Local zoning · Solana Beach

Solana Beach — Parking

Q: What off‑street parking is required for a new single‑family home in Solana Beach?

A new single‑family dwelling must provide 2 off‑street parking spaces on the site. See the automobile parking schedule in § 17.52.040 .

Q: How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment need?

A two or more bedroom unit requires 2 parking spaces per unit under the City’s parking schedule in § 17.52.040 ; for multi‑unit projects also confirm whether any overlay or specific plan (e.g., Highway 101 Corridor) alters standards.

Q: Do Cedros Avenue projects have different parking rules?

Yes. The North Cedros district requires 1 space per 450 sf of gfa, South Cedros uses 1/312 sf (mixed) or 1/298 sf (non‑mixed) depending on the project, and Stevens Avenue is 1 per 300 sf ; those district rates are in § 17.28.050 . Mixed‑use South Cedros projects must include deed restrictions to ensure parking availability.

Q: Are bicycle parking spaces required?

For general commercial and office uses with 10 or more automobile parking spaces , the city requires at least 1 bicycle parking space per 10 automobile spaces ; the ordinance requires locking facilities, convenient location and references the Offstreet Parking Design Manual for design standards ( § 17.52.030(C) ).

Q: What are the minimum loading berth requirements?

Large commercial, institutional and industrial uses must provide loading berths. The ordinance sets a minimum of 1 loading space for <25,000 sf gfa , and 1 + additional as required for larger buildings. Required berth dimensions are 10 ft × 35 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance ; access from an alley is preferred. See § 17.52.040(F) and design standards in § 17.52.030 .

Q: Can I use on‑street or off‑site parking to meet requirements?

On‑street parking generally cannot be used to meet off‑street parking requirements except where the code specifically allows it. Off‑site parking is allowed if it is within 600 feet walking distance , in a commercial/industrial zone, and is readily accessible; leases must often be recorded and may expire with the lease. See § 17.52.060 and § 17.52.050 for shared parking rules.

Q: Who decides parking for a use that’s not listed in the table?

If a use is not listed, the Director of Community Development determines required parking based on comparable uses and the project’s characteristics; the ordinance provides that required amounts for unlisted uses are set by the director ( § 17.52.040 ).

Q: Can the city waive parking design standards?

Yes — the director may grant a minor exception to parking design standards when practical difficulties exist, per the Minor Exception process § 17.68.030(C)(1)(b) . However, substantive reductions in required parking counts typically require a conditional use or other discretionary approval.

Q: Where are the detailed stall, aisle, ADA and landscaping specs?

The Zoning Ordinance delegates detailed layout and dimensional specs to the City Offstreet Parking Design Manual ; the ordinance requires conformance but does not reproduce the full design table. Obtain the PDM from the Community Development Department. See § 17.52.030 .

Q: Does Solana Beach require EV chargers in parking stalls?

The Title 17 excerpts retrieved reference the PDM for design standards but do not include explicit EV/charging stall requirements in the sections reviewed. For EV specifics check the PDM or other municipal/supplemental ordinances and the state building code. Not found in retrieved materials.

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Solana Beach zoning ordinance requires for parking, loading and bicycle facilities. It covers who must provide off‑street spaces, the numerical requirements for common uses (including district-specific rates in the city’s special commercial areas), design basics, and key procedural rules you’ll need to satisfy when submitting plans. Rules below are drawn from the City of Solana Beach Zoning Ordinance (Title 17) and the Parking & Loading chapter; see the cited code sections for the exact legal text. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level interpretation.

(Background links: the city’s zoning overview is at Solana Beach Zoning. I link related topics where they first appear below.)

How the code works (quick orientation)

Off‑street parking, loading and bicycle rules are centralized in Chapter 17.52 — Parking and Loading Regulations (Title 17). See § 17.52.010 – § 17.52.060 for purpose, basic requirements, design and special rules. § 17.52.020 establishes when off‑street parking is required (new buildings, enlargements, or occupancy changes) and the on‑site location preference.
Several zoning chapters override or supplement Chapter 17.52 for particular districts — most notably the Special Commercial (SC)/Cedros and Stevens Avenue districts, which set their own square‑foot rates. See § 17.28.040–17.28.050.
The design, dimensions and detailed layout are delegated to the City Offstreet Parking Design Manual; the Zoning Ordinance requires compliance and allows the Community Development Director to grant minor exceptions for design standards under limited circumstances (§ 17.52.030; § 17.68.030(C)(1)(b)). Link to the city’s Development Standards page at Solana Beach Development Standards.

District-by-district breakdown (parking-focused)

Below each district subsection I list the parking rules that apply to that district or any district‑specific overrides the code contains. All district names and numeric rules below are verbatim designations used in Title 17.

ER / LR / LMR / MR / MHR / HR (Residential zones)

Purpose / typical uses: residential neighborhoods ranging from ER (estate) through HR (high‑density residential); principal uses are single‑ and multi‑family dwellings. The zoning list appears in Title 17 chapters for residential zones.
Key parking standards (parking‑relevant):
- Single‑family dwellings: 2 parking spaces required per unit. § 17.52.040.
- Multi‑family / apartments: studios = 1.0, one‑bedroom = 1.5, two+ bedrooms = 2.0 parking spaces per unit (see table in § 17.52.040 and parallel listing in § 17.28.040(A)(1) for multi‑unit residential).
Where it applies: throughout the residential zoning chapters (see Chapter 17.20). For residential projects also check special overlay provisions (e.g., scenic, hillside) which may trigger design review. Not all dimensional (setback/height) standards for these zones are reproduced here; those specifics are found in the respective residential chapter.

C (General Commercial) and LC (Light Commercial) and OP (Office Professional)

Purpose / typical uses: commercial centers, retail, offices, services; OP emphasizes professional office uses. See Chapter 17.24 for intent and uses.
Key parking standards:
- General commercial/retail and office parking rates are set in § 17.52.040: many commercial and institutional use‑rates are provided in a single automobile parking table (e.g., banks/offices: 1 space per 300 sf gfa; restaurants/theaters/hotels have their own rates).
- Bicycle parking: for general commercial and office uses with 10 or more automobile parking spaces, provide at least 1 bicycle space per 10 automobile spaces; locking and convenient location are required; design specs in the Offstreet Parking Design Manual. § 17.52.030 (b)(c). Link to Solana Beach Design Review for project design coordination.
Where it applies: city commercial and office zones under Chapter 17.24.

SC — Special Commercial Zone and the Cedros / Stevens subdistricts

Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood and tourist‑oriented commercial functions; Special Commercial (SC) contains three named commercial districts with district‑specific parking rules: North Cedros Avenue district, South Cedros Avenue district, and Stevens Avenue district. See Chapter 17.28.
Key parking (district‑specific overrides):
- North Cedros Avenue district: 1 space per 450 sf of gross floor area for general commercial uses. § 17.28.050(A)(2)(a).
- South Cedros Avenue district: 1 space per 312 sf (mixed‑use projects) or 1 per 298 sf (non‑mixed‑use) depending on project type; mixed‑use projects must include deed restrictions to ensure maintained parking due to reduced rates. § 17.28.050(A)(2)(b).
- Stevens Avenue district: 1 space per 300 sf of gfa for general commercial uses. § 17.28.050(A)(2)(c).
- No rooftop parking is allowed in the South Cedros Avenue District. § 17.28.040(D).
Where it applies: the Cedros and Stevens commercial districts mapped in the Special Commercial chapter; read the final development plan and deed restriction requirements for mixed‑use projects.

LI (Light Industrial) / PI (Public Institutional)

Purpose / typical uses: light industrial, warehouses, institutional services and supporting commercial functions (Chapter 17.24 and chapter headings).
Key parking standards:
- Industrial/manufacturing parking rates vary by gross floor area tiers (for example, compacted table for manufacturing/warehousing within § 17.52.040 and related tables; smaller industrial uses may have 1 space per 250–1,250 sf depending on size). See § 17.52.040 and industrial table.
- Loading spaces: the ordinance requires loading spaces for larger commercial/industrial uses; minimum loading requirement: 1 loading space for <25,000 sf gfa; 1 + additional as required by director for >=25,001 sf. Dimensions: not less than 10 ft width × 35 ft length with 14 ft vertical clearance. Access, lighting and location rules require on‑site maneuvering and alley access where available. § 17.52.030–.040 (loading rules summarized in § 17.52.040(F)(1–2)).

ROW — Right‑of‑Way Zone

Purpose / typical uses: corridors and rights‑of‑way (I‑5, Lomas Santa Fe, Highway 101, Santa Fe Railroad). The ROW zone regulates uses in the public right‑of‑way and explicitly references parking and bicycle routes as allowed public functions. § 17.44.010–.050. Link to Solana Beach Overlay Districts when ROW overlays are relevant.
Key parking standards: Off‑street parking requirements for ROW uses are governed by Chapter 17.52 (the general parking chapter). § 17.44.050 cross‑references Chapter 17.52.

Overlays (Scenic Area Overlay Zone / Hillside / Floodplain)

Purpose / typical uses: preserve scenic/hillside/floodplain resources. Parking provisions continue to be required per Chapter 17.52, but overlay zones may require special development review and additional conditions affecting parking location, screening or landscaping. See § 17.48.010 (SAOZ) and overlay chapters; development in overlays often triggers a development review permit. Link to Solana Beach Design Review and Solana Beach Overlay Districts.

Key numbers & quick reference table

Topic / Use	Requirement (decision‑relevant)	Code Reference
Single‑family dwelling	2 parking spaces per dwelling	§ 17.52.040
Multi‑family units	Studio = 1.0; 1BR = 1.5; 2+BR = 2.0 spaces/unit	§ 17.52.040
General office / banks	1 space per 300 sf gfa	§ 17.52.040
North Cedros district (SC)	1 space per 450 sf gfa	§ 17.28.050(A)(2)(a)
South Cedros district (SC)	1 per 312 sf (mixed) or 1 per 298 sf (non‑mixed); no rooftop parking in South Cedros	§ 17.28.050(A)(2)(b); § 17.28.040(D)
Stevens Avenue district (SC)	1 space per 300 sf gfa	§ 17.28.050(A)(2)(c)
Loading spaces (minimum)	<25,000 sf = 1; ≥25,001 sf = 1 + as required; dimension = 10' × 35' with 14' vertical clearance	§ 17.52.040(F) and design standards § 17.52.030
Bicycle parking (commercial/office)	≥10 auto spaces → 1 bicycle space per 10 auto spaces; locking, location & weather protection encouraged	§ 17.52.030 (C); design manual
Disabled (ADA) spaces & motorcycle spaces	Minimums and design follow the City Offstreet Parking Design Manual (PDM)	§ 17.52.030 (E)–(B)

Checklist (what an applicant must provide / satisfy)

Calculate required automobile parking using the correct table (general schedule in § 17.52.040; use district overrides for North/South Cedros and Stevens Avenue per § 17.28.050).
Show required loading spaces and dimensions on site plan (min. 10' × 35', 14' clearance) and demonstrate on‑site maneuvering; cite § 17.52.040(F).
Provide bicycle parking if the development has 10+ auto spaces: show count, locking provisions and location per § 17.52.030(C) and the Offstreet Parking Design Manual.
Design parking to Offstreet Parking Design Manual standards (surfacing, landscaping, disabled stalls); include elevations/detail callouts. § 17.52.030 and PDM referenced.
If proposing shared or off‑site parking, provide written agreements, distance calculations (≤600 ft for off‑site/shared unless justified), and conditional use or director approvals as required by § 17.52.050–.060.
For South Cedros mixed‑use projects, prepare deed restrictions or recorded instruments ensuring parking maintenance per § 17.28.050.
If seeking minor exceptions to parking design standards, apply through the Minor Exception process (director authority) under § 17.68.030(C)(1)(b).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Offstreet Parking Design Manual details (stall sizes, ADA dimensions, EV readiness)	The Zoning Ordinance delegates many design specifics to the PDM; the ordinance does not list the full dimensional table.	Obtain the current City Offstreet Parking Design Manual from the Community Development Dept. Not found in retrieved materials (PDM content).
Electric vehicle (EV) charging / future‑ready stalls	Title 17 references design manual only; ordinance text provided does not specify EV requirements.	Verify EV/charging stall requirements either in the PDM or other city ordinances or state building code. Not found in retrieved materials.
Parcel‑specific overlay conditions (SC/South Cedros deed restriction enforcement)	South Cedros allows reduced mixed‑use parking but requires deed restrictions; the enforceability and form can affect financing and operations.	Confirm exact deed restriction language and recording requirements with Planning and City Clerk; Verify with the jurisdiction. § 17.28.050
Use classification for non‑listed uses	If your proposed use is not expressly listed, parking is set by the director for “comparable uses.” This discretion can change required counts.	Request a formal Use Determination or pre‑application meeting to get the director’s interpretation. § 17.52.040
Bicycle parking definitions and long‑ vs short‑term standards	Ordinance references bicycle design specs in the PDM but does not reproduce short/long‑term definitions.	Get PDM bicycle standards; verify whether proposed racks meet “locking” and weatherproofing guidance. Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

If you build, expand, or change a use in Solana Beach you must show enough off‑street parking on the site (or meet the city’s rules for shared/off‑site parking); typical rates are in § 17.52.040 with special, lower per‑square‑foot rates inside the North/South Cedros and Stevens Avenue commercial districts (§ 17.28.050). Bicycle, motorcycle and disabled parking minimums and layout details are governed by the city’s Offstreet Parking Design Manual; loading berths have minimum counts and a 10'×35' with 14' clearance dimension requirement. Always confirm the Design Manual and any overlay/deed‑restriction obligations before submitting.

Source References

City of Solana Beach Zoning Ordinance (Title 17), Chapter 17.52 — Parking and Loading Regulations: § 17.52.010–§ 17.52.060.
Special Commercial Zone (SC) / Special Commercial Off‑Street Parking: § 17.28.040–§ 17.28.050 (North Cedros, South Cedros, Stevens Avenue district rates).
Off‑street parking design delegation and bicycle/motorcycle/disabled references: § 17.52.030–§ 17.52.040 (see bicycle parking note and motorcycle/disabled cross‑references).
Off‑site and shared parking rules: § 17.52.050–§ 17.52.060 (600‑ft rule; agreements and lease recording).
Right‑of‑Way Zone and cross‑references to Chapter 17.52: § 17.44.050.
Title 17 chapter index and zone lists (residential, commercial, overlays): Title 17 table of contents and chapter headings.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Solana Beach Zoning Code High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (§ 11) High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.60) High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (§ 10) High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 17.60) High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code High relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (§ 11) Medium relevance
Solana Beach Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

City of Solana Beach Zoning Ordinance (Title 17), Chapter 17.52 — Parking and Loading Regulations: **§ 17.52.010–§ 17.52.060**. (Title 17)
Special Commercial Zone (SC) / Special Commercial Off‑Street Parking: **§ 17.28.040–§ 17.28.050** (North Cedros, South Cedros, Stevens Avenue district rates). (§ 17.28.040)
Off‑street parking design delegation and bicycle/motorcycle/disabled references: **§ 17.52.030–§ 17.52.040** (see bicycle parking note and motorcycle/disabled cross‑references). (§ 17.52.030)
Off‑site and shared parking rules: **§ 17.52.050–§ 17.52.060** (600‑ft rule; agreements and lease recording). (§ 17.52.050)
Right‑of‑Way Zone and cross‑references to Chapter 17.52: **§ 17.44.050**. (Chapter 17.52)
Title 17 chapter index and zone lists (residential, commercial, overlays): Title 17 table of contents and chapter headings. (Title 17)
SolanaBeach_ZoningCode.md
2025 California Green Building Standards Code.md

Frequently asked questions

What off‑street parking is required for a new single‑family home in Solana Beach?

A new single‑family dwelling must provide 2 off‑street parking spaces on the site. See the automobile parking schedule in § 17.52.040.

How many parking spaces does a 2‑bedroom apartment need?

A two or more bedroom unit requires 2 parking spaces per unit under the City’s parking schedule in § 17.52.040; for multi‑unit projects also confirm whether any overlay or specific plan (e.g., Highway 101 Corridor) alters standards.

Do Cedros Avenue projects have different parking rules?

Yes. The North Cedros district requires 1 space per 450 sf of gfa, South Cedros uses 1/312 sf (mixed) or 1/298 sf (non‑mixed) depending on the project, and Stevens Avenue is 1 per 300 sf; those district rates are in § 17.28.050. Mixed‑use South Cedros projects must include deed restrictions to ensure parking availability.

Are bicycle parking spaces required?

For general commercial and office uses with 10 or more automobile parking spaces, the city requires at least 1 bicycle parking space per 10 automobile spaces; the ordinance requires locking facilities, convenient location and references the Offstreet Parking Design Manual for design standards (§ 17.52.030(C)).

What are the minimum loading berth requirements?

Large commercial, institutional and industrial uses must provide loading berths. The ordinance sets a minimum of 1 loading space for <25,000 sf gfa, and 1 + additional as required for larger buildings. Required berth dimensions are 10 ft × 35 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance; access from an alley is preferred. See § 17.52.040(F) and design standards in § 17.52.030.

Can I use on‑street or off‑site parking to meet requirements?

On‑street parking generally cannot be used to meet off‑street parking requirements except where the code specifically allows it. Off‑site parking is allowed if it is within 600 feet walking distance, in a commercial/industrial zone, and is readily accessible; leases must often be recorded and may expire with the lease. See § 17.52.060 and § 17.52.050 for shared parking rules.

Who decides parking for a use that’s not listed in the table?

If a use is not listed, the Director of Community Development determines required parking based on comparable uses and the project’s characteristics; the ordinance provides that required amounts for unlisted uses are set by the director (§ 17.52.040).

Can the city waive parking design standards?

Yes — the director may grant a minor exception to parking design standards when practical difficulties exist, per the Minor Exception process § 17.68.030(C)(1)(b). However, substantive reductions in required parking counts typically require a conditional use or other discretionary approval.

Where are the detailed stall, aisle, ADA and landscaping specs?

The Zoning Ordinance delegates detailed layout and dimensional specs to the City Offstreet Parking Design Manual; the ordinance requires conformance but does not reproduce the full design table. Obtain the PDM from the Community Development Department. See § 17.52.030.

Does Solana Beach require EV chargers in parking stalls?