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Sacramento — Parking

Parking under the Sacramento 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 Sacramento's Planning and Development Code (Title 17) requires for off‑street vehicle parking, loading, and bicycle parking. It explains the four local parking districts, the numeric parking and bicycle standards, development rules for parking areas (dimensions, location, EV/accessible requirements), and the administrative flexibility available (waivers and alternatives). All requirements below are drawn from the City code; citations show the controlling code sections (and file references to the ordinance text). Verify parcel‑specific rules with the city planning staff. (§ 17.608 series)

Note: when this page mentions related planning topics the first natural mention is linked to the Sacramento menu pages for quick navigation: see parking (development standards), setbacks/development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, Zoning, Land Use, and the California Building Standards Code.

Major rules at a glance (plain facts, code citations)

  • Off‑street vehicle and bicycle parking must be provided and maintained for all new and existing development per the ratios and standards in Chapter 17.608 (§ 17.608.020) .
  • There are no minimum vehicle parking ratios — only maximum vehicle parking allowances by land use within each parking district; bicycle parking has minimum requirements (§ 17.608.030) .
  • Parking district map: four parking districts — Central Business and Arts & Entertainment, Urban, Traditional, Suburban (Figure 17.608‑1) (§ 17.608.030.A) .
  • Required off‑street parking must be located on the same parcel or on an integrated development site, unless off‑site parking standards are met (§ 17.608.020.B; § 17.608.060.A.2) .
  • Loading space rules: required for many goods/receiving uses and sized at minimum 10 ft × 40 ft × 14 ft high (§ 17.608.050.B–C) .
  • Parking layout/dimensions, compact allowances, tandem rules, surfacing, lighting, landscaping and maneuvering widths are in 17.608.040 and related landscaping/paving rules in 17.612 (§ 17.608.040; § 17.612) .
  • Administrative alternatives and substitutions (e.g., bicycle spaces, shared parking, carshare, on‑street credits, TDM reductions) are explicitly allowed with an administrative parking permit (§ 17.608.060.A.1) .
  • Up to 75% of required vehicle/bicycle parking may be waived at the director level (more than 75% requires Planning & Design Commission review) (§ 17.608.070.A) .
  • Rounding rules: vehicle parking fractions round down; bicycle parking fractions round up (§ 17.104.050.C) .

Parking districts — district‑by‑district breakdown

Below are the four code‑defined parking districts used to set parking maxima and bicycle minima. These are parking‑district designations (not the zoning map labels like R‑1 or C‑2); they overlay zoning and apply to parking calculations under Chapter 17.608. See § 17.608.030 and Figure 17.608‑1 for the official district map.

Central Business and Arts & Entertainment (CB / A&E)

  • Purpose and where it applies: downtown core and activity centers designated on Figure 17.608‑1; intended to limit auto‑oriented development and encourage alternative modes (§ 17.608.030.A).
  • Typical permitted uses: office, retail, restaurant, hotel, cultural/entertainment, multi‑family residential. (Use categories listed in Table 17.608.030B.)
  • Key parking standards: maximum vehicle parking ratios are set low (e.g., Maximum 1 space per 400 sf for many retail/office/restaurant uses; Maximum 1 space per dwelling unit for multi‑unit dwellings) — consult Table 17.608.030B for the specific use (§ 17.608.030.B) .
  • Bicycle parking: specific long‑term and short‑term minima in Table 17.608.030C apply (often higher in CB/A&E than Suburban) (§ 17.608.030.C) .
  • Location and design: on‑site parking is generally directed behind or to the interior side of buildings (not in front) in this district (see § 17.608.040.A) .

Urban District

  • Purpose: higher‑density mixed‑use corridors and transit‑served neighborhoods; supports reduced auto dependency (§ 17.608.030.A) .
  • Typical uses: offices, mixed‑use, multi‑family, neighborhood retail. Table 17.608.030B lists permitted parking maxima by use (many uses show “No maximum” outside of CB, while others have explicit maxima in Urban) (§ 17.608.030.B) .
  • Bicycle parking: minima vary by use and district; see Table 17.608.030C for long‑term/short‑term requirements (§ 17.608.030.C) .
  • Off‑site parking distances: residential off‑site parking allowed within 400 ft; nonresidential up to 1,250 ft when off‑site (§ 17.608.060.A.2.a) .

Traditional District

  • Purpose: moderate density residential and small‑scale commercial neighborhoods where some on‑site parking is expected (§ 17.608.030.A) .
  • Typical uses: single‑unit/duplex, small multi‑unit, neighborhood retail, offices. Parking maxima in Table 17.608.030B often allow more on‑site spaces than CB but may still limit certain uses (see table) (§ 17.608.030.B) .
  • Bicycle parking: district‑specific minima in Table 17.608.030C (often between Urban and Suburban levels) (§ 17.608.030.C) .
  • Typical built result: parking to rear or interior side; curb cuts and driveway design follow chapter 17.508 and landscaping rules in chapter 17.612 (§ 17.608.040; § 17.612) .

Suburban District

  • Purpose: auto‑oriented, lower‑density areas where more on‑site parking is anticipated (§ 17.608.030.A) .
  • Typical uses: large retail, warehouses, industrial, low‑density multi‑family. For many commercial/auto uses the table shows “No maximum” parking in these districts (§ 17.608.030.B) .
  • Bicycle parking: lower short‑term and long‑term minima than CB/Urban; see Table 17.608.030C for exact numbers (§ 17.608.030.C) .
  • Off‑site parking distances: residential off‑site parking allowed within 300 ft; nonresidential off‑site within 600 ft (§ 17.608.060.A.2.b) .

Quick standards table (most decision‑relevant items)

What you need to know Requirement / Limit Code reference
Mandatory parking chapter Off‑street vehicle & bicycle parking requirements and standards § 17.608.020
Parking districts Central Business & Arts & Entertainment; Urban; Traditional; Suburban (map: Fig. 17.608‑1) § 17.608.030.A
Vehicle parking minima None (there are maximums by use/district) § 17.608.030.B
Bicycle parking minima District‑ and use‑based long‑term and short‑term requirements (Table 17.608‑030C) § 17.608.030.C
Loading spaces 0 for <10,000 sf; 1 for 10k–40k sf; +1 per 40k sf over 40k; min size 10'×40'×14' § 17.608.050
Parking location (CBD/Urban/Traditional) Parking to the rear or interior side; not in front (except single/double family and M‑zones exceptions) § 17.608.040.A
Space dims (standard 90°) 8.5' × 18'; maneuvering width 24' § 17.608.040.F
Compact spaces Up to 50% of spaces (excluding accessible) may be compact (reduced dims) § 17.608.040.F.2
Tandem allowed Tandem allowed for single‑unit, duplex, multi‑unit or employee‑only office parking § 17.608.040.D.1
EV charging EV charger counts and technical requirements governed by building code; EV stations must be provided per building code § 17.608.040.F.2.c and § 17.608.040.O (refers to building code)
Alternatives / substitutions Bicycle spaces (4 = 1 vehicle), carshare, scooter/motorcycle, shared/on‑street credit, TDM (35% reduction) § 17.608.060.A.1
Waiver authority Up to 75% waiver by Director site plan & design review; >75% via Planning & Design Commission § 17.608.070.A
Fraction rounding Vehicle spaces round down; bicycle spaces round up § 17.104.050.C

Design and technical details (practical guidance)

  • Location and frontage: For projects in CB/A&E, Urban, and Traditional districts, locate parking behind or to the interior side of buildings — avoid front‑facing surface lots where possible (§ 17.608.040.A) . Link your site plan to the city's design review requirements if the project triggers review.
  • Dimensions and maneuvering: Use the table in § 17.608.040.F for space sizes and maneuvering aisles; compact stalls may be used up to 50% of the total required/non‑required stalls (excluding accessible spaces) (§ 17.608.040.F) .
  • Landscaping, shading, and surfacing: Parking lots must meet surfacing and drainage standards and parking lot shading/tree requirements in Chapter 17.612 (see § 17.612.020 and § 17.612.040) . The front‑yard paving limits for single‑family/duplex parcels appear in § 17.612.010 (max 50% paved in required front/street side setbacks) . See Landscaping and Screening for more.
  • Bicycle parking: Provide the required mix of long‑term (secure) and short‑term (visible racks) bicycle parking described in Table 17.608‑030C and the development standards (clearances, location, dimensions: 2'×6' plus 5' maneuvering) in § 17.608.040.N and related subsections (§ 17.608.030.C; § 17.608.040.N) .
  • Accessible and EV stalls: The code defers technical accessibility and EV charger installation details to the Sacramento City Building Code (i.e., the local adoption of the California Building Standards Code / Title 24) — provide EV stalls and compliance per building code requirements; the zoning code allows re‑striping when Building Code requirements change (§ 17.608.020.G; § 17.608.040.F.2.c; § 17.608.040.O) . Link to the California Building Standards Code.

Checklist

  • Determine which parking district the parcel sits in (CB/A&E, Urban, Traditional, Suburban) — base calculations on § 17.608.030.
  • Identify the land‑use category in Table 17.608‑030B and read the maximum vehicle parking ratio and bicycle minima.
  • Lay out parking to meet space/maneuvering dimensions and compact/tandem rules in § 17.608.040.F.
  • Provide bicycle parking (long‑ and short‑term) per Table 17.608‑030C and § 17.608.040.N.
  • If proposing reductions, substitutions, or shared/on‑street parking, prepare an administrative parking permit package per § 17.608.060.A.
  • If >75% waiver of required parking is sought, prepare design review materials for director or Planning & Design Commission as required (§ 17.608.070).
  • Ensure landscaping, shading, lighting, surfacing, and drainage meet Chapter 17.612 standards.
  • Confirm EV and accessible stall technical specs with the building code and building permit reviewer; show EV stall locations if substituting per § 17.608.060.A.1.h.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Parking district mapping for a parcel Parking rules (max/min) depend on the parking district overlay Confirm the parcel's parking district on Figure 17.608‑1 with planning staff or the official zoning map (Verify with the jurisdiction). (§ 17.608.030)
Whether a use falls into a specific table category Table 17.608‑030B/030C entries are category‑based — misclassification changes required spaces Ask planning staff to confirm the land‑use category that applies to your proposal (Verify with the jurisdiction). (§ 17.608.030)
Off‑site parking credits / distances Off‑site parking is allowed only within strict distance limits and with legal agreements Verify allowable distance (300/400/600/1,250 ft depending on district/use) and provide recorded easement or lease documentation (§ 17.608.060.A.2)
Interaction with building code EV/accessibility Zoning defers technical layout/specs to building code; two reviewers will both require changes Coordinate early with building permit planner — zoning allows re‑striping when building code requires accessible/EV stalls (§ 17.608.020.G)
Small‑lot and mixed‑use exemptions Exemptions (e.g., nonresidential on lots ≤6,400 sf or mixed‑use with ≥50% residential) can change required parking Confirm whether the site qualifies for exemptions in § 17.608.060.H–I and supply supporting calculations (§ 17.608.060.H–I)
Historic/adaptive reuse Bicycle parking exemptions exist for adaptive reuse of historic resources; may affect submittal If proposing adaptive reuse of a historic resource, verify exemption applicability in § 17.608.060.J (and consult Historic Preservation)

Plain‑English summary

Sacramento's zoning code controls parking through a single parking chapter (Chapter 17.608) that sets maximum car parking by use within four parking districts and minimum bicycle parking. The city encourages less car parking downtown and more bike/transit options, gives clear stall sizes and landscaping requirements, and allows many formal alternatives (shared parking, bike credits, carshare, TDM) and waivers with administrative review — but always check the parcel's parking district and the exact table entries for your use. (§ 17.608.020–070)

Source References

  • Sacramento Planning & Development Code, Chapter 17.608 (Off‑Street Parking, Loading & Bicycle Parking), including § 17.608.020; § 17.608.030; § 17.608.040; § 17.608.050; § 17.608.060; § 17.608.070.
  • Sacramento Planning & Development Code, Chapter 17.612 (Landscaping and Paving Regulations) for surfacing, shading and front‑yard paving limits (§ 17.612.010; § 17.612.020; § 17.612.040).
  • Rounding and fractional rules: § 17.104.050.
  • Code source (city codification host): codelibrary.amlegal.com — Sacramento Planning & Development Code (Title 17). Verify official, current text with the City of Sacramento. (Verify with the jurisdiction.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Sacramento Zoning Code (chapter to) High relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code High relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 33) High relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code (section 17.808.180) High relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code (section 17.608.040.F) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.612.020 (section 17.612.020.) Medium relevance
  • Sacramento Zoning Code (chapter 17.700.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the City of Sacramento's off‑street vehicle parking minimums?

There are no universal vehicle parking minimums in Sacramento; the code establishes maximums for vehicle parking by use and parking district (Central Business & Arts & Entertainment, Urban, Traditional, Suburban) and requires bicycle minimums instead. See § 17.608.030.B.

How many bicycle parking spaces must I provide for a new office building downtown?

Bicycle requirements are district‑ and use‑specific. For offices in the Central Business and Arts & Entertainment district consult Table 17.608‑030C for the required long‑term and short‑term numbers and apply the development standards in § 17.608.040.N for dimensions and location. (§ 17.608.030.C; § 17.608.040.N)

Can I locate required parking off‑site or across the street?

Yes, off‑site parking is allowed under explicit distance limits depending on district and use: e.g., in CB/A&E and Urban, residential off‑site parking may be within 400 ft and nonresidential within 1,250 ft; Traditional/Suburban have shorter distances (300 ft / 600 ft). Off‑site spaces must have legal access rights documented. (§ 17.608.060.A.2)

What are the minimum dimensions for a standard parking stall and maneuvering aisle?

Standard 90° stalls must be at least 8.5 ft × 18 ft with a 24 ft maneuvering width (other angle stalls and compact dimensions are listed in § 17.608.040.F). Compact spaces may be used up to 50% of required/non‑required spaces (excluding accessible stalls). (§ 17.608.040.F)

How big must a loading berth be for a new retail warehouse?

Loading spaces: none required for buildings under 10,000 sf; 1 loading space for 10,000–40,000 sf; and 1 per 40,000 sf for buildings above 40,000 sf. Minimum loading space dimensions: 10 ft wide × 40 ft long × 14 ft high. (§ 17.608.050)

Can I substitute bicycle parking for vehicle parking to reduce car spaces?

Yes — under the administrative parking permit rules you may substitute 4 non‑required bicycle spaces for 1 vehicle parking space, subject to caps (limits such as maximum two spaces or 10% of required vehicle spaces apply). See § 17.608.060.A.1.a.

How much parking can the planning director waive?

A director‑level site plan and design review can waive up to 75% of the required number of off‑street vehicle and bicycle parking spaces. Waivers greater than 75% require Planning & Design Commission review. (§ 17.608.070.A)

Are accessory dwelling units (ADUs) required to provide new parking?

When parking is removed in conjunction with construction of an ADU or JADU, no replacement parking is required for the ADU or other dwelling units on the same lot; ADU parking rules in the code are limited and special — consult § 17.608.060.K and the City ADU rules. (§ 17.608.060.K)

Does the zoning code set requirements for electric vehicle charging stations?

The zoning code requires EV charging spaces/stations to comply with the Sacramento City Building Code (local adoption of California Building Standards/Title 24) — the code allows an EV charger to be substituted for parking credits in some cases, but technical installation standards come from the building code. (§ 17.608.040.F.2.c; § 17.608.040.O)

If my project is in a historic building converted to housing, do I still need bicycle parking?

The code provides an exemption: bicycle parking is not required for portions of historic resources converted from nonresidential to residential uses. Confirm applicability with preservation staff and see § 17.608.060.J.

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