Local zoning · West Hollywood

West Hollywood — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes how the City of West Hollywood’s zoning ordinance regulates parking (off‑street parking, loading, and bicycle parking) in West Hollywood. The rules are set primarily in the Title 19 Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 19.28) and are applied across residential, commercial, public, overlay, and specific‑plan districts; special standards and exceptions appear in overlay and specific‑plan sections. See the official zoning rules for parcel‑specific interpretations and timing of improvements. § 19.28.010–040 .

Note: this page links to related West Hollywood reference pages inline for quick navigation: the citywide West Hollywood zoning & planning overview, West Hollywood Zoning, West Hollywood Development Standards, West Hollywood Design Review, West Hollywood Overlay Districts, West Hollywood ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code.

Governing chapters and quick rules (what to remember)

  • Minimum parking counts: use Table 3‑6 (required parking by land use) — base requirement and rounding rules are in § 19.28.040.
  • Off‑site/shared parking: allowed only with a Parking Use Permit (Chapter 19.56) and subject to § 19.28.120 (off‑site standards).
  • Bicycle parking: short‑term and long‑term minimums and design are in Table 3‑50 and § 19.28.150.
  • Loading/service areas: counts, dimensions and screening in Table 3‑60 and § 19.28.160 (requires 10'×20' and 14' vertical clearance minimum for loading bays).
  • Operations/valet/mechanical parking: a Parking Operations Plan is required for mechanical lifts, valet, automated parking, etc., under § 19.28.030(B).
  • Electric vehicle readiness: EV charging requirements are linked to California Green Building standards; see § 19.28.170 and related local sections.

District-by-district breakdown (parking-focused)

Below are the West Hollywood districts where parking rules differ in practice. For each district I list purpose, typical uses, the parking-related takeaways, and where that district applies. All district development standards defer to Chapter 19.28 unless a specific overlay or specific plan says otherwise.

R1 (Residential — single‑family / two‑unit)

  • Purpose & typical uses: low‑density single‑family and duplex housing; standards in Article 19‑06. § 19.06.020.
  • Parking highlights: residential parking must generally be enclosed or covered (exceptions for certain existing single‑family situations); automobiles may not be parked in front yard except on driveways leading to a garage/carport. Tandem parking is permitted in limited circumstances (e.g., certain affordable projects). See § 19.28.090 (residential parking rules) and related site standards in Article 19‑3.
  • Where it applies: scattered single‑family neighborhoods; overlay districts (e.g., WHWNOD, NTNOD) add tailored exceptions.

R2 / R3 / R4 (Residential multi‑unit)

  • Purpose & typical uses: higher density multi‑family housing, apartments, townhomes. (§ 19.06 and Table 2‑4)
  • Parking highlights: required vehicle counts for multi‑family are from Table 3‑6 (see § 19.28.040); guest parking rules and enclosed‑parking requirements apply; multi‑family projects of 5+ units must provide bicycle parking per § 19.28.150. Tandem allowed under restrictions (§ 19.28.090.E) and service/delivery staging required where a loading space is absent for 5+ unit projects (§ 19.28.160.D).

CN / CC / CA / CR (Commercial zones)

  • Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood commercial, community commercial, auto/auto‑oriented, regional commercial; uses listed in Article 19‑10.
  • Parking highlights: non‑residential parking minima are in Table 3‑6 (offices, retail, restaurants have different thresholds and per‑sf ratios); rooftop parking is allowed in commercial zones with noise and screening standards if adjacent to residences (§ 19.28.110). Off‑site commercial parking and commercial parking lots require a Parking Use Permit (Chapter 19.56).

PF (Public Facilities)

  • Purpose & typical uses: civic buildings, schools, public uses. Parking standards apply via Chapter 19.28, with special site‑specific determinations by the review authority.

West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay District (WHWNOD)

  • Purpose & typical uses: overlay applied to certain R1‑B areas to preserve neighborhood character. § 19.14.120.
  • Parking highlights: the WHWNOD relaxes some enclosed parking/driveway rules — specifically the requirement for enclosed/covered parking under 19.28.090.D.2 is not required in the WHWNOD; driveway width, placement, and garage setback rules are tailored. Verify overlay text for parcel location and the precise exceptions. § 19.14.120 and related figures.

Norma Triangle Neighborhood Overlay District (NTNOD)

  • Purpose & typical uses: another R1 overlay with neighborhood design rules. Parking/driveway dimensional exceptions are spelled out (e.g., driveway widths and front‑yard parking allowances). See § 19.14.130 and associated figures; some residential maneuvering requirements are relaxed in the NTNOD.

Sunset Specific Plan & Other Specific Plans

  • Purpose & typical uses: area‑specific rules for Sunset corridor and other plan areas. Specific plans may change parking limits (e.g., up to 120% of required parking permitted in Sunset area, and special rules for rooftop parking and consolidated parking). See specific plan sections (e.g., Sunset and 8899 Beverly Specific Plan) for tailored parking counts and exceptions: § 19.28.120 and the specific plan text (e.g., § 19.16 for 8899 Beverly).

8899 Beverly Specific Plan (site‑specific example)

  • Parking highlight: the plan requires a minimum of 256 parking spaces for that site and allows shared parking analysis to alter distribution; loading may not be required in some subareas. See the 8899 Beverly Specific Plan provisions for exact numbers and shared‑parking rules. § 19.16.020(H).

Key standards and design numbers (decision‑relevant table)

Standard / Topic Rule (short) Code Reference
Base vehicle parking counts Minimums listed in Table 3‑6 (residential and non‑residential by use; ADUs/JADUs: no parking required) § 19.28.040, Table 3‑6
Off‑site/shared parking Permitted only with Parking Use Permit; off‑site parking must be within ~400 ft walking distance unless valet § 19.56.020, § 19.28.120
Bicycle parking (short / long) Multi‑family: 1 short per 4 units, 1 long per 2 units; Non‑residential: visitor/short and long‑term ratios in Table 3‑50 § 19.28.150, Table 3‑50
Loading bay size Loading bay minimum 10 ft × 20 ft, 14 ft vertical clearance (and Table 3‑60 for counts) § 19.28.160, Table 3‑60
Parking operations plan Required for mechanical lifts, valet, automated parking, new surface lots; includes payment, control, off‑site arrangements § 19.28.030(B)
EV charging readiness Spaces must comply with CA Green Building / local EV readiness rules; reserved EV spaces count toward total § 19.28.170
Rooftop parking Allowed in commercial zones / PF with noise screening adjacent to residential; sound wall and height limits apply § 19.28.110

Checklist (what an applicant must provide)

  • Confirm applicable zoning district(s) and overlays for the parcel (Zoning Map / Article 19‑2).
  • Compute required vehicular spaces using Table 3‑6 and rounding rules; document how accessory uses and mixed‑use floor area were allocated. § 19.28.040.
  • Include bicycle parking count and layout per Table 3‑50, with long‑term locations secure and near entrances. § 19.28.150.
  • If relying on off‑site or shared parking, prepare a Parking Use Permit application and demonstrate walking distance, assignment plan, and identification signs. § 19.56.020, § 19.28.120.
  • If using valet, mechanical lifts, automated parking, or charging stations, supply a Parking Operations Plan (access control, transaction capacity, incentives, EV readiness). § 19.28.030(B), § 19.28.170.
  • Dimension parking, aisles, and loading to local minima (stall size, tandem rules, loading bay clearances). § 19.28.090, § 19.28.160.
  • Check overlay or specific‑plan exceptions (e.g., WHWNOD, NTNOD, Sunset). If parcel lies inside an overlay, apply overlay exceptions. § 19.14.120, § 19.14.130, specific‑plan sections.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Off‑site/shared parking reliance Requires discretionary Parking Use Permit and strict location/design standards; impacts operations and neighbors Confirm permitability, walking distance limit (often 400 ft), and whether valet counts as off‑site per § 19.56. Verify with Community Development Director.
ADU parking and state preemption State ADU law can preempt local parking rules (ADUs/JADUs often exempt) — local code also references ADU rules ADU parking treatment: West Hollywood cites no parking required for ADUs in Table 3‑6 but confirm current state law interplay and recent ordinances. § 19.28.040, Table 3‑6.
Overlay exceptions (WHWNOD/NTNOD) Overlays can waive enclosed‑parking or maneuvering requirements — different standards apply on a parcel‑by‑parcel basis Verify overlay map, and confirm which overlay section controls (e.g., § 19.14.120 for WHWNOD).
Mechanical / automated parking reliability Requires operations plan and standby generator; failure modes and emergency access must be addressed Prepare detailed Parking Operations Plan and emergency override info; Community Development Director review is required. § 19.28.030(B), § 19.28.120.
EV charging vs. Building Code (Title 24) Local zoning references EV readiness but final electrical/installation rules are in the Building Code Coordinate with building and fire plan reviewers; comply with California Building Standards (Title 24) and § 19.28.170. Verify charger counts and conduit sizing.
Shared parking/parking credits Multiple mechanisms (shared parking, car‑share credits, reductions) exist but require findings/approvals If proposing credits/reductions, document analysis (shared parking study, incentives) and obtain approvals per § 19.28.070–080 and Chapter 19.56. Verify with staff.

Plain‑English summary

West Hollywood’s zoning code requires most new buildings and many remodels to provide off‑street vehicle parking, bicycle parking, and loading according to tables and design standards in Chapter 19.28; ADUs and certain overlays/specific plans can alter or exempt those rules. Many alternatives (shared parking, parking use permits, tandem/automated parking) are allowed but need director or commission approval — always confirm parcel‑specific overlays and get a parking plan and operations plan approved before you occupy a building. § 19.28.010–170, Chapter 19.56.

Information Gaps

  • Full, line‑by‑line reproduction of Table 3‑6 (all uses and numeric ratios) is not included here; consult § 19.28.040 and the full Table 3‑6 for exact per‑use ratios. Not all rows were reproduced verbatim in the retrieved packet.
  • Fees, timing for parking use permit processing, and current application forms are not in the retrieved zoning excerpts. Verify current fees and submittal checklists with the Community Development Department. Not found in retrieved materials.
  • Specific interactions between the City’s EV readiness rules and the current Title 24 numeric charger counts require building‑code consultation; the zoning text points to the California code but does not list conduit/charger counts. § 19.28.170; see California Building Standards for details.

Source References

  • West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance (Title 19), Chapter 19.28 Off‑Street Parking and Loading Standards — § 19.28.010–040, § 19.28.030 (general regs), § 19.28.040 (number of spaces) — source excerpts.
  • Table 3‑6 (Parking Requirements by Land Use) and explanatory notes — § 19.28.040 / Table 3‑6.
  • Bicycle parking: § 19.28.150 and Table 3‑50 (short/long‑term standards).
  • Loading: § 19.28.160 and Table 3‑60 (loading counts and 10'×20'×14' min.).
  • Off‑site parking and Parking Use Permits: Chapter 19.56 and § 19.56.020 (applicability) and § 19.56.030 (review authority).
  • Residential parking and enclosed parking/tandem rules: § 19.28.090 (residential parking) and related Article 19‑3 rules.
  • WHWNOD (West Hollywood West Neighborhood Overlay): § 19.14.120 (overlay rules and specific parking/driveway exceptions).
  • 8899 Beverly Specific Plan parking & loading exceptions (example specific plan): § 19.16.020(H).
  • EV charging readiness: § 19.28.170.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 19.28.020.) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.36.280) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (section modifies) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Article 19-2) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.28.090) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (chapter subject) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.36.280) High relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 4) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.28.060) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • CBC § 1607.1 Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Title 19.) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Title 5) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (Section 19.28.090) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 4 (section are) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • West Hollywood Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I always have to provide on‑site parking for new development in West Hollywood?

No — most projects must meet the minimums in Table 3‑6, but the City allows reductions, shared parking, or off‑site parking only with a Parking Use Permit; some specific plans or overlays may alter requirements. See § 19.28.040 and Chapter 19.56 for off‑site/shared rules.

How many bicycle parking spaces do I need for a new apartment building?

Multi‑family projects of five or more units must provide bicycle parking per Table 3‑50: one short‑term (visitor) space per 4 units and one long‑term (resident/employee) space per 2 units, with layout and security standards in § 19.28.150.

Are ADUs required to have their own off‑street parking?

No. The zoning Table 3‑6 entry shows Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs: no parking spaces required; however, confirm state ADU law and recent local ordinances in case of changes. § 19.28.040, Table 3‑6.

What are the minimum loading bay dimensions I must plan for?

Loading spaces must meet minimum dimensions of 10 feet width × 20 feet length with 14 feet vertical clearance for the bay and access/turnaround, and counts follow Table 3‑60 by use. § 19.28.160, Table 3‑60.

Can I locate required parking off‑site or have shared parking between buildings?

Yes — but only with a Parking Use Permit under Chapter 19.56; off‑site spaces must meet design standards and are generally required to be within a reasonable walking distance (often 400 ft for non‑valet spaces). § 19.56.020, § 19.28.120.

If I propose mechanical lifts or automated parking, what extra submittals are required?

You must submit a Parking Operations Plan describing access control, transaction capacity, payment and validation, standby power (often required for automated systems), and emergency procedures as required in § 19.28.030(B) and the automated parking provisions.

Do overlay districts change parking rules?

Yes. Overlays like the WHWNOD and NTNOD modify driveway, garage, and enclosed‑parking requirements for parcels inside the overlay. Always check the overlay section (for example § 19.14.120 for WHWNOD) for parcel‑specific exceptions.

Do electric vehicle parking spaces count toward required parking?

Yes; spaces reserved for EV charging count toward the parking requirement under local code, but final technical/installation requirements are governed by state building standards (Title 24). See § 19.28.170 and coordinate with building code reviewers.

What happens if my project is mixed‑use with residential and commercial parking needs?

You calculate required parking based on the primary use and accessory allocations described in the Table 3‑6 guidance (e.g., residential and commercial components each meet their ratios) and may use shared parking analysis subject to review. See § 19.28.040 and the Table 3‑6 explanatory text.

Who can approve a parking reduction or shared‑use plan?

Minor modifications and certain parking use permits are handled by the Community Development Director; major parking use permits and discretionary approvals may go to the Planning Commission per Chapter 19.56 and the review authority rules. § 19.56.030.

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