Local zoning · San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County — Parking

Parking under the San Bernardino County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the County’s Development Code regulates off-street parking, loading, and bicycle facilities for projects in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Most rules live in Chapter 83.11 of the County’s Development Code (Title 8), with trip-reduction and bicycle parking in Chapter 83.14. These are minimum standards and can be tightened by permit conditions during design review or other discretionary approvals.

The most important rule: every new or intensified use in unincorporated San Bernardino County must provide the minimum off-street parking and loading required for that use, and those spaces must remain permanently available and unencumbered by other activities (§ 83.11.030 and § 83.11.040; ).

What the Development Code requires

Applicability and minimums
- Countywide minimum off-street parking applies unless a specific land use zoning district provides otherwise; these are minimums and can be increased by the review authority for discretionary permits (§ 83.11.020; ).
- When a use changes, expands, or intensifies, provide additional parking for the new/expanded portion. Required spaces must be on the same site (or an approved contiguous/site-plan location) and cannot be within the street right-of-way (§ 83.11.030; ).
- Required parking and loading must be kept open for those purposes; no restricting authorized users, and no using these areas for display, storage, repair, or sales (§ 83.11.030(f)–(g); ).
Number of spaces
- Each land use must meet or exceed its minimum; nonresidential uses must provide at least four spaces plus one for each facility vehicle unless otherwise stated (§ 83.11.040(a)–(b); ).
- The Code lists parking ratios by land use in Table 83‑15. Examples from the retrieved table:
  - Industrial uses (including warehouses and distribution): 1 space/1,000 sq ft GFA for first 40,000 sq ft; 1/4,000 sq ft over 40,000 sq ft; plus 1 per facility vehicle (Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040; ).
  - Mini‑storage: 1 space/250 sq ft of office area (minimum 4), plus a signed 9‑ft parking lane adjacent to unit doors (Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040; ).
- Area basis for calculations: Retail/food/services and professional office by gross leasable area (GLA); industrial by gross floor area (GFA) (§ 83.11.040(c); ).
- Not found in retrieved materials: the full Table 83‑15 list for uses such as general retail/office/restaurant or single‑family residential. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Adjustments and shared parking
- Shared parking may reduce total spaces for adjacent nonresidential uses with different peak periods, up to the least‑intensive use, based on a qualified parking/traffic study (§ 83.11.050(a); ).
- Transportation Control Measures (TCMs) can earn cumulative credits up to 10% via Conditional/Minor Use Permit (examples: 1 carpool stall counts as 2, 2 transit riders = 1 space, 2 motorcycle spaces = 1 space; Table 83‑16; § 83.11.050(b); ). See Chapter 83.14 for the broader TCM program (§ 83.14.030(h); ).
- Landscaping can substitute for up to 10% of required spaces if designed for easy future conversion to parking and if the owner agrees to add spaces later upon request (§ 83.11.050(c); ).
- Variances to parking minimums beyond these tools require approval under the County’s variances and exceptions provisions (§ 83.11.050(d), § 85.17.040; ).
Accessible parking
- Required number of accessible spaces is set by state law and reflected in Table 83‑17 (e.g., 1 for 1–25 total spaces; 2% for 501–1,000; 20 + 1/100 over 1,001) (§ 83.11.060(a); ).
- Dimensions and van accessibility are specified; arrangement/identification must follow the California Building Standards Code and Vehicle Code § 22511.8 (§ 83.11.060(b)–(c); ).
Dimensional, circulation, and aisle standards
- Standard stall size: 9 ft x 19 ft; garages: 10 ft x 20 ft; mobile home parking: 10 ft x 20 ft; tractor‑trailer: 12 ft x 50 ft (§ 83.11.070(a); ).
- Minimum drive aisle widths: 12 ft (one‑way access); 14–24 ft in aisles depending on stall angle; 24 ft for two‑way aisles; nonresidential fire access aisles 26 ft (30 ft if serving buildings >2 stories); truck aisles 40 ft where applicable (§ 83.11.070(h), Table 83‑19; ).
- Forward entry to the right‑of‑way is required; “head‑in” parking is prohibited where curbs/gutters/barriers don’t restrict access (§ 83.11.070(c)–(d); ).
Surfacing and edge controls (by region)
- Desert Region: paved (2 in asphaltic concrete) where the parcel fronts a paved street; limited dust‑proofing allowances for large‑lot residential and small rural commercial/industrial with barriers to prevent direct access to paved roads (§ 83.11.090(b); ).
- Mountain Region: pave (2 in asphaltic or road‑mix per County DPW Spec 38) where fronting a paved street (§ 83.11.090(c); ).
- Valley Region: pave (2 in asphaltic or plant‑mix per Spec 38) (§ 83.11.090(d); ).
- Nonresidential lots abutting residential must be buffered by a 6‑ft wall/fence; curbs/barriers required along street frontages without a wall; signs at entrances are limited (size/height/content) (§ 83.11.090(f)–(i); ).
- Parking areas may not be used for non‑parking purposes during operating hours (§ 83.11.090(h); ).
Loading spaces
- Institutional, commercial, industrial, and special uses: 1 loading space per 5,000 sq ft of floor area (10 ft W x 20 ft L x 14 ft clear height), maximum 4 spaces per use; sharing may be allowed by Use Permit (§ 83.11.090(a); ).
Landscaping for parking lots
- Perimeter: 15‑ft landscaped strip along streets; 10‑ft landscaped buffer with a masonry wall next to residential; large lots (>100 spaces) need an enhanced landscape entry feature (§ 83.11.080(h); ).
- Interior trees: 1 tree per 10 spaces, placed in planters at least 6 ft interior dimension; curbing, irrigation, and bumper‑overhang allowances detailed (§ 83.11.080(i); ).
- Parking lot landscaping is in addition to the site’s minimum landscaped area in Chapter 83.10; see landscaping and screening (§ 83.10.060; ).
Bicycle parking and trip-reduction measures
- For nonresidential and multi‑family (10+ units) projects requiring discretionary review: provide bicycle racks/lockers at 1 per 30 vehicle spaces (minimum 3‑bike rack). Large nonresidential projects may require showers, passenger loading areas, vanpool spaces, transit improvements, and more (§ 83.14.020–.030; ).
Special residential use cases that affect parking
- Short‑Term Rentals (STRs): All guest vehicles must be parked on the STR property; tandem allowed; no parking on roads or neighboring parcels (§ 84.28.060(c); ).
- Bed & Breakfast: In addition to residential parking, provide 1 on‑site stall per guest room; on‑street or tandem parking does not count (§ 84.05.050(g); ).
- Residential Care (unlicensed): Minimum 1 space per bedroom; tandem may be allowed; Mountain Region has additional overnight on‑street limits (§ 84.32.040(i); ).
- Home Occupations: Comply with Chapter 83.11 and add 1 space per non‑resident employee (§ 84.12.060(j); ).
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): The County recognizes statewide ADU parking exemptions; tandem on a driveway may satisfy ADU parking where required. See California ADU law and County ADU standards (§ 84.36.080 and Table 84‑0 notes; ).

District-by-District notes (parking focus)

County parking rules are largely use‑based and apply across land use zoning districts. Where a district imposes additional parking‑specific nuances, they’re noted below. For general district purposes and permitted uses, see San Bernardino County Zoning.

RS — Single Residential

How parking applies: The countywide minimum stall sizes, circulation, landscaping, and surfacing standards apply (§ 83.11.070, § 83.11.080, § 83.11.090; ).
Nuances:
- In the Valley and Desert Regions, a covered parking requirement applies in RS and RM districts; tandem parking is not allowed except in the Mountain Region (note to § 83.11; ).
- Front yard parking is generally limited to the driveway; no use of front yard areas for parking otherwise (§ 83.11.030(a); ).
- Home occupations and bed & breakfast uses add parking (see above) (§ 84.12.060(j); § 84.05.050(g); ).
Not found in retrieved materials: a district‑specific RS stall count per dwelling; rely on Chapter 83.11 and applicable specific use standards.

RM — Multiple Residential

How parking applies: Countywide stall, aisle, surfacing, landscaping standards apply (§ 83.11.070–.090; ).
Nuances:
- Covered parking in Valley/Desert Regions applies in RM (and RS); tandem not allowed except in Mountain Region (note to § 83.11; ).
- In Planned Developments, provide 2 spaces per unit plus guest parking at 1 per 2 units; tandem only in mountain areas (§ 84.18.040(a)(4); ).
- Multi‑family projects of 10+ units may trigger bicycle parking and passenger loading (§ 83.14.030; ).
Not found in retrieved materials: a complete RM‑specific ratio table by unit type outside PDs; verify via Table 83‑15.

RL — Rural Living; AG — Agriculture

How parking applies: Countywide Chapter 83.11 standards apply; guest housing must meet parking standards of Chapter 83.11 (§ 84.21.030(b); ).
Nuances:
- Regional surfacing and dust control provisions are significant in the Desert Region (§ 83.11.090(b); ).
Not found in retrieved materials: district‑specific RL/AG parking ratios; rely on Table 83‑15 by use.

CN/CG/CS — Commercial districts (Neighborhood/General/Service Commercial)

How parking applies: Use‑based ratios in Table 83‑15 and nonresidential minimums (4 spaces + facility vehicles) (§ 83.11.040(b); ).
Nuances:
- Loading: 1 per 5,000 sq ft (max 4); possible shared loading by Use Permit (§ 83.11.090(a); ).
- Landscaping buffers to streets and adjacent residential are strict (§ 83.11.080(h); ).
- TCM credits and bike facilities may reduce or reshape supply in larger projects (§ 83.11.050; § 83.14.030; ).
Not found in retrieved materials: the full commercial use ratio lines (e.g., restaurants, retail, office). Verify with the jurisdiction.

IC/IR — Industrial (Community/Regional Industrial)

How parking applies: Industrial ratios include a stepped formula by GFA plus facility vehicles (Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040; ).
Nuances:
- Truck aisles: 40 ft minimum for projects ≥10,000 sq ft GFA or with docks; include turning templates (§ 83.11.070(h)(4); ).
- Loading spaces are required (see above) and landscaping applies at edges/interior (§ 83.11.090(a); § 83.11.080; ).
Not found in retrieved materials: district‑specific deviations; apply Chapter 83.11.

Overlays and region notes

Regional paving and dust standards differ among Valley, Mountain, and Desert Regions (§ 83.11.090(b)–(d); ).
The Fire Safety (FS) Overlay can affect related site standards, including landscaping near parking; see overlay districts and § 83.10.040–.060 (landscaping cross‑references; ).

Key standards at a glance

Topic	Minimum/Rule	Code Reference
Nonresidential base minimum	4 spaces + 1 per facility vehicle (unless otherwise stated)	§ 83.11.040(b)
Industrial parking ratio	1/1,000 sq ft GFA (first 40k); 1/4,000 sq ft thereafter; +1 per facility vehicle	Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040
Mini‑storage	1/250 sq ft office area (min 4) + 9‑ft signed parking lane at units	Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040
Stall size (standard)	9 ft x 19 ft	§ 83.11.070(a)
Aisles (two‑way)	24 ft; Fire access 26–30 ft (nonres); Truck aisles 40 ft	§ 83.11.070(h)
Accessible parking count	Per Table 83‑17 (state law mirrored)	§ 83.11.060(a)
Loading spaces	1 per 5,000 sq ft GFA (10x20x14H); max 4; sharing allowed by Use Permit	§ 83.11.090(a)
Surfacing (Valley/Mtn/Desert)	Paving required; limited dust‑proof allowances in Desert	§ 83.11.090(b)–(d)
Perimeter/Interior landscaping	15‑ft street strip; 10‑ft res. buffer + wall; 1 tree/10 spaces; 6‑ft min planters	§ 83.11.080(h)–(i)
Shared and TCM credits	Shared parking by study; TCM credits up to 10% with permit	§ 83.11.050; Table 83‑16
Bicycle parking trigger	For nonres and 10+ unit multi‑family under discretionary review: 1 rack/locker per 30 spaces (min 3)	§ 83.14.030(a)

Checklist

Identify your land use and calculate minimum off-street parking per Table 83‑15; add facility vehicles if nonresidential (§ 83.11.040; ).
Confirm accessible parking count, dimensions, signing, and location (§ 83.11.060; ).
Lay out stalls, aisles, and driveways to meet width/turning requirements; ensure forward exit to right‑of‑way (§ 83.11.070; ).
Apply region‑specific paving/dust‑proof surfacing and edge controls; add walls/buffers next to residential (§ 83.11.090; ).
Provide required loading spaces (if applicable) and consider shared loading via Use Permit (§ 83.11.090(a); ).
Design perimeter/interior landscaping and irrigation; coordinate with development standards and landscaping and screening (§ 83.11.080; ).
If eligible, prepare a shared/TCM parking study for reductions; otherwise seek a variance per variances and exceptions (§ 83.11.050; § 85.17.040; ).
For projects with discretionary review, add bicycle facilities and any required TCM elements (§ 83.14.020–.030; ).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Missing full use-by-use ratios	Only some rows of Table 83‑15 were retrieved	Obtain the complete Table 83‑15 for your exact use and any mixed-use scenarios (§ 83.11.040; ).
Covered/tandem rules vary by region	RS/RM covered parking and tandem allowances differ by Mountain vs. Valley/Desert	Confirm applicability for your parcel’s region and district (note to § 83.11; ).
Trip-reduction credits cap	TCM credits top out at 10% and need a permit and study	Scope credits early with the County; beyond 10% likely requires a variance (§ 83.11.050; ).
Surfacing exceptions in Desert Region	Dust‑proof allowances are narrow and require barriers/maintenance	Ensure your project qualifies and detail dust control in plans (§ 83.11.090(b); ).
Loading share/use-permit	Sharing loading areas can save space but needs approval	Coordinate a shared loading strategy and include it in your entitlement (§ 83.11.090(a); ).

Plain-English Summary

If you build or change a use in unincorporated San Bernardino County, you must provide enough off‑street parking, design it to County standards, keep it open for vehicles, and landscape and pave it appropriately. Some flexibility exists: you can share parking, earn small credits for ridesharing/transit/motorcycles, or ask for a variance, and larger projects may also need bicycle facilities and passenger loading.

Source References

San Bernardino County Development Code (Title 8): § 83.11.010–.090 (Parking and Loading Standards) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 83.14.010–.030 (Transportation Control Measures) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.05.050(g) (Bed & Breakfast parking) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.12.060(j) (Home Occupation parking) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.18.040(a)(4) (Planned Development residential parking) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.28.060(c) (STR parking) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.32.040(i) (Residential Care parking) .
San Bernardino County Development Code: § 84.36.080 and Table 84‑0 notes (ADU parking exemptions/tandem on driveway) .
Cross-references to Chapter 83.10 (landscaping) and Chapter 85.17 (variances) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.10.090) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (CHAPTER 83.14) Medium relevance
CFC § 84.28.060 (Chapter have) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 83.06) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Title 24) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 84.21.030) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 10) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter to) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.040) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 83.14) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 83.07) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.03.060) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.070) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.050) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 84.18.040) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.02.030) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.100) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 83.11) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 85.03.080) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (Chapter 88.01) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.02.030) Medium relevance
San Bernardino County Zoning Code (§ 83.11.090) High relevance
CBC § 84.05.050 (Chapter 85.14) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Bernardino County code library

Frequently asked questions

Do San Bernardino County’s parking rules apply in incorporated cities?

No. These standards apply only in the unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities within the County have their own zoning codes and parking rules (§ 81.01.050; ).

How many parking spaces do I need for a warehouse in unincorporated areas?

Industrial uses must provide 1 space per 1,000 sq ft of GFA for the first 40,000 sq ft, 1 per 4,000 sq ft thereafter, plus one per facility vehicle (Table 83‑15; § 83.11.040; ).

Can I reduce my parking if I provide carpool, transit, or motorcycle facilities?

Yes—through Transportation Control Measures credits, up to a cumulative 10% reduction with a Conditional/Minor Use Permit and supporting study (Table 83‑16; § 83.11.050(b); § 83.14.030(h); ).

What are the minimum stall and aisle dimensions?

Standard stalls are 9 ft x 19 ft; two‑way aisles 24 ft, with additional width for fire access and trucks where applicable (§ 83.11.070(a), (h); ).

Do I need loading spaces for my commercial building?

Yes. Provide one loading space per 5,000 sq ft (10x20x14H), up to four spaces, with potential to share by Use Permit (§ 83.11.090(a); ).

When is bicycle parking required?

For nonresidential and multi‑family (10+ units) developments undergoing discretionary review: 1 rack/locker per 30 vehicle spaces (min three‑bike rack). Larger projects may also need showers, passenger loading, and vanpool spaces (§ 83.14.020–.030; ).

Can I count tandem parking toward my requirement?

Generally no—tandem is not allowed except in the Mountain Region (and specific cases like STRs and some residential care/ADU provisions). Covered parking requirements in Valley/Desert apply in RS and RM (§ 83.11 notes; § 84.28.060(c); § 84.36.080 notes; ).

What landscaping does my parking lot need?

Provide a 15‑ft landscaped strip along streets, a 10‑ft landscaped buffer with a wall next to residential, and 1 interior tree per 10 spaces in planters at least 6 ft wide (§ 83.11.080; ).

Can I use my required parking area for outdoor sales or storage?

No. Required parking, circulation, and access areas must be kept for temporary parking and maneuvering only (§ 83.11.030(g); ).

Do Short‑Term Rentals have special parking rules?

Yes. All STR occupant and guest vehicles must be on the STR property. No street or neighbor parking; tandem on‑site is allowed (§ 84.28.060(c); ).

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