Local zoning · San Fernando

San Fernando — Parking

Q: What minimum off‑street parking does San Fernando require for a single‑family house?

San Fernando requires two (2) off‑street parking spaces in a garage for each attached or detached single‑family dwelling per the municipal table in § 106-278 .

Q: How many parking spaces are required for a 2‑bedroom apartment in San Fernando?

A two‑bedroom unit requires two (2) covered off‑street parking spaces per unit per § 106-278 (multifamily residential ratios) .

Q: What are the loading space minimums for retail vs. industrial uses?

For retail/commercial in C‑1/C‑2 the minimum is typically one loading space per lot at least 14' x 40' ; for M‑1/M‑2 industrial uses it is one loading space per lot at least 14' x 55' — see § 106-322 .

Parking under the San Fernando 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 San Fernando Zoning Ordinance requires for parking, loading and maneuvering, and related site-design controls. It is built from the San Fernando Municipal Code (zoning) provisions on vehicular parking, off-street loading, surfacing, lighting and district-level standards; use the cited local code sections as your authoritative rules and verify parcel-specific interpretations with the Planning Department. For general context about how these rules interact with zoning, see the city's San Fernando Zoning page and for development standards consult San Fernando Development Standards. If your project includes discretionary design elements, check San Fernando Design Review. If you are working in an overlay use San Fernando Overlay Districts. For accessory units see San Fernando ADUs. When site construction touches structural or egress requirements, coordinate with the California Building Standards Code.

Core rules (plain statement of what the code requires)

Every use must provide off‑street parking that "satisfies the needs of the use" and each parking space must be directly accessible from a driveway or aisle unless otherwise stated; the general requirement is in § 106-277 .
Detailed minimum parking ratios (residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, recreational) are tabulated in § 106-278; e.g., two (2) garage spaces required for an attached/detached single‑family dwelling; 1.5 covered spaces for 0–1‑bedroom multifamily units; 1 per 300 sf for general offices/retail (with special rules for the Central Business District) — see § 106-278 .
Parking location and sharing: required spaces generally must be on the same lot as the use; off‑site parking or in‑lieu fees are allowed for nonresidential projects with a city‑approved off‑site parking plan and findings; shared parking in the Central Business District is allowed with a recorded agreement and compliance with city parking studies and procedures (see § 106-284 and § 106-281) .
Parking area construction, drainage and minimum surfacing thicknesses are specified in § 106-247 (concrete, asphaltic pavement standards and drainage) .
Parking‑lot lighting, marking, and perimeter guards/wheel stops are required for commercial parking (lighting minimums, confinement of light to premises, no spillover, no low‑pressure sodium) — § 106-290, § 106-292, § 106-291 .
Common off‑street parking areas serving 5+ units must be designed so vehicles can circulate inside the parking area and exit in a forward direction; bumpers/tire stops and clear surfacing markings are required — § 106-293 .
Loading: Off‑street truck loading area minima are set by zone (e.g., in C-1/C-2 one loading space at least 14' x 40' per lot; in M-1/M-2 one loading space at least 14' x 55' per lot) and truck maneuvering/loading standards apply where loading areas or large doors exist — § 106-322 and § 106-323 .
Exception and reduction authority: the Director may grant modest reductions for parking stall dimensions or up to a 5% reduction in parking/ loading requirements in limited modification procedures where criteria are met — § 106-952 (modifications) .
Transit proximity and statutory exceptions: the zoning code echoes state exceptions (no minimum parking within 0.5 mile of public transit and other state ADU limits are acknowledged) — see the exception language in § 106-278(f) and state ADU guidance referenced in San Fernando materials (local code defers to state law where applicable) .

District-by-district practical breakdown

Below are the districts in San Fernando where parking rules have distinct practical implications. Each district heading briefly notes the development context, typical uses and the most relevant parking/loading controls.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose/typical uses: single‑family detached homes; regulated to preserve low‑density character (see general R zone purpose) — Sec. 106-41 .
Key parking standards: Two (2) parking spaces, in a garage, are required per dwelling; guest parking expectations and driveway/garage access rules follow the city parking table (§ 106-278) .
Where it applies: citywide R‑1 parcels (see zoning map and Sec. 106-6/106-7) .
Practical notes: driveway and garage layout must provide direct access and maneuvering per § 106-247 and § 106-293; see two‑unit/SB9 rules if proposing a two‑unit split in R-1 (Two‑Unit Urban Development rules under § 106-762) .

RPD (Residential Planned Development Overlay)

Purpose/typical uses: planned multi‑unit residential projects with customized site design; the overlay is applied over underlying R zones to encourage modern site planning — § 106-163—106-165 .
Key dimensional/parking standard: RPD development standards require at least two covered off‑street parking spaces within a fully enclosed garage per dwelling (Table 106‑165.2, Off‑street parking standard) — Table & text 106-165 .
Where it applies: projects using the RPD overlay (see Sec. 106-165 and the zoning map) .
Practical notes: the RPD process requires concept and detailed plans including calculations of covered and uncovered parking spaces; the Commission may require additional conditions to ensure compatibility — § 106-165 .

C-1 / C-2 (Commercial zones)

Purpose/typical uses: neighborhood/commercial corridors, retail, offices, restaurants.
Key parking/loading: commercial parking required by use category (e.g., 1 space/300 sf for general commercial; dining/entertainment has distinct ratios; CBD is treated specially) and off‑street loading for C‑zones: 1 loading space (14' x 40') per lot for C‑1/C‑2 — § 106-278(c) and § 106-322 .
CBD note: within the Central Business District there are reduced parking ratios and shared‑parking allowances (e.g., 1 space/300 sf for some new development) — § 106-278(c) and shared parking rules § 106-281 .
Practical notes: restaurants with large outdoor dining can affect parking calculation thresholds; parking and circulation plans are required for drive‑throughs (see drive‑through standards) — § 106-658 and § 106-602 .

M-1 / M-2 (Industrial / Light industrial)

Purpose/typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, industrial operations; loading demand is higher.
Key parking/loading: industrial parking ratios are calculated by floor area or employees (e.g., one space per 750 sf up to thresholds); loading: 1 loading space (14' x 55') per lot for M‑1/M‑2 — § 106-278(d) and § 106-322 .
Practical notes: large doors > 8' trigger truck maneuvering standards under § 106-323; industrial sites must comply with industrial development standards including parking, loading and landscaping (§ 106-104) .

SP (Specific Plan — e.g., SP‑5 Corridors Specific Plan)

Purpose/typical uses: tailored development rules for targeted corridors/downtown revitalization; SP controls may supersede or supplement municipal code on parking and site design — Sec. 106-132—106-136 .
Key parking standard: where the specific plan is adopted its mandatory development standards and parking rules apply for properties inside the SP area; where silent the municipal code controls — § 106-136 .
Practical notes: always check SP documents (SP‑5) for downtown parcels; SP may include alternative parking arrangements or shared‑use plans.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant requirements

Topic	What the code requires (short)	Code reference
Residential minimums (single-family)	Two parking spaces (in a garage) per single‑family dwelling	§ 106-278
Multifamily ratios	0–1 BR = 1.5 covered/unit; 2BR = 2 covered/unit; 3+BR = 2.5 + .5 per extra BR	§ 106-278
Commercial (general)	Offices/retail ≈ 1 space/300 sf (varies by use); restaurants and entertainment have higher/other ratios	§ 106-278(c)
Loading (C / M zones)	C‑1/C‑2: 1 space ≥ 14' x 40'; M‑1/M‑2: 1 space ≥ 14' x 55'	§ 106-322
Parking surfacing & drainage	Concrete min 3.5" or asphalt over base; no drainage across sidewalks; grading/drainage required	§ 106-247
Parking design & circulation	Internal circulation so vehicles need not enter street to move; forward exit; wheel stops/bumpers; striping	§ 106-293, § 106-291, § 106-292
Lighting (commercial)	Min 1 footcandle throughout parking area; time clocks/photo sensors; no spillover	§ 106-290
Calculation rules	Gross floor area-based spaces exclude parking area; fractional rounding rules	§ 106-279
Shared or off-site parking	Allowed for nonresidential with city‑approved off‑site plan or recorded shared parking agreement; CBD has shared‑parking flexibility	§ 106-284, § 106-281
Modification authority	Director may grant small reductions (e.g., up to 5% parking reduction) via modification procedures	§ 106-952

Checklist (what an applicant must supply / satisfy)

Calculate required spaces per use category using § 106-278 and rounding rules in § 106-279; show work on plans § 106-279 .
Provide a dimensioned parking plan showing stall sizes, drive aisles, circulation allowing forward exit and any wheel stops per § 106-293 and § 106-291 .
Show paving, subbase and drainage details meeting § 106-247; note any residential driveway exceptions for drainage § 106-247 .
If nonresidential and proposing off‑site parking or in‑lieu payment, attach a city‑approved off‑site parking plan/justification per § 106-284 .
If in the Central Business District seeking shared parking, include a recorded shared parking agreement and show compatibility with city parking study requirements § 106-281 .
For projects with loading needs, show loading bay dimensions and truck maneuvering complying with § 106-322—106-323 .
For commercial projects, include parking‑area lighting design that meets § 106-290 (photocell/timer and light‑spill controls) .
If seeking a minor reduction/modification to parking dimensions or counts, submit a modification application addressing the findings in § 106-952 .
Confirm any applicable Specific Plan (SP‑5) parking rules or deviations in the SP documents for downtown parcels (§ 106-136) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking treatment (local vs. state law)	ADU parking can be limited by state ADU rules even if municipal parking schedules appear to apply; mixing local code and state exemptions creates uncertainty	Verify ADU‑specific local section and whether the city enforces state ADU parking exceptions (consult Planning). See state guidance in local files (noted in the ADU materials) — Verify with jurisdiction
Which section controls inside an SP area	SPs (e.g., SP‑5 Corridors) may supersede municipal standards, so the municipal parking table may not apply	Confirm the SP‑5 specific plan text for parcel; if SP silent, municipal code controls § 106-136
“Satisfies the needs of the use” wording	That general phrase in § 106-277 gives the Director discretion, which can change outcomes at plan check	Expect discretionary review on atypical uses; get pre‑application meeting with Planning — see § 106-277
Off‑site parking/in‑lieu mechanics	Code allows off‑site/in‑lieu but procedures and fee amounts are by council resolution and off‑site plans must demonstrate benefit	Ask Planning for current city council resolution on in‑lieu fees and required off‑site parking plan format § 106-284
Bicycle parking standards	Specific bike parking requirements (counts, racks, long‑term vs short‑term) are not obvious in retrieved snippets	Not found in retrieved materials — Verify bicycle parking rules with Planning and check the Development Standards page

Plain‑English summary

San Fernando's zoning code requires most developments to provide off‑street parking by the numerical tables in § 106-278, build parking areas to minimum paving, drainage and lighting standards, and supply truck loading spaces in commercial and industrial zones; the Director and special plans (e.g., SP‑5, RPD) can adjust details through modification or specific plan rules — see the cited code sections for exact numbers and process steps § 106-278, § 106-247, § 106-322 .

Source References

San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Vehicular parking, paving and general off‑street requirements: § 106-247, § 106-277, § 106-278, § 106-279, § 106-293 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Lighting, marking, perimeter guards and parking design: § 106-290—§ 106-293 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Loading areas and truck maneuvering: § 106-322—§ 106-323 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Parking location, off‑site/shared parking and CBD shared‑parking allowances: § 106-284, § 106-281 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — RPD (Residential Planned Development) standards including off‑street parking requirement: Tables 106‑165.1 / 106‑165.2 and § 106-165 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Modification authority (parking/ loading reductions): § 106-952 .
San Fernando Zoning Ordinance — Two‑Unit Urban Residential Development (SB 9 rules affecting R‑1 parcels): § 106-762 .
San Fernando ADU / state ADU guidance referenced in local materials (exemptions and limitations on ADU parking under state law): ADU handbook excerpts in the retrieved materials (state law citations summarized) .
For construction and accessibility (related to garage/carport separation and accessible parking counts) consult the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as referenced by the municipal code; see the state's building code documents provided in the project files for accessibility parking counts and garage requirements — California Building Standards Code excerpts in retrieved files .

(If you need the exact text of any cited municipal code section in printable form, tell me which § number and I will extract the controlling excerpt and page reference.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter may) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 65863.2) High relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 21155) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (ARTICLE I.) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (chapter and) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (§ 3) Medium relevance
CFC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code Medium relevance
CBC § 3 (Section 106-1027) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (article III) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (article III.) Medium relevance
San Fernando Zoning Code (section and) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Fernando code library

Frequently asked questions

What minimum off‑street parking does San Fernando require for a single‑family house?

San Fernando requires two (2) off‑street parking spaces in a garage for each attached or detached single‑family dwelling per the municipal table in § 106-278 .

How many parking spaces are required for a 2‑bedroom apartment in San Fernando?

A two‑bedroom unit requires two (2) covered off‑street parking spaces per unit per § 106-278 (multifamily residential ratios) .

Can required parking be located off‑site in San Fernando?

Yes — for nonresidential projects some or all required parking may be located off‑site if an off‑site parking plan is approved and/or in‑lieu fees are provided as determined by city council resolution; see § 106-284 for the conditions and approval path .

What are the loading space minimums for retail vs. industrial uses?

For retail/commercial in C‑1/C‑2 the minimum is typically one loading space per lot at least 14' x 40'; for M‑1/M‑2 industrial uses it is one loading space per lot at least 14' x 55' — see § 106-322 .

Do I need to show truck maneuvering on my plans?

If a loading area is required, if a loading dock is provided, or if a door over 8'×8' exists (unless the Director finds otherwise), you must provide truck maneuvering and loading standards as required under § 106-323 .

Are there surfacing and drainage requirements for parking areas?

Yes. All vehicle movement/parking/loading areas (other than mobile home sites) must be paved (concrete ≥ 3.5" OR asphaltic ≥ 1.5" over 4" base) and graded/drained to dispose of surface water per § 106-247 .

Can the city reduce parking stall size or number for tight sites?

The Director may reduce minimum parking stall dimensions for residential uses by up to 10% and may grant limited parking/loading reductions (up to 5%) under the modification rules in § 106-952 when findings for compatibility and circulation are met — see § 106-952 .

Does San Fernando require parking for ADUs?

State ADU law limits what local agencies can require; the municipal code refers to state ADU provisions and acknowledges exceptions based on transit proximity. For numerical municipal minimums, consult § 106-278 for base parking tables and confirm ADU treatment with Planning — local ADU parking language is implemented in coordination with state law (verify with the jurisdiction and the ADU guidance referenced in city materials) .

Is shared parking allowed in downtown (CBD)?

Yes. The code permits shared parking in the area designated as the Central Business District if a recorded shared parking agreement is submitted and the area is not heavily impacted by parking shortages as determined by the city engineer; see § 106-281 for the process and requirements .

What lighting and security standards does San Fernando require for commercial parking?

Commercial off‑street parking must produce approximately one footcandle across the area, be on timers or photo sensors, and confine direct rays to the premises (no spillover or low‑pressure sodium) per § 106-290; parking must also be designed for security where specified (e.g., shelters, SRO facilities) .

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