Local zoning · Signal Hill

Signal Hill — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page explains what the Signal Hill Municipal Code requires for parking, including off‑street parking counts, loading, maneuvering, surfacing/landscaping, and bicycle parking. It synthesizes the city’s Off‑Street Parking chapter and specific‑plan parking rules and points you to the exact controlling sections so you can design or review a site plan that complies with local standards. Key controls live in Chapter 20.70 (Off‑Street Parking) and in the city’s individual specific‑plan chapters (e.g., SP‑23, SP‑24, SP‑25). See the city’s guidance on Signal Hill Development Standards for how parking fits into overall development rules.

How to read this page

Key city controls (short list)

  • Off‑street parking counts by use: § 20.70.030 .
  • Surfacing, striping, wheel stops, signage and grading for parking areas: § 20.70.040 .
  • Parking area landscaping (minimum % of parking area): § 20.70.050 .
  • Required transportation‑related facilities (carpool, bicycle parking triggers): § 20.70.035 .
  • Access and driveway design references: § 20.70.070 (referenced throughout specific plans) .
  • Loading space counts/dimensions (district examples): § 20.18.110 and § 20.14.110 .

District‑by‑district breakdown

Below are the Signal Hill zoning/specific‑plan districts where the code states distinct parking rules in the municipal code. Each district entry gives purpose, typical uses, and the parking/loading design standards you must follow (with the controlling § cited).

SP‑23 (Table 20.23‑3)

  • Purpose / typical uses: SP‑23 is a specific plan that lists residential (single‑family, townhomes) and commercial uses allowed on the subject parcels. See the SP‑23 tables for the precise permitted uses. The plan requires parking to be provided per the table labeled Table 20.23‑3 SP‑23 Parking Requirements.
  • Parking standards (decision‑relevant):
    • Single‑family units: 2 garage spaces/unit for 1–3 BR; 3 garage spaces for 4–5 BR — table entry in Table 20.23‑3.
    • Townhomes: same base garage requirements; 1 guest space per 4 units. Stall dimensions and aisle widths reference § 20.10.130 and Chapter 20.70 for details.
  • Where it applies: property mapped as SP‑23 on the official zoning map. Verify by reference to the city’s zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

SP‑24 (Table 20.46‑3)

  • Purpose / typical uses: mixed‑use/residential/commercial as allowed in the SP‑24 chapter; the parking table provides specific rates for residential and commercial components.
  • Parking standards (decision‑relevant):
    • Residential: studio–3+ bedroom parking rates and requirement that residential parking be within a covered or structured area; guest parking requirement 1 surface space per 4 units. Aisle width (two‑way) 24 ft minimum; see Table 20.46‑3.
    • Commercial/Restaurants/Breweries: same square‑foot ratios as Chapter 20.70 (e.g., 1 per 250 sf for retail; 1 per 100 sf for restaurants), with table cross‑reference to § 20.70.090.
  • Where it applies: properties designated SP‑24 on the official map. Verify parcel‑specific applicability.

SP‑25 (AUHS/AURA Specific Plan — 20.25)

  • Purpose / typical uses: private university and private high school campus; accessory uses allowed (pharmacy, clinic, garages/parking).
  • Parking & circulation:
    • Off‑street parking and parking area construction/striping requirements track Chapter 20.70 and require surfacing, striping, wheel stops, signed spaces, and wheel‑stop/curb configurations per § 20.70.040. The SP also allows garages, carports, and uncovered lots as accessory parking where shown on the SP plans. § 20.25.060 cross‑references Chapter 20.70 for layout and marking.
    • Loading, screening, and pedestrian access requirements are in § 20.25.060.
  • Where it applies: the AUHS/AURA site shown as SP‑25 on the zoning map.

Public Institutional District (PI, Chapter 20.14)

  • Purpose: public institutions (schools, police, fire, governmental buildings).
  • Parking & loading: off‑street parking complies with Chapter 20.70; loading standards for PI are stated in § 20.14.110 (0 / 1 / 2 loading spaces by building GFA bands; spaces 10 ft × 25 ft minimum).

Open Space District (examples in § 20.18)

  • Purpose / typical uses: parks and other open‑space uses. Nonresidential projects still trigger parking requirements in Chapter 20.70 and loading schedule § 20.18.110 (same 0/1/2 loading triggers and 10 × 25 ft minimum). Bicycle access requirements are emphasized where larger nonresidential buildings are proposed.

Commercial & Industrial zoning districts (CO, CTC, CG, CR, CI, LI, GI)

  • Purpose / typical uses: various retail, office, industrial uses. The base city parking standards by use are in § 20.70.030 and the parking table in Chapter 20.70 (rates for retail, offices, theaters, warehouses, etc.). The CR (commercial retail) district has lower height limits and specific conditions when adjacent to residences; parking and buffering requirements are spelled out in Chapter 20.20 and Chapter 20.70. § 20.20.030–060 and § 20.70.030 are the controlling references.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Topic Standard or Requirement Code Reference
Base parking counts by use (retail, restaurant, office, warehouse, theaters, etc.) See the use table in Chapter 20.70; common examples: 1 space/250 sf (retail), 1/100 sf (restaurant), 1/1,000 sf (warehouse) § 20.70.030
Surfacing, striping, signage, wheel stops Parking areas must be graded, surfaced, drained, striped (3" min.), wheel stops or 6" curb required; directional signs as required by city engineer § 20.70.040
Parking area landscaping min 5% of parking stalls & driveways area to be landscaped in open parking areas for commercial/industrial § 20.70.050
Required transportation‑related facilities (bicycle, carpool, transit info) Nonresidential ≥25,000 sf must provide transit/bicycle info displays, sidewalks; ≥50,000 sf triggers § 20.70.035 measures (carpool/vanpool preferential stalls, bike parking numbers) § 20.70.035
Bicycle parking minimum (nonresidential large projects) 4 bicycle spaces for first 50,000 sf plus 1 per each additional 50,000 sf (rounding rules apply) § 20.70.035
Loading spaces (examples) Loading required by GFA bands: <30,000 = 0**, **30,000–50,000 = 1**, **>50,000 = 2; min 10 ft × 25 ft each § 20.18.110, § 20.14.110
Residential unit parking (multi‑unit / specific plans) Unit parking rules are set per specific plan (e.g., SP‑24, SP‑23, etc.): typical ranges are .5–2 spaces/unit depending on bedrooms; guest parking commonly 1 per 4 units — see each SP table See Table 20.23‑3 (SP‑23) and Table 20.46‑3 (SP‑24) and specific plan sections 20.23/20.46

Practical guidance and interpretation

  • Start at Chapter 20.70: use § 20.70.030 for the base parking count for your use and then check whether a specific plan chapter (e.g., SP‑23, SP‑24, SP‑25) overrides that base rate for your lot — specific plans contain their own tables and cross‑references to Chapter 20.70.
  • For any nonresidential project ≥25,000 sf plan for transit/bicycle information and safe pedestrian connections; for ≥50,000 sf add carpool/vanpool preferential spaces — these are not optional if the size threshold is met. § 20.70.035 and SP chapters spell out the triggers.
  • Bicycle parking counts are modest for most projects but are required in the larger project bands — provide secure racks or lockers where the director of planning requires them. § 20.70.035
  • Striping, wheel stops, surfacing, and signage specifications are mandatory — your site plan must show these details to pass plan check (§ 20.70.040). For accessible (ADA) stall design, the code defers to the California Building Standards Code / Title 24, so size and signage for accessible spaces must also comply with state rules. § 20.70.040 ; verify Title 24 requirements at California Building Standards Code.
  • Where a specific plan or chapter lists stall dimensions and aisle widths (many SP chapters do), use those dimensions — they take precedence for the parcels covered by that SP. Examples: SP chapters commonly require stall widths 9 ft and aisles 24 ft two‑way; some residential SPs set garage sizing and back‑up area minimums (e.g., 10×20 stalls, 24 ft back‑up). See each SP chapter for the exact numeric table (e.g., Table 20.46‑3; Table 20.23‑3).

Checklist

  • Confirm zoning / specific‑plan designation for the parcel (e.g., SP‑23, SP‑24, SP‑25, PI, CR) and use the matching parking table. Verify map designation with the city.
  • Calculate parking using § 20.70.030 and any SP table that applies; apply rounding rules (fractions ≥0.5 round up; guest parking always round up). § 20.70.030
  • If nonresidential ≥25,000 sf, include transit/bicycle info board and pedestrian connections; if ≥50,000 sf include carpool/vanpool preferential spaces per § 20.70.035.
  • Show surfacing, striping (3" min.), wheel stops or 6" curb, directional signage, grading/drainage, and stamped/numbered stall layout per § 20.70.040.
  • Provide required landscaping in parking areas (min 5% for open lots) and a landscaping plan per § 20.70.050 and the applicable SP chapter.
  • Dimension stalls and aisles exactly as required by the applicable SP or Chapter 20.70 (many SPs require 9 ft × 18.5–20 ft stalls and 24 ft aisles).
  • Include loading spaces sized 10 ft × 25 ft where the GFA triggers require them per district (e.g., PI and OS schedules). § 20.18.110, § 20.14.110
  • Verify accessible parking stall design with Title 24 (state) in addition to local stall counts. § 20.70.040 with Title 24 cross‑reference (verify with building code).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which standard controls (Chapter 20.70 vs. a Specific Plan table) Specific plans commonly override or supplement Chapter 20.70 for mapped parcels — applying the wrong table can under/over‑provide parking and fail project review Confirm parcel zoning as SP‑23/24/25 or base zone on the official map and reference the matching SP chapter table; ask planning staff if unclear.
Accessible/Title 24 stall design Local code requires accessible stalls but dimensions/signage are controlled by state Building Standards Designers must comply with local stall counts and also the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) for accessible geometry and signage; verify with building plan checker. § 20.70.040
Bicycle parking triggers and format Some sections mandate bike parking only above certain project sizes; director approval can change the accepted fixture type If nonresidential ≥50,000 sf (or ≥25k with other triggers), show count and type (rack, locker) per § 20.70.035 and indicate secure/covered location.
Guest parking rounding rules Rounding differences can change required guest stall counts for multi‑unit projects Apply the rounding rule in the relevant SP or Chapter 20.70 (fractions ≥0.5 round up; guest parking always round up). Confirm which chapter’s rounding rule applies.
Loading space reduction or relocation later Code prohibits relinquishing required parking/loading without approved equivalent facilities If you plan future site changes, note § 20.70 non‑relinquishment and that reduced spaces require planning commission approval and recorded access instruments. Verify with planning.

Plain‑English summary

Signal Hill requires off‑street parking counts by use (Chapter 20.70) but most mapped parcels are in specific plans (like SP‑23, SP‑24, SP‑25) that give their own parking tables and dimensional rules; parking areas must be paved, striped, landscaped (min 5% for open lots), and supply bicycle/car‑pool facilities when projects cross the size thresholds. Always start by confirming the parcel’s zoning/specific plan and apply that chapter’s table first, then meet Chapter 20.70 site‑design rules.

Source References

  • § 20.70.030 (Number of parking spaces required by use) — Signal Hill Municipal Code (Chapter 20.70).
  • § 20.70.040 (Surfacing and marking of parking and storage areas) — Signal Hill Municipal Code.
  • § 20.70.050 (Parking area landscaping) — Signal Hill Municipal Code.
  • § 20.70.035 (Required transportation‑related facilities: carpool, bicycle, transit info) — Signal Hill Municipal Code.
  • Table 20.23‑3 (SP‑23 Parking Requirements) — SP‑23 chapter tables.
  • Table 20.46‑3 (SP‑24 Parking Requirements) — SP‑24 chapter tables.
  • § 20.25.060 (SP‑25 Off‑street parking and circulation; cross‑reference to Chapter 20.70) — SP‑25 AUHS/AURA Specific Plan.
  • § 20.18.110 and § 20.14.110 (Loading space schedules for OS and PI districts) — respective chapters.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Section 20.70.080) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Chapter 20.70) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Chapter 20.70) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Chapter 13.10.) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 16) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • CBC § 14 (Chapter 13.10.) High relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Section 20.41.820) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1 (chapter and) Medium relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (Chapter 13.10.) Medium relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Signal Hill Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking standards apply to my commercial development in Signal Hill?

Use the base rates in § 20.70.030 (e.g., 1/250 sf retail, 1/100 sf restaurants) and then check whether your parcel is inside a specific plan (for example SP‑24 or others) that provides its own table which may modify the rate or stall requirements. § 20.70.030

How many bicycle racks do I need for a large nonresidential project?

For nonresidential projects the code requires bicycle parking per § 20.70.035: typically 4 bike spaces for the first 50,000 sf and 1 additional bike space per additional 50,000 sf (fractions rounded up at 0.5). § 20.70.035

What are the minimum stall and aisle dimensions I must show on my site plan?

Chapter 20.70 and many specific plans set stall dimensions; common local requirements seen in SPs are stall widths ~9 ft, depth 18.5–20 ft, and two‑way aisle 24 ft. Where a specific plan gives numbers, those dimensions control for parcels in that SP. See the SP table for your parcel.

Do I need to include guest parking for multi‑unit housing?

Yes — many specific plans require guest parking (common example 1 guest space per 4 units). Apply the rounding rule (guest parking fractions always round up) and confirm the SP or chapter that applies to your lot. See SP tables (e.g., Table 20.23‑3, Table 20.46‑3) and § 20.70.030.

What are the loading dock size and quantity requirements?

Loading triggers and sizes appear in district chapters: many districts use the <30,000 / 30,000–50,000 / >50,000 GFA bands with 0 / 1 / 2 loading spaces required and minimum loading dimension 10 ft × 25 ft; examples in § 20.18.110 and § 20.14.110.

Are landscaping and drainage required in parking areas?

Yes — open parking areas must provide landscaping (minimum 5% of stalls/driveways) and parking surfaces must be graded/drained per § 20.70.050 and § 20.70.040; provide an irrigation plan and landscape plan showing tree/shrub locations per the code. § 20.70.050

Can I reduce required parking by applying for a variance?

The Municipal Code allows variances and exceptions procedures, but any reduction or relocation of required parking or loading requires approval and recorded instruments per local rules; you must consult the planning commission and the code’s variance provisions (see city planning staff). Specific non‑relinquishment rules are in the parking chapter. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Where do I find the accessible parking (ADA) dimensions?

Signal Hill requires accessible stalls consistent with state rules — local code requires designation and striping but defers dimensions/signage to the California Building Standards Code (Title 24); check Title 24 guidance for stall geometry and signage in addition to local stall counts. § 20.70.040

If my project is in SP‑25 (AUHS/AURA), which rules control?

SP‑25 contains site‑specific off‑street parking, circulation, and surfacing requirements and explicitly cross‑references Chapter 20.70 for construction/striping; use SP‑25 tables first and Chapter 20.70 for design details. § 20.25.060

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