Local zoning · Santa Monica

Santa Monica — Parking

Q: What does Santa Monica require for bicycle parking?

Santa Monica requires short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking for every new building, change of use, or enlargement of 10% or more; the minimum counts are shown in Table 9.28.140 and general design/anchoring/clearance/wayfinding rules are in § 9.28.140 . Exemptions: no long‑term bike parking is required when the building is under 2,500 square feet. § 9.28.140 .

Q: How many loading spaces must I provide for a commercial project?

Loading requirements depend on gross floor area and use. The ordinance sets thresholds (for example, commercial projects 2,501–7,500 sf require one passenger loading space; 7,501–50,000 sf generally require one standard loading space; projects over 50,000 sf require a passenger plus a standard loading space; larger food markets may require semi‑tractor trailer spaces). See § 9.28.080 for full tables, dimensions (passenger loading minimum 18 ft × 10 ft ), location and screening rules. § 9.28.080 .

Q: Can I provide parking off‑site or pay a fee instead of building spaces?

Yes. Off‑site parking is allowed with a recorded parking agreement and must meet distance limits ( 250 ft pedestrian route for residential; 400 ft for nonresidential; all spaces within 1,000 ft of parcel perimeter). In the Downtown Parking Assessment District, developers may voluntarily pay the in‑lieu fee (ordinance text lists $20,000 per space , adjusted by CPI) in lieu of providing spaces; see § 9.28.190 for the conditions and payment timing. § 9.28.190 .

Q: Does Santa Monica limit how much parking I can build (maximums)?

Yes. The ordinance contains maximum parking limits tied to the use table; generally, you cannot exceed the specified maximums except in limited circumstances. Permanent public parking above maximums requires a Conditional Use Permit with findings in § 9.28.060 . § 9.28.060 .

Q: Are space‑efficient parking systems (stackers, tandem parking) allowed?

Yes. § 9.28.090 authorizes space‑efficient parking (mechanical stackers, tandem, automated systems) subject to rules; accessible stalls for persons with disabilities cannot be space‑efficient unless they meet accessibility law. Provide details for maneuvering and safety for Director review. § 9.28.090 .

Q: If I add an ADU, do I have to provide new parking?

ADU parking rules are addressed in the ADU section. The ordinance allows parking displaced by an ADU to be relocated in the front half of the parcel or retained under specific conditions (dimensional standards, hazardous‑obstruction standards, and curb‑cut limitations). Review § 9.31.025 for ADU parking relocation and any exceptions that may apply. § 9.31.025 .

Q: Where must loading areas be located relative to the building and alley?

Loading areas must be provided off‑street, within the subject property, located adjacent to building door openings, and accessible from an alley or a minor roadway; the Director may authorize one on‑street passenger loading space for schools/childcare under certain conditions. See § 9.28.080 for location and design criteria. § 9.28.080 .

Q: Can bike parking count reduce required automobile spaces?

The ordinance allows conversions/credits in some circumstances (for example, a credit when bicycle spaces replace automobile footprints up to a stated maximum percent). For precise credit rules and caps, consult § 9.28.060 and accompanying subsections and tables. § 9.28.060 .

Q: Are there special rules for parking on “A” overlay lots?

Yes — the A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District permits parking facilities on “A” lots under specific conditions and limits redevelopment of commercial parcels that the A‑lot serves. See § 9.16.010–.020 for the overlay purpose, permitted uses, and Minor Use Permit rules. § 9.16.010–.020 .

Q: What should I bring to the Planning counter to show compliance with parking rules?

Bring a parking schedule keyed to Table 9.28.060 showing required vs proposed spaces, a site plan with all parking/pedestrian/bike/loading areas, any off‑site parking agreements, bike rack details per § 9.28.140 , and loading dimensions per § 9.28.080 . If you propose in‑lieu fee payment, bring the fee calculation and budget source per § 9.28.190 . § 9.28.060 , § 9.28.140 , § 9.28.080 , § 9.28.190 .

Parking under the Santa Monica local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the City of Santa Monica's Zoning Ordinance requires for parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle parking under the local zoning rules (commonly titled Title 17 / Article 9 in the Municipal Code). It synthesizes the operative rules, the principal code sections you will need for project design and permits, and practical notes for applicants. The City's parking rules live primarily in Chapter 9.28 (parking, loading, and circulation) and related site‑specific rules (for example, Accessory Dwelling Units and the A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District) — read together these sections control counts, dimensions, location, alternatives, and exemptions. See the City's development and site standards for how parking interacts with setbacks and form, and consult the Design Review process when parking configuration affects façades or public frontage.

(Internal links: the page mentions parking, development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code in the text — follow the first mention of each term below for the City's main landing pages.)

parking: /us/california/santa-monica
development standards: /us/california/santa-monica/development-standards
design review: /us/california/santa-monica/design-review
overlay districts: /us/california/santa-monica/overlay-districts
ADUs: /us/california/santa-monica/adu
California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

What the Ordinance Controls (short list)

Required numbers: minimum and maximum off‑street parking by use (Table 9.28.060) and rules for computing floor area for parking demands § 9.28.060.
Loading: required counts and dimensions depend on floor area/use; standards for passenger, standard, and semi‑tractor trailer loading are in § 9.28.080.
Bicycle parking: short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking is required for new buildings, changes of use, or enlargements (Table 9.28.140) and general design/location/clearance rules are in § 9.28.140.
Off‑site parking, in‑lieu fee and alternate compliance: conditions and distance limits for off‑site parking and the Downtown in‑lieu fee are in § 9.28.190.
Maximum parking caps and how much extra parking is allowed (limits to “excess” parking) are handled in § 9.28.060.
Space‑efficient parking (stackers/tandem/automated) and related exceptions are in § 9.28.090.
The A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District adds local overlay rules and permitted uses for parcels designated “A” in § 9.16.010–.020.

District-by-district breakdown (how parking fits into Santa Monica's districts)

Below are the districts and the way parking requirements are applied or constrained. The ordinance names and district labels below are quoted as used in the code; where the ordinance points to district‑level development standards, those standards interact with the parking chapter cited.

R-1 (Single‑Unit Residential District) — purpose and parking context

Purpose / typical uses: Single‑Unit Dwelling, accessory buildings and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are typical permitted uses in R‑1. See the residential district use table and the ADU rules at § 9.31.025.
Parking implications: parking for single‑unit dwellings and ADUs is governed by the parking table in § 9.28.060 and ADU‑specific relocation/retention allowances are in § 9.31.025 (for example, displaced parking for an ADU may be relocated to the front half of a parcel subject to dimensional and curb‑cut limits). Verify any ADU‑specific exemptions in § 9.31.025.
Dimensional or siting constraints that affect parking: garage opening setbacks, garage door width limits, and where parking may be placed on the lot are regulated in the residential standards (see § 9.31.025 and related setback standards called out in the land‑use tables). Rooftop parking is prohibited in all Residential Districts per the residential provisions. Verify exact garage/setback measurements with the development standards pages.

Multiple‑Unit Residential (Multi‑Unit) — purpose and parking context

Purpose / typical uses: multiple dwelling units, senior housing, congregate housing. The parking requirement is use‑based and shown in Table 9.28.060; examples include lower per‑unit parking factors for senior/affordable units in the table. § 9.28.060 is the controlling table for the number of required spaces.
Where it applies: all multi‑unit parcels citywide unless an exemption/overlay applies. For density/coverage constraints consult the district’s development standards pages. See development standards for setbacks and garage opening placement that can constrain on‑site parking layouts.

Mixed‑Use / Commercial Districts (MUBL, MUB, GC, NC, etc.)

Purpose / typical uses: ground‑floor retail, offices, restaurants, mixed residential/commercial uses; uses are listed in the land‑use table for Mixed‑Use and Commercial Districts (Table 9.11.020). Parking counts for these uses come from Table 9.28.060 in § 9.28.060.
Key constraints: the ordinance establishes maximum parking limits (caps) for many uses and special rules for Downtown; excess permanent parking above the caps requires a Conditional Use Permit and additional findings in § 9.28.060. For projects in the Downtown Parking Assessment District, the in‑lieu payment option is available under § 9.28.190 (fee amount and administrative rules are set there).

Public and Semi‑Public Districts

Purpose / typical uses: government, public facilities, parks. Parking for public uses is still subject to Chapter 9.28 counts and design rules; landscape/setback interface rules affect parking location as called out in the Public District planting/landscape standards. See § 9.04 references and the landscaping/screening sections referenced by the district tables.

A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District

Purpose: to provide and regulate parking facilities that support commercial corridors and neighborhood commercial areas while protecting adjacent residential neighborhoods. The overlay is established in § 9.16.010 and the permitted uses and conditions for “A” lots are in § 9.16.020. The overlay allows parking as a permitted use in certain residentially‑zoned lots while restricting redevelopment and expansion of commercial floor area that would change the overlay status.

Quick Decision‑Relevant Standards (table)

Topic	Key rule or limit	Code Reference
Off‑street parking counts (minimums & maximums)	Required counts and maximum allowed parking by use are set in Table 9.28.060; maximums limit “excess” parking except for specified public parking and Downtown exceptions	§ 9.28.060
Loading spaces (counts & dimensions)	Loading required by use/size (passenger, standard, semi‑tractor trailer). Passenger loading: 18 ft × 10 ft minimum; thresholds (e.g., 2,501–7,500 sf = 1 passenger; 7,501–50,000 sf = 1 standard; >50,000 sf = 1 passenger + 1 standard)	§ 9.28.080
Bicycle parking	New buildings/changes of use/enlargements must provide short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking per Table 9.28.140; exemptions where building < 2,500 sf for long‑term	§ 9.28.140
Off‑site parking / in‑lieu fee	Off‑site parking allowed with recorded agreement; distances: 250 ft (residential), 400 ft (nonresidential) along pedestrian route; Downtown in‑lieu fee $20,000 per space (adjusted annually by CPI)	§ 9.28.190
Space‑efficient parking	Mechanical stackers, tandem, automated allowed per rules; accessible stalls for persons with disabilities cannot be space‑efficient	§ 9.28.090
Parking overlay (A lots)	“A” lots may permit parking to support nearby commercial parcels; specific use and expansion limits apply	§ 9.16.010–.020

Practical guidance / interpretation (plain English synthesis)

Start with Table 9.28.060 (the ordinance's parking table) to determine the number of spaces required for your proposed primary uses — residential, retail, restaurant, office, etc. The table also contains maximum parking caps and rules for shared uses; if you plan something downtown, expect to see in‑lieu fee options and stricter maximums. § 9.28.060 is the controlling citation.
If your project includes loading activity (grocery, restaurant deliveries, school/day care, or large commercial floor area), design the loading area to meet § 9.28.080 dimensional requirements and siting rules (off‑street, adjacent to building door openings, accessible from an alley or minor roadway). Mark and screen loading areas as required and include wayfinding signage.
Provide both short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking as required by § 9.28.140; the City requires visibility, lighting, anchoring/security, minimum clearance and maneuvering aisles — bike parking must be at least as convenient as general automobile spaces.
If you cannot meet on‑site parking, the code allows off‑site parking under § 9.28.190 with recorded agreements and strict proximity limits (residential 250 ft, nonresidential 400 ft along a pedestrian route). For Downtown projects you can also voluntarily pay the in‑lieu fee in § 9.28.190 (currently stated as $20,000 per space in the ordinance text).
Consider space‑efficient stacking or tandem arrangements where feasible, but expect the Director to review maneuverability and ADA access; see § 9.28.090 for controls.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before building permit or discretionary review)

Determine the required automobile parking count from Table 9.28.060 and document the calculation. § 9.28.060.
Provide required bicycle parking (short‑ and long‑term) per § 9.28.140; include rack detail, anchoring, clearances, and wayfinding signage.
Provide required loading spaces and show dimensions, access, and screening per § 9.28.080; if reduced/waived for small projects (<10,000 sf) request Director waiver with findings.
If providing off‑site parking, prepare a recorded parking agreement and show distances on plan (250 ft residential / 400 ft nonresidential; all spaces within 1,000 ft perimeter) per § 9.28.190.
If in Downtown Parking Assessment District and choosing in‑lieu fee, calculate payment and show plan notes per § 9.28.190 (fee payment required prior to building permits).
Show any space‑efficient parking devices (stackers, tandem) and demonstrate compliance with § 9.28.090 and accessible stall requirements.
Demonstrate compliance with district development standards (setbacks, garage opening setbacks, and frontage rules) that affect on‑site parking locations. See the City's development standards and the specific district tables.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Exact numeric ratios for every use in Table 9.28.060	Table 9.28.060 controls required spaces and contains use‑by‑use factors; missing or misreading a line changes required counts and fee exposure	Consult Table 9.28.060 in § 9.28.060 directly for your precise use and location; verify with Planning Director if a use is “similar” and parking factor must be assigned. § 9.28.060.
Applicability of ADU parking exceptions	ADU placement and whether displaced parking can remain/relocate affects design and curb cut approvals	Review § 9.31.025 for ADU parking relocation, and verify with the City whether your parcel qualifies for the ADU provisions.
Whether proposed loading can be waived for small projects	Director discretion exists for projects under certain sizes (<10,000 sf) — relying on a waiver without confirmation is risky	Confirm waiver standards and obtain Director determination per § 9.28.080(J).
Using off‑site parking or paying in‑lieu fee	Off‑site parking requires recorded agreements and distance limits; Downtown projects may use the in‑lieu fee but the fee is discretionary and adjusted annually	Verify distance measurements, prepare recorded agreement language and confirm current in‑lieu fee amount under § 9.28.190 (fee stated in ordinance and adjusted by CPI).
Interpretation of “maximum parking limits” for Downtown projects	City caps on parking may prevent providing more spaces than desired and require discretionary approval for permanent public parking beyond caps	If you propose parking above the cap, expect a Conditional Use Permit and findings in § 9.28.060. Verify whether your site is in the Downtown Community Plan area and the applicable caps.

Plain‑English Summary

Santa Monica's zoning controls how many car spaces, bike racks, and loading areas you must build, where they can be located, and what alternatives (off‑site parking or a Downtown in‑lieu fee) are available; the core rules are in Chapter 9.28 (see § 9.28.060, § 9.28.080, § 9.28.140, § 9.28.190) and ADU/residential details are in § 9.31.025. Always check the exact table rows that match your use and site and expect Director or Commission review for nonstandard or excess parking.

Source References

Santa Monica Municipal Code, Chapter 9.28, Parking, Loading, and Circulation — § 9.28.060 (Off‑Street Parking table and maximum parking limits).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — § 9.28.080 (Loading spaces: counts, dimensions, location, design and exceptions).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — § 9.28.090 (Space‑Efficient Parking).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — § 9.28.140 (Bicycle Parking — applicability, counts, and design requirements).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — § 9.28.190 (Alternate Compliance: off‑site parking, distances, and downtown in‑lieu fee; fee amount and CPI adjustment).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — Chapter 9.16, § 9.16.010–.020 (A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District: purpose and permitted uses).
Santa Monica Municipal Code — § 9.31.025 (Accessory Dwelling Units: parking relocation and related residential parking rules).

Sources

Retrieved passages

Santa Monica Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code High relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code (§ 9.31.040.) Medium relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
Santa Monica Zoning Code (Chapter shall) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Santa Monica code library

Frequently asked questions

What does Santa Monica require for bicycle parking?

Santa Monica requires short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking for every new building, change of use, or enlargement of 10% or more; the minimum counts are shown in Table 9.28.140 and general design/anchoring/clearance/wayfinding rules are in § 9.28.140. Exemptions: no long‑term bike parking is required when the building is under 2,500 square feet. § 9.28.140.

How many loading spaces must I provide for a commercial project?

Loading requirements depend on gross floor area and use. The ordinance sets thresholds (for example, commercial projects 2,501–7,500 sf require one passenger loading space; 7,501–50,000 sf generally require one standard loading space; projects over 50,000 sf require a passenger plus a standard loading space; larger food markets may require semi‑tractor trailer spaces). See § 9.28.080 for full tables, dimensions (passenger loading minimum 18 ft × 10 ft), location and screening rules. § 9.28.080.

Can I provide parking off‑site or pay a fee instead of building spaces?

Yes. Off‑site parking is allowed with a recorded parking agreement and must meet distance limits (250 ft pedestrian route for residential; 400 ft for nonresidential; all spaces within 1,000 ft of parcel perimeter). In the Downtown Parking Assessment District, developers may voluntarily pay the in‑lieu fee (ordinance text lists $20,000 per space, adjusted by CPI) in lieu of providing spaces; see § 9.28.190 for the conditions and payment timing. § 9.28.190.

Does Santa Monica limit how much parking I can build (maximums)?

Yes. The ordinance contains maximum parking limits tied to the use table; generally, you cannot exceed the specified maximums except in limited circumstances. Permanent public parking above maximums requires a Conditional Use Permit with findings in § 9.28.060. § 9.28.060.

Are space‑efficient parking systems (stackers, tandem parking) allowed?

Yes. § 9.28.090 authorizes space‑efficient parking (mechanical stackers, tandem, automated systems) subject to rules; accessible stalls for persons with disabilities cannot be space‑efficient unless they meet accessibility law. Provide details for maneuvering and safety for Director review. § 9.28.090.

If I add an ADU, do I have to provide new parking?

ADU parking rules are addressed in the ADU section. The ordinance allows parking displaced by an ADU to be relocated in the front half of the parcel or retained under specific conditions (dimensional standards, hazardous‑obstruction standards, and curb‑cut limitations). Review § 9.31.025 for ADU parking relocation and any exceptions that may apply. § 9.31.025.

Where must loading areas be located relative to the building and alley?

Loading areas must be provided off‑street, within the subject property, located adjacent to building door openings, and accessible from an alley or a minor roadway; the Director may authorize one on‑street passenger loading space for schools/childcare under certain conditions. See § 9.28.080 for location and design criteria. § 9.28.080.

Can bike parking count reduce required automobile spaces?

The ordinance allows conversions/credits in some circumstances (for example, a credit when bicycle spaces replace automobile footprints up to a stated maximum percent). For precise credit rules and caps, consult § 9.28.060 and accompanying subsections and tables. § 9.28.060.

Are there special rules for parking on “A” overlay lots?

Yes — the A Off‑Street Parking Overlay District permits parking facilities on “A” lots under specific conditions and limits redevelopment of commercial parcels that the A‑lot serves. See § 9.16.010–.020 for the overlay purpose, permitted uses, and Minor Use Permit rules. § 9.16.010–.020.

What should I bring to the Planning counter to show compliance with parking rules?

Bring a parking schedule keyed to Table 9.28.060 showing required vs proposed spaces, a site plan with all parking/pedestrian/bike/loading areas, any off‑site parking agreements, bike rack details per § 9.28.140, and loading dimensions per § 9.28.080. If you propose in‑lieu fee payment, bring the fee calculation and budget source per § 9.28.190. § 9.28.060, § 9.28.140, § 9.28.080, § 9.28.190.

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