Local zoning · Sierra Madre

Sierra Madre — Parking

Parking under the Sierra Madre 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 Sierra Madre's zoning ordinance (Title 17) requires for on‑site/off‑street parking, loading, bicycle parking, screening and related development standards. It pulls the rules you will use when designing parking for residential (single‑family, multi‑family, ADU) and nonresidential projects and points to where the code lets the city reduce or modify requirements. For design review or project scope questions see the city's design rules and development standards pages: Sierra Madre Design Review and Sierra Madre Development Standards.

Key rules (plain‑English, code anchor)

  • Required counts for housing and other uses are set in § 17.68.020; compute spaces per unit by floor area and include guest parking for multi‑family projects (1 per 5 units) where required. § 17.68.020 .
  • General location/access rules require vehicular access from a dedicated improved street/alley and that parking serving a use be on the same lot or within 500 ft walking distance (with specific rules for single‑family, duplex/multi‑family). See § 17.68.060 .
  • Minimum parking space and aisle dimensions, paving and circulation/backup clearances are in § 17.68.080 (example: surface stall 18'×9' (or 18'×10' where abutting building); drive aisle 20') — designers must also follow parking lot design standards on file with the city engineer. § 17.68.080 .
  • Landscaping, planting, and screening requirements for parking lots (including interior landscaping minimums when more than 12 spaces are provided) are in § 17.68.090. § 17.68.090 .
  • Bicycle parking and trip‑reduction measures (TDM) for larger nonresidential projects are regulated in the Transportation Demand chapter; required bike racks and vanpool/carpool measures appear in § 17.80.040. § 17.80.040 .
  • Loading/unloading location and visibility rules are in § 17.36.150 (commercial zone loading must be enclosed/located to contain noise and not be visible from public street or be located in front/adjacent side yard). § 17.36.150 .
  • Local rules provide alternatives and reductions (density‑bonus, reuse, minor CUP/variances) — see § 17.34.070 (density bonus alternative parking) and § 17.56.090 (parking for reuse/nonconforming structures). § 17.34.070 ; § 17.56.090 .

(For ADU parking, the code cross‑references the ADU/second‑unit chapter — parking for second units is handled under Chapter 17.22 per § 17.68.020(A)(6); see also the city's ADU page: Sierra Madre ADUs.) § 17.68.020(A)(6) .

District‑by‑district breakdown (where parking rules that matter differ)

Note: the code uses the city zoning labels; below each district name is bolded where you should look for the rules.

R‑1 (One‑family residential)

  • Purpose/typical uses: single‑family homes and customary accessory uses (garages, driveways). See the R‑1 chapters for permitted uses and setbacks. § 17.20.* .
  • Parking specifics: residential parking counts defer to Chapter 17.68; R‑1 has special circulation/clearance and driveway width rules — minimum 20' unobstructed backup distance for residential parking and tandem parking generally does not satisfy required off‑street spaces in R‑1 unless otherwise noted. See § 17.68.080(O–Q). § 17.68.080(O–Q) .
  • Where it applies: all lots zoned R‑1; driveway widths and front‑yard landscaping rules also in § 17.20.121. § 17.20.121 .

R‑2 (Two‑family / small multi‑family)

  • Purpose/typical uses: duplexes and small multi‑family. Multi‑family unit parking counts are computed in § 17.68.020 by unit floor area; guest parking required when the site has five or more units. § 17.68.020 .
  • Driveway width and clearance: R‑2 follows the same R‑1 driveway width standards unless otherwise noted (§ 17.68.080(Q)). § 17.68.080(Q) .

R‑3‑13 (The R‑3‑13 overlay/residential multi‑family)

  • Purpose/typical uses: higher multi‑family density with specific tiered unit allowances and accessory uses. See Chapter 17.28. § 17.28.* .
  • Parking standards: Chapter 17.28.100 gives unit‑specific parking: one covered space for 0–1‑bedroom, two covered for 2+ bedroom units; guest parking at 1 unenclosed per 5 units where applicable; on‑street parking may not be used to meet these requirements. § 17.28.100 .
  • Where it applies: the mapped R‑3‑13 areas described in Chapter 17.28. .

R‑C (Residential‑Commercial or special residential parcels)

  • Parking: § 17.30.210 specifically requires two off‑street on‑site parking spaces per R‑C parcel, sets minimum parking pad size and requires permeable surfacing, allows parking in front setback subject to distances and deed restriction recording. § 17.30.210 .
  • Notes: Tandem parking is allowed in R‑C (§ 17.30.210(A)); a deed restriction to keep two spaces accessible is required (§ 17.30.210(B)). § 17.30.210(A–B) .

R‑H (Hillside residential)

  • Parking: hillside development rules require compliance with Chapter 17.68 plus an additional parking ratio: maintain Chapter 17.68 spaces plus one space for each 1,000 sq ft of floor area in excess of 4,000 sq ft (see § 17.36.xx for R‑H specifics). § 17.36.* (R‑H) .
  • Where it applies: properties mapped R‑H (hillside) — consult the R‑H chapter for site-specific development/parking conditions. § 17.36.* .

C (Commercial) zone

  • Parking obligation: all off‑street parking in the C (commercial) zone must be provided per Chapter 17.68 (see § 17.36.100) and rear yards may allow up to 10 ft for off‑street parking per § 17.36.070(C). § 17.36.100 ; § 17.36.070(C) .
  • Loading: loading docks/unloading must be placed to contain noise and not be visible from public streets; front/adjacent side yard loading is prohibited (§ 17.36.150). § 17.36.150 .

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant numbers and where to read them

Topic / rule Code requirement (short) Code Reference
Residential parking by unit size 1 space for ≤1,000 sf; 2 spaces for 1,001–3,500 sf; 3 spaces for >3,500 sf; guest: 1 per 5 units (rounded) § 17.68.020
Space & aisle dimensions Surface stall 18'×9' (or 18'×10' abutting obstruction); drive aisle 20' § 17.68.080(A)(1–5)
R‑C parcels 2 on‑site spaces; parking pads min 400 sf; permeable surface; deed restriction § 17.30.210(A–B)
R‑3‑13 multi‑family spaces 1 covered for studio/1BR; 2 for 2+ BR; guest 1 per 5 units (where 5+ units) § 17.28.100
Bicycle parking (nonresidential) 4 bike racks per first 50,000 sf, +1 per additional 50,000 sf; vanpool/carpool zones and TDM items required for ≥50,000 sf § 17.80.040(B)(2)(c)
Loading Loading docks must be enclosed/deep enough to contain noise; not visible from street or in front/adjacent side yard § 17.36.150
Parking reductions / density bonus Alternative/special parking ratios available under density bonus (bedroom‑based ratios) § 17.34.070

Checklist (for applicant site plan / permit submittal)

  • Calculate required off‑street parking using § 17.68.020 (residential) or apply nonresidential ratios and include guest/handicap spaces where required. § 17.68.020
  • Show stall/aisle dimensions and paving type; verify stalls 18'×9' (or 18'×10' adjoining obstruction) and 20' aisle. § 17.68.080
  • Provide vehicular access per § 17.68.060 and show ingress/egress clearance and backup area (20' for R‑1 residential). § 17.68.060
  • If in R‑C, include permeable parking pad design, deed restriction, and pad sizes (per § 17.30.210). § 17.30.210
  • Include parking lot landscaping/planting plan if more than 12 spaces (3% interior landscaping, 1 tree per 10 spaces) per § 17.68.090. § 17.68.090
  • For nonresidential ≥50,000 sf, include TDM measures and bicycle parking per § 17.80.040 and show bike rack locations. § 17.80.040
  • Show loading/unloading layout; ensure docks not visible from street and meet § 17.36.150 requirements. § 17.36.150
  • If claiming reduced/alternative parking (density bonus, reuse, or variance), attach parking demand study and findings per § 17.34.070 and § 17.56.090 as applicable. § 17.34.070 ; § 17.56.090
  • If project triggers design review/permits, follow site design submittal requirements and consult the Sierra Madre Design Review guidance; appeals/variances per Sierra Madre Variances and Exceptions. § 17.60.041 (design review)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking vs. local rules State ADU law limits parking requirements for ADUs; Sierra Madre references second‑unit rules and Chapter 17.22. Local code also cross‑references ADU rules. Verify ADU parking application of state ADU exemptions and local Chapter 17.22; confirm with planning staff. § 17.68.020(A)(6)
Bicycle parking exact facility type Code requires bike racks/lockers for large nonresidential sites but leaves exact solution “to the satisfaction of the city” — can vary project to project. § 17.80.040(B)(2)(c) Confirm required type and location with city planner/engineer during intake. § 17.80.040
Shared parking / off‑site parking Earlier shared‑parking provisions were repealed (reserved sections). City can approve common facilities but prior shared‑parking map rules were removed. § 17.68.045—050 (reserved) If proposing shared or off‑site parking, verify current planning‑commission practice and whether an agreement must be recorded. § 17.68.060(B)
Rounding guest parking and fractional rules Guest parking ratios round per code language; fractional math can change required count for borderline projects. § 17.68.020(A)(4) Run the math, show rounding logic on exhibit, and check with planner for any discretionary rounding. § 17.68.020(A)(4)
Landscape / interior lot % vs retained trees Interior landscaping percent may be reduced when mature trees are retained — code allows tradeoffs but needs plan approval. § 17.68.090(G) Show tree retention plans and request an explicit adjustment on submittal. § 17.68.090(G)

Plain‑English summary

Sierra Madre requires most projects to provide off‑street parking based on unit size or land use (see § 17.68.020), to meet minimum stall and aisle dimensions (§ 17.68.080), to locate parking behind or to the side rather than in front, and to add bicycle parking and TDM measures for large nonresidential projects (§ 17.80.040). The planning commission can approve alternatives for special housing projects (density bonus) or adjust requirements for reuse/nonconformities — but always verify parcel‑specific rules and whether a deed restriction or design review is required. § 17.68.020; § 17.80.040; § 17.34.070.

Source References

  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17 (Parking chapter): § 17.68.020 — Parking spaces required (residential counts, guest parking). § 17.68.020
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17 (Parking design): § 17.68.060 — General access & location requirements. § 17.68.060
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17 (Dimensions & design): § 17.68.080 — stall dimensions, aisles, paving, no front‑yard parking rule. § 17.68.080
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.68.090 — planting/landscaping for parking lots. § 17.68.090
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.80.040 — Transportation demand/trip‑reduction measures, bicycle parking and vanpool/carpool provisions. § 17.80.040
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.36.150 — Loading facilities (commercial). § 17.36.150
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.30.210 — On‑site parking rules for R‑C parcels (2 spaces, pad size, deed restriction). § 17.30.210
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.28.100 — Off‑street parking rules for R‑3‑13 multi‑family. § 17.28.100
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.34.070 — Alternative/special parking standards for density bonus projects. § 17.34.070
  • Sierra Madre Municipal Code, Title 17: § 17.56.090 — Exemptions/relief for reuse and additions. § 17.56.090

Also consult:

If you need the full ordinance text for any cited § (or a PDF excerpt for a filing), tell me which section and I will extract the exact wording and file citation for your submittal package.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.68.020.) High relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.68.020) High relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.30.070) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Section 17.56.090) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 15) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Chapter 17.68) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 5 (Chapter 17.68) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 9656 (§ 9656) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (Title 24) Medium relevance
  • California Fire Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 2 (Chapter 15.24) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 4.106.4.1 (Section 4.106.4.1.) Medium relevance
  • CGBSC § 301.3 (section has) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 7) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Sierra Madre Zoning Code (Chapter 17.22.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does Sierra Madre require for a new 2‑bedroom apartment?

By local rules, a 2‑bedroom dwelling is counted under § 17.68.020 which requires two parking spaces for units between 1,001 and 3,500 sq ft; multi‑family projects also must provide guest parking for sites with five or more units (one unenclosed per five units). § 17.68.020

Can I locate required parking in the front yard of a commercial building in Sierra Madre?

Generally the C zone defers to Chapter 17.68 for off‑street parking and § 17.36.070(C) allows up to 10 ft of rear yard to be used for parking; commercial parking is encouraged to be behind or under buildings rather than in front. Front‑yard parking is discouraged and some yard limits apply — check § 17.36.100 and § 17.68.060 for location rules. § 17.36.100 § 17.68.060

What bicycle parking does Sierra Madre require for a new 60,000 sq ft retail building?

Chapter 17.80 requires TDM measures and bicycle parking: nonresidential developments of 50,000 sq ft or more must provide bike racks at the rate quoted in the code (4 bikes per first 50,000 sf and 1 per additional 50,000 sf), plus vanpool/carpool and access improvements. For a 60,000 sf building, that yields 4 racks for the first 50k and 1 rack (rounded) for the additional—so plan for at least 5 secure bicycle parking spaces, with the city approving the exact rack/locker design. § 17.80.040(B)(2)(c)

Does Sierra Madre allow tandem parking to count as required spaces?

Tandem parking is specifically allowed for the R‑C zone (see § 17.30.210(A)), but under R‑1 the code says tandem parking generally will not satisfy required off‑street parking (see § 17.68.080(P)). Always check your zone. § 17.30.210(A) § 17.68.080(P)

If I reuse an existing commercial building that lacks required parking, can I get relief?

Yes — § 17.56.090(B) provides a method where the existing number of spaces or the number required for the last use is credited; the planning commission may also approve a minor CUP in some reuse cases if the deficit will not unreasonably overload public parking. § 17.56.090(B)

Are there local parking reductions available for housing near transit?

Yes — projects qualifying for a density bonus or concessions may request alternative or special parking standards (bedroom‑based ratios or 0.5/0 for certain affordable or senior/special needs projects) under § 17.34.070; findings must be made by the reviewing body. § 17.34.070

Where does the code set stall/driveway dimensions and paving requirements?

Minimum surface stall and aisle dimensions and paving/backup rules are in § 17.68.080 (stall 18'×9', aisle 20', paved all‑weather surface encouraged to be permeable where practicable). § 17.68.080

Do I have to show bike racks for a small shop (under 2,500 sf)?

Chapter 17.80 thresholds apply at 25,000 sf and 50,000 sf for increasing TDM requirements; bicycle parking minimums in the specific TDM subsection apply to larger projects, so a small shop typically will not trigger the 50,000 sf bicycle requirement but the city encourages bicycle parking and may require it case‑by‑case. See § 17.80.040(B). § 17.80.040

Is on‑street parking ever counted toward required off‑street parking?

No — for residential multi‑family requirements the code states that on‑street parking shall not be used to satisfy required off‑street parking (see § 17.28.100(A)(4) and § 17.68.020). § 17.28.100(A)(4) § 17.68.020

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