Local zoning · Solano County

Solano County — Parking

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

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the Solano County Zoning Ordinance regulates parking, off‑street loading, surfacing, and stall dimensions in the unincorporated areas of Solano County. The County’s primary parking rules are in § 28.94; many individual zoning districts (residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, park and special‑use districts) reference § 28.94 for required parking counts and add use‑specific controls (loading, screening, event parking). See the County’s development standards and setbacks for how parking interacts with building siting and yards. § 28.94 is the controlling parking schedule and standards.

(First‑use links: the word parking above links to the Solano County Zoning overview; the terms setbacks/development standards, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and landscaping below are linked to related pages for quick navigation.)

Countywide summary of the rules you’ll actually use

  • The County sets minimum off‑street parking quantities by land use in § 28.94(A) (the parking schedule). Examples: two spaces per primary dwelling unit and one space per ADU, 1.3 spaces per multifamily unit, one space per 200 sq ft for retail/office, one space per two employees for industrial. § 28.94(A) is the baseline for every unincorporated zoning district unless the district text specifies otherwise.

  • Parking must be provided on‑site except in unusual circumstances when off‑site parking is approved by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission; on‑street parking does not satisfy the requirement. See § 28.94(B).

  • Typical stall size for residential: 9 ft × 18 ft (minimum) unless otherwise stated; layout diagrams are referenced in § 28.94(C).

  • Driveway minimums: two‑way driveways 18 ft, any driveway at least 10 ft, subject to Fire Code or other agency requirements (§ 28.94(G)).

  • Surfacing/marking: year‑round parking areas should be surfaced with asphaltic concrete or equivalent; lower‑intensity or periodic use areas may be gravel unless Building Code accessibility requirements apply. County also defers to Building Code for disabled access (pathways, aisle widths) — see § 28.94(F) and the County general standards § 28.70.10(3).

  • Loading/truck areas: usually required as determined by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission; loading shall not be located in required front yards for many districts (see district standards). Common references: § 28.42 (industrial/ML table notes), § 28.74.20(A)(1), § 28.73.10(A)(1).

  • Landscaping / screening of large parking areas and pedestrian tree counts for certain uses (e.g., churches) are required — see use‑specific development standards; for example parking landscape requirements for churches are in the public assembly standards. Verify any landscape plan with the County (see § 28.73 and Table references).

District-by-district breakdown (how parking is applied in common districts)

Note: every district below applies only in Solano County’s unincorporated areas. All districts reference § 28.94 for minimum counts unless noted.

R districts (all residential zones)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family homes, accessory buildings and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
  • Key parking rules:
    • Two (2) spaces per primary dwelling unit; one (1) space per secondary/accessory dwelling unit; no required space for a junior ADU and ADU parking may be modified per County ADU rules (§ 28.94(A)(1), cross‑reference § 28.72.10(B)(2)(a)(3)). Spaces should be located behind the front yard setback line.
    • Stall size minimum for residential spaces: 9 ft × 18 ft (§ 28.94(C)(3)).
  • Where it applies: all zones shown as R on the Solano County zoning maps and district tables (see residential district tables and Table 28‑31). See district development standards for setbacks, lot coverage and accessory structure placement.

A-SV-20 and other Suisun Valley agricultural overlay districts

  • Purpose / typical uses: agriculture, limited tourism and accessory uses.
  • Key parking rules:
    • Parking conforming to § 28.94; some Suisun Valley subareas allow participation in a parking district to apportion off‑site parking (Table 28.23B notes). If a design guideline exists (Suisun Valley design guideline), follow that plus § 28.94.
  • Where it applies: Suisun Valley special planning areas shown in Table 28.23 and maps.

A-SM (Suisun Marsh) / other agricultural districts

  • Purpose / typical uses: resource/agricultural management; special environmental controls.
  • Key parking rules:
    • Parking shall be provided in conformance with § 28.94 per the district development standards. Additional environmental or marsh permit requirements may constrain where parking can be sited.
  • Where it applies: Suisun Marsh management areas; see § 28.22.30 and Table 28.22B.

M-L (Manufacturing‑Light) and I-AS (Industrial‑Agricultural Service)

  • Purpose / typical uses: light manufacturing, industrial services, agricultural support.
  • Key parking & loading rules:
    • Parking: Provided per § 28.94 (industrial uses listed as one space per two employees in the parking schedule).
    • Loading: Many industrial/ML district tables explicitly require loading/unloading spaces as specified by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission and prohibit loading in required front yards (see M‑L table and I‑AS standards). Verify required truck turning areas and apron paving with the County.
  • Where it applies: M‑L and I‑AS parcels shown on zoning maps; see district tables (Table 28.42B, § 28.43).

Commercial / Office / Retail (including roadside stands, office uses)

  • Purpose / typical uses: retail shops, professional offices, commercial services.
  • Key parking rules:
    • Retail and office: one space per 200 sq ft gross floor area (parking schedule § 28.94(A)(10)).
    • Office uses and many commercial uses must also provide truck loading as required by the Zoning Administrator (§ 28.74.20(A)(1)).
    • Site‑specific landscaping and tree counts may be required for large parking areas (see public assembly/church rules for example).
  • Where it applies: parcels mapped as commercial or office in unincorporated County.

P (Park) District

  • Purpose / typical uses: parks, recreation.
  • Key parking rules:
    • Parking to conform with § 28.94; design review/architectural approval may also apply. See § 28.61 for permitted uses and required approvals.
  • Where it applies: lands designated P on County zoning maps.

Special events, agritourism and public assembly uses

  • Purpose / typical uses: festivals, agritourism events, churches, auditoriums, stadiums.
  • Key parking rules:
    • Special events and agritourism require adequate on‑site parking; event rules frequently specify one space per 2.5 attendees (or the parking schedule in § 28.94), off‑site parking with shuttles is an option with conditions, and no on‑street parking within defined distances is allowed for events. See § 28.75.20 (temporary agritourism), § 28.73/28.74 (assembly, recreation), and § 28.94.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

Topic Requirement (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
Residential parking (single‑family) 2 spaces per primary dwelling unit; 1 space per ADU; no required space for a junior ADU. Spaces should be behind front yard setback. § 28.94(A)(1)
Multifamily 1.3 spaces per dwelling unit (round up to whole spaces). § 28.94(A)(1)
Retail / Office 1 space / 200 sq ft gross floor area § 28.94(A)(10)
Industrial 1 space / 2 employees § 28.94(A)(9)
Public assembly 1 space / 4 seats or 1 / 4 persons capacity (unless specified) § 28.94(A)(8)
On‑site vs off‑site Parking must be on‑site except where Zoning Administrator/Planning Commission allows off‑site parking § 28.94(B)
Stall dims (residential) 9 ft × 18 ft minimum § 28.94(C)(3)
Driveway widths Two‑way: 18 ft; any driveway: 10 ft minimum (may be larger per Fire Code) § 28.94(G)(1–2)
Surfacing & marking Year‑round parking: asphaltic concrete or equivalent. Gravel permitted for low intensity or periodic uses unless disabled access/building code requires otherwise. § 28.94(F)
Loading spaces As required by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission; not in required front yard for many districts district tables (e.g., § 28.42 table; § 28.74.20(A)(1))

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

  • Always start with § 28.94 for counts and then read the specific district table for the parcel (e.g., R, A‑SV, M‑L, I‑AS, P) because districts may add conditions (screening, loading rules, landscape credit, parking districts).
  • For ADUs, the County cross‑references ADU rules; ADU parking exemptions and modifications come from the ADU section — see § 28.72.10 and County ADU rules.
  • For events and agritourism, the County requires additional operational and traffic controls beyond raw parking counts (traffic plans, attendants, dust control on unpaved lots) — see the special events and agritourism sections.
  • If you propose off‑site parking, get written owner consent and show how the off‑site lot is within allowable walking distance or shuttled as required by the event/use standards; the Zoning Administrator must approve off‑site arrangements. § 28.94(B) and event sections govern this.
  • Bicycle parking standards are not located in the retrieved County parking sections — plan to verify bicycle parking or long‑term bike storage requirements with the County or the local public works/transportation department. Not found in retrieved materials. (See "Information Gaps" below.)

Checklist (what an applicant must show on plans / application)

  • Off‑street parking count computed per § 28.94(A) for each proposed use, including ADUs and multifamily rounding.
  • Stall dimensions and layout consistent with § 28.94(C) and County illustrations (or approved variation).
  • On‑site parking location shown (spaces behind front setback when required) and vehicle circulation/turning movements demonstrated; driveway widths meet § 28.94(G) minimums.
  • Surfacing and drainage plan (asphalt/concrete or allowed gravel) per § 28.94(F) and Director of Transportation grading/drainage requirements.
  • If loading/truck areas are required, show truck turning, loading stalls, and show loading is not in required front yard (district tables).
  • Accessibility: parking aisles and accessible routes comply with the California Building Standards Code / Building Code as referenced by the County (§ 28.70.10(3)).
  • Landscaping & screening plan for parking areas where required (e.g., public assembly / churches) in conformance with district landscaping standards.
  • If proposing off‑site parking or event parking, include written owner consent for off‑site lots, shuttle plan or walking‑distance plan, and traffic control plan per event/agrtiourism rules.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Bicycle parking requirements missing County parking schedule § 28.94 (retrieved materials) does not specify bike parking, bike rack counts or design. Lack of a standard may lead to permit delays. Verify bicycle parking standards with County planning or Public Works; confirm whether local policies or project‑level design review impose bicycle requirements. Not found in retrieved materials.
Off‑site parking approval uncertainty Off‑site parking is allowed only in "unusual circumstances" and requires approval by the Zoning Administrator/Planning Commission (subjective). Early pre‑application meeting; provide justification, owner consents, walking distance/shuttle plan, and traffic control. § 28.94(B).
Loading space sizing & placement Loading is frequently left to the discretion of staff/commission and can vary by use (industrial vs. office vs. retail). Provide truck turning templates, show loading not in required front yard, and coordinate with Zoning Administrator; cite district loading notes (e.g., § 28.42, § 28.74.20(A)(1)).
Surfacing vs. environmental constraints Districts like Suisun Marsh may restrict impervious surfaces or require marsh permits. Confirm whether surface type (gravel vs. asphalt) is allowed on your parcel and whether marsh/ environmental permits are required. See Suisun Marsh rules and § 28.22.30.
ADA / Building Code interplay County requires compliance with Building Code for accessible paths and aisles; County text references Building Code but does not restate its technical specs. Verify accessible stall widths and slopes against the current California Building Standards Code; coordinate plan review with Building Division. § 28.70.10(3).

Plain‑English summary

If you're building or changing a use on unincorporated Solano County land, start with § 28.94 for how many off‑street parking spaces you must provide, make sure the spaces are on your property (unless the County specifically allows off‑site parking), size residential stalls at 9×18 ft minimum, surface the lot appropriately, and show accessible routes that meet the Building Code. Verify loading needs and any overlay/district‑specific rules early with County staff.

Source References

  • Solano County Zoning Ordinance — § 28.94 Parking Requirements (parking schedule, on‑site requirement, dimensions, surfacing, driveways).
  • Solano County General Development Standards — § 28.70.10 (General development standards including parking/disabled access).
  • District development tables and standards referencing parking: § 28.42 (M‑L district table — loading & parking calls), § 28.43 (I‑AS district), § 28.23 (Suisun Valley table references to § 28.94), § 28.22.30 (Suisun Marsh development standards).
  • Special use / events / agritourism parking rules: § 28.75.20 (temporary agritourism) and § 28.73 / § 28.74 (recreation, assembly, offices) — event parking ratios, off‑site rules, dust and traffic controls.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CFC § 28 (Section 28-94) Medium relevance
  • Solano County Zoning Code (§16) Medium relevance
  • Solano County Zoning Code (§36) Medium relevance
  • Solano County Zoning Code (Section 28-99) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 6 (Section 28.94) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 6 (§6) Medium relevance
  • Solano County Zoning Code (Chapter 28) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 28.94 (section unless) Medium relevance

Cited sections

  • Solano County Zoning Ordinance — **§ 28.94 Parking Requirements** (parking schedule, on‑site requirement, dimensions, surfacing, driveways). (§ 28.94)
  • Solano County General Development Standards — **§ 28.70.10 (General development standards including parking/disabled access)**. (§ 28.70.10)
  • District development tables and standards referencing parking: **§ 28.42** (M‑L district table — loading & parking calls), **§ 28.43** (I‑AS district), **§ 28.23** (Suisun Valley table references to § 28.94), **§ 28.22.30** (Suisun Marsh development standards). (§ 28.42)
  • Special use / events / agritourism parking rules: **§ 28.75.20** (temporary agritourism) and **§ 28.73 / § 28.74** (recreation, assembly, offices) — event parking ratios, off‑site rules, dust and traffic controls. (§ 28.75.20)
  • SolanoCounty_ZoningCode.md

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum number of parking spaces required for a single‑family home in unincorporated Solano County?

The County requires two (2) off‑street spaces per primary dwelling unit, and one (1) space for a secondary/accessory dwelling unit; a junior ADU may be exempt per ADU rules. See § 28.94(A)(1).

How many parking spaces do I need for a small retail store?

Retail and office uses are generally one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area under § 28.94(A)(10). Confirm if your specific district or special use table adds requirements.

Can I count on‑street parking to meet the County’s parking requirement?

No. On‑street parking does not satisfy the County’s required off‑street parking; parking must be on‑site unless off‑site arrangements are approved by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission under § 28.94(B).

What dimensions and surfacing does the County require for residential parking?

Residential spaces must be at least 9 ft wide by 18 ft long per § 28.94(C)(3). Year‑round parking areas should be surfaced with asphaltic concrete or equivalent; gravel may be allowed for low‑intensity or periodic uses unless accessibility standards require paving (§ 28.94(F)).

Are there bicycle parking requirements in Solano County’s zoning code?

Bicycle parking standards are not found in the retrieved County zoning materials for § 28.94 or related sections. Verify bicycle parking or secure bike‑rack requirements with County planning or transportation staff; the Building Code may also have guidance. Not found in retrieved materials.

What does the County require for loading docks or truck areas?

Loading and unloading spaces are typically required as determined by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission and often cannot be located in required front yards; district tables (e.g., M‑L, I‑AS) and use sections require demonstration of adequate truck access (§ 28.42, § 28.74.20(A)(1)). Provide truck turning templates in your application.

Do special events or agritourism operations have different parking rules?

Yes. Special events and agritourism use sections require adequate on‑site parking (often defined by attendees or a 1:2.5 ratio for certain events), dust control, off‑site parking controls, and traffic/attendant plans; § 28.75.20 and event rules in § 28.73/28.74 apply.

Where should parking be located relative to the setback?

For residential uses the County prefers parking behind the front yard setback line; district tables and § 28.94(A) state spaces should be located behind the front yard setback where applicable.

If my parcel is in the Suisun Marsh or other overlay, will that change parking rules?

Overlay districts (e.g., Suisun Marsh, Suisun Valley) still reference § 28.94 for counts, but may add restrictions on siting, surface type, or require participation in parking districts. Check the applicable overlay chapter (e.g., § 28.22.30, § 28.23) for overlay‑specific controls.

Who decides if off‑site parking is acceptable?

The Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission must find off‑site parking reasonably acceptable in unusual circumstances; provide written arrangements, distances, and shuttle/traffic control plans per § 28.94(B) and event/agrtiourism sections.

More in Solano County code

Ask about any Solano County property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Solano County zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Solano County zoning topics

Solano County Zoning

Solano County Land Use

Solano County Development Standards

Solano County Design Review

Solano County Overlay Districts

Solano County Historic Preservation

Solano County Signage

Solano County Nonconforming Uses

Solano County Variances and Exceptions

Solano County Landscaping and Screening

Solano County overview