Local zoning · Tulare

Tulare — Parking

Q: What parking ratios apply to a new single‑family home in Tulare?

Single‑family homes must provide 2 covered parking spaces per dwelling unit (apply Table 10.54.040‑1 / § 10.54.040 ). Garage conversions must replace required parking unless the conversion is an ADU that meets Chapter 10.60 exceptions; verify with Planning.

Q: How does Tulare treat parking for multi‑family projects (apartments)?

Use Table 10.54.040‑1 : studios typically 1 space/unit , 1‑bed = 1 space , 2+ beds = 2 spaces/unit with guest spaces (1 per 5 units) unless in the Downtown Overlay/TOD where reductions may apply; parking lot design and landscaping requirements also apply. See § 10.54.040 and § 10.54.100 .

Q: What dimensions must parking stalls and driveways meet?

Standard 90° stalls must be at least 20' long × 9' wide . Compact stalls may be 16' × 9' (up to 10% of total on lots with ≥10 spaces). Driveway widths for commercial, industrial, and multi‑family uses are 15' (one‑way) and 25' (two‑way). See § 10.54.100 .

Q: Can required parking be shared between uses or reduced?

Yes — shared parking is allowed with reductions (up to 20% reduction for simultaneous sharing; up to 50% reduction for uses with complementary operating hours in some cases), and mixed‑use totals can be reduced to 90% of the sum of individual requirements; larger reductions may require a variance. See § 10.54.060 and § 10.54.050 (D) .

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Tulare's zoning ordinance requires for parking, loading, and bicycle parking. It is grounded in the Tulare Zoning Ordinance (Title 10) and explains where the rules live, how they differ by district (residential, commercial, downtown, and overlays), and what applicants must show at site plan review. For context on development standards and related processes see Tulare Zoning, Tulare Development Standards, and Tulare Design Review. For bicycle/low‑emission parking technical rules see the California Building Standards Code.

Key chapters and how they interact

The off‑street parking and loading requirements are centralized in Chapter 10.54 (parking, loading, dimensions, landscaping, bicycle/low‑emission parking) — see § 10.54.020–§ 10.54.160 for the full set of standards.
Individual zone chapters (for example R‑1, C‑2, C‑3, Downtown Overlay) repeat the base requirement that off‑street parking and loading be provided per Chapter 10.54 and add site‑specific placement/landscaping rules (e.g., setbacks, parking location behind buildings). See the zone chapters cited below for district details.

(First use links: this page refers to the city's Tulare Zoning, Tulare Development Standards, Tulare Design Review, Tulare Overlay Districts, Tulare ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and Tulare Landscaping and Screening.)

District-by-district breakdown (parking-focused)

Note: every district requires off‑street parking according to Chapter 10.54; the subsections below summarize the district purpose, typical uses, and local parking/location rules in that district and cite the controlling local sections.

R‑1 (Low Density Residential) — Chapter 10.14

Purpose / typical uses: single‑family neighborhoods; accessory dwellings regulated separately. See § 10.14.010 and the Residential land‑use table in § 10.08.020.
Parking rules that apply: single‑family dwellings must provide 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit and each space must meet the size/layout requirements in § 10.54.100 (stall/driveway dimensions and paving). Garages/carports converted to living area must replace required parking unless the conversion creates an ADU and the ADU rules apply. See § 10.54.040 (table), § 10.54.100, and § 10.54.160.
Location/placement: required spaces generally cannot be placed in setback areas; driveway width and front paved area limits also apply (see chapter references below). See § 10.54.030 and the R‑1 driveway/parking rules at § 10.14.130.

R‑M / R‑H (Medium / High Density Residential) — Chapters 10.16 / 10.18

Purpose / typical uses: multi‑family residential; higher densities. See § 10.16.180 and § 10.18.010 for design and density intent.
Parking rules: multi‑family parking ratios are in Table 10.54.040‑1 (e.g., 1 space per unit for studios; 1 space for 1‑bed; 2 spaces for 2+ beds with guest stalls required in some cases). Site layout rules for parking islands, landscaping, and breaking up rows apply. See § 10.54.040 (table) and § 10.54.100 and design provisions in § 10.16.180(F).

C‑2 (Office Commercial) — Chapter 10.22

Purpose / typical uses: office‑oriented commercial uses. See § 10.22.030.
Parking rules: Off‑street parking and loading must be provided “as prescribed in Chapter 10.54.” Parking areas must be at least 15 feet from front/street side lot line and landscaped in that 15‑ft buffer; new parking should be behind or to the side of buildings rather than between building and street. See § 10.22.100.

C‑3 (Retail Commercial) — Chapter 10.24

Purpose / typical uses: general retail. See § 10.24.100–130.
Parking rules: off‑street parking required per Chapter 10.54; table parking ratios include retail at 1 space per 300 sq ft (see Table 10.54.040‑1). C‑3 requires minimum landscaping and may limit parking within setbacks. See § 10.24.110 and Table 10.54.040‑1.

Downtown / Downtown Overlay (D) — Chapter 10.42

Purpose / typical uses: promote downtown character and pedestrian streetwall. See § 10.42.040–§ 10.42.050.
Parking rules (important differences): the Downtown Overlay prohibits parking between building and the primary entrance; parking reductions and exceptions are available. The code allows lower parking requirements in the Downtown Overlay/TOD areas and specifically exempts small change‑of‑use or small additions from triggering new parking in some cases (see § 10.54.050(A)). Downtown parking layout/placement standards are in § 10.42.050 and the off‑street parking chapter. See § 10.42.050 and § 10.54.050.

Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU) — Chapter 10.46

Purpose / typical uses: allow integrated commercial/residential on the same site; MU may combine with R‑H, C‑2, C‑3, or C‑4. The MU chapter may override base parking/loading rules where stated. See § 10.46.010–030 and the ability for the Director to waive loading requirements for buildings in MU in § 10.54.110.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

Topic / Requirement	Standard (Tulare)	Code reference
Who must follow the chapter	All zone districts unless otherwise specified	§ 10.54.020
Required parking counts (selected)	Single‑family: 2 covered spaces per unit. Retail: 1/300 sf. Multi‑family: 1/1‑bed; 2/2+ bed (plus guest ratios). See full table for other uses.	Table 10.54.040‑1 / § 10.54.040
Exceptions / reductions	Downtown/TOD reductions; mixed‑use combined requirements may be reduced to 90% total; Director may reduce up to 50% in Downtown/TOD; joint use reductions up to 50% if uses operate at different times.	§ 10.54.050, § 10.54.060
Parking stall dimensions	Standard 90°: 20' length × 9' width (min). Compact: 16'×9' (max 10% of lot). Motorcycle: 4'×8'. ADA: meet current CA/ADA code.	§ 10.54.100
Driveway / circulation minima	One‑way: 15' min; Two‑way: 25' min (commercial/multi‑family).	§ 10.54.100(G)
Off‑street loading	≥1 loading space if building ≥10,000 sf (more if >25,000 sf); minimum loading bay 25'×12' with 14' overhead clearance. Alley adjacency/mixed‑use waivers allowed.	§ 10.54.110–120
Bicycle / low‑emission parking	Provide per latest adopted California Building Code; lots ≥40 spaces may substitute bicycle racks (1 rack/40 spaces). One auto space may be subtracted per five‑space bicycle rack above CBC requirement.	§ 10.54.150; California Building Standards Code
Parking lot landscaping	Parking lot landscaping must meet Chapter 10.52 standards; parking areas adjacent to streets have specific screening/setback rules per zone chapter.	§ 10.54.140 and Chapter 10.52
Replacement of required spaces	Existing provided parking or loading capacity may not be reduced unless replacement capacity is provided (no net loss).	§ 10.54.130

Practical guidance / interpretation notes

The City centralizes numeric ratios in Table 10.54.040‑1; start here for counts and then apply district placement rules in the applicable zone chapter (for example § 10.14.130 for R‑1, § 10.22.100 for C‑2, § 10.42.050 for Downtown).
If your proposed use is not listed in the table, the Community Development Director will set a requirement based on comparable uses (Director discretion). Expect the Director to reference § 10.54.040(C).
For ADUs: converting a garage to an ADU triggers the ADU rules; garage‑conversion parking replacement rules are in § 10.54.160 and ADU provisions are in Chapter 10.60 (exceptions apply). Verify ADU parking with § 10.60.030 / § 10.60.040.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy)

Apply the numeric parking ratio in Table 10.54.040‑1 to your proposed use and site (or request Director determination if use not listed). § 10.54.040.
Show parking layout with striping and stall dimensions (standard 20'×9', compact 16'×9' rules) on site plan. § 10.54.100 and § 10.72.040(8).
Provide required off‑street loading if building ≥10,000 sf (or show why waiver applies). § 10.54.110–120.
If in Downtown Overlay or TOD, calculate reductions per § 10.54.050 and note any joint/shared parking proposals under § 10.54.060.
Provide bicycle and low‑emission vehicle parking per the CBC and § 10.54.150; show racks/charging in plan. § 10.54.150; California Building Standards Code.
Include parking landscaping and screening in your landscape plan to meet Chapter 10.52; show irrigation and species. § 10.54.140; Chapter 10.52.
If proposing parking reductions, shared parking, tandem parking, or compact/ motorcycle stalls, provide written justification and calculations (Director or Planning Commission review may be required). § 10.54.050–060, § 10.54.100(D, E, K).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Director discretion for unlisted uses	The Director can set a different parking requirement if your use isn't in the table — this can increase required parking unexpectedly.	Ask for a written parking determination from the Community Development Director; request contemporaneous comparable use examples. § 10.54.040(C).
Downtown/TOD reductions and applicability	Reductions (up to 50% by Director) are available but have exact triggers (location, size). Mis‑applying reductions can cause noncompliance.	Confirm whether the parcel is in the Downtown Overlay or a designated TOD area and whether the proposed change is eligible for the exceptions in § 10.54.050.
Loading waiver in MU	MU Overlay allows the Director to waive loading requirements for some buildings — critical for small infill sites.	If in the MU overlay, ask staff whether a loading waiver is likely under § 10.54.110/§ 10.46.020(B).
ADU/garage conversion parking replacement	Garage conversions usually require replacement parking unless the conversion results in an ADU and specific ADU rules apply; confusion here can delay permits.	Confirm whether conversion is an ADU under Chapter 10.60 and whether § 10.54.160 allows an exception. Verify with Planning staff.
EV / Low‑emission vehicle charging details	Tulare defers to the California Building Standards Code for bicycle and low‑emission parking; the local code does not specify charger counts or locations.	Check the most recent CBC/Title 24 requirements for EV readiness and charging specifications and coordinate with the Building Department. § 10.54.150; California Building Standards Code.

Plain‑English summary

Tulare’s zoning code requires off‑street parking and loading per Chapter 10.54: look up your use in Table 10.54.040‑1 for the count, follow the stall/driveway size rules in § 10.54.100, include bicycle/low‑emission parking per the California Building Standards Code, and place parking according to your zone’s chapter (for example R‑1 or C‑2) — downtown and mixed‑use areas have built‑in flexibility and potential reductions, but all reductions are described in the ordinance and may require Director approval.

Source References

Tulare Zoning Ordinance (Title 10) — Chapter 10.54 (Parking and Loading): § 10.54.020–§ 10.54.160.
Table 10.54.040‑1 (Number of Parking Spaces by Use) and related text: § 10.54.040.
Exceptions and shared/joint parking: § 10.54.050 and § 10.54.060.
Parking dimensions and driveway minima: § 10.54.100.
Off‑street loading rules and minimum bay sizes: § 10.54.110–§ 10.54.120.
Replacement of required parking; landscaping of parking areas; bicycle/low‑emission parking: § 10.54.130, § 10.54.140, § 10.54.150.
R‑1 zone (Low Density Residential) development & parking rules: Chapter 10.14, including § 10.14.130.
C‑2 and C‑3 zone excerpts (site layout and where parking may be placed): § 10.22.100, § 10.24.100–130.
Downtown Overlay zone development and parking placement: Chapter 10.42 and § 10.42.050.
Mixed‑Use Overlay (MU) chapter and applicability: Chapter 10.46.
Site plan review content requirements (include parking on site plan): § 10.72.040.
California Building Standards Code / Title 24 (bicycle / low‑emission and accessible parking technical details): referenced by § 10.54.150 and applicable CBC sections (see Building Code excerpts).

(Ordinance source material extracted from Tulare Municipal Code / Tulare Zoning Ordinance; full code text available via the city's code library — verify parcel‑specific requirements with the Community Development Department.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

Tulare Zoning Code (§ 10.54.020) High relevance
CBC § 10.54.110 (§ 10.54.110) High relevance
CBC § 10.54.130 (§ 10.54.130) High relevance
Tulare Zoning Code High relevance
CBC § 10.54.110 (§ 10.54.110) High relevance
CBC § 10.22.030 (§ 10.22.030) High relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (§ 10.54.050) High relevance
CBC § 10.42.040 (§ 10.42.040) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (§ 10.06.020) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (CHAPTER 10.18) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (chapter without) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (§ 10.06.040) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (§ 10.14.140) Medium relevance
Tulare Zoning Code (title is) Medium relevance
CBC § 10.60.110 (§ 10.60.110) Medium relevance
CBC § 10.54.100 (§ 10.54.100) Medium relevance
CBC § 10.34.020 (§ 10.34.020) Medium relevance
CBC § 10.26.030 (§ 10.26.030) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Tulare code library

Frequently asked questions

What parking ratios apply to a new single‑family home in Tulare?

Single‑family homes must provide 2 covered parking spaces per dwelling unit (apply Table 10.54.040‑1 / § 10.54.040). Garage conversions must replace required parking unless the conversion is an ADU that meets Chapter 10.60 exceptions; verify with Planning.

How does Tulare treat parking for multi‑family projects (apartments)?

Use Table 10.54.040‑1: studios typically 1 space/unit, 1‑bed = 1 space, 2+ beds = 2 spaces/unit with guest spaces (1 per 5 units) unless in the Downtown Overlay/TOD where reductions may apply; parking lot design and landscaping requirements also apply. See § 10.54.040 and § 10.54.100.

Does downtown Tulare require the same parking as elsewhere?

No — the Downtown Overlay and TOD areas may have reduced requirements and specific siting rules (e.g., parking behind buildings; prohibitions on parking between the primary entrance and the street). Small changes of use or small expansions in the Downtown Overlay may not trigger new parking. See § 10.42.050 and § 10.54.050.

When are off‑street loading spaces required?

An off‑street loading space is required for buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger when the use typically receives/delivers goods; buildings over 25,000 sf require at least one loading space plus additional spaces as determined by the Director. Minimum bay size is 25' × 12' with 14' overhead clearance. Waivers are available in the Mixed‑Use Overlay in some cases. See § 10.54.110–120.

What dimensions must parking stalls and driveways meet?

Standard 90° stalls must be at least 20' long × 9' wide. Compact stalls may be 16' × 9' (up to 10% of total on lots with ≥10 spaces). Driveway widths for commercial, industrial, and multi‑family uses are 15' (one‑way) and 25' (two‑way). See § 10.54.100.

Are bicycle parking and EV charging addressed locally?

Tulare requires bicycle and low‑emission vehicle parking per the latest adopted California Building Standards Code; the local rule (Chapter 10.54) describes substitution rules (e.g., one auto space may be subtracted per five‑space bicycle rack beyond CBC requirements) but defers technical charger counts/specifications to the CBC/Title 24. See § 10.54.150 and the California Building Standards Code.

Can required parking be shared between uses or reduced?

Yes — shared parking is allowed with reductions (up to 20% reduction for simultaneous sharing; up to 50% reduction for uses with complementary operating hours in some cases), and mixed‑use totals can be reduced to 90% of the sum of individual requirements; larger reductions may require a variance. See § 10.54.060 and § 10.54.050 (D).

Do garage conversions to living space have special parking rules?

Garage conversions must generally replace required parking unless the conversion creates an ADU and the ADU rules allow otherwise. See § 10.54.160 and the ADU chapter (§ 10.60). Confirm with Planning because ADU law and local ADU provisions interact.

Where do I show parking on my site plan submittal?

The Site Plan application checklist requires location of off‑street parking with number of spaces, paving type, directional arrows, and parking space dimensions; include landscaping, lighting, and loading area locations. See § 10.72.040.

Who decides parking for uses not listed in the table?

The Community Development Director determines parking/loading requirements for unlisted uses, based on comparable uses and the use’s characteristics; such decisions can be appealed. See § 10.54.040(C) and the Director/appeal process.

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