Santa Clarita — Parking

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Santa Clarita regulates parking (off-street automobile parking, loading, and bicycle parking) in the local zoning ordinance (Title 17). The City’s comprehensive rules live in § 17.51.060 (Parking Standards) and related zoning chapters; parking counts, design/layout, loading spaces, bicycle parking, and options for shared or reduced parking are controlled by that section and by Division 5 (Use Classifications) and applicable zone chapters. See the City’s zoning overview for general context on land use and entitlements and the state building code for accessibility and hardware requirements. § 17.51.060

(First mentions: the City’s parking rules are part of the Title 17 Zoning Code; read development standards for site setbacks; design issues may trigger design review; overlays can modify parking—see overlay districts; accessory units are handled under ADUs; and accessibility and other technical requirements are also governed by the California Building Standards Code.)

What the ordinance requires (key rules)

• Purpose and scope: The City’s parking provisions are intended to set minimum off‑street parking and design standards, promote safety, and prevent spillover on public streets. See § 17.51.060(A) .
• Where parking counts come from: Minimum numerical parking requirements for specific uses are listed in Division 5 (Use Classifications and Required Parking) and related chapters such as Chapter 17.38 (overlay zones) and Chapter 17.55 (mixed‑use property development standards). See § 17.51.060(M) and related use tables in Division 5.
• On‑site location: Required parking must normally be provided on the same lot/parcel as the use (on‑site); transitional and shared arrangements are possible with approvals described below. See § 17.51.060(J) .
• Bicycle parking: On‑site bicycle parking is required; the number and type are tied to the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen). See § 17.51.060(I) and the CalGreen citations in the City code.
• Loading: Nonresidential uses must provide on‑site loading/unloading. Dimensional standards (delivery van space and semi‑truck space) and minimum loading counts by use and floor area are specified. See § 17.51.060(L) and the dimensional table.
• Modifications, shared parking, and reductions:
  • Shared parking is allowed with a Minor Use Permit and a parking analysis by a traffic professional. See § 17.51.060(N) and § 17.24.120 (Minor Use Permit).
  • Projects within one‑half (1/2) mile of a major transit stop may not be required to meet standard parking minimums, but a parking demand study and findings are required before a waiver is granted. See § 17.51.060(N)(4) (parking within 1/2 mile of transit) and the parking demand study requirements.
• Special rules and design controls:
  • Parallel and tandem parking rules vary by use (commercial generally no parallel; offices/industrial limited parallel; multifamily allowed tandem with conditions). See § 17.51.060(H).
  • Valet parking can be approved for commercial properties via administrative permit but cannot be used in lieu of required parking. See § 17.51.060(P) and § 17.23.100.
  • Parking for disabled persons must comply with the California Building Code; those accessible spaces count toward off‑street requirements. See § 17.51.060(G).
  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging, fuel‑efficient vehicle spaces, and related requirements reference CalGreen and the Green Building Standards. See § 17.51.060(K) and the CalGreen citations in the code.

District-by-district breakdown (how parking interacts with each Santa Clarita zone)

Note: specific numerical parking rates are in Division 5 (Use Classifications) and special chapters cited below. For each zone the ordinance cross‑references those parking tables and § 17.51.060 for standards, layout, and exceptions.

UR1 (Urban Residential 1) — § 17.33.010

• Purpose: Low‑density urban residential neighborhoods where single‑family homes and similar uses are intended.
• Typical uses: Single‑family homes, limited neighborhood services where allowed.
• Parking: Residential parking requirements are set by Division 5; required spaces must be provided on site per § 17.51.060(J). Carports/garages that count toward required parking must meet the design and screening standards in the development standards. See § 17.33.010(B) and § 17.51.060.
• Where it applies: Traditional single‑family neighborhoods and transition zones (see the UR1 description).

UR2 (Urban Residential 2) — § 17.33.020

• Purpose: Moderate‑density neighborhoods; typical single‑family and small multifamily.
• Parking: Same code framework — numeric minimums from Division 5 plus § 17.51.060 design rules; tandem parking generally not allowed unless the code or Director approval allows (see § 17.51.060(H)).

UR3 / UR4 / UR5 (Urban Residential 3–5) — §§ 17.33.030–17.33.050

• Purpose: Increasing density from UR3 to UR5; UR5 permits higher‑density apartments and condominiums.
• Typical uses: Multifamily dwellings, stacked flats, etc.
• Parking specifics: Multifamily parking counts and guest parking policies are in Division 5 and in the mixed‑use and multifamily rules (e.g., tandems may be approved with conditions; bicycle parking per CalGreen applies; guest parking rules may be required). See § 17.51.060(H) and § 17.51.060(I) and the UR zone sections.

NU5 (Non‑Urban / Neighborhood Use 5) — § 17.34 excerpt

• Purpose: Lower density or special rural/residential uses.
• Parking: Still governed by the same off‑street schedule and § 17.51.060 standards; where site conditions make standard stalls impractical the Director may require a parking analysis to set an adequate amount. See § 17.51.060(M).

MU (Mixed‑Use overlay / Chapter 17.55) — § 17.55 and Mixed‑Use provisions

• Purpose: Encourage integrated residential and commercial activity, higher walkability, and reduced auto dependence.
• Parking rates and form: The MU rules allow integrated parking plans: for example, mixed‑use multifamily development parking rules include 2 spaces per unit + 0.5 guest for 2+ bedroom units, and 1 space per unit + 0.5 guest for studios/one‑bedrooms; commercial component often counted at 1 space per 200 sq ft (see Chapter 17.55). Subterranean parking is encouraged and not counted as an additional story. A parking plan may be required and the Director can allow alternative strategies (valet, on‑street, shared) subject to approval. See § 17.55 and § 17.51.060.

Quick reference table — Most decision‑relevant standards

Checklist

• Confirm the proposed land use’s minimum parking rate in Division 5 (Use Classifications) and any applicable overlay chapter (e.g., Chapter 17.55 for mixed‑use). Verify with the Director if the use is not listed. § 17.51.060(M)
• Show all required on‑site parking on site plans; conform layout to stall dimensions, aisle widths, and accessible spaces under the California Building Code. § 17.51.060(J) and § 17.51.060(G)
• Provide bicycle parking locations and counts per CalGreen or demonstrate equivalency acceptable to the Director. § 17.51.060(I)
• If loading is required, include loading stalls sized per the code and located outside required setbacks. § 17.51.060(L)
• If seeking shared parking or reductions (including within 1/2 mile of transit), submit a parking demand study by a licensed traffic engineer and the required permit application (Minor Use Permit / Administrative Permit). § 17.51.060(N); § 17.24.120
• If proposing valet, tandem, or parallel exceptions, document the required approvals and demonstrate capacity and circulation safety. § 17.51.060(H), (P)

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Santa Clarita’s zoning code requires most development to provide enough off‑street parking on the same site, with specific layout rules for stalls, loading zones, bicycle parking (per CalGreen), and disabled parking (per the state building code). Shared parking, reductions, or alternative strategies are possible but require studies and permits; the Director has measurable discretion. Verify parcel‑specific rules with the City before assuming reduced parking. § 17.51.060

Source References

• § 17.51.060 Parking Standards (Title 17, Division 6—Parking standards text and subsections)
• § 17.51.060(L) Loading — loading dimensions and required counts for commercial/industrial uses
• § 17.51.060(I) Bicycle Parking — bicycle parking requirement and CalGreen tie‑in
• § 17.51.060(N) (Modification of Off‑Street Parking Requirements; Shared parking; transit proximity waiver)
• § 17.33.010–17.33.050 (UR1–UR5 zone descriptions and development standards)
• Chapter 17.55 (Mixed‑Use property development standards — parking rates and mixed‑use guidance)
• California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) — referenced by the City for bicycle parking, EV readiness, and efficient vehicle spaces (City code points to CalGreen)

(If you need direct excerpts or the Division 5 parking table for a specific use type or parcel, request the Division 5 tables or provide the parcel/use and I will extract the exact minimums. Verify parcel‑specific interpretations with Community Development / the Director because some items require discretionary findings.)

Retrieved passages

• Santa Clarita Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Santa Clarita Zoning Code (Section 17.42.010) Medium relevance show source text
• California Green Building Standards Code Medium relevance show source text
• Santa Clarita Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Santa Clarita Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Santa Clarita Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 060 Medium relevance show source text
• Santa Clarita Zoning Code (Title 17.) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• **§ 17.51.060 Parking Standards** (Title 17, Division 6—Parking standards text and subsections) (§ 17.51.060)
• **§ 17.51.060(L) Loading** — loading dimensions and required counts for commercial/industrial uses (§ 17.51.060)
• **§ 17.51.060(I) Bicycle Parking** — bicycle parking requirement and CalGreen tie‑in (§ 17.51.060)
• **§ 17.51.060(N)** (Modification of Off‑Street Parking Requirements; Shared parking; transit proximity waiver) (§ 17.51.060)
• **§ 17.33.010–17.33.050** (UR1–UR5 zone descriptions and development standards) (§ 17.33.010)
• **Chapter 17.55** (Mixed‑Use property development standards — parking rates and mixed‑use guidance) (Chapter 17.55)
• California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) — referenced by the City for bicycle parking, EV readiness, and efficient vehicle spaces (City code points to CalGreen)
• SantaClarita_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California Green Building Standards Code.md

• Official Santa Clarita code library