Winters — Parking

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the City of Winters' zoning ordinance requires for parking, loading, and bicycle parking under Title 17 (Zoning). It focuses only on the local zoning rules that control off‑street parking counts, layouts, dimensions, screening, downtown exceptions (including in‑lieu payments), and bicycle parking — not building-code or housing-law requirements. See the Winters zoning map and rules for parcel-specific application. Parking rules are implemented across both the standard zoning chapters and the downtown form‑based code; the downtown rules use districts D‑A and D‑B and have their own parking table. For the zoning-wide off‑street schedule see § 17.72.020 and the downtown tables in Chapter 17.58.

(First in‑page links: this page references the citywide Winters Zoning rules for parking, the Winters Development Standards for setback/lot rules that can affect parking siting, Winters Design Review where design review applies to parking layouts, Winters Overlay Districts for PD overlays that can alter parking, Winters ADUs for ADU parking exemptions, and the California Building Standards Code for separate Title 24 matters.)

Key citywide rules (summary of controlling provisions)

• The zoning ordinance declares the purpose of the off‑street parking chapter to require sufficient parking and loading to reduce on‑street parking and protect safety and circulation (§ 17.72.010) .
• The number of required off‑street spaces is set by a numerical schedule (Table 6) in § 17.72.020; calculations are per gross floor area and are additive for multiple uses. Fractional spaces less than or equal to 0.5 are not required (§ 17.72.040(B)).
• Design, dimensions, surfacing, aisle widths, striping, and accessible‑space requirements are in § 17.72.050 (examples: full size = 9' × 19', compact = 8'6" × 16', parallel = 10' × 24', accessible and van dimensions specified; maneuvering aisles by angle shown in table).
• Loading spaces: nonresidential uses with significant goods movement must provide loading; minimum: one space for 3,000–20,000 gsf, plus one per additional 20,000 gsf; each loading stall 10' × 35' with 14' clear height; loading must be separate from parking (§ 17.72.070).
• Bicycle parking: for all non–single family uses, provide bicycle parking conveniently; one bicycle space per ten automobile spaces required (and provide racks allowing frame + both wheels to be secured) (§ 17.72.080).
• Location and shared parking: Required parking must be on‑site or within 200 feet on an approved off‑site lot; shared parking reductions of up to 30% are allowed where different hours/demands are demonstrated; required parking may not be within 25 feet of a major arterial property line (other streets 15 feet) (§ 17.72.040).
• Downtown (form‑based code) special rules: the downtown regulating plan establishes districts D‑A and D‑B with their own allowable parking types, preferred siting (rear parking preferred; parking between building and street is prohibited), and reduced/shared parking intentions (see Table 17.58‑15 and development standards in § 17.58.060).
• In‑lieu parking: the city has an in‑lieu program for the downtown C‑2 area (Exhibit A area); the planning commission may allow payment of an in‑lieu fee per waived space under the criteria listed in the ordinance (fee amount and administration described). Verify whether your property sits inside the defined downtown/Exhibit A area and whether in‑lieu remains available (§ references within the off‑street parking chapter, and downtown code).

District-by-district breakdown

Note: below I use the zoning district names and downtown tags that appear in Winters' Title 17. For parcel‑level application, verify the zoning map on file with the Community Development Department (§ 17.04.060).

D‑A (Downtown, main‑street form area)

• Purpose / where it applies: the D‑A tag is a downtown form‑based district on the downtown regulating plan (Figure 17.58‑1) intended for main‑street retail/office/active ground‑floor uses; see the downtown zoning map. § 17.58.050 describes permitted uses and the downtown plan.
• Typical permitted uses: storefront retail, restaurants, financial institutions, small offices (see downtown permitted‑use tables in § 17.58.050).
• Parking standards unique to D‑A: the downtown Table 17.58‑15 identifies allowable parking types and parking ratios (for example, commercial in‑downtown ratios like 1 space / 400 sf appear in the table for certain street tags). Rear surface parking is the preferred type; on‑street and tucked‑under options vary by street and tag (Table 17.58‑15). See Table 17.58‑15 and § 17.58.060 for parking siting, landscaping, and design standards.

D‑B (Downtown, core or secondary downtown)

• Purpose / where it applies: D‑B covers adjacent downtown blocks with slightly different frontage and setback expectations per the form‑based code; consult the regulating plan (Figure 17.58‑1). § 17.58.050–060.
• Typical permitted uses: similar commercial mix as D‑A but with differences listed in the permitted‑uses table; some residential and mixed‑use forms are conditionally allowed.
• Parking standards unique to D‑B: Table 17.58‑15 lists allowed parking types (e.g., rear surface parking is generally preferred; adjacent/next‑to building or alley access depend on street tag). Downtown guidance requires parking behind buildings and reduced visible surface parking; landscaping and 50% ultimate canopy coverage are encouraged (§ 17.58.060).

C‑2 (Downtown commercial / in‑lieu program)

• Purpose / where it applies: the code identifies a downtown C‑2 area (Exhibit A to the ordinance) where the property pattern creates hardship for on‑site parking. The city adopted an in‑lieu parking payment program for that area. The downtown in‑lieu rules specifically apply only to the C‑2 exhibit area.
• Typical permitted uses: general commercial uses consistent with the central business district. (See downtown permitted uses and local C‑2 map.)
• Parking policy: the planning commission may allow an applicant to pay an in‑lieu fee (historically $1,600 per waived space; subject to adjustment by resolution) instead of providing on‑site spaces, and the fee funds centralized parking development. Any in‑lieu payment is paid before building permits are issued; refunds are possible if privately provided parking later satisfies the requirement. Verify whether the in‑lieu program remains active and the current fee by checking with the Community Development Department.

Residential districts (R / single‑family / multifamily — consolidated summary)

• Purpose / where it applies: the zoning code references R districts generically where separation/screening rules apply; the zoning map distinguishes one‑family, two‑family and multifamily areas under Title 17. See § 17.04.060 (zoning map on file) to identify your parcel.
• Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, duplexes, multifamily per the zoning matrices (see Chapters for residential use tables).
• Parking standards (residential): Table 6 in § 17.72.020 requires Single‑Family = 2 spaces/unit (1 covered); Two‑Family/Duplex = 1.5 spaces/unit; Multifamily = 1/unit for ≤1 bedroom; 2/unit for ≥2 bedrooms; guest = 0.25/unit, with at least 50% of multifamily spaces covered and at least one covered per unit. Conversion of enclosed parking requires in‑kind replacement (carport/garage conversion triggers parking replacement). These are zoning requirements; ADU rules and state law can alter when parking can be required for ADUs — see local ADU rules and state ADU law.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Checklist

• Confirm zoning of parcel on official zoning map (zoning map is on file with the Community Development Dept.) (§ 17.04.060).
• Calculate required off‑street spaces from Table 6 (§ 17.72.020) using gross floor area and additive calculations for multiple uses.
• Provide accessible parking and bike parking per § 17.72.050 and § 17.72.080 (accessible stall layout; 1 bike / 10 auto spaces).
• Provide dimensioned parking layout that meets stall sizes, maneuvering aisles and surfacing (asphalt or concrete) standards in § 17.72.050.
• If in downtown D‑A/D‑B/C‑2, follow downtown siting (rear parking preferred) and use Table 17.58‑15 for allowable parking types; if inside Exhibit A for C‑2, check in‑lieu option.
• If proposing shared or off‑site parking, submit lease/deed evidence and request any reductions per § 17.72.040(C–D).
• Confirm screening/landscaping, tree canopy and lighting per downtown rules and Chapter 17.76 (landscaping) if required.
• If requesting a variance to parking standards, note the findings required and that parking‑related variance findings are tied to state law (Government Code) as described in § 17.24.020.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

Winters requires off‑street parking based on a numeric schedule (Table 6, § 17.72.020), plus dimension, surfacing, loading and bicycle‑parking rules. Downtown parcels follow the downtown form‑based code (districts D‑A/D‑B) that prefers rear parking and, for a defined downtown C‑2 area, may allow in‑lieu payments instead of on‑site spaces. Always check whether the downtown rules or the citywide schedule applies to your lot, and confirm off‑site, shared parking, or in‑lieu options with the Community Development Department before designing plans.

Source References

• § 17.72.010 (Purpose & intent — off‑street parking and loading).
• § 17.72.020 (Table 6 — Off‑Street Parking Requirements; residential/commercial schedule).
• § 17.72.040 (General provisions: fractional spaces; shared parking; off‑site parking within 200 ft).
• § 17.72.050 (Design standards for parking spaces and lots; dimensions, aisles, striping, surfacing).
• § 17.72.070 (Loading zones: when required, number, dimensions, location).
• § 17.72.080 (Bicycle parking: one bicycle space per ten automobile spaces; rack requirements).
• Chapter 17.58 (Downtown form‑based code; permitted uses and parking rules; Table 17.58‑15; development standards § 17.58.060).
• Downtown in‑lieu parking program text (applicability to downtown C‑2 Exhibit A area; in‑lieu fee policy and administration).
• Landscaping and irrigation requirements affecting parking lots (Chapter 17.76).

Retrieved passages

• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.6003) High relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (chapter and) High relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code High relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.6003) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.6003) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.6003) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.6002) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.4206) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (Title 17.) Medium relevance show source text
• Winters Zoning Code (§ 8-1.1001) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• **§ 17.72.010** (Purpose & intent — off‑street parking and loading). (§ 17.72.010)
• **§ 17.72.020** (Table 6 — Off‑Street Parking Requirements; residential/commercial schedule). (§ 17.72.020)
• **§ 17.72.040** (General provisions: fractional spaces; shared parking; off‑site parking within 200 ft). (§ 17.72.040)
• **§ 17.72.050** (Design standards for parking spaces and lots; dimensions, aisles, striping, surfacing). (§ 17.72.050)
• **§ 17.72.070** (Loading zones: when required, number, dimensions, location). (§ 17.72.070)
• **§ 17.72.080** (Bicycle parking: one bicycle space per ten automobile spaces; rack requirements). (§ 17.72.080)
• **Chapter 17.58** (Downtown form‑based code; permitted uses and parking rules; Table 17.58‑15; development standards § 17.58.060). (Chapter 17.58)
• Downtown in‑lieu parking program text (applicability to downtown **C‑2 Exhibit A** area; in‑lieu fee policy and administration).
• Landscaping and irrigation requirements affecting parking lots (Chapter **17.76**).
• Winters_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md

• Official Winters code library