Local zoning · Walnut

Walnut — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Walnut zoning ordinance requires for parking (off‑street vehicle spaces, loading, bicycle parking and related design/layout) and where those requirements live in the code. The controlling rules are in Chapter 6.68 (Off‑Street Parking) and in several zone chapters (many zones simply cross‑reference Chapter 6.68). Read this page as an ordinance‑grounded synthesis and checklist — not building‑code (Title 24) guidance. See the city’s zoning material for context on land use and development standards: Walnut Zoning.

Key city rules (quick synthesis)

  • The off‑street parking program is administered under Chapter 6.68; the chapter sets the parking schedule, stall dimensions, maneuvering/aisle rules, paving/marking, and rules for shared/off‑site parking and loading (§ 6.68.010 – § 6.68.070) .
  • The Chapter contains a Schedule of minimum requirements (residential and a long list of use‑specific ratios) and explicit rules on fractions, shared parking, and off‑site parking permits (§ 6.68.040) .
  • Stall & aisle geometry: open stalls 9' × 20', garage stalls minimum 10' × 20'; aisle/drive widths vary for one‑way vs two‑way and residential vs nonresidential; 90° end spaces adjacent to obstructions need extra clearance (§ 6.68.050; § 6.68.060) .
  • Parking development standards (paving, striping, wheelstops, drainage) are required; gravel is allowed only in the rural overlay with Planning Commission review (§ 6.68.070) .
  • Bicycle parking and TDM measures for larger non‑residential projects are required under Chapter 6.52 (transportation demand measures), including a bicycle‑rack formula and safe pedestrian/bicycle access to racks (§ 6.52.110; § 6.52.120) .
  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): the ADU rules require one off‑street space per ADU (8.5' × 19' or enclosed 10' × 22' with 9' door) but list several state‑law exceptions (within 1/2 mile of transit, historic district, conversions, etc.) and allow tandem/setback parking; ADU rules are codified in the ADU ordinance (see § 6.08.210 subsections) .
  • Many zone chapters simply require off‑street parking “as prescribed in Chapter 6.68” (examples: R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑P, C‑3, M‑1) — so site‑specific parking counts come from the Chapter 6.68 schedule, with zone chapters supplying other yard/landscaping/setback constraints that affect where parking can be placed (§ 6.12.060, § 6.28.120, § 6.32.100, § 6.40.080, § 6.36.080, § 6.44.080, § 6.48.070) .

For development standards and how parking interacts with setbacks and other dimensional controls, see the Walnut Development Standards guidance and expect site plan and architectural review per the City’s design review rules: Walnut Design Review.

District‑by‑district breakdown (Walnut‑specific)

Note: most zone chapters require off‑street parking “as prescribed in Chapter 6.68.” Below are the Walnut zone excerpts that are most decision‑relevant for parking placement or minimums. Each district entry notes the local cross‑reference to the parking chapter and the key dimensional rules that affect where parking may be sited.

R‑1 (One‑family residential)

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory structures; includes R‑1 rural overlay (RPD) where special lot/animal rules apply (§ 6.12.; § 6.16.) .
  • Parking rule: each single‑family residence must provide off‑street parking per Chapter 6.68; residential garage/open stall rules and bedroom/house‑size parking table apply (§ 6.12.060; § 6.68.040) .
  • Key dimensional constraints affecting parking siting: front yard/use of yards rules and impervious area limits (front yard impervious surfaces ≤50% and garage access width allowances) — these limit front‑setback parking and encourage garages/carports to meet the code (§ 6.08.080 references in the zone; see § 6.12 excerpts) .
  • Where it applies: city’s single‑family neighborhoods and R‑1 rural overlay areas (RPD designations vary) .

RPD (Residential Planned Development)

  • Purpose: flexible residential design; parking governed by Chapter 6.68 but RPD approvals may set project‑level rules (two enclosed garage spaces per dwelling is a stated minimum for RPDs as an example) (§ 6.24.H) .
  • Typical use: subdivisions developed under a single plan; parking often assigned in garages and common parking areas.
  • Where it applies: properties rezoned to RPD with specific lot size/density designations set at the time of rezoning .

R‑2 (Two‑family)

  • Purpose / typical uses: duplex/two‑unit residential; parking counts come from Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.28.120) and front/side yard rules limit front yard parking and impervious coverage (≤50% front yard) .

R‑3 (Multiple‑family)

  • Purpose / typical uses: apartments, multi‑family dwellings; parking required per Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.32.100) and access aisles/alley access rules in § 6.32.080 affect driveway layout and garage siting .

R‑4 / R‑5 (Medium‑high / High residential)

  • Purpose: higher density/multifamily; R‑4 and R‑5 adopt form‑based code references and allow parking structures when appropriate; minimum on‑site parking per unit is shown in the R‑4/R‑5 development tables (e.g., 1 space per 1‑bed, etc.) — these interact with Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.34.040; § 6.35.020) .

C‑1 (Light commercial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood retail, offices; off‑street parking & loading required per Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.40.080) and the Chapter 6.68 schedule sets the use‑based ratios (e.g., offices 1 space per 250 sq.ft.) .

C‑P (Commercial‑Professional)

  • Purpose / typical uses: professional offices/limited commercial; parking and loading per Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.36.080) with standard yard/setback rules that affect parking location (15' front setback on major streets, etc.) .

C‑3 (Heavy commercial)

  • Purpose / typical uses: higher intensity retail/service; off‑street parking and loading required as prescribed in Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.44.080) — this zone’s lot coverage, setbacks, and loading rules make on‑site parking and loading docks significant design constraints .

M‑1 (Light manufacturing)

  • Purpose: industrial/service uses; off‑street parking and loading per Chapter 6.68 (§ 6.48.070). M‑1 includes explicit front‑setback rules that may permit parking in rear areas or limit parking in the front setback along major highways (§ 6.48.060) .

School & Public Institution Zones

  • Purpose: public buildings, transit centers, schools; these zones require site plan review and set large minimum setbacks for parking when abutting residential zones (e.g., 300' for surface lots, 400' for parking structures) — see § 6.50.060.D and landscaping/parking references to Chapter 6.68 .

At‑a‑glance table — most decision‑relevant parking standards

Topic Rule (plain English) Code reference
Off‑street parking program (who sets counts) The City’s minimum parking schedule and shared/off‑site rules are in Chapter 6.68 — zone chapters generally point you to that chapter for counts. § 6.68.010 – § 6.68.040
Residential parking (by bedrooms / house size) Table in the Chapter specifies enclosed garage minimums (2 spaces for 1–4 bedrooms; higher counts for larger houses or floor area) and alternate counts by gross floor area. § 6.68.040.A (residential table)
Stall dimensions / layout Open stalls: 9' × 20'; garage stalls: 10' × 20'; maneuvering aisles per diagrams; added end clearances for 90°/parallel spaces. § 6.68.050
Parking area circulation Parking for 3+ vehicles must allow ingress/egress without backing onto the public street; multiple aisles require wayfinding signs. § 6.68.060
Development (surfacing & marking) Pave required spaces (concrete or asphalt minimums); gravel allowed only in rural overlay with review; mark spaces where 3+ spaces exist; wheelstops/bumperguards where appropriate. § 6.68.070
ADU parking One off‑street space per ADU (8.5'×19' open; enclosed 10'×22' with 9' door); tandem and setback parking allowed; statutory exceptions (transit, historic, conversions) are listed in the ADU rules. § 6.08.210.E.8(a–c)
Bicycle parking (nonresidential TDM) For nonresidential development: 4 bicycle spaces per first 50,000 sq.ft., then 1 per each additional 50,000 sq.ft.; larger projects must provide access, vanpool/car‑pool zones, transit/bus stop improvements as required. § 6.52.110.B.2.c and related TDM provisions
Shared / off‑site parking Shared parking allowed with a Conditional Use Permit and findings (parking study, agreement); off‑site parking allowed only with CUP and must meet distance/recordation/transit availability criteria (e.g., within 1,000 ft; recorded agreement). § 6.68.040.E.5–6

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (before plan submittal)

  • Identify the zoning district and confirm that zone references Chapter 6.68 for parking counts (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑P, C‑3, M‑1) — cite the zone chapter (§ 6.12.060, § 6.28.120, § 6.32.100, § 6.40.080, § 6.36.080, § 6.44.080, § 6.48.070) .
  • Calculate required off‑street spaces from Chapter 6.68 Schedule (residential bedroom table or use‑specific ratios) and apply rounding rules and mixed‑use sums (§ 6.68.040) .
  • Dimension stalls and aisles to Chapter 6.68 standards (open 9'×20'; garage 10'×20'; driveway widths for residential and other uses) and show maneuvering diagrams (§ 6.68.050; § 6.68.060) .
  • Show paving/striping specifications and drainage; note any request to use gravel only if in rural overlay and seeking Planning Commission approval (§ 6.68.070) .
  • If proposing shared or off‑site parking, prepare a shared/off‑site parking application with a parking study and recorded agreements and plan for CUP findings (§ 6.68.040.E.5–6) .
  • For ADUs, show 1 dedicated off‑street space or demonstrate an ADU exception (within 1/2 mile transit, historic district, conversion, etc.) and dimension the space to ADU specs (§ 6.08.210.E.8(a–b)) .
  • For larger nonresidential projects, include TDM elements and bicycle parking per Chapter 6.52 (transportation info board, carpool spaces, bicycle racks, bus/vanpool access) (§ 6.52.110) .
  • Confirm whether design review / site plan review (Chapter 6.84) or other discretionary approvals are required for modifications or reductions to standard layouts (modifications to maneuvering/parking layout are subject to Chapter 6.84) — verify with Planning staff (§ 6.68.050.E) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking exceptions and state law interplay ADU parking is limited by state law exceptions; local ADU ordinance implements those exceptions but precise sub‑subsection language and mapping (historic districts, transit buffers) matters for a permit. Confirm ADU siting/exception conditions in § 6.08.210 (ADU rules) and verify transit distances with Planning.
Shared/off‑site parking approvals CUP and recorded agreements are required; off‑site parking must be within 1,000 ft and transit access is a criterion — without proper instruments, permit will be denied. Confirm findings and prepare a parking study per § 6.68.040.E.5–6; draft recorded instrument early.
Bicycle parking formula application Chapter 6.52 TDM rules apply only at certain project sizes; miscounting building area can under/over‑require racks. Check thresholds and apply § 6.52.110 bicycle formula; confirm gross building area basis with planning.
Where stalls can be placed (setbacks/landscaping limits) Zone setback and front‑yard impervious limits constrain parking placement; e.g., open parking cannot be in required front setback in residential zones. Verify applicable zone yard rules (e.g., R‑1 front yard rules; R‑2/R‑3 yard rules) and the impervious surface limits before siting stalls. See § 6.12.060, § 6.28.070, § 6.32.060.
Confusion between zoning parking and Title 24 accessibility requirements The zoning code sets counts and dimensions; accessibility and other building standards are enforced under the California Building Standards Code (Title 24). Provide plans that satisfy both Chapter 6.68 and Title 24; consult Building Division for ADA and accessible parking stalls (verify with Title 24). Not found in retrieved materials: exact City interpretation of Title 24 enforcement interplay — verify with Building/Planning.

Plain‑English summary

Walnut’s zoning code requires most projects to meet off‑street parking counts and layouts in Chapter 6.68 (stall sizes, aisles, paving, shared/off‑site rules); zone chapters (e.g., R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, C‑1, C‑P, C‑3, M‑1) point you to that Chapter for the actual number of spaces. ADUs have a specific rule: normally one off‑street space per ADU unless a statutory exception applies. Always check alley/front‑setback rules, TDM/bicycle requirements for larger projects, and whether you need a CUP for shared/off‑site parking. For development standards and design review details, see the city's development standards and design review pages: Walnut Development Standards and Walnut Design Review. Also consult the state code for accessibility/Title 24 issues: California Building Standards Code.

Source References

  • Walnut Municipal Code, Chapter 6.68 (Off‑Street Parking) — §§ 6.68.010 through 6.68.070 (purpose, general conditions, location, schedule, dimensions/layout, circulation, development of parking): .
  • Walnut Municipal Code, § 6.68.040 (Schedule of minimum requirements — residential and other use ratios, shared and off‑site parking provisions): .
  • Residential parking table and bedroom/house‑size parking rules (Chapter 6.68 residential table): § 6.68.040.A and table excerpts: .
  • Parking dimensions, maneuvering & driveway widths: § 6.68.050, § 6.68.060: .
  • Parking surfacing, marking & wheelstops: § 6.68.070: .
  • ADU parking standards and ADU exceptions: ADU ordinance § 6.08.210 (Parking Standards: one off‑street space per ADU; dimensions/exceptions/tandem allowed): . See also state ADU guidance cited in the ADU handbook within the file set for statutory context. .
  • Bicycle parking / Transportation Demand Management (TDM) requirements (bicycle parking counts, carpool/vanpool measures, transit/bus stop improvements): § 6.52.110 and monitoring/enforcement § 6.52.120: .
  • Zone‑specific cross‑references to Chapter 6.68 for required off‑street parking: R‑1 § 6.12.060; R‑2 § 6.28.120; R‑3 § 6.32.100; C‑1 § 6.40.080; C‑P § 6.36.080; C‑3 § 6.44.080; M‑1 § 6.48.070; School & Public Institutions § 6.50.060 (setbacks/parking) — see the zone excerpts used above. .
  • Definitions (parking space, open parking space, loading space): Walnut code definitions (parking definitions): .
  • For state building standards and accessibility (Title 24), consult: California Building Standards Code. (City code references Title 24 applicability but enforces zoning counts separately.) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.68.050.) High relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (chapter unless) High relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.44.050.) High relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.36.060.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.68.050.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.32.070.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.40.040.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.40.060.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.48.070.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.32.040.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 1) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.32.070.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.28.080.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.100.120.) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 2020 (section is) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.12.060.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 66322) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.64.080.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 6.68.030 (§ 6.68.030.) Medium relevance
  • Walnut Zoning Code (§ 6.36.080.) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are Walnut’s off‑street parking minimums for homes?

Walnut uses the parking schedule in Chapter 6.68; the residential table requires enclosed garage spaces tied to bedroom count and also provides a gross floor‑area table for very large homes — e.g., 2 enclosed garage spaces for 1–4 bedrooms, increasing for larger houses and for houses over certain gross floor thresholds (see § 6.68.040.A) .

Do I have to provide parking for an ADU in Walnut?

Generally yes: the City’s ADU ordinance requires one off‑street parking space per ADU sized 8.5' × 19' (10' × 22' if enclosed with 9' door), but state‑law exceptions apply (within 1/2 mile of transit, historic districts, conversions, etc.) — see § 6.08.210.E.8(a–b) for the local ADU rules and exceptions .

How big must a parking stall be in Walnut?

Chapter 6.68 sets stall sizes: open stalls 9' × 20' and garage stalls not less than 10' × 20'; maneuvering and aisle widths are also specified, and diagrams/clearance rules apply for 90° and parallel layouts (§ 6.68.050) .

Are bicycle parking racks required?

Yes for larger nonresidential projects under the City’s TDM rules in Chapter 6.52: the code requires bicycle parking (e.g., 4 bicycle spaces per the first 50,000 sq.ft. of nonresidential development, plus 1 per each additional 50,000 sq.ft.), plus safe access to those racks (§ 6.52.110.B.2.c) .

Can I provide parking off‑site or share parking with an adjacent use?

Potentially yes — Walnut allows shared parking and off‑site parking only with a Conditional Use Permit and required findings (legal instrument, non‑conflicting hours, adequate total parking, parking study, recorded easement/lease) and off‑site lots must meet distance/transit criteria (e.g., within 1,000 feet) (§ 6.68.040.E.5–6) .

What surfacing and marking does the City require for parking lots?

All required parking, maneuvering areas and access driveways must be paved (concrete or asphalt minimum thicknesses) and parking areas with three or more spaces must be striped; gravel is only allowed in the rural overlay with Planning Commission approval (§ 6.68.070) .

If my lot abuts an alley, can I place garage access off the alley?

Yes — several residential zone rules require garages with alley access to be set back a measured distance from the opposite alley side (e.g., garages accessed from alleys must be located not less than 29' from the opposite side in certain zones), and Chapter 6.68 requires adequate ingress/egress. Check the applicable zone (e.g., § 6.32.080 for R‑3) for precise alley access rules and measurements .

Do I need design review for a parking layout modification?

Modifications of maneuvering/parking layouts (topography/hardship cases) and many site design changes are subject to site and building plan review under Chapter 6.84; Chapter 6.68 explicitly makes modifications subject to that review, so confirm with Planning whether your changes will need discretionary review (§ 6.68.050.E referencing Chapter 6.84) .

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