § 18.58.030(N) and § 18.10.070(N)
Bicycle parking specifics Chapter 18.59 gives ratio but not detailed rack design; local planner will require details Provide proposed rack/locker design and confirm planner’s minimum; cite § 18.59.030(A)

Plain‑English summary

Rialto requires on‑site off‑street parking and loading for most new or expanded uses; parking counts and stall/aisle sizes are set in Chapter 18.58, accessible stalls and loading sizes have explicit minimums, bicycle parking is required when projects meet Transportation Control Measures thresholds, and specific plans or ADU rules can change or exempt parking obligations — see § 18.58.020, § 18.58.030, § 18.58.050/060, § 18.59.030, and § 18.10.070(N) for the controlling rules .

Information Gaps

  • Full text of the complete Table of uses in § 18.58.050 (every individual commercial use ratio) is partially present in retrieved snippets; confirm the full table with the city code printout or planner. Not found in retrieved materials in full form — Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Administrative design standards and bicycle rack design detail (mounting type, spacing) are not fully specified — planning division will supply required rack specifications. Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Any amendments to parking rules after the copy of Title 18 used here (consult city website / planner for later ordinances). Not found in retrieved materials — Verify with the jurisdiction.

Source References

  • § 18.58.010 – Purpose (Off‑Street Parking); Rialto Title 18 (Zoning)
  • § 18.58.020 – General provisions (applicability, lot location, rounding, director discretion); Rialto Title 18
  • § 18.58.030 – Office, commercial & industrial design standards (stall sizes, loading, Table 18.58.030A/B)
  • § 18.58.050 – Office/commercial/industrial parking requirements & special stalls (handicapped schedule in (L))
  • § 18.58.060 – Residential parking requirements (single-family, multifamily, guest parking)
  • § 18.59.030 – Transportation Control Measures (bicycle parking rate, showers, loading requirements)
  • Chapter 18.104 – Outdoor Storage / Truck yards (parking & access standards for outdoor storage)
  • Chapter 18.44 – P Automobile Parking Zone (permitted uses & design review requirement)
  • § 18.10.070 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) — Parking rules & exemptions
  • California accessibility cross-reference (for accessible parking routing and details): 2025 California Building Code (accessibility chapters)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Section 18.102.050) High relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Chapter 18.58) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Section 18.49.040.) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Section 18.58.050) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Section 18.101.020) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • California Building Code (Chapter 18.58) Medium relevance
  • California Building Code (Chapter 18.58) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Section 18.101.020) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Chapter 18.61) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 11B (Section 11B-208.3.) Medium relevance
  • Rialto Zoning Code (Chapter 18.36) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking counts apply to a single-family house in Rialto?

Single‑family lots must provide two enclosed garage spaces (enclosed spaces may not exceed three) per the residential parking rules in § 18.58.060(A) .

How many parking spaces does a multi-family project need in Rialto?

Multi‑family developments generally require two parking spaces per dwelling unit, with one of those spaces enclosed; guest parking at 1 space per 4 units is required — see § 18.58.060(B) and (B)(2) for guest parking .

Where do I find stall and aisle dimension standards for a commercial parking lot?

Stall, aisle and parking‑bay dimensions are in § 18.58.030(C) and Table 18.58.030A (parking angles and aisle widths) — provide dimensioned plans that match these tables .

Does Rialto require bicycle parking for new commercial projects?

Yes — bicycle parking (racks or lockers) must be provided at one bicycle space per 30 parking spaces (minimum 3) under the Transportation Control Measures in § 18.59.030(A). Confirm whether your project meets the thresholds that trigger the full TCM requirements .

What are Rialto's loading space size and count requirements?

A loading space must be at least 10 ft × 24 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance; counts depend on use and size and are listed in Table 18.58.030B (e.g., retail under 20,000 sq ft = 1 space; larger retail = 1 per 20,000 sq ft) — see § 18.58.030(O) and Table 18.58.030B .

Can I use tandem parking to meet the city's parking minimums?

Tandem parking is generally prohibited for normal development (Chapter 18.58 prohibits tandem parking) — § 18.58.030(N); however, ADU rules allow tandem spaces on an existing driveway for ADU parking under § 18.10.070(N) when the ADU parking standard applies — verify with the planner before relying on tandem arrangements .

Do specific plans (Gateway, Northwest Rialto, etc.) change parking requirements?

Yes — parking provisions in adopted specific plans or overlays supersede Chapter 18.58 when they contain minimums. Confirm whether your parcel lies inside a specific plan / overlay and apply that plan's parking standards — § 18.58.020(N) .

How many handicapped (accessible) parking stalls are required?

Accessible stall counts follow the schedule in § 18.58.050(L) (e.g., 1 for 5–40 total spaces, 2 for 41–80, etc.); follow that schedule and the California accessibility routing requirements for location and access paths .

If my use isn't listed in the Chapter 18 parking table, who decides the required count?

The Director of Development Services determines the required spaces for uses not specified, using similar use comparisons. Appeals may be taken to the planning commission — § 18.58.020(I) and § 18.58.020(P) .

Are there landscaping rules that affect parking layouts?

Yes — for office, commercial and industrial parking the code requires a minimum 10% of the gross parking area be landscaped (with tree ratios and curbing rules) — § 18.58.020(K) .

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