Local zoning · San Ramon

San Ramon — Parking

Q: What are the minimum loading space dimensions I need to show on plans?

Loading spaces must be at least 12 ft wide × 35 ft long with 14 ft vertical clearance , paved and striped “Loading Only,” with screening and lighting as required by § D3‑39 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the San Ramon Unified Development Ordinance requires about parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking for projects inside the city. It focuses on the local zoning rules that set parking counts, placement, dimensions, adjustments (reductions, land‑banking, in‑lieu payments), and design/landscaping/screening standards; do not rely on this page for Building Code (Title 24) compliance. See the city's zoning materials for context on zoning maps and allowed uses: San Ramon Zoning and San Ramon Development Standards. The parking chapter establishes citywide rules (Division D3) and applies those rules by land use and zone. § D3-25 and § D3-26 are the primary starting points for applicability and intent.

How San Ramon organizes parking rules (short)

The parking and loading rules live in Chapter III — Parking and Loading (Division D3): § D3-25 through § D3-41. Requirements are by land use (Table 3‑8 / § D3-28) and by site design standards (parking stall sizes, drive aisles, landscaping, lighting, screening in § D3-31 – D3-36).
Bicycle and motorcycle parking are handled in § D3-38.
Loading minimums and operational standards are in § D3-39 (and Table 3‑14).

District-by-district breakdown (what parking looks like in each zone)

Note: San Ramon sets parking quantities by land use rather than by zone. Below are the main zone groups in the ordinance with the local zone name in bold, the typical uses, key development/parking pointers, and where the standards point you for parking requirements.

RS (Single‑Family Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: detached single‑family homes and similar low‑intensity residential. (See Table 2‑2 and D2‑9.)
Key development/parking standards: single‑family dwellings require 2 covered spaces within a garage; required residential parking must be on the same parcel and not in setback areas (§ D3-26, § D3-28). ADUs follow State ADU law; see ADUs for the cross reference in the code.

RM, RMH, RH, RVH (Medium to Very‑High Density Residential)

Purpose & typical uses: multi‑family apartments, townhouses, higher density housing. (See Table 2‑4.)
Key development/parking standards: multi‑family parking counts vary by unit size in Table 3‑8 (for example, 2 spaces for many 2–3‑bedroom units and guest parking ratios); parking must be provided on‑site unless shared/off‑site parking is approved within the distances in Table 3‑7 (§ D3-26.E). Landscape and shade-tree requirements in parking lots (one tree per 4 spaces) apply (§ D3-20, § D3-31).

OA, OL, CC, CR (Office / Neighborhood & Community Commercial)

Purpose & typical uses: small offices, neighborhood retail, community commercial centers. (See zone keys and Table 2‑6.)
Key development/parking standards: nonresidential required parking is from Table 3‑8 (retail often 1 per 225 sf up to thresholds; office uses have their own ratios). Off‑site parking is allowed but must be within the maximum distances for customer/employee/visitor spaces (§ D3-26.E and Table 3‑7).

MUX, MUR, DMU‑N, DMU‑S, CCMU, CT (Mixed‑Use and Downtown / Transit‑Oriented)

Purpose & typical uses: vertical/horizontal mixed‑use, downtown commercial/residential. (See D2‑14 and D2‑15.)
Key development/parking standards: mixed‑use projects are encouraged to use shared parking provisions to reduce redundancy; the ordinance explicitly directs shared parking integration and allows reductions/adjustments through administrative permits (§ D2-15, § D3-30). Loading and trash must be located sensitively relative to residential uses in mixed projects.

M‑1, M‑2, MC (Light & Heavy Industrial / Manufacturing)

Purpose & typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, trade/indoor storage.
Key development/parking standards: these uses have parking and loading rules keyed to floor area and use type (see Table 3‑8 and Table 3‑14). Loading areas are required to meet size, surfacing, and screening standards in § D3-39. Heavy vehicle parking and outdoor storage are limited by § D3-41.

Planned Development / Special Zones (PD, Specific Plans, Overlays)

Purpose & typical uses: sites managed by a planned development permit or specific plan allow tailored standards. Planned Development permits can modify off‑street parking ratios and design where justified (they may adjust parking, loading, and other development standards) — see the Planned Development provisions and the overlay guidance in the ordinance. For overlay detail consult San Ramon Overlay Districts. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific PD conditions.

Key decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Item	Standard / Rule	Code Reference
Purpose of parking chapter	Require adequate off‑street parking and loading; design to be unobtrusive and safe	§ D3-25
When parking required	At time of initial occupancy or major alteration (≥10% increase in required spaces)	§ D3-26.B
Residential (single‑family)	2 covered spaces in a garage per dwelling unit	§ D3-28
Multi‑family / guest parking	Typical 2 spaces for 2–3 bedroom units; guest = 1 per 4 units (see Table)	§ D3-28
Retail parking	1 per 225 sf up to 50,000 sf; 1 per 250 sf over 50,000 sf (plus outdoor sales ratios)	§ D3-28
Bicycle parking	Minimum 1 bicycle space per 10 motor vehicle spaces; min 2 spaces; located near main entrance	§ D3-38
Loading space size	Minimum 12 ft × 35 ft, 14 ft vertical clearance; striping and access rules apply	§ D3-39
Parking stall dimensions & aisle width	Determined from Table 3‑10/3‑11 by angle and aisle configuration	§ D3-31 / Table 3‑10/3‑11
Parking reductions/landbanking	Up to 15% reduction via Minor Exception; 15.1–25% via Minor Use Permit; >25% via Use Permit; land banking allowed subject to conditions	§ D3-30
Off‑site parking	Allowed for nonresidential uses within set maximum distances; recordable covenant required	§ D3-26.E & § D3-40

Practical guidance and comparisons (plain-English synthesis)

San Ramon uses a land‑use approach: you look up the proposed use in Table 3‑8 and Table 3‑14 to find required car and loading spaces; then apply the parking design standards in § D3-31 – D3-36 for stall size, aisles, landscaping, lighting, and screening. § D3-28 and § D3-31 are the operational workhorses.
The ordinance actively allows reductions and shared parking (useful in mixed‑use or downtown situations) but reductions require documented justification or an administrative permit — plan to supply survey or TDM commitments if you want fewer spaces (§ D3-30).
Bicycle parking is required for multi‑family and nonresidential projects (1 per 10 motor vehicle spaces, min 2) and must be secure and close to entrances (§ D3-38). This is a straightforward way to reduce car parking demand and support approvals.
Loading rules are strict about dimensions, surfacing, screening, and no‑backing across public property lines unless specifically approved; plan loading areas in the rear two‑thirds of the parcel where possible (§ D3-39).

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before occupancy / approval)

Identify the project’s land use and apply Table 3‑8 / § D3-28 for base parking counts.
Provide required bicycle parking per § D3-38 (design, number, and location).
Show parking layout that meets stall dimensions, aisle widths, driveway widths, and maneuvering (Tables 3‑10 / 3‑11 / 3‑13) and § D3-31.
Provide landscaping and screening for parking areas per § D3-20 and § D3-32 (shade trees, perimeter planting).
Design required loading spaces meeting dimensions, surfacing and access requirements in § D3-39; include an on‑site delivery plan if needed.
If using off‑site or shared parking, submit recorded covenant/easement and demonstrate proximity limits (Table 3‑7 / § D3-26.E and § D3-40).
If requesting reduced parking or land banking, include empirical justification (surveys, TDM, operational plan) to satisfy § D3-30 findings.
Confirm conformance with any Planned Development or Specific Plan standards that override or modify parking; record applicable conditions. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Shared/off‑site parking distances and covenants	Off‑site parking can satisfy requirements but the city requires recorded agreements and proximity limits (customer 200 ft, employee 400 ft). Noncompliance can block Certificate of Occupancy	Confirm Table 3‑7 distances and recordation requirements in § D3-26.E and § D3-40; get City Attorney‑approved covenant.
Parking reductions vs. long‑term demand	Permits allow reductions but require findings/evidence; future change of use may trigger more parking needs	If proposing reduced parking, submit survey/TDM data and seek the right approval (Minor Exception, Minor Use Permit, Use Permit) per § D3-30.
ADU parking and State law	Local code defers to State ADU rules; mismatch could occur between local table and State ADU law	ADU standard references California Government Code § 65852.2 in the ordinance — follow State ADU law and consult Planning staff. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Loading maneuvering & alley access	Loading must avoid backing across public property lines; some sites may lack alley access and need alternative approval	Confirm loading access design and seek Zoning Administrator approval if backing or alternative access is proposed; use § D3-39 standards.
Zone‑specific PD or Specific Plan overrides	Planned Development permits can modify parking requirements; a site’s PD may supersede Division D3	Review PD/specific plan documents for the parcel and confirm which standards control (ordinance notes PD authority to adjust standards). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Plain‑English summary

San Ramon’s zoning code requires off‑street parking, bicycle parking, and loading areas based on the proposed land use (look up Table 3‑8 and Table 3‑14) and builds in clear design rules for stall sizes, aisles, landscaping, lighting, and screening; reductions, shared parking, and off‑site solutions are allowed but require city approvals and recorded agreements. § D3‑25 – D3‑41 are the controlling sections — start with § D3‑28 (parking counts), § D3‑31 (design), § D3‑38 (bicycles), and § D3‑39 (loading).

Source References

Division D3 — Chapter III, Parking and Loading (intent, applicability, tables): § D3-25 through § D3-41.
Parking counts and residential/nonresidential examples (Table 3‑8 and related entries): § D3-28.
Parking design, stall dimensions, aisle widths, driveway minimums: § D3-31 and Tables 3‑10/3‑11/3‑13.
Bicycle and motorcycle parking: § D3-38.
Loading spaces: § D3-39 and Table 3‑14 (dimensions, screening, surfacing).
Off‑site parking and required covenants: § D3-26.E and § D3-40.
Reduction, shared parking, land banking and in‑lieu payments: § D3-30 (and related subsections).
Zone development standards that cross‑reference parking (Table 2‑4 residential, Table 2‑7 mixed‑use): Division D2 (various tables).
Mixed‑use provisions encouraging shared parking and loading separation from residential: D2‑15 and related mixed‑use requirements.

Other municipal planning pages referenced on this site:

San Ramon Zoning & Planning overview: San Ramon Zoning
San Ramon Development Standards: San Ramon Development Standards
San Ramon Design Review: San Ramon Design Review
San Ramon Overlay Districts: San Ramon Overlay Districts
San Ramon ADUs: San Ramon ADUs
California Building Standards Code (Title 24): California Building Standards Code
San Ramon Landscaping & Screening: San Ramon Landscaping and Screening

Sources

Retrieved passages

San Ramon Zoning Code (Section D6-24) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter are) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter are) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section may) High relevance
California Building Code (Section may) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section shall) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section a) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter D3-II) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Chapter I) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section 65852.2) Medium relevance
San Ramon Zoning Code (Section 65000) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official San Ramon code library

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic off‑street parking counts for typical uses in San Ramon?

Parking counts are set by land use in Table 3‑8; examples in the ordinance include 2 covered garage spaces for a single‑family dwelling and retail at 1 space per 225 sf (up to 50,000 sf) — see § D3‑28 for the full table and applicable exceptions.

Do I have to provide bicycle parking for a new office or apartment building in San Ramon?

Yes. Multi‑family projects and nonresidential uses must provide bicycle parking at a minimum ratio of 1 bicycle space per 10 motor vehicle spaces with a minimum of 2 bicycle spaces, sited near primary entrances per § D3‑38.

Can I use off‑site parking to satisfy a project’s parking requirement?

Yes, for nonresidential uses the city allows off‑site parking within the maximum distances in Table 3‑7 (customer/visitor 200 ft; employee 400 ft), but the arrangement must be secured by a recorded covenant/easement and meet the requirements of § D3‑26.E and § D3‑40.

What are the minimum loading space dimensions I need to show on plans?

Loading spaces must be at least 12 ft wide × 35 ft long with 14 ft vertical clearance, paved and striped “Loading Only,” with screening and lighting as required by § D3‑39.

Can the city approve fewer parking spaces than the table requires?

Yes. The Zoning Administrator can allow modest reductions (up to a stated percentage) via Minor Exception or Minor Use Permit; larger reductions need a Use Permit and must meet findings showing reduced demand — see § D3‑30 for thresholds, findings, and land‑banking options.

Are residential garages and driveways treated differently than commercial parking?

Yes. Residential parking must be located on the same parcel as the unit and generally cannot occupy required setbacks. Driveway/garage setback rules and driveway apron/clearance requirements are in the residential development standards and § D3‑31/D3‑37; ADU parking references state law (California Government Code § 65852.2) as cited in the local code. Verify with the jurisdiction for site‑specific driveway setbacks.

Does the ordinance require landscaping in parking lots?

Yes. Interior and perimeter parking landscaping is required (shade trees equal to about one tree per four parking spaces and perimeter planting buffers adjacent to residences) and is enforced through § D3‑20 and related parking landscape provisions.

What do I need to do if my project is in a Planned Development (PD)?

Planned Development permits can modify parking ratios and design standards where justified; review the PD conditions and coordinate with Planning staff because PD or specific plan provisions may supersede default Division D3 standards. Verify with the jurisdiction and the PD documents.

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