Local zoning · Shafter

Shafter — Parking

Q: Where do I find how many spaces a restaurant or office needs in Shafter?

Consult Table 13.A (Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements) in § 13.30 ; if your specific use or size isn’t listed, the Planning Director will set the requirement (often after a parking study) per § 13.20.8 .

Q: What are the minimum stall dimensions Shafter requires?

Covered and uncovered full‑size spaces are 9 ft x 19 ft ; compact uncovered spaces are 8 ft x 16 ft ; covered spaces must add an extra 1 ft width adjacent to columns or obstructions. Disabled stalls and their loading aisles follow the dimensions in § 13.60.1.a.(2–7) .

Q: If my lot is downtown and constrained, can I avoid providing full code parking?

Possibly — § 13.50 (parking adjustments) allows the Planning Commission to approve modifications (including reductions, tandem allowance, in‑lieu fees) provided specific findings are met; DC has targeted procedures for downtown adjustments. Expect public notice and findings.

Parking under the Shafter 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 Shafter’s zoning (Title 17 / City of Shafter Development Code) requires for parking, off‑street loading, and bicycle facilities. It synthesizes the controlling rules in Chapter 13 (Parking Regulations) and the district development standards in Chapters 4–7 so applicants know where to look and what the common decision points are. Key requirements are drawn from §§13.10–13.60 (parking chapter) and the residential, commercial, employment, and agricultural district rules cited below.

Note: references below show the controlling code paragraph (§) and the uploaded ordinance file citation for verification.

How this page links other Shafter pages

For general zoning context see Shafter Zoning.
When you see references to setbacks and site rules see Shafter Development Standards.
Design guidance that may affect parking layout is reviewed under Shafter Design Review.
If your property is in a special overlay, consult Shafter Overlay Districts.
ADU parking interactions are explained under Shafter ADUs.
Technical building-standards (e.g., accessibility stall markings, curb ramps) are governed by the California Building Standards Code.

(Links above point to the jurisdiction pages noted in the internal menu.)

Controlling local rules — short list

Purpose and general applicability: Chapter 13, §13.10 (purpose) and §13.20 (general regulations). New buildings, new uses, expansions, or occupancy changes that increase parking demand must comply. (§13.10; §13.20.1)
Off‑street parking schedule and standard references: §13.30 (Table 13.A off‑street automobile parking requirements) and §13.40 (Table 13.B off‑street loading requirements). (§13.30; §13.40)
Adjustments and reductions: §13.50 permits shared‑parking, parking adjustments (including in‑lieu, tandem exceptions) and transportation management plan reductions. (§13.50)
Design dimensional standards: §13.60 contains stall sizes, handicapped stall dimensions, motorcycle and RV rules, surfacing, landscaping, driveway widths and loading design. (§13.60)

District-by-district breakdown (purpose, typical uses, parking-relevant development standards and where it applies)

Note: each district name below is shown in bold; the ordinance sets use tables and minimum site standards in the district chapters and cross‑references Chapter 13 for parking amounts and design standards.

Estate — E

Purpose / typical uses: E (Estate) provides large-lot, low-density single‑family residential development. (§4.20.1)
Parking relevance: Residential parking requirements follow Chapter 13 (off‑street parking for single‑family is addressed in Table 13.A). The residential chapter specifically states on‑site parking must be provided and that front yard areas cannot be used for parking. (§4.20.4; §13.20)
Key dimensional/site standards that affect parking layout: minimum lot sizes/setbacks and driveway widths are shown in Table 4.B and Chapter 10; driveways for single‑family dwellings have minimum widths (one‑car and two‑car) per §13.60 drive/garage rules. (§Table 4.B; §13.60.7)

Residential Estate — R-E

Purpose / typical uses: R-E is a transition large‑lot single family zone (lower density than R‑1). (§4.20.2)
Parking relevance & standards: same approach as E — on‑site parking required; front yards/streetside yards are not to be used for parking; tandem parking is generally prohibited unless expressly approved. (§4.20.4; §13.20.10)

Low Density Residential — R-1

Purpose / typical uses: R‑1 supports detached single‑family neighborhoods; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted (see local ADU rules and state limits). (§4.20.3; §11.200)
Parking rules that matter: Residential developments must meet Chapter 13 off‑street parking schedules; assigned parking is required for for‑sale projects and on‑street parking does not count toward requirements. (§4.20.4; §13.20)
Practical dimensional notes: driveways and garage door widths for single‑family covered spaces are called out in §13.60 (covered spaces minimum 9 ft width x 19 ft depth; private garage door openings 8 ft for one‑car, 16 ft for two‑car). (§13.60.1.a.(2))

Medium Density Residential — R-2 and Medium‑High R-3

Purpose / typical uses: R‑2 and R‑3 permit duplexes, small multifamily, and other medium density residential uses. Parking for multifamily is governed by Table 13.A and design rules in §13.60. (§4.20.4)
Key parking specifics: automobile parking for multifamily must be located within 150 ft of the dwelling unit it serves (measured from dwelling entry); exceptions by adjustment may be approved. (§13.60.5.b)

Resource Management / Mobilehome / Special residential

Mobilehome parks and certain multifamily types have their own off‑street requirements (picked up in Chapter 10 / mobilehome park rules: e.g., two parking spaces per mobilehome space, minimum sizes for guest parking, and allowance for some tandem where explicitly allowed). (Ch.10, §10.170; Table specifics)

Downtown Commercial — DC, General Commercial — GC, Neighborhood Commercial — NC

Purpose / typical uses: DC for downtown retail/service clustering; GC for city‑serving retail and larger commercial uses; NC for small neighborhood retail. (§5.10–5.20)
Parking relevance: All commercial districts must comply with Chapter 13 parking numbers and design. Where off‑street parking areas are located in a visual corridor in NC or GC, screening (landscaped berm or decorative wall ≥ 2 ft) is required between the street and the parking area. (§5.40.2.b)
Downtown adjustments: the Planning Commission can approve parking adjustments specifically for the DC district under §13.50 (special notice and findings required). (§13.50)

Business Park — BP and Industrial — I

Purpose / typical uses: light industrial, warehousing and distribution in BP/I. Off‑street loading is particularly important for these uses and Table 13.B sets required loading spaces by use and gross floor area. (§6.10; §13.40)

Agricultural — A

Purpose / typical uses: agricultural operations; accessory residences and farm housing subject to Chapter 7 rules. Parking for agricultural uses is treated by use (Table 13.A/13.B) and specific farm‑related development standards are in Chapter 7. (§7.x; §13.30–13.40)

At-a-glance standards table (decision‑relevant)

Requirement	Typical value / rule	Code Reference
Applicability — what triggers Chapter 13	Any new building, new use, additions/enlargements or occupancy changes that increase parking demand must comply	§ 13.20.1
Off‑street parking schedule (use‑by‑use)	See Table 13.A — Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements (apply rates by use / GFA)	§ 13.30 / Table 13.A
Off‑street loading (service areas)	Minimum loading spaces by use and building size in Table 13.B	§ 13.40 / Table 13.B
Compact spaces permitted (max %)	Maximum percent is set in Table 13.A / §13.20.9 (and may be increased via adjustment)	§ 13.20.9; Table 13.A
Tandem parking	Generally prohibited to meet required spaces unless specifically permitted by CUP/variance	§ 13.20.10
Covered parking min. stall	9 ft x 19 ft (covered) — garage door openings 8 ft (1‑car) / 16 ft (2‑car)	§ 13.60.1.a.(2)
Uncovered full-size stall	9 ft x 19 ft	§ 13.60.1.a.(3)
Disabled parking stall	14 ft wide with 5 ft loading aisle; if two adjacent may share aisle resulting 23 ft width for two	§ 13.60.1.a.(7)
Bicycle parking	Bicycle facilities required per §13.30 schedule and design rules in §13.60; locate near entrances and visible	§ 13.30; § 13.60.5.f–g
Parking landscaping	Minimum parking area landscaping by size: 5%, 7.5%, 10% tiers; landscaped islands required (see Table 13.D)	Table 13.D; § 13.60.6
Driveway dimensions (multifamily/nonres)	One‑way min 15 ft, two‑way min 24 ft, turn radii and spacing in Table 13.E	Table 13.E; § 13.60 (Driveway standards)
Shared parking reduction	Up to 30% reduction for joint‑use where peaks differ (supported by study)	§ 13.50.2.a
Transportation management reduction	Up to 20% reduction with approved Transportation Management Plan; >10% reduction requires Planning Commission	§ 13.50.3

(For specific per‑use numeric rates consult Table 13.A and Table 13.B in §13.30 and §13.40.)

Practical guidance & interpretation notes

Start with Chapter 13: determine whether your proposed use is listed in Table 13.A and Table 13.B; if not, prepare a parking study and justify your proposed rate (§13.20.8). (§13.30; §13.20.8)
If your site is in DC (Downtown) or constrained (historic downtown buildings, infill), expect to use §13.50 (parking adjustments, shared parking, in‑lieu fees). The Planning Commission may approve adjustments after findings and public notice. (§13.50)
Design to the dimensions in §13.60 early: stalls, aisles, disabled stalls, and landscape islands have mandatory minimums — noncompliant striping will fail plan check. (§13.60.1; Table 13.D; Table 13.E)
Bicycle parking: locate visible short‑term racks near the main entrance; long‑term secure storage for multifamily is required and is treated in the parking schedule / design rules. (§13.20; §13.60.5.f–g)
ADU impacts: local ADU rules limit what the city may require for ADU parking (state ADU law is relevant). See the Shafter ADU guidance and be aware the City follows state constraints on ADU parking. (Local ADU rules referenced in Chapter 11 and state ADU law.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a routine commercial or multifamily application)

Identify required number of automobile parking spaces from Table 13.A for each use on site. (§13.30)
Show loading bays consistent with Table 13.B for commercial/industrial uses. (§13.40)
Provide stall dimensions, aisle widths, disabled stalls, motorcycle stalls and bicycle racks per §13.60 on plan sheets. (§13.60)
Include parking lot landscaping (Table 13.D) and landscape island details; automatic irrigation noted. (§13.60.6; Table 13.D)
If asking for reductions (shared parking, TM plan, in‑lieu), attach the supporting parking study / TDM plan and identify needed legal instruments (reciprocal access, parking agreements). (§13.50)
Confirm driveways meet Table 13.E driveway dimension rules (multifamily/nonresidential). (§13.60; Table 13.E)
For ADUs, follow Chapter 11 ADU rules and note state ADU limitations on local parking requirements. (§11.200; state ADU law discussion)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Use not listed in Table 13.A	Ordinance requires the Planning Director to determine parking — may trigger a required parking study	Confirm whether your use has a published rate; if not plan to prepare a parking study per § 13.20.8
Historic/downtown buildings with constrained site	Standard stalls, circulation, or landscaping may be impossible in tight lots	Consider a Parking Adjustment or shared‑parking/CUP under § 13.50; expect public hearing requirements and findings.
ADU parking requirements vs. state law	State ADU law caps what cities can require; local code must comply and may not exceed state limits	Check Chapter 11 ADU rules and state ADU statutes; verify whether Shafter applies exemptions listed in state law. (§11.200; Not found in retrieved materials: full state statute text in file — verify with jurisdiction).
Driveway/curb standards conflict with County/Engineering standards	City engineering standards and Subdivision & Engineering Design Standards may add or change driveway detail	Coordinate with City Engineer/Building & Safety for driveway approach and curb/gutter standards. (§13.60 driveways; Chapter 10 cross‑refs)
Electric vehicle / future‑proofing requirements	Local ordinance references state building codes / green standards but specifics may be in the Building Code or Green Code appendices	Verify EV readiness/charging requirements with Building Department and California Building Standards Code. (Local file references EV topics in state code materials; jurisdiction confirmation needed.)

Plain‑English summary (homeowner)

Shafter requires most new buildings and expansions to provide off‑street parking, loading areas, and bicycle parking based on the use and size of the building. The exact number comes from Chapter 13’s schedules (Table 13.A and 13.B); stall sizes, handicapped stall layout, landscaping islands, driveway widths, and where bicycle parking goes are laid out in §13.60. If your lot is small, downtown, or includes an ADU, there are formal ways (parking adjustments, shared parking, or state ADU rules) to reduce or modify the requirement — but you must apply and provide studies or agreements. (§13.20; §13.30; §13.40; §13.60; §13.50)

Source References

City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 13 — PARKING REGULATIONS (purpose; general rules; schedules; adjustments; design standards): §13.10–§13.60.
City of Shafter Development Code, Chapter 13 — Off‑Street Loading and Tables (Table 13.B): §13.40 and Table 13.B.
City of Shafter Development Code — Driveway and driveway dimensions (Table 13.E): §13.60 / Table 13.E.
City of Shafter Development Code — Parking area landscaping (Table 13.D) and landscape island sizes: §13.60 / Table 13.D.
City of Shafter Development Code — Residential Districts and development standards (E, R‑E, R‑1, R‑2, R‑3 and Table 4.B): Chapter 4 / §4.20 and Table 4.B.
City of Shafter Development Code — Commercial Districts and minimum site standards (GC, NC, DC and Table 5.B): Chapter 5 / Table 5.B.
City of Shafter Development Code — Employment Districts (BP, I) use tables: Chapter 6 / Table 6.A.
City of Shafter Development Code — ADU rules referenced in residential chapter: Chapter 11 (Accessory Dwelling Units) and Chapter 4 cross‑references.
For California technical/building standards (accessibility stall markings, EV readiness): consult the California Building Standards Code. See the state building codes link above for where those requirements live. (/us/california/building-codes)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 13) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Title shall) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter shall) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 12) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter may) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 13) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (TITLE 17) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Section 13.20) High relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Title and) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 3) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 2) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 5) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Title is) Medium relevance
CRC § 395 Medium relevance
CEC § 193 (CHAPTER 35) Medium relevance
CRC § 000 Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 1) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 10) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Chapter 1) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (CHAPTER 10) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Section 11.50) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code (Section is) Medium relevance
Shafter Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Shafter code library

Frequently asked questions

What triggers Shafter’s off‑street parking rules for a project?

Any new building, any new use, any addition or enlargement, or any occupancy change that increases required parking triggers compliance with Chapter 13 — see § 13.20.1.

Where do I find how many spaces a restaurant or office needs in Shafter?

Consult Table 13.A (Off‑Street Automobile Parking Space Requirements) in § 13.30; if your specific use or size isn’t listed, the Planning Director will set the requirement (often after a parking study) per § 13.20.8.

Can the City let me use tandem parking or compact stalls to meet requirements?

Tandem parking is generally prohibited to meet required spaces unless specifically allowed by a conditional use permit or variance (§ 13.20.10). The maximum percent of compact spaces is governed by Table 13.A and can be modified via a parking adjustment (see § 13.50).

How close must parking be to a multifamily unit in Shafter?

Required automobile spaces for multifamily must be located within 150 feet of the dwelling units they serve (measured from the dwelling entry) unless a variation is approved under § 13.50. (§13.60.5.b)

What are the minimum stall dimensions Shafter requires?

Covered and uncovered full‑size spaces are 9 ft x 19 ft; compact uncovered spaces are 8 ft x 16 ft; covered spaces must add an extra 1 ft width adjacent to columns or obstructions. Disabled stalls and their loading aisles follow the dimensions in § 13.60.1.a.(2–7).

When is a shared‑parking reduction allowed and how much?

A shared‑parking reduction may be granted for joint use scenarios — up to 30% reduction of minimum parking requirements where peak demands differ; the applicant must submit analysis per § 13.50.2.

Do bicycle parking requirements appear in the Shafter code?

Yes — Chapter 13 requires bicycle facilities (see the schedules in § 13.30 and design/location guidance in § 13.60, which require visibility and proximity to building entrances). If a use or project size triggers bicycle parking the code specifies the standard or refers the applicant to provide a study.

If my lot is downtown and constrained, can I avoid providing full code parking?

Possibly — § 13.50 (parking adjustments) allows the Planning Commission to approve modifications (including reductions, tandem allowance, in‑lieu fees) provided specific findings are met; DC has targeted procedures for downtown adjustments. Expect public notice and findings.

Are there landscaping requirements inside parking lots?

Yes — parking lots (except detached single‑family driveways) must provide minimum landscaped area per Table 13.D (5% / 7.5% / 10% tiers), landscaped islands at row ends, and automatic irrigation as described in § 13.60.6.

Who enforces dimensions like driveway width and aisle radii for a commercial lot?

The Planning Department enforces zoning‑level design standards in §13.60, but the City Engineer and Building Department will review driveway approaches, curb returns and structural pavement per the City’s Subdivision & Engineering Design Standards referenced in the code. Verify driveway approach details with Engineering. (§13.60; cross‑refs in Chapter 10). ---

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