Local zoning · Rolling Hills

Rolling Hills — Parking

Q: How much parking does the Rancho Del Mar overlay require for apartments?

The RDMO uses Table 17.19.070A: studios 1.0 space/unit, one‑bed 1.0 , two‑bed 1.5 , three‑bed 2.5 , with guest parking and special ratios for very low/low income and senior housing spelled out in § 17.19.070 .

Q: Do ADUs in Rolling Hills need a parking space?

Yes in general: the local ADU provisions require one off‑street parking space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less) ; the space may be provided in setbacks or as tandem parking per § 17.28.060(G) . Note: state ADU law limits local ADU parking rules — verify exemptions that may apply .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Rolling Hills' local zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires for parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking. It is specific to the city's mapped districts (primarily RA‑S subdistricts, PF, and the Rancho Del Mar Housing Opportunity Overlay (RDMO)) and explains how on‑site parking quantities and layout are set, where reductions are allowed, and special rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Where the code prescribes flexible review (site plan/conditional use), I flag that and point to the controlling sections for verification.

(First mentions: see the city's Land Use, Development Standards, Design Review, Overlays, ADU, and Title 24 links embedded below for related topics.)

Quick links used in this page: parking, setbacks/development standards, design review, overlays, ADUs, California Building Standards Code.

How Rolling Hills' zoning controls parking (top‑line)

The city establishes zone districts in § 17.08.010 (including RA‑S, PF, and overlays such as OZD‑1 and RDMO) .
For most non‑overlay, non‑multifamily projects the ordinance does not publish a one‑size‑fits‑all parking table; instead the required parking is determined on a project‑by‑project basis through site plan review or conditional use permit, per § 17.20.100 (Access and parking) .
The RDMO overlay contains the only district‑specific published parking schedule in Title 17 (Table 17.19.070A) and supplemental rules for EV readiness and guest parking; see § 17.19.070 and related RDMO sections .
ADU parking is governed by the ADU chapter: generally one off‑street space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less) and allows tandem/setback parking; see § 17.28.060(G) .
The code defines a parking space as having minimum dimensions “as established in the parking standards for a district” (definition in § 17.12.160) — in practice that means verify dimension standards on the applicable district table or in site‑specific approval documents .

District-by-district summary (where parking rules live)

Below are the districts that appear in Title 17 and what the code says about parking for each.

RA‑S (Residential Agriculture‑Suburban; RA‑S‑1 and RA‑S‑2)

Purpose & where it applies: the city’s predominant single‑family residential district; RA‑S is split into RA‑S‑1 and RA‑S‑2 by minimum lot acreage and shown on the zoning map § 17.08.010 .
Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, accessory structures, stables, limited public facilities subject to the code.
Key parking rules:
- Single‑family homes must provide an above‑ground garage with capacity for two cars minimum and direct paved access to a maintained roadway (§ 17.16.160(B)) .
- Driveways: generally one driveway per lot unless the limited exceptions in § 17.16.210(A)(1) apply, with width and grade limits in § 17.16.160(A) .
- For other residential proposals (additions, conversions) the city uses site plan review; the total parking demand for discretionary projects is set at review via § 17.20.100 .
Practical takeaway: for a normal single‑family project verify compliance with § 17.16.160 garage rules first; for any multi‑unit or nonstandard use expect the Planning Commission to set parking at site plan review under § 17.20.100 .

PF (Public Facilities)

Purpose & where it applies: public buildings and uses; established in § 17.08.010 .
Parking: the code does not publish a PF‑specific tabular parking schedule in Title 17; parking needs for public facilities are evaluated through the site plan/permit process and may include vehicle access, loading, and ADA spaces as required by state and federal law (see § 17.20.100) .
Practical takeaway: PF projects should expect project‑level parking, loading, and bicycle provisions to be conditioned in site plan review.

Rancho Del Mar Housing Opportunity Overlay (RDMO)

Purpose & where it applies: a narrowly mapped overlay that applies to a specified parcel at 38 Crest Road West and intended to create by‑right housing opportunities and mixed uses (§ 17.19.010–.020) .
Permitted uses: affordable multi‑family, senior housing, emergency shelter, SRO, daycare, transit facilities, etc.; many uses require zone clearance or CUP per § 17.19.030 .
Parking standards: RDMO publishes Table 17.19.070A with explicit ratios (e.g., studios = 1.0 space/unit; 2‑bed = 1.5 spaces/unit; 3+ bed = 2.5 spaces/unit); guest parking and special ratios for very low/low income units and senior housing are also specified in § 17.19.070 .
Setbacks/parking layout: RDMO includes surface parking setbacks (e.g., 20 ft minimum from front lot line at driveway entrance; 15 ft side minimum at driveway) and prohibits garage/tuck‑under parking along the front (§ 17.19.060/Table 17.19.050A notes) .
EV‑readiness: RDMO requires buildings be EV charging‑ready consistent with the California Green Building Code and lists EV‑charging counts in Table 17.17.080B (e.g., 1 required EV‑ready for 1–10 spaces; 3 for 11–20; 5 for 21–30) under § 17.19.070(C) .
Reduction/variances: the overlay explicitly allows the Planning Commission and City Council to reduce required parking if justified by a parking study and factors listed in § 17.19.070(B) .
Practical takeaway: RDMO is the only district in Title 17 with a published parking table; proposals in the RDMO should design to the table first, and then pursue a reduction only with a formal study and findings.

Overlay Zoning District (OZD‑1)

OZD‑1 overlies part of RA‑S‑1; the overlay modifies underlying standards where shown on the zoning map § 17.08.010 .
Parking for projects in an overlay is determined by the overlay text where present; where the overlay is silent, underlying zone rules and site plan review under § 17.20.100 apply. If the overlay contains no table, expect project‑level determination via site plan review.

Tabular quick reference (decision‑relevant parking standards)

Use / Rule	Requirement (Rolling Hills)	Code reference
Single‑family garage minimum	2 car garage with direct paved access; 3‑car if guest house/servant quarters present	§ 17.16.160(B)
Project‑level parking for discretionary development	Parking quantity determined through site plan review or CUP on a project basis	§ 17.20.100
RDMO — Studio units	1.0 space per unit; tandem allowed in assigned cases	Table 17.19.070A / § 17.19.070
RDMO — 2‑bed units	1.5 spaces per unit	Table 17.19.070A / § 17.19.070
RDMO — 3+ bed units	2.5 spaces per unit	Table 17.19.070A / § 17.19.070
ADU parking	1 off‑street space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less; may be in setbacks or tandem	§ 17.28.060(G)(1)
Bicycle parking — multifamily (RDMO common bike storage)	2 bicycle racks / storage units for every 5 dwelling units (RDMO multifamily requirement)	§ 17.19.090(B)(5)
Bicycle parking — large nonres developments	4 bikes per first 50,000 sq ft; +1 per each additional 50,000 sq ft; short/long term rules and monitoring apply	(TDM / bicycle standards) (see applicable development standards)
Surface parking setbacks (RDMO)	20 ft min. setback from front lot line at driveway entrance; 15 ft min. side yard at driveway entrance	Table 17.19.050A / § 17.19.060
Definition — "parking space"	Area with minimum dimensions as established in district standards (check project approval)	§ 17.12.160

Checklist — what applicants must satisfy (pre‑application / submittal)

Confirm subject parcel zoning and any applicable overlay (RA‑S‑1, RA‑S‑2, RDMO, PF, OZD‑1) via the zoning map and § 17.08.010 .
For single‑family: show a minimum two‑car above‑ground garage with direct paved access consistent with § 17.16.160(B) .
For ADUs: demonstrate one off‑street parking space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less); show tandem/setback arrangement if used (§ 17.28.060(G)) .
For projects in RDMO: size parking to Table 17.19.070A and show EV‑charging readiness per Table 17.17.080B; if requesting a reduction, attach a parking study addressing the factors listed in § 17.19.070(B) .
Provide bicycle parking, TDM materials, and the transportation information board for large nonresidential projects as required in the development standards (see the TDM/bicycle provisions) .
For discretionary projects expect site plan review; prepare materials addressing access, layout, setbacks, and compliance with § 17.20.100 and any applicable site plan review standards (Chapter 17.46) .
Verify off‑street loading needs if your use requires loading docks or delivery zones (Title 17 references off‑street loading definitions and CalGreen/Title 24 standards may apply for technical design) — see definition cross‑references and the state code link California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
No citywide tabular parking schedule outside RDMO	Rolling Hills delegates parking quantity to site‑level review; outcomes can vary project‑to‑project	Confirm whether your project is treated administratively (complete application) or discretionary and check which body sets parking under § 17.20.100 and Chapter 17.46 site plan rules
ADU parking interplay with state law	State ADU law constrains local ADU parking rules; local code has ADU rules but state limits apply	Verify ADU parking limits and exemptions against § 17.28.060(G) and current state ADU law (see California ADU law); if in doubt, ask Planning staff
Bicycle parking minimums vs. Title 24/CalGreen	Local bike counts exist for nonres projects, but state codes (CalGreen) also apply and may be stricter	Confirm applicable bicycle parking counts and long‑term/short‑term standards with the City and check CalGreen/Title 24 referenced standards (TDM language and CalGreen excerpts are in the code)
Parking stall dimensions	The code's definition defers to “minimum dimensions as established in the parking standards for a district” — but most districts lack explicit dimensions	Confirm the required stall dimensions on the approved district table, site plan conditions, or by asking Planning/Engineering. The definition is in § 17.12.160
EV charging counts and technical design	RDMO states EV‑readiness counts; technical outlet/charger design must comply with CalGreen/Title 24	Provide EV‑readiness/charger layouts that meet § 17.19.070(C) and current CalGreen requirements; verify charger counts and receptacle types with Building Dept (see California Building Standards Code)

Plain‑English summary

Rolling Hills mostly treats parking as a project‑level issue: single‑family homes must have a two‑car garage, ADUs get one off‑street space per unit/bedroom, and the Rancho Del Mar Overlay is the only place the code lists fixed parking ratios (studios = 1.0, 2‑beds = 1.5, 3+ = 2.5, etc.). For most other projects expect the Planning Department or Commission to set parking at site plan review; verify bicycle/TDM and EV readiness requirements early in design. See § 17.16.160, § 17.28.060(G), § 17.20.100, and § 17.19.070 for the controlling rules .

Source References

Title 17 — ZONING (City of Rolling Hills) (print export of municipal code) — Chapter/section references below are from that file:
- § 17.08.010 Zones established (RA‑S, PF, overlays)
- § 17.12.160 Definitions: "parking space"
- § 17.16.160 Access and Parking; garage and driveway standards for single family lots
- § 17.16.210 Conditional use/driveway exceptions (multiple driveways limits)
- § 17.19.010–.110 Rancho Del Mar Housing Opportunity Overlay (RDMO) — intent, uses, development standards, parking tables and bicycle storage rules (Table 17.19.070A; Table 17.17.080B; bicycle storage two racks per five units)
- § 17.19.060 Parking layout/setback notes for RDMO (surface parking setbacks; garage prohibition along front)
- § 17.19.070(B) Reduced parking authority and criteria for reductions in RDMO
- § 17.20.100 Access and parking — project parking set by site plan/CUP (project basis)
- § 17.28.060(G) ADU parking requirements (one space per ADU or bedroom; tandem/setback allowed)
- Transportation demand management / bicycle and large nonres development requirements (nonresidential 25,000/50,000/100,000 sq ft thresholds and bicycle parking rules) — code excerpts in Title 17 development standards and monitoring provisions
California / statewide standards referenced in the local code: California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) and other Title 24 provisions as referenced by the Rolling Hills code; see the city's reference to EV readiness and CalGreen requirements (e.g., RDMO EV table and cross‑references) .

Information Gaps / Items to verify with the City

Exact parking stall dimensions used by City (Title 17 defers to “dimensions as established in the parking standards for a district” but most districts lack explicit dimensions in the text). Verify with Planning/Engineering. Source: § 17.12.160 .
For projects outside RDMO the code does not publish a numeric parking table; confirm how the Planning Department applies consistent dimensional standards and how they document the site plan review parking findings (§ 17.20.100) .
Confirm whether any more recent resolutions or administrative policies (post‑codification) set default stall size, compact spaces, or EV stall layout requirements — not found in the Title 17 excerpts provided. Verify with the Planning Department.

Sources

Retrieved passages

CGBSC § 2 (Section 17.19.030) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§11) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Section 17.16.070) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (Section 17.27.040) Medium relevance
CBC § 11 (§11) Medium relevance
CGBSC § 2 (§ 2) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code Medium relevance
CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (title must) Medium relevance
CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
Rolling Hills Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
CBC § 1 (§ 1) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Rolling Hills code library

Frequently asked questions

What are the Rolling Hills parking requirements for a new single‑family house?

Every new single‑family dwelling must provide an above‑ground garage with capacity for two cars minimum and direct paved access to a maintained roadway; additional rules (driveway width, grade) are in the driveway standards. See § 17.16.160 for the garage/driveway rules .

How much parking does the Rancho Del Mar overlay require for apartments?

The RDMO uses Table 17.19.070A: studios 1.0 space/unit, one‑bed 1.0, two‑bed 1.5, three‑bed 2.5, with guest parking and special ratios for very low/low income and senior housing spelled out in § 17.19.070 .

Can the city reduce required parking for a project in Rolling Hills?

Yes — for RDMO projects the Planning Commission and City Council may reduce required parking if supported by a parking study and the criteria listed in § 17.19.070(B); for other zones, parking is typically set by site plan review under § 17.20.100, and reductions or exceptions are handled through those review processes .

Do ADUs in Rolling Hills need a parking space?

Yes in general: the local ADU provisions require one off‑street parking space per ADU or per bedroom (whichever is less); the space may be provided in setbacks or as tandem parking per § 17.28.060(G). Note: state ADU law limits local ADU parking rules — verify exemptions that may apply .

Are there bicycle parking requirements?

Yes. Multifamily projects in the RDMO must provide common bicycle racks/storage at two racks/storage units per five dwelling units (see § 17.19.090(B)(5)). Larger nonresidential projects trigger transportation demand management and bicycle parking standards (e.g., 4 bikes per first 50,000 sq ft) under the development/TDM provisions; see the TDM/bicycle sections for thresholds and monitoring requirements .

Where does the city set parking quantities for non‑overlay commercial or institutional projects?

For projects not covered by a district table (the norm in Rolling Hills), the amount of required parking is set on a project basis through site plan review or a conditional use permit under § 17.20.100 — applicants should supply a parking study and circulation diagrams as part of their site plan materials .

Do Rolling Hills rules require EV‑ready parking?

Yes for the RDMO the ordinance requires EV‑charging readiness in new buildings and specifies required EV‑ready counts in Table 17.17.080B (e.g., 1 EV‑ready for 1–10 spaces; 3 for 11–20, 5 for 21–30) and references CalGreen requirements; verify technical design with Building/Engineering staff and CalGreen/Title 24 standards .

Can I use tandem parking or arrange spaces in setbacks for ADUs or multifamily units?

Yes — ADU parking may be tandem or located in setback areas as allowed by § 17.28.060(G). RDMO multi‑family parking allows tandem arrangements where spaces are assigned to a single unit, as noted in Table 17.19.070A — always show access and maneuvering on plans and verify emergency/fire access .

Is loading (delivery) regulated in Title 17?

Title 17 references off‑street loading terminology and distinguishes loading spaces from parking; larger nonresidential developments will be asked to provide loading and delivery zones as part of site plan review and per state codes where applicable. Specific loading‑space sizing/design details are not tabulated citywide in the excerpts provided; verify during plan intake (not found as a single numeric table in the retrieved materials) — see § 17.20.100 and the development/TDM sections for project thresholds .

Who sets the final on‑site parking layout and stall sizes?

The City’s Planning and Engineering reviewers set layout and stall sizes during site plan review or building permit plan check; Title 17 sets the procedural authority (site plan review / CUP) but does not always list numeric stall dimensions for each district (definition cites district standards), so confirm required stall dimensions and aisle widths with City staff during pre‑application or plan check (§ 17.12.160 and § 17.20.100) . ---

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