Local zoning · Sausalito

Sausalito — Parking

Parking under the Sausalito 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 Sausalito's Zoning Ordinance requires for off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle parking. It is drawn from the City Zoning Ordinance (Title 10) and related specific‑use sections: the core standards are in § 10.40.100, § 10.40.110, and § 10.40.120. For design and review implications see the city's design review rules; for how parking interacts with site rules see the development standards and overlay districts pages. Where the Building Code affects accessible stalls or ramps, the code defers to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24).

Notes up front:

  • The Zoning Ordinance sets parking by land use using Table 10.40-1 and interpretive rules in § 10.40.110 (Minimum Required Parking); see the table and rules for mixed uses, rounding, and calculation method. § 10.40.100 states the purpose and basic site‑location rules.
  • Design/layout/specs (stall size, aisle widths, screening, bicycle racks) are in § 10.40.120. Disabled parking follows Title 24 (California Building Code).

District-by-district breakdown (parking-focused)

Below are the Sausalito zoning districts most relevant to parking decisions. Each subsection states purpose, typical permitted uses (as they affect parking demand), and the most relevant dimensional/parking notes. For full land‑use lists and dimensional tables, see the zoning district chapters cited.

Important: where the ordinance gives a parking ratio by use (Table 10.40‑1), that ratio controls regardless of district; district notes below emphasize special district exceptions or additional rules. All parking requirements are administered under § 10.40.110 (and related subsections).

Residential districts — R-1, R-2, R-3, PR, H, A

  • Purpose: preserve existing residential scale and character; provide locations for single‑family, duplex, and multi‑family housing. See land use for permitted uses.
  • Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, two‑family, multi‑family, accessory structures (including ADUs — see the ADU page and SMC § 10.44.080).
  • Key dimensional standards that affect parking layout: the residential site development table (Table 10.22‑2) sets minimum parcel sizes, setbacks and maximum building height/FAR; these control where on‑site parking can be located and whether garages/carports are feasible. See § 10.22.040 for the table and notes.
  • Parking rules that apply:
    • Standard residential parking ratio in Table 10.40‑1: 2 per dwelling unit for single‑ or multiple‑family residential unless exceptions apply (the Table is in § 10.40.110). Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are governed by § 10.44.080 (ADU parking: generally one off‑street space per ADU or bedroom; multiple exceptions where no parking required).
    • Existing single‑family arks and certain arks: the ordinance specifically states no off‑street parking required for existing single‑family ark dwellings in the ark provisions (see § 10.44.130).

Commercial districts — CC (Central Commercial), CR, CN, SC, CW, W, W‑M

  • Purpose: commercial activity, visitor services, waterfront operations (some districts are waterfront‑oriented). See Table 10.24‑1 for allowed uses.
  • Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices, marinas/harbor support, limited industrial or marine uses in CW/W/W‑M; private/commercial parking facilities are a use that may require a CUP in several commercial districts.
  • Key dimensional standards: Table 10.24‑2 (site development standards) governs parcel size, setbacks, FAR and building coverage; these affect on‑site parking feasibility (see § 10.24.050).
  • Parking rules that apply:
    • Use‑based parking ratios are in Table 10.40‑1 (example: retail, office, restaurant ratios vary by use). The ordinance requires that parking serving a use be located on the same site except where off‑site or joint‑use is approved per § 10.40.110(E) or a CUP/MUP decision.
    • The Planning Commission may authorize joint use (shared parking) and reductions for downtown CC under specified findings (up to 70% mixing rules for weekday/weekend or day/night complementary uses) — see § 10.40.110(E) and other reduction provisions.
    • Special waterfront standards: marinas/harbors must provide 1 space per 2 berths plus public parking of 1 per 10 berths, and parking for ancillary offices (see § 10.44.140).

Industrial / Marinship — Marinship / industrial district

  • Purpose: industrial and maritime activities under Chapter 10.26 (Marinship specific plan references appear in the code). Parking for large industrial uses is governed by the Table 10.40‑1 ratios for manufacturing, warehousing and marine industrial. Where warehousing/storage accessory areas exceed 2,000 sq ft, the warehouse ratio applies (see § 10.40.110(B)(4)(b)).

Overlay districts — Historic -H, Planned Development -Pd, Senior Housing Overlay PR

  • Purpose: overlays impose additional or altered rules (e.g., design controls, setback changes) that affect parking placement and requirements. See overlay districts and Chapter 10.28.
  • Parking effects:
    • Historic Overlay (the -H overlay) can exempt or modify parking requirements for ADUs and may require location restrictions for accessory units; ADU parking exceptions include if the ADU is within an architecturally/historically significant district (see § 10.44.080).
    • Planned Development overlays can alter lot width and setbacks which in turn affect parking layout (see § 10.22.040 and § 10.28.060).

Key standards and technical requirements (decision‑relevant table)

Topic / Decision item Standard or requirement Code reference
Baseline parking by use See Table 10.40‑1 — residential 2 spaces/unit for single/multi family; other uses per table (retail, office, industrial, etc.). § 10.40.110
ADU parking Generally 1 off‑street space per ADU or bedroom; multiple exceptions (transit proximity, historic district, part of primary residence, car‑share, on‑street permit restrictions). § 10.44.080(G)(7)
Joint/shared parking Up to 70% shared across complementary uses/day‑parts; Planning Commission CUP required with findings. § 10.40.110(E)
Bicycle parking Parking lots with 20+ auto spaces must provide one bicycle rack per 20 spaces, racks hold minimum four bicycles and allow locking. § 10.40.100(B)(2)
Disabled-accessible spaces As required by Title 24 (California Building Standards Code); accessible spaces count toward required totals. § 10.40.100(B)(1) and Title 24
Stall size & layout Minimum parking space = 9 ft x 19 ft; aisle widths per Diagram 10.40‑9; internal access required to each space except supervised lots. § 10.40.120(A)(1–3)
Screening of parking Parking areas of 5+ spaces abutting residential parcels/street must be screened by 6 ft wall/fence/hedge (with elevation adjustments); subject to design review. § 10.40.120(A)(3)(d)
Off‑site parking Allowed only with CUP or when Zoning Administrator approves off‑site location per standards (or joint use). § 10.40.120(B) and § 10.40.110(E)
Minimum loss/on‑street replacement Off‑street parking & driveways must result in minimum loss of on‑street parking; at least two off‑street spaces must serve a driveway that displaces one on‑street space (special rule). § 10.40.100(B)(4)
Marinas / harbor parking 1 space per 2 berths + 1 public space per 10 berths; plus parking for office uses. § 10.44.140(B)
Parking reductions / CUP Planning Commission may grant reductions based on parking studies, downtown shared parking model, preservation of historic structures, or other findings; other reductions via CUP/conditional process. § 10.40.110(D), (G)

Practical guidance and interpretation (plain‑English synthesis)

  • Start with Table 10.40‑1 and § 10.40.110: the required number of spaces is allocated by land use (the ordinance treats mixed uses as additive unless a joint‑use approval is obtained). Calculate using gross floor area for commercial uses and dwelling units for residential uses; round fractions ≥0.5 up. § 10.40.110 governs these rules.
  • If an ADU is proposed, consult § 10.44.080 first — ADU parking rules and multiple statutory exceptions (transit proximity, historic overlay, part of primary residence, on‑street permit limitations) can eliminate the parking requirement. Also note state ADU law constraints; see the city's ADU page and state ADU law summaries.
  • For downtown/commercial projects consider a shared parking study or request joint‑use arrangements: the Planning Commission may authorize joint use and reductions where hours or day‑parts are complementary (see § 10.40.110(E)). Bring a parking study if asking to reduce required stalls.
  • Technical layout: design to the stall size (9' x 19') and aisle widths in Diagram 10.40‑9, provide bicycle racks if the lot is 20+ spaces, and follow screening/lighting rules if parking abuts residential. Consult § 10.40.120 for layout and design requirements and the local design review triggers for visible screening.
  • Accessibility: provide Title 24‑compliant accessible spaces; these count toward the total required parking. The Zoning Ordinance explicitly defers to Title 24 for disabled spaces. § 10.40.100(B)(1).

Checklist

  • Identify the land use and find the required ratio in Table 10.40‑1 and § 10.40.110.
  • For residential projects, confirm district‑specific site standards in § 10.22.040 (Table 10.22‑2) that affect parking placement (setbacks, lot coverage, impervious surface).
  • For ADUs, apply § 10.44.080 exceptions for ADU parking and document eligibility for any exception.
  • Show parking layout (9' x 19' stalls, aisle widths per Diagram 10.40‑9), screening, lighting, and internal circulation consistent with § 10.40.120.
  • Provide bicycle parking if proposing ≥20 auto spaces (§ 10.40.100(B)(2)).
  • If requesting reduced/off‑site/shared parking, prepare a parking study and justify findings required by § 10.40.110(D)/(E)/(G) or a CUP.
  • Confirm disabled parking compliance to Title 24 and show those spaces on plans (§ 10.40.100(B)(1)).
  • If the project is in an overlay (e.g., -H Historic), check overlay rules that may alter parking requirements for ADUs or require design review.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking exceptions vs. local ADU rules State and local ADU rules interact; local ADU exceptions are limited by state law and local code language. Verify ADU-specific exceptions in § 10.44.080 and confirm which exception applies; check state ADU law where necessary.
Joint/shared parking feasibility Shared parking requires a CUP and findings; improper assumptions on complementary hours can lead to denial. Provide a parking study and demonstrate complementary use hours to meet § 10.40.110(E).
Historic district constraints Historic overlays may both relax (e.g., ADU parking) and tighten (design review, placement) requirements. Check the -H overlay provisions and historic review requirements (Chapter 10.46) before relying on parking exemptions. Not found in retrieved materials for full H overlay procedures — verify with the jurisdiction.
Off‑site parking / deed restrictions Off‑site or deed‑restricted parking can be approved but may be conditioned and must run with the use. If proposing off‑site parking, expect deed restriction conditions per § 10.40.110(E)(4) and obtain legal documentation.
EV / car‑share requirements for voluntarily provided parking City may apply car‑share, public access or pricing requirements to voluntarily provided parking. If providing voluntary parking, confirm conditions in § 10.40.115(F)(2) and project approvals that might require car‑share or availability rules.
Nonconforming parking Existing nonconforming parking entitlements may be preserved in replication or replication projects; changes can trigger new requirements. Review nonconformity rules and nonconformity permit process (Chapter 10.62) if changing a structure or its parking.

Plain-English Summary

Sausalito sets parking by land use in Table 10.40‑1 and the accompanying rules in § 10.40.110; stall sizes, bicycle racks, screening and layout are in § 10.40.120. ADUs and projects in historic or downtown areas have special exceptions and reduction paths — bring a parking study when you want fewer stalls or shared/off‑site parking, and expect Title 24 to govern accessible stalls.

Source References

  • City of Sausalito Zoning Ordinance (Title 10), Chapter 10.40 General Development Regulations — § 10.40.100, § 10.40.110, § 10.40.120. Full code downloaded from Sausalito eCode: https://ecode360.com/SA4880.
  • Residential district site development standards (Table 10.22‑2) and district purposes — § 10.22.040.
  • Commercial district site standards and use table — § 10.24.050 (Table 10.24‑2 / 10.24‑1).
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions and ADU parking exceptions — § 10.44.080.
  • Marinas and harbor parking specifics — § 10.44.140(B).
  • Nonconforming parking / nonconformity permits — Chapter 10.62 (see § 10.62.070).
  • Design review findings and parking/guest‑parking considerations — Chapter 10.54, § 10.54.050.
  • California Building Standards / Title 24 (accessibility references). See the state's Building Code for accessible parking stall and ramp technical requirements. https://www.dgs.ca.gov/BSC (referenced in § 10.40.100(B)(1)).

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.110) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.090) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.110D) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.110) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.100) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (section shall) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.62.050) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.44.110) High relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.10.030) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.44.080) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.10.030.) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.44.300) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.40.030) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.22.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking ratio applies to a new single‑family house in Sausalito?

The baseline requirement for single‑family and multiple‑family residential is 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit, as set in Table 10.40‑1 and implemented in § 10.40.110; site development limits (setbacks, lot coverage) in § 10.22.040 affect where those spaces can be placed.

Do I have to provide parking for an ADU in Sausalito?

Generally one off‑street space per ADU or bedroom is required, but § 10.44.080 lists multiple exceptions (within ½ mile of transit, in historic district, part of the primary residence/accessory structure, lack of on‑street permit availability, nearby car‑share). Check § 10.44.080(G)(7) to see if your ADU qualifies for an exception.

Can I ask the City to count nearby public or private lots toward my project's parking requirement?

Yes, but off‑site or shared parking requires authorization: the Planning Commission can approve joint/shared parking (with conditions and findings) under § 10.40.110(E) or a CUP; be prepared to submit a parking study demonstrating complementary hours and proximity.

What are the stall and layout minimums I must show on plan sets?

Parking spaces must be at least 9 ft × 19 ft, with aisle widths and angles per Diagram 10.40‑9; lots must provide unobstructed internal access except where a lot attendant is supervising. See § 10.40.120(A) for layout rules and Diagram 10.40‑9.

Are bicycle parking racks required?

Yes — any parking lot with 20 or more auto spaces must provide one bicycle rack per 20 auto spaces, with each rack providing at least four bicycle parking positions and the ability to lock a bicycle, per § 10.40.100(B)(2).

How does the ordinance treat disabled‑accessible spaces?

Accessible parking must comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24); the Zoning Ordinance requires accessible spaces be included and counts them toward the required total (see § 10.40.100(B)(1)).

Can the Planning Commission reduce required parking for downtown projects?

Yes — reductions and waivers are possible. The Code allows reductions based on the Sausalito Downtown Parking Study/shared parking model, preservation of historic structures, replacement of pre‑existing structures, or by CUP findings; see § 10.40.110(D) and (G). Bring a study to support a reduction request.

What if my lot is adjacent to residential parcels — are there screening requirements?

Yes — any parking area of 5 or more spaces within or abutting a residential parcel or street must be separated by a solid wall, view‑obscuring fence, or compact evergreen hedge 6 feet high (with adjustments for grade differences); the screening is subject to design review (§ 10.40.120(A)(3)(d)).

Does Sausalito require a minimum net gain in off‑street parking when a driveway displaces on‑street parking?

The ordinance states new off‑street parking and vehicular access must result in a minimum loss of on‑street parking and a net increase of at least one overall off‑street space; where one on‑street space is removed by a driveway, at least two off‑street spaces should be provided. See § 10.40.100(B)(4).

How are marina and boat‑related uses parked?

Marinas/harbors must supply 1 parking space per 2 berths plus 1 public parking space per 10 berths; ancillary offices require additional parking per normal use ratios. See § 10.44.140(B).

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