Tehama — Parking

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Tehama’s local zoning ordinance (Title 17) actually requires about parking: off‑street parking counts, where spaces may be located, how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are treated, and where the code is silent (for example, bicycle and formal loading standards). Where the ordinance speaks, citations to the controlling § are provided and linked to the ordinance extract used for this analysis. For building‑code technical rules (accessible stalls, dimensions beyond the zoning definition) see the state codes referenced below.

How to read this page

• Bolded terms and numbers call out the City’s actual district names, metrics, or code citations (for quick scanning).
• When I say "Verify with the jurisdiction" that means the ordinance leaves a parcel‑specific detail ambiguous or refers you to another authority (e.g., the building code or planning staff).

District-by-district summary (what Title 17 says about parking)

Residential (R)

• Purpose / where it applies: The Residential (R) district covers all platted lots (the primary residential area of Tehama) and is intended to preserve the city's residential character § 17.12.010.
• Typical permitted uses (high‑level): single‑family, multifamily, ADUs/JADUs, community care, emergency shelters, etc. See § 17.12.030.
• Key parking rules:
  • A one‑ or two‑story single‑family dwelling must provide two off‑street parking spaces per lot (stated in the residential permitted uses) § 17.12.030.A.
  • The code defines a “parking space” as an off‑street space at least nine by twenty (20) feet, located behind the front setback line § 17.04.050.
• Development standards (setbacks, coverage) that affect placement of parking are in the residential development standards (front setback 15 ft, side yards, lot coverage limits) § 17.12.050; parking behind the front setback is required by the parking definition § 17.04.050.

Business Overlay Zone (Business overlay)

• Purpose / where it applies: The Business Overlay zone overlays parts of the platted area and authorizes commercial uses where allowed in the overlay map § 17.14.. Permitted uses include restaurants, retail, offices, hotels, etc. § 17.14.030.
• Key parking direction: Development in the Business Overlay must comply with the development standards of the underlying base zone and the General Plan — i.e., parking requirements are determined by the underlying zone or specific use standards, not by separate overlay parking rules § 17.14.050.

Open‑space

• Purpose / where it applies: Lands designated Open‑space are reserved for parks, river access, wildlife preservation and similar public uses; the ordinance treats open‑space differently from developed zones § 17.08.020. The code does not prescribe standard commercial parking minimums for open‑space uses in the text retrieved.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — citywide ADU standards (Chapter 17.60)

• Applicable district(s): ADU rules in Chapter 17.60 apply across residential and multi‑family parcels where ADUs are allowed (see § 17.60 chapters).
• Parking counts and placement:
  • A standard ADU requires one off‑street parking space in addition to spaces required for the primary dwelling, except where listed exceptions apply § 17.60.090.C (1 & 2).
  • Exceptions (no ADU parking required) include when the ADU is: within one‑half mile of public transit; on a historically significant property; is conversion of existing primary residence or accessory structure; when on‑street permit parking is required but not offered to ADU occupant; or when a car‑share vehicle is within one block § 17.60.090.C.1.a–e.
  • The required ADU parking space may be covered or uncovered, tandem, and allowed in setback areas unless infeasible for specific safety/topography/fire reasons; replacement parking rules are also spelled out for conversions § 17.60.090.C.2–3; § 17.60.100.D.
• Junior ADU (JADU): No off‑street parking is required for a JADU § 17.60.110.F.
• Converted ADUs: No additional off‑street parking is required for ADUs created by conversion of existing space; replacement parking (if provided) may be located in tandem or rear yard paved surfaces as described § 17.60.100.D.

Quick standards table (most decision‑relevant)

Information Gaps (what the Tehama ordinance did not clearly state in retrieved materials)

• Bicycle parking minimums: Not found in retrieved Tehama materials. (State voluntary/mandatory guidance exists in the California Green Building Standards Code; see below.)
• Formal off‑street loading space minimums (detailed size/number for commercial/industrial uses): Not found in retrieved Tehama Title 17 text; the state code defines "off‑street loading space" but Tehama does not publish local numeric loading minimums in the sections retrieved. Verify with the planning department.
• Accessible parking dimensions and signage: these are primarily handled by state building and accessibility codes (not by Tehama zoning text). See the state building code references below for technical requirements.

Practical guidance / synthesis (plain‑English interpretation)

• For a typical single‑family house in the Residential (R) district you must plan for two off‑street spaces on the lot (behind the front setback), each approximately 9' × 20', unless a specific exception applies § 17.12.030.A; § 17.04.050.
• If you propose an ADU, expect to provide one additional off‑street space unless your ADU qualifies for an exception (within 1/2 mile of transit, historic property, conversion, no available on‑street permits, or car‑share nearby). If you can’t fit the extra stall on the lot, the code explicitly allows covered/uncovered, tandem, and setback‑area parking for ADU spaces unless the review authority finds infeasibility for safety reasons § 17.60.090.C.1–3.
• If your project is commercial in the Business Overlay, check the underlying base zone rules — the overlay defers to the base zone for development/parking standards § 17.14.050.

(If a proposed design triggers technical accessibility or construction standards, those are enforced through the state building codes — verify with the building official — see the link below.)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (zoning side)

• Confirm the parcel’s zone (Residential (R), Business Overlay, or Open‑space) and applicable permitted uses § 17.12.010–030; § 17.14.030.
• Provide the required number of off‑street spaces for the proposed use (e.g., two for a single‑family dwelling) § 17.12.030.A.
• Dimension each parking stall to meet the local zoning definition: nine by twenty (20) feet and place behind front setback § 17.04.050.
• If adding an ADU, demonstrate whether the one additional ADU space is required or whether an exception applies; show location on plan (tandem/covered/uncovered allowed) § 17.60.090.C.
• If converting existing garage/structure to an ADU, note that no replacement parking is required but show replacement configuration if provided § 17.60.100.D.
• If proposing an emergency shelter, community care or other special use, confirm the specific parking formula that applies (examples in § 17.12.030.I).
• Verify whether bicycle parking or loading requirements are requested by planning or conditioned at approval — Tehama’s Title 17 did not publish local bike/loading minima in the retrieved text; the state codes provide guidance (see Sources).
• If in a Business Overlay, confirm which underlying base zone controls parking § 17.14.050.
• Verify with Planning and the Building Official for accessible parking and any Title 24/ADA technical requirements (not covered in Title 17). Verify curb cut / driveway permits with public works.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

For most homes in Tehama you must provide two off‑street parking spaces on the lot, each about 9 × 20 ft, placed behind the front setback. If you add an ADU you usually must add one more space, though the code lists clear exceptions (near transit, conversions, historic properties, etc.). The ordinance allows tandem and setback parking for ADUs; bike and formal loading standards are not spelled out in the local zoning text returned here — check with planning and the building official. (Verify parcel‑specific questions with the City.)

Source References

• City of Tehama, Title 17 — ZONING. Definitions and “parking space” definition § 17.04.050.
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Residential district permitted uses and parking for single‑family § 17.12.030.A; residential development standards § 17.12.050.
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Business Overlay (uses; overlay defers to underlying zone for development/parking standards) § 17.14.030; § 17.14.050.
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Accessory Dwelling Units chapter: ADU parking rules and exceptions § 17.60.090; § 17.60.100; § 17.60.110.
• California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — bicycle parking guidance and off‑street loading definitions (used only where Tehama ordinance is silent).
• California Building Code / Accessibility provisions (for accessible parking technical details) — Title 24 references (see Building Code files in the project materials).

Internal reference pages you may find helpful:

• Tehama Zoning & planning overview: Tehama zoning & planning overview — use this to jump to zoning materials.
• For the local zoning menu: Tehama Zoning, Tehama Development Standards, Tehama Design Review, Tehama Overlay Districts, Tehama ADUs, and California Building Standards Code. (First mention of each topic above has been linked into the text.)

Retrieved passages

• Tehama Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Chapter 17.04) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Title 17) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Section 65660.) Medium relevance show source text
• CGBSC § 490 (Section 490) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (title and) Medium relevance show source text
• Tehama Zoning Code (Chapter 17.04) Medium relevance show source text
• CGBSC § 5.106.3.1 (Section 5.106.3.1) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• City of Tehama, Title 17 — ZONING. Definitions and “parking space” definition **§ 17.04.050**. (Title 17)
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Residential district permitted uses and parking for single‑family **§ 17.12.030.A**; residential development standards **§ 17.12.050**. (Title 17)
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Business Overlay (uses; overlay defers to underlying zone for development/parking standards) **§ 17.14.030; § 17.14.050**. (Title 17)
• City of Tehama, Title 17 — Accessory Dwelling Units chapter: ADU parking rules and exceptions **§ 17.60.090; § 17.60.100; § 17.60.110**. (Title 17)
• California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) — bicycle parking guidance and off‑street loading definitions (used only where Tehama ordinance is silent).
• California Building Code / Accessibility provisions (for accessible parking technical details) — Title 24 references (see Building Code files in the project materials). (Title 24)
• Tehama Zoning & planning overview: Tehama zoning & planning overview — use this to jump to zoning materials.
• For the local zoning menu: Tehama Zoning, Tehama Development Standards, Tehama Design Review, Tehama Overlay Districts, Tehama ADUs, and California Building Standards Code. (First mention of each topic above has been linked into the text.)
• Tehama_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California Green Building Standards Code.md
• 2025 California Building Code.md

• Official Tehama code library