Local zoning · Susanville

Susanville — Parking

Q: How many parking spaces does Susanville require for a new single‑family house?

For a newly constructed single‑family dwelling the local code requires two parking spaces per dwelling unit , and for newly constructed single‑family or duplex units those spaces are expected to be covered and each at least 10 ft × 20 ft of unobstructed area. See § 17.12.060 and the cross‑reference to Chapter 17.100 .

Q: Where does the code say parking must be located relative to the building it serves?

Required parking must generally be located on the same lot or parcel as the use it serves; exceptions (joint use, off‑site parking in commercial/industrial zones) are spelled out in the code and may require a recorded agreement or a use permit. See § 17.100.040 and § 17.100.050 .

Q: What are Susanville’s loading‑bay dimensions and when are loading spaces required?

Any building with 10,000 sf or more occupied by hospital, institutional, hotel, commercial or industrial uses must provide at least one off‑street loading space plus one for each additional 20,000 sf . Each loading space must be at least 12 ft wide × 30 ft long , and if covered, 15 ft high ; access must be a minimum 20 ft wide if the loading area does not adjoin a street. See § 17.100.120 .

Q: Can an applicant use shared (joint) parking or count on‑street spaces toward required parking?

Yes — the code allows joint use arrangements (e.g., daytime/nighttime complementary uses), and in commercial/industrial zones off‑site parking within 500 ft may count if a use permit authorizes it and any required agreements are recorded. The joint‑use rules and required findings are in § 17.100.050 .

Q: Does Susanville limit how many compact car spaces I can provide?

Yes. Compact car spaces are permitted but limited by the total parking count: for example, with 11–30 total spaces up to 10% may be compact; 31–100 spaces up to 30% , etc.; see the compact‑space table in § 17.100.060 .

Q: Are bicycle parking spaces required for multifamily projects?

Yes — the city’s multifamily objective design standards require 0.5 Class II bicycle parking spaces per dwelling unit (i.e., one bike rack per two units) plus internal pedestrian/bicycle circulation standards; see § 17.104.110(5) . Also check Chapter 17.100 for other site‑level requirements.

Q: If a building is nonconforming for parking, can I rebuild or change the use?

Nonconforming parking or loading facilities must generally be brought into compliance before altering or enlarging a building so as to increase units, capacity, or floor area. Re‑occupancy after extended vacancy may require a use permit. See § 17.108.050 .

Q: Do converted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Susanville need additional parking?

For converted accessory dwelling units , Susanville’s local standard states no additional off‑street parking is required ; if replacement parking is provided it must be on the same parcel and may use tandem or driveway locations. See § 17.132.100(D) . Verify any additional ADU rules under local ADU provisions and state ADU law.

Q: What must I include in the parking plan to get approval?

A parking plan must show the layout of stalls, access points, interior aisles, striping, and related improvements ; it is submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director prior to building or use permit issuance. See § 17.100.130 .

Q: Can I defer installing parking improvements until after occupancy?

Parking improvements must generally be completed prior to final building inspection or occupancy; a deferral is possible only when justified and approved under the city’s development standards. See § 17.100.030 .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of Susanville regulates parking under the local zoning ordinance: where spaces must be located, required counts by use, loading standards, compact-space limits, and special rules for shared or deferred parking. The city’s off-street parking rules are consolidated in Chapter 17.100 (the off‑street parking and loading regulations) and are referenced directly from each zoning district’s site development standards; see the city’s zoning page for broader context on how these rules interact with district rules. (§ 17.100.010 et seq.)

(Links for related topics — first natural mention only)

The word parking above links to the Susanville Zoning overview (/us/california/susanville/zoning).
The phrase setbacks/development standards below links to Susanville Development Standards (/us/california/susanville/development-standards).
The phrase design review below links to Susanville Design Review (/us/california/susanville/design-review).
The phrase overlays below links to Susanville Overlay Districts (/us/california/susanville/overlay-districts).
The phrase ADUs below links to Susanville ADUs (/us/california/susanville/adu).
The phrase California Building Standards Code below links to the state building-code page (/us/california/building-codes).
The phrase landscaping below links to Susanville Landscaping and Screening (/us/california/susanville/landscaping-and-screening).
The phrase nonconforming uses below links to Susanville Nonconforming Uses (/us/california/susanville/nonconforming-uses).

Core city rules (quick reference)

All uses must provide and maintain off‑street parking and loading facilities per Chapter 17.100. (§ 17.100.020)
Required spaces must be provided when a building is installed, enlarged, structurally altered, or a use is inaugurated/expanded; spaces must be improved prior to final inspection or occupancy unless a deferral is approved in the city development standards. (§ 17.100.030)
Required parking must be located on the same parcel as the use unless otherwise allowed by the code (joint use, off‑site parking within specified distances, approved use permit). (§ 17.100.040 — § 17.100.050)
Loading spaces: minimum counts and dimensions for large buildings and loading area standards are in § 17.100.120. (§ 17.100.120)
Parking counts for typical uses are provided in the off‑street parking schedule at § 17.100.140 (tables for retail, residential, institutional, industrial, drive‑up stacking rules, etc.). (§ 17.100.140)
A parking plan is required and must be approved by the Community Development Director prior to issuance of a building or use permit. (§ 17.100.130)
Compact car limits, front‑yard parking rules, lot design/striping figures, transitional parking, and exceptions/use‑permit pathways are in §§ 17.100.060–17.100.170. (§ 17.100.060; § 17.100.070; § 17.100.150; § 17.100.160; § 17.100.170)

District-by-district summary (purpose, typical uses, key dimensional standards, where parking rules apply)

Note: In every district below the zoning text explicitly points to the off‑street parking chapter; the practical result is that counts and design standards are taken from Chapter 17.100 unless a district or use section provides a specific deviation. When a district requires a use permit, that permit can also authorize parking exceptions per § 17.100.160. (§ 17.100.160)

R‑1 — Single‑Family Residential (Chapter 17.12)

Purpose & typical uses: R-1 covers single‑family dwellings and limited accessory uses; certain uses (e.g., churches, bed & breakfast) are allowed with a use permit. (§ 17.12.040)
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot sizes (interior 6,000 sf / corner 7,000 sf), front yard 20 ft, side 5 ft, rear 15 ft, max height 35 ft. (§ 17.12.060)
Parking: The district directs applicants to Chapter 17.100 for parking rules; for new single‑family and duplexes, the code additionally requires two covered spaces per dwelling with each space at least 10 ft × 20 ft unobstructed. (§ 17.12.060(D),(G))

R‑2 — Low‑Medium Residential (Chapter 17.16)

Purpose & typical uses: R-2 allows a mix of single‑ and multi‑family residential types and typical residential accessory uses. (§ 17.16.020)
Key dimensional standards: minimum lot area 3,500 sf per unit, front 20 ft (with exceptions), side 5 ft, rear 10 ft, max height 35 ft. (§ 17.16.060)
Parking: City refers R‑2 developments to Chapter 17.100 for counts/standards; also repeats the two covered spaces rule for newly constructed single‑family and duplex units and the 10 ft × 20 ft minimum for those spaces. (§ 17.16.060(D),(G))

R‑3 / R‑3(A) — Duplex / Triplex Residential (Chapter 17.20)

Purpose & typical uses: R-3 / R-3A is for duplexes/triplexes and similar medium‑density residential development; duplexes/triplexes are permitted by right. (§ 17.20.010)
Key dimensional standards: density up to 12 units/acre where services exist; setbacks and heights similar to other residential districts (see § 17.20). (§ 17.20.010 and following)
Parking: R‑3 refers to Chapter 17.100 for parking and to multifamily development standards where applicable (i.e., Section 17.104.110). (§ 17.20.x; § 17.104.110)

R‑4 — Multifamily Residential (Chapter 17.24)

Purpose & typical uses: higher‑density multifamily residential; special multifamily standards apply to developments with four or more units. (§ 17.24)
Key dimensional standards: 2,000 sf per dwelling unit minimum (with minimum lot sizes), front 15 ft, side 5 ft, rear 15 ft, heights generally 35 ft. (§ 17.24)
Parking: R‑4 cases point to Chapter 17.100; in addition, multifamily objective design standards require 0.5 Class II bicycle spaces per dwelling unit (bicycle parking) and other internal circulation requirements. (§ 17.100.140; § 17.104.110(5))

C‑2 — General Commercial (Chapter 17.36)

Purpose & typical uses: C-2 is general commercial (larger retail, services, mixed commercial uses). (§ 17.36.050)
Key dimensional standards: minimum site 10,000 sf, front yard 10 ft (respective exceptions near residential), height up to 40 ft. (§ 17.36.050)
Parking: C‑2 developments are governed by Chapter 17.100 for off‑street parking counts and design; the C‑2 section also allows use permits to modify front yard requirements which may affect parking layout. (§ 17.36.050(G))

C‑O — Commercial‑Office (Chapter 17.44)

Purpose & typical uses: office and low‑impact commercial uses. (§ 17.44.050)
Parking: Delegates to Chapter 17.100 for counts and points applicants to site plan/landscaping requirements when preparing parking layouts. (§ 17.44.050(G))

M‑L — Light Industrial (Chapter 17.52)

Purpose & typical uses: light industrial, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing (with screened buffers to non‑industrial neighbors). (§ 17.52.050)
Parking: M‑L refers to Chapter 17.100; the code allows off‑site parking in commercial/industrial zones within 500 ft when authorized by a use permit. (§ 17.52.050(G); § 17.100.050(D))

MHP — Mobile Home Park (Chapter 17.28)

Purpose & typical uses: site standards and parking for mobile home parks. (§ 17.28.060)
Key parking rules: Two parking spaces per mobile home space (tandem allowed), plus guest parking (one per four units) and specific RV parking and circulation standards (e.g., 24 ft minimum entry width). (§ 17.28.060(I),(J))

UBD — Urban Business / Uptown Business District (references in Title)

Purpose & typical uses: higher‑intensity downtown commercial activities (UBD referenced in site standards). Parking requirements for UBD point back to Chapter 17.100; for existing pre‑ordinance structures, the code includes specific reconstructions/exemptions from additional parking obligations. (See UBD site development and parking clauses) (§ 17.100 references in UBD text)

Most decision‑relevant standards (table)

Rule or use	Requirement (decision‑relevant)	Code Reference
Single‑family / two‑family	Two parking spaces per dwelling unit; newly constructed spaces must be covered and 10 ft × 20 ft minimum each.	§ 17.12.060; § 17.16.060
Multifamily (typical)	1.5 spaces per one‑bed/studio; 2 spaces per 2+ bedroom; guest and RV parking required per schedule.	§ 17.100.140 (parking schedule)
Retail (enclosed)	1 space per 200 sf gross floor area (varies for large appliance/auto showroom).	§ 17.100.140 (retail rows)
Restaurant	1 per 250 sf (or 1 per 4 seats — whichever greater); drive‑up/stacking rules also apply.	§ 17.100.140; drive‑up stacking table (§ 17.100.140(B))
Industrial	1 per 1,000 sf manufacturing/warehouse OR per employee, whichever greater.	§ 17.100.140 (industry row)
Loading spaces	1 loading space for ≥10,000 sf; +1 per additional 20,000 sf; 12 ft × 30 ft × 15 ft (if covered).	§ 17.100.120

(When computing required numbers, fractions ≥0.5 round up; <0.5 round down.) (§ 17.100.140)

Checklist

Submit a parking plan (layout, stall dimensions, aisles, access, landscaping) and get Community Development Director approval before building/use permit issuance. (§ 17.100.130)
Provide required off‑street spaces on‑site unless a formal joint‑use or off‑site parking arrangement is approved (joint use conditions and distances in § 17.100.050). (§ 17.100.040; § 17.100.050)
Ensure loading spaces meet counts and dimension minimums (12' × 30' × 15' if covered). (§ 17.100.120)
Respect compact‑car maximums where applicable (tables in § 17.100.060). (§ 17.100.060)
Install parking improvements before occupancy (unless deferred via development standards). (§ 17.100.030)
For ADU projects: check local ADU conversion rules — conversion ADUs do not require additional off‑street parking per local ADU conversion standard; check § 17.132.100(D). (§ 17.132.100(D))
If requesting exceptions (compact spaces, shared parking, transitional parking in residential zones, or off‑site parking), prepare a parking study and apply for the required use permit; § 17.100.160 explains the exception findings. (§ 17.100.050; § 17.100.160)

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADU parking vs state law	Susanville’s conversion ADU text says no additional parking required for converted ADUs, but state ADU law contains exemptions/limits (and recent state updates). Conflicts or redundancies may affect whether the city can impose parking for an ADU.	Verify local ADU application rules and which ADU type is proposed; confirm the city’s ADU section § 17.132.100(D) and reconcile with state ADU law if needed. (§ 17.132.100(D))
Off‑site parking distances/acceptability	Commercial/industrial parking can be off‑site within 500 ft, but other districts have different distance allowances (e.g., other allowance references show 1,000–2,000 ft thresholds in downtown standards).	Confirm the exact allowable off‑site distance in the district text that applies and whether a recorded agreement is required (§ 17.100.050 requires recorded agreements for joint use). (§ 17.100.050)
Use‑permit exceptions (finding standard)	A use permit can modify parking standards but requires findings that the alternative provides equal or greater quality. This is discretionary and can prolong approvals.	If seeking an exception, prepare a parking study and expect discretionary review; cite § 17.100.160 for the required findings. (§ 17.100.160)
On‑street/pubic lot credit & measurement	Some district language (e.g., UBD / site‑specific provisions) allows on‑street or public lot credit within specified radii for new structures; distances vary (250 ft, 1,000 ft, 2,000 ft appear in different provisions).	Confirm the exact district provision that will apply to your parcel (planning commission may set the mix; see UBD/commercial district clauses). (§ 17.100.050; UBD/commercial district text)
Bicycle parking standards (multifamily, site design)	Bicycle parking minimums are stated in the multifamily objective standards (e.g., 0.5 Class II per unit), but that may not appear in every district.	For multifamily projects, design review and site plan must show bicycle parking per § 17.104.110(5). Verify whether additional bicycle rules appear elsewhere. (§ 17.104.110(5))
Nonconforming parking on redevelopment	Where buildings are nonconforming for parking, the code restricts enlargement or reoccupation without meeting parking requirements. This can block redevelopment unless a use permit is obtained.	Check § 17.108.050 on nonconforming off‑street parking before altering or reoccupying a structure. (§ 17.108.050)

Plain‑English Summary

Susanville requires off‑street parking and loading per the Chapter 17.100 schedule; most districts simply point back to that chapter for counts and design. Residential single‑family units need two spaces (10×20 ft each), multifamily and commercial uses follow the tabulated rates, loading spaces have minimum dimensions, and many modifications are possible only through a use permit or approved parking agreement — confirm specifics with the Community Development Director and the project’s zoning district rules (verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑specific interpretation). (§ 17.100.010–.160; district references cited above)

Source References

Susanville Municipal Code — Chapter 17.100, Off‑Street Parking and Loading Regulations: § 17.100.010 — § 17.100.170 (purpose, application, required location, joint use, compact parking, parking schedule, parking plan, loading standards, design/striping, exceptions).
R‑1 District site development standards: § 17.12.060 (minimum lot sizes, setbacks, parking requirement for new single‑family and duplex).
R‑2 District site development standards: § 17.16.060 (density, yards, parking referral to Chapter 17.100, two covered spaces requirement).
R‑3 / R‑3A District: Chapter/sections in § 17.20 (purpose and referral to Chapter 17.100).
R‑4 / Multifamily: § 17.24 and multifamily standards § 17.104.110 (bicycle parking, internal circulation).
C‑2 District standards: § 17.36.050 (site development standards point to Chapter 17.100).
M‑L District standards: § 17.52.050 (parking referral and buffers).
MHP District standards: § 17.28.060 (mobile home park parking, guest/RV rules).
Loading space minimums: § 17.100.120.
Parking schedule and compact car rules: § 17.100.140; § 17.100.060.
Parking plan requirement: § 17.100.130.
Exceptions and use‑permit modifications: § 17.100.160; transitional parking § 17.100.170.
Local ADU conversion parking rule: § 17.132.100(D) (no additional parking required for converted ADUs; replacement parking if provided must be on‑site).
Nonconforming off‑street parking restrictions: § 17.108.050.

If you need direct links to any of the ordinance sections above or the city’s development standards checklist, tell me which section(s) you want and I’ll pull the exact ordinance text and figures for your parcel or project type. Verify parcel‑specific interpretations with the Community Development Department.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
CBC § 2 (§ 2) High relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (section will) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 17.12.040.) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (section will) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (Section 17.124.) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
Susanville Zoning Code (§ 17.36.050.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Susanville code library

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces does Susanville require for a new single‑family house?

For a newly constructed single‑family dwelling the local code requires two parking spaces per dwelling unit, and for newly constructed single‑family or duplex units those spaces are expected to be covered and each at least 10 ft × 20 ft of unobstructed area. See § 17.12.060 and the cross‑reference to Chapter 17.100.

Where does the code say parking must be located relative to the building it serves?

Required parking must generally be located on the same lot or parcel as the use it serves; exceptions (joint use, off‑site parking in commercial/industrial zones) are spelled out in the code and may require a recorded agreement or a use permit. See § 17.100.040 and § 17.100.050.

What are Susanville’s loading‑bay dimensions and when are loading spaces required?

Any building with 10,000 sf or more occupied by hospital, institutional, hotel, commercial or industrial uses must provide at least one off‑street loading space plus one for each additional 20,000 sf. Each loading space must be at least 12 ft wide × 30 ft long, and if covered, 15 ft high; access must be a minimum 20 ft wide if the loading area does not adjoin a street. See § 17.100.120.

Can an applicant use shared (joint) parking or count on‑street spaces toward required parking?

Yes — the code allows joint use arrangements (e.g., daytime/nighttime complementary uses), and in commercial/industrial zones off‑site parking within 500 ft may count if a use permit authorizes it and any required agreements are recorded. The joint‑use rules and required findings are in § 17.100.050.

Does Susanville limit how many compact car spaces I can provide?

Yes. Compact car spaces are permitted but limited by the total parking count: for example, with 11–30 total spaces up to 10% may be compact; 31–100 spaces up to 30%, etc.; see the compact‑space table in § 17.100.060.

Are bicycle parking spaces required for multifamily projects?

Yes — the city’s multifamily objective design standards require 0.5 Class II bicycle parking spaces per dwelling unit (i.e., one bike rack per two units) plus internal pedestrian/bicycle circulation standards; see § 17.104.110(5). Also check Chapter 17.100 for other site‑level requirements.

If a building is nonconforming for parking, can I rebuild or change the use?

Nonconforming parking or loading facilities must generally be brought into compliance before altering or enlarging a building so as to increase units, capacity, or floor area. Re‑occupancy after extended vacancy may require a use permit. See § 17.108.050.

Do converted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Susanville need additional parking?

For converted accessory dwelling units, Susanville’s local standard states no additional off‑street parking is required; if replacement parking is provided it must be on the same parcel and may use tandem or driveway locations. See § 17.132.100(D). Verify any additional ADU rules under local ADU provisions and state ADU law.

What must I include in the parking plan to get approval?

A parking plan must show the layout of stalls, access points, interior aisles, striping, and related improvements; it is submitted to and approved by the Community Development Director prior to building or use permit issuance. See § 17.100.130.

Can I defer installing parking improvements until after occupancy?

Parking improvements must generally be completed prior to final building inspection or occupancy; a deferral is possible only when justified and approved under the city’s development standards. See § 17.100.030.

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