Local zoning · Sebastopol

Sebastopol — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

Sebastopol's zoning code requires off-street vehicle, bicycle, rideshare, electric‑vehicle, and loading provisions citywide; design, siting, and reductions or in‑lieu options are handled through the Zoning Code and discretionary review. Key parking rules and the numeric schedules are located in § 17.110.010–§ 17.110.070 (off‑street parking, EVs, rideshare, loading, and bicycle parking) and the Small Lot/ADU chapters that modify those standards for specific cases. § 17.110.020 establishes the baseline off‑street obligation and filing requirements for applicants.

Note: this page interprets the adopted Title 17 (Zoning Code) text provided in the uploaded ordinance file; where the ordinance is silent I state "Not found in retrieved materials" and recommend verifying with the jurisdiction.

How this page links to other Sebastopol topics

(Each of the linked terms above is the first natural mention of that topic in this page.)

Citywide rules — what the Zoning Code actually says (high‑level)

  • All uses must provide off‑street parking as prescribed in the code at initial occupancy, alteration/enlargement, or completion of construction; required parking calculations must accompany planning, design review, and building permit applications. § 17.110.020.
  • The numeric schedule of vehicle, rideshare, bicycle, and special‑case requirements is Table 17.110‑3 (codified in § 17.110.030). Applicants must use net floor area (exterior gross less 15%) when computing some requirements where directed. § 17.110.030.
  • General dimensional, layout, surfacing, access, landscaping, lighting, and driveway standards (size of spaces, permeable surfacing when feasible, visibility at entrances, tree/planter minimums, review by the Design Review Board) are stated in § 17.110.010 and related subsections. § 17.110.010.
  • The Planning Commission (or Director where noted) can approve reductions, shared parking, valet/tandem arrangements, or require increases by discretionary action where justified; conditions for reductions and required findings are in the code. § 17.110.020–§ 17.110.030.

District‑by‑district summary (where the code defines a different rule)

Note: the off‑street numeric schedule lives in § 17.110.030 and applies across districts; district entries below focus on the differences or explicit callouts the ordinance makes for a named district. For district PURPOSE or broad permitted uses where not stated in the provided snippets I mark "Not found in retrieved materials" and recommend verifying with the City's Zoning Map and district chapters. Verify parcel‑specific district boundaries with the Planning Department.

Central Core District (Central Core)

  • Parking summary: For non‑residential uses in the Central Core District, the table in § 17.110.030 sets 1 per 500 sf net floor area; for residential use the applicable parking requirement applies but is reduced by 30% in this district. Bicycle parking requirement is 20% of vehicle spaces. § 17.110.030.
  • Typical intent/purpose: Not found in retrieved materials (consult the district chapter for exact purpose and permitted uses). Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • Where it applies: Downtown/Central Core area as designated on the official zoning map (see Title 17 map). § 17.04.040 references the City zoning map.
  • Practical note: Downtown projects may be eligible to pay a downtown parking in‑lieu fee instead of providing all on‑site spaces; funds are dedicated to Downtown parking improvements. § 17.110.030.B.

Commercial‑Industrial districts (CD / CM / M / CM family)

  • Parking summary: Non‑residential: 1 per 500 sf net is called out for CD/CM in § 17.110.030; bicycle parking percentages and rideshare provisions apply as in the table. § 17.110.030.
  • Typical intent/purpose: Not found in retrieved materials. Verify with the Zoning chapter for each commercial/industrial zone.
  • Practical note: For large commercial developments the code requires pedestrian orientation and that parking be located to the rear of buildings when feasible; landscaping and Design Review Board sign‑off are required for parking areas. § 17.25.040 and commercial design criteria, and § 17.110.010 (landscaping) apply.

R3 / R4 / R5 / R6 / R7 — Small‑lot and multifamily zones

  • Applicability: Small lot subdivision rules are in Chapter 17.230; § 17.230.070 ties parking back to § 17.110. § 17.230.020–.070.
  • Parking summary: Small lots of 4,000 sf or less use the applicable parking requirement less 20% (Table 17.110‑3). Bicycle parking still required as percentage of vehicle spaces. § 17.110.030.
  • Key dimensional point for garages on small lots: The garage/carport front entrance, when facing the street, must be 20 feet behind the public sidewalk (or street plan line), per § 17.230.030.E.
  • Practical note: Tandem parking is explicitly allowed for single‑family uses and for assigned spaces in multi‑family projects; driveway dimension minima also apply. § 17.110.010 and § 17.230.

Single‑family residential (general R districts)

  • Parking summary: Single‑family dwellings: 2 spaces per unit (Table 17.110‑3 / § 17.110.030). Driveway parking counts only where it conforms to driveway standards and front‑setback rules. § 17.110.030; § 17.110.010(B).
  • Setback/driveway rules: Parking spaces are not permitted within required front setbacks except in a conforming driveway; driveway parking minimums for counting a space are 8.5 ft × 18 ft (and a driveway length minimum of 19 ft measured from the back of the sidewalk is specified elsewhere). § 17.110.010 (B.2–3) and related driveway subsections.
  • Practical note: Only one driveway on parcels under 100 ft width is generally allowed without special approval; driveway width caps apply. § 17.110.010; § 17.110.010(4).

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs and JADUs)

  • Parking exception: The ADU chapter specifies that no parking requirement applies to an accessory dwelling unit in many circumstances (ADU parking exceptions). § 17.225 / ADU chapter; see § 17.225 and related ADU provisions.
  • Practical note: Conversions that remove a garage may reconfigure replacement parking anywhere on the lot (covered/uncovered, tandem, mechanical lifts) per ADU rules — check § 17.225 and ADU application requirements.

Key numeric standards (decision‑relevant table)

What Standard (decision amount) Code reference
Single‑family dwelling vehicle parking 2 spaces per unit § 17.110.030
Multifamily (studio / 1 / 2–3 / 4+ bedroom) Studio 1; 1‑bed 1.5; 2–3 bed 2; 4+ bed 3 per unit § 17.110.030
Retail 1 per 300 sf + 1 per 1,000 sf outdoor display § 17.110.030
Restaurants (seated) Interior seating: 1 per 125 sf for first increment (see table) § 17.110.030
Central Core / Commercial‑Industrial non‑res 1 per 500 sf net (non‑res) § 17.110.030
Bicycle parking (multifamily & nonres) Percent of vehicle parking (varies by use; typical 20%) § 17.110.030; § 17.110.070
Off‑street loading (commercial/industrial) Table 17.110‑4: 0 → 4 spaces depending on building size (first loading may count as a parking space; extra loading min 10'×20') § 17.110.060
Compact stalls allowed Up to 40% of total; compact = min 8' × 16' § 17.110.010 / Table 17.110‑1
EV charging (lots with ≥10 spaces) EV infrastructure sized for 40A/220V to 50% of spaces; at least 20% of vehicle parking spaces must have operational 30‑amp EVSE with payment system; ADA EV spaces required § 17.110.040
Parking in‑lieu (Downtown) Per‑space fee, paid before occupancy; funds dedicated to Downtown improvements § 17.110.030.B

(See full Table 17.110‑3 in § 17.110.030 for the complete schedule used to compute requirements.)

Design, surfacing, landscaping, and access rules (practical items)

  • All parking areas are subject to Design Review Board approval and must include landscaping around paved areas; at least one 15‑gallon tree per five off‑street spaces is required unless modified by the Board. § 17.110.010 (landscaping).
  • Surfacing: permeable paving is required "when feasible" for parking areas, subject to City Engineer approval; if infeasible, minimum PCC/AB/AC standards apply. § 17.110.010 (Improvements).
  • Visibility/access: ingress/egress sight distance, driveway widths, aisle widths, and commercial driveway apron minima are spelled out — see § 17.110.010 and related driveway subsections. § 17.110.010.

Checklist — what an applicant must provide for parking compliance

  • Provide a tabulation of proposed use, gross and net floor area, and the parking calculation showing required vs. provided spaces with references to § 17.110.030.
  • On site plan, show all vehicle spaces, dimensions, EV stalls, rideshare stalls, bicycle spaces (with racks/lockers) and their locations (visible & convenient). § 17.110.010; § 17.110.040; § 17.110.070.
  • Landscape plan for parking areas consistent with Design Review rules (tree count, planter widths). § 17.110.010.
  • If requesting a reduction, submit a parking demand study or trip‑reduction program and be prepared for Commission/Director findings (shared/valet/tandem must be justified). § 17.110.030.
  • If seeking to use on‑street spaces, off‑site spaces, or in‑lieu fee, include easement/ownership proof or payment confirmation per § 17.110.010 and § 17.110.030.B.
  • For ADUs/JADUs, include the ADU checklist showing parking exception compliance per the ADU chapter. § 17.225.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Applying reductions (shared/valet/tandem) The Planning Commission/Director can approve reductions but requires findings; poorly supported reductions are denied or later revoked. Confirm required findings and whether your project needs a conditional use permit; request pre‑application meeting. § 17.110.030.
Downtown in‑lieu fee vs. on‑site spaces Paying the fee does not guarantee proximate public spaces and is non‑refundable. Verify current master fee schedule amount and Downtown district map (Figure 17.08‑1). § 17.110.030.B.
Driveway/setback interpretation Front set‑back, driveway length, and driveway count limits affect whether a driveway counts as parking. Confirm driveway counting rules, driveway placement and City Engineer review—parcel‑specific. § 17.110.010; § 17.230.030.E. Verify with the jurisdiction.
Bicycle parking calculations Table gives bicycle as a percentage of vehicle parking for many uses, but reductions allowed where private secure storage exists. Verify how private storage, lockers, and unit garages are credited under § 17.110.070.
EV infrastructure sizing and ADA EV spaces EV requirements affect electrical design, cost, and accessible stall counts. Confirm electrical capacity and count of ADA EV spaces per § 17.110.040 and coordinate with Building/Engineering; Title 24 accessibility rules also apply. § 17.110.040.
District‑specific use definitions and boundaries District chapters define permitted uses and nuances that may change parking applicability. Verify zoning designation for the parcel on the official zoning map and consult the district chapter for permitted uses. § 17.04.040.

Plain‑English summary

Sebastopol requires most projects to provide off‑street parking according to the numeric schedule in § 17.110.030; the City also mandates bicycle parking, EV charging infrastructure for larger lots, landscaping and Design Review for parking areas, and offers reductions or in‑lieu payment options in some cases (downtown/small lots/ADUs). For ADUs and some small‑lot projects the code explicitly reduces or eliminates parking requirements — always confirm the exact district rules and available in‑lieu fee amounts with Planning. § 17.110.010–§ 17.110.070; § 17.230; ADU chapter.

Source References

  • City of Sebastopol Zoning Code — Chapter 17.110 Off‑Street Parking Regulations: § 17.110.010–§ 17.110.070 (general requirements, parking schedule, EVs, rideshare, loading, bicycle parking).
  • Table 17.110‑3 (Schedule of off‑street parking space requirements, residential/commercial/other use rows) — § 17.110.030.
  • Parking in‑lieu provisions and downtown deposit account rules — § 17.110.030.B.
  • Off‑street loading requirements — § 17.110.060 (Table 17.110‑4).
  • Small lot subdivisions and parking tie‑in — Chapter 17.230 (esp. § 17.230.070).
  • ADU parking exception & related ADU standards — ADU/JADU chapter (see ADU provisions and parking subsection). § 17.225.
  • Design and commercial layout guidance that affects parking siting and landscaping — commercial design criteria and open space/landscaping sections (e.g., § 17.25.040; § 17.110.010).
  • Zoning Code adoption and map incorporation (use the official map to confirm district boundaries) — § 17.04.040.
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for accessible parking stall standards referenced by the Zoning Code (state building code applies to ADA parking design): California Building Standards Code.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Section 17.110.030.) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Chapter 17.100) High relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance
  • Sebastopol Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many vehicle parking spaces does a single‑family home need in Sebastopol?

Single‑family dwellings must provide 2 vehicle parking spaces per unit according to the city parking schedule in § 17.110.030; driveway spaces count only if they conform to driveway and front‑setback rules in § 17.110.010.

Do ADUs in Sebastopol require additional parking?

The ADU chapter states that no parking requirement applies for accessory dwelling units under the ADU/JADU rules; replacement or reconfiguration of demolished garage space must follow ADU provisions for on‑lot parking configuration. Verify details with the Planning Director. § 17.225.

What bicycle parking is required for a new retail or office project?

Bicycle parking is required for all multifamily and nonresidential projects; the number is generally a percentage of the vehicle spaces (commonly 20% for many nonresidential uses), and each bicycle space must meet design specs (min 30" × 6', 7' overhead clearance, secure device). See § 17.110.070 and Table 17.110‑3.

Can I count on‑street or off‑site parking toward my project’s requirement?

Yes, under certain conditions: on‑street spaces directly adjoining the site may count for nonresidential development, and off‑site parking within 300 feet under ownership or easement may be used for commercial/industrial uses (with limits). Shared parking within 300 feet is allowed by Planning Commission with appropriate time/use separation. § 17.110.010 (location rules); § 17.110.030 (shared/off‑site rules).

Are electric‑vehicle charging stations required?

New parking lots with 10 or more spaces must provide EV charging infrastructure sized to meet code (sizing for 40A/220V to serve at least 50% of spaces) and at least 20% of vehicle spaces (including one ADA space) must have an operational 30‑amp EVSE; see § 17.110.040 for counts, signage, and ADA compliance.

What are the loading space requirements for commercial buildings?

Off‑street loading is set by Table 17.110‑4 in § 17.110.060: 0 spaces for <5,000 sf; 1 space for 5,001–10,000 sf; 2 spaces for 10,001–30,000 sf; up to 4 spaces for the largest buildings — additional loading stalls must be at least 10' × 20'. § 17.110.060.

Can the Planning Commission require fewer or more spaces than the numeric table?

Yes — the Planning Commission may require up to 20% more than the table or approve fewer spaces when justified by a trip reduction program, valet/managed parking, or special circumstances; it must make specific findings before approving reductions. § 17.110.030.

Are compact car stalls allowed and is there a limit?

Compact stalls are allowed but limited: compact parking may be up to 40% of the total provided spaces; compact stall minimum dimensions are 8' × 16' per the ordinance. § 17.110.010 / Table 17.110‑1.

Do I need Design Review for my parking lot layout?

Yes — parking facilities are subject to Design Review Board approval and the Board reviews landscaping, lighting, and the amount/location of parking relative to pedestrian orientation. § 17.110.010 and design criteria in commercial district standards apply.

If my site is in the Central Core, can I pay a fee instead of building spaces?

Potentially — the Code allows payment of a parking in‑lieu fee in an established area; the in‑lieu fee is set in the master fee schedule and must be paid before occupancy. Funds are used for Downtown parking improvements. § 17.110.030.B.

Where do I confirm which zoning district my parcel is in?

Check the City’s official Zoning Map (incorporated by reference into the Zoning Code) and the district chapter in Title 17; the adoption and map incorporation are in § 17.04.040. If uncertain, contact the Planning Department. ---

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