Local zoning · Woodland

Woodland — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Woodland Zoning Code requires for parking (off-street vehicle parking, loading, and bicycle parking) under Title 17. It pulls the controlling rules (tables and development standards) that apply by zone and explains practical implications for applicants. For related topics see zoning, design review, overlay rules, and ADUs as referenced below. (Links: the word "parking" below links to the City's development-standards menu.)

  • The general purpose is in § 17.68.010 .
  • Applicability to new construction, change-of-use, and unit additions is in § 17.68.020 .
  • Required parking tables are in § 17.68.030 (Tables 17.68.030.B-1 and 17.68.030.C-1) .
  • Development, layout and stall-size rules are in § 17.68.090 .

(Internal links used in this page: Woodland Zoning, parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, Woodland Landscaping and Screening.)

How Woodland organizes parking rules (quick map)

  • Downtown and Mixed‑Use zones use Table 17.68.030.B‑1 for base ratios; where a use isn't listed, Table 17.68.030.C‑1 applies instead (see § 17.68.030.A–C) .
  • The large consolidated Table 17.68.030.C‑1 lists the most common residential, commercial and industrial ratios (see § 17.68.030.C) .
  • Bicycle parking, loading, parking area layout and stall sizes are specified elsewhere in Chapter 17.68 (see § 17.68.070, § 17.68.080, § 17.68.090) .

District-by-district breakdown

Note: the Zoning Code groups many districts into broader categories for parking tables. Below are the categories used in the code with the rules that matter to parking.

Residential Zones

  • Typical districts referenced: R-1, R-L, R-LM, R-M, R-H (these are listed as covered by Table 17.68.030.C‑1) § 17.68.030.C .
  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family, duplexes, multi‑unit housing. See the use tables in Division II for permitted uses (zoning maps and use lists) .
  • Key parking standards (Table 17.68.030.C‑1): Single‑family and duplex — 2 per dwelling unit; Multi‑unit (studio/1BR) — 1.25 per unit (at least 60% covered); 2BR — 1.5 per unit; 3+BR — 1.5 per unit; SRO — 0.5 per unit (see § 17.68.030.C for the full table) .
  • ADUs: table points applicants to § 17.84.030 for ADU parking rules; note state ADU law also constrains ADU parking (see Information Gaps & verify) .
  • Driveway rules: single‑family lots in R‑L, N‑P, and R‑LM are generally limited to one driveway per parcel (exceptions via Director approval) § 17.68.090.F .

Downtown Zones (DX‑1, DX‑2, DX‑3, DX‑4)

  • Purpose / typical uses: pedestrian‑oriented retail, offices, housing above ground floor. Parking rules emphasize reduced on‑site requirements and exemptions for existing buildings. See Table 17.68.030.B‑1 and § 17.68.030.A–B .
  • Key dimensional/parking standards: Residential in downtown: studio/1BR — 1 per unit; 2BR — 1.25 per unit; 3+BR — 1.5 per unit. Nonresidential downtown ratios (office/retail/restaurant) are often 1 per 500 sf or 1 per 400 sf depending on the use—consult Table B‑1 and Table C‑1 § 17.68.030.B .
  • Existing downtown buildings: many existing downtown buildings are exempt from the parking requirements unless they expand or change use (see § 17.68.030.B) .

Mixed‑Use Zones (CMU‑* series, CCMU)

  • Purpose: encourage compact mixed housing and commercial uses. Parking for new residential uses follows the Mixed‑Use table: 1–1.5 spaces per unit depending on bedrooms, plus guest spaces for larger projects (see Table 17.68.030.B‑1) § 17.68.030.B .
  • The code specifically allows reductions in transit‑served areas and shared parking approaches through alternative programs (see § 17.68.010 purpose and § 17.68.050 pointer) .

Commercial Zones

  • Typical uses: retail, restaurants, offices (see commercial use tables in Division II) .
  • Key ratios (Table 17.68.030.C‑1): Office / Retail / Restaurant—commonly 1 per 500 sq ft in downtown/mixed‑use and 1 per 300–500 sq ft in commercial zones depending on the exact use; see Table 17.68.030.C‑1 § 17.68.030.C .
  • Loading: required for most commercial and industrial uses per § 17.68.080 (see loading standards below) .

Employment / Industrial Zones (IF, IG, BP, etc.)

  • Typical uses: manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, large‑format uses. Parking ratios are use‑specific in Table 17.68.030.C‑1 (e.g., industrial often 1 per 2,000 sf plus office ratio by office area) § 17.68.030.C .
  • Loading: one permanent truck loading space for buildings ≥ 7,500 sf, plus one additional per each additional 20,000 sf or fraction; each loading space minimum 10 ft × 25 ft × 14 ft (height) and must be on‑site (no on‑street loading) § 17.68.080 .
  • Outdoor storage, screening and surfacing rules that affect where vehicle parking and truck parking can be located are in Chapter 17.70 and § 17.70.030 (screening/service areas) .

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

Topic Standard (Woodland Code) Code Reference
Single‑family / duplex parking 2 per dwelling unit § 17.68.030.C‑1
Multi‑unit (studio/1BR) 1.25 per unit; ≥60% covered for multi‑unit § 17.68.030.C‑1
Office (downtown) 1 per 500 sq ft § 17.68.030.B‑1
General commercial Often 1 per 300–500 sq ft (see Table) § 17.68.030.C‑1
Loading (truck) 1 loading space for ≥7,500 sf; +1 per each additional 20,000 sf; min 10'×25'×14' § 17.68.080
Bicycle parking (Class II) 1 bicycle per 25 vehicle spaces (parking structures) OR 1 per 20 vehicle spaces for certain employee thresholds; coverage and anchoring requirements apply § 17.68.070
Stall dimensions Standard: 9' × 18'; Compact: 8' × 16'; garage minimums 10'×20' (single), 20'×20' (two‑car) § 17.68.090.B

Key procedural notes and how the rules are applied

  • Calculation rules (rounding, floor area basis, employees, bedrooms, seats) are in § 17.68.040; when a site has multiple uses add the sums unless an approved reduction applies under § 17.68.050 (Alternative Programs) § 17.68.040 .
  • Location: required parking generally may not be placed in a required front or street‑facing side yard (except residential driveways counting as uncovered parking) § 17.68.040.B .
  • Parking layout, surfacing, wheel stops, overhang allowances, striping, aisle widths and driveway throat depths are in § 17.68.090 and related Engineering Standards; parking shown on plans must meet the minimum 9'×18' stall unless alternative dimensions are approved § 17.68.090 .
  • Driveway and curb‑cut limits: Downtown and N‑P zones discourage new curb cuts; single‑family parcels listed above limited to one driveway unless Director approval § 17.68.090.F .

Checklist

  • Confirm the parcel's zone and whether it falls in Downtown, Mixed‑Use, Residential, Commercial or Employment/Industrial (use Table 17.68.030.B‑1/C‑1) § 17.68.030 .
  • Calculate required spaces using the correct table and the Code's calculation rules (bedrooms, employees, gross floor area) § 17.68.040 .
  • If commercial/industrial, provide required on‑site loading per § 17.68.080 and dimension the bays 10'×25'×14' .
  • Size and show parking stalls and aisle widths to meet 9'×18' (standard) or request compact/alternative dimensions with justification § 17.68.090.B .
  • Provide required Class II bicycle parking (ratios and anchoring/cover requirements) and locate near entrances § 17.68.070 .
  • Show surfacing, drainage and landscaping/screening per parking design standards and Chapter 17.70 (screening) § 17.68.090, § 17.70.030 .
  • Verify driveway number and curb cut limits; include throat depth and fire‑lane widths per Development and Engineering Standards § 17.68.090.F .
  • If you seek reductions (shared parking, transit‑area credits) prepare a justification and review under § 17.68.050 (Alternative Programs) — see staff guidance § 17.68.010 .
  • Confirm whether existing downtown buildings are exempt from new parking requirements under § 17.68.030.B if proposing reuse/tenant changes .
  • Verify ADU parking requirements and state ADU restrictions (Woodland references § 17.84.030 for ADUs) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking vs. State ADU limits City table points to local ADU section but state law limits ADU parking in many cases — conflicting requirements can block approvals Check § 17.84.030 and confirm when state ADU statutes apply; verify with Planning (local practice). § 17.68.030.C
Parking reductions / shared parking The Code allows reductions in transit areas and via alternative programs, but the City criteria and reduction amounts are not fully printed in the same table Review § 17.68.050 (Alternative Programs) — content not fully retrieved; Verify with the jurisdiction. See code purpose § 17.68.010
Downtown historic/existing building exemptions Existing downtown buildings may be exempt from new parking requirements unless expanding — this can change feasibility Confirm § 17.68.030.B applicability to your building and whether proposed work triggers parking § 17.68.030.B
Exact multi‑use site calculations Table sums uses unless a reduction is approved — how to allocate shared stalls isn't fully specified here Use the calculation rules in § 17.68.040 and coordinate with Director for mixed‑use projects § 17.68.040
Site‑specific driveway/curb cut exceptions One‑driveway rule has Director exceptions (corner lots, wide frontage)—these are discretionary Check § 17.68.090.F and Engineering Standards; Verify with the jurisdiction

Plain‑English Summary

Woodland's zoning code requires most new and enlarged buildings to provide on‑site parking using the City's parking tables (Downtown/Mixed‑Use tables or the Residential/Nonresidential table). Typical rules: single‑family = 2 spaces/unit, multi‑unit studios ≈ 1.25/unit, offices/retail commonly 1 per 500–400 sq ft, plus mandatory on‑site loading and bicycle parking. Layout, stall size, and driveway limits are specified in the parking chapter; always verify ADU and downtown exemptions with Planning. See § 17.68.030–090 for the controlling provisions .

Source References

  • § 17.68.010 (Purpose, parking chapter)
  • § 17.68.020 (Applicability: new buildings, changes, unit additions)
  • § 17.68.030 (Required on‑site parking; Tables 17.68.030.B‑1 and 17.68.030.C‑1)
  • § 17.68.040 (Calculation rules; location of required parking)
  • § 17.68.070 (Bicycle parking: Class II standards, anchoring, cover, sizing)
  • § 17.68.080 (Loading: counts, dimensions, on‑site requirement)
  • § 17.68.090 (Parking area development and design: stall sizes, driveways, striping, wheel stops)
  • § 17.64.110 (Visibility at intersections — affects driveway/parking layout)
  • § 17.70.030 (Service areas, screening of loading and trash)
  • Woodland Zoning Code (Title 17) — full code materials as reviewed above (Woodland Zoning Code excerpts)

If you need the full tables exported or a printable checklist tailored to a specific parcel or proposed use, tell me the parcel’s zone and proposed use and I’ll extract the exact lines from Table 17.68.030 for you. Verify any site‑specific exceptions with the Community Development Director as the Code permits Director/Planning Commission discretion in several areas (see § 17.04.050.F and review authorities) .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.68.080.) High relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (Section 3.18) High relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (Chapter 17.68.) High relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (section to) Medium relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.64.110.) Medium relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (Section 3.18) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 66426 (§ 66426.) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 17.68.040 (§ 17.68.040.) Medium relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.68.020.) High relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.68.030.) Medium relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.68.050.A) Medium relevance
  • Woodland Zoning Code (§ 17.68.050.A) Medium relevance
  • CBC § 11B (Section 11B-502) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What parking does a single‑family lot in Woodland need?

A single‑family or duplex unit must provide 2 parking spaces per dwelling unit under Table 17.68.030.C‑1; driveway spaces may count if they are in the permitted location and the Code's front‑yard rules are met § 17.68.030.C‑1, § 17.68.040.B .

How many spaces do I need for a new 2‑bedroom apartment?

In typical multi‑unit projects the Code requires 1.5 spaces per 2‑bedroom unit (see Table 17.68.030.C‑1); multi‑unit covered parking and minimum covered‑percentage rules may apply § 17.68.030.C‑1 .

Does downtown Woodland require the same parking as other zones?

No. Downtown and Mixed‑Use zones use Table 17.68.030.B‑1, which generally has lower ratios (for example 1 space per unit for studio/1BR) and existing downtown buildings may be exempt from parking when there is no expansion § 17.68.030.A–B .

What are Woodland's truck loading rules?

Most industrial and commercial buildings requiring goods handling must provide on‑site loading: one truck loading space for buildings ≥ 7,500 sf, plus one additional per 20,000 sf (or fraction); each loading stall must be at least 10' × 25' × 14' (height) and not on‑street § 17.68.080 .

How much bicycle parking do I need?

The Code requires bicycle parking (Class II) with minimum ratios such as 1 bicycle space per 25 vehicle parking spaces in parking structures, and other thresholds for employee‑based requirements; bicycle spaces must be secure, accessible and often covered (§ 17.68.070) .

Can I use tandem parking to meet requirements?

Yes, tandem parking may be permitted in certain circumstances but no more than two vehicles may be placed one behind the other; check § 17.68.090.C and get Director approval if relying on tandem stalls § 17.68.090.C .

Are there limits on parking in the front yard?

Yes. Required parking generally may not be located in a required front or street‑facing side yard except for residential driveways that may count as uncovered residential parking § 17.68.040.B .

Do multi‑use sites add parking together or is there a blended rate?

The Code states that required parking for each use on a site is typically summed unless a reduction is approved under § 17.68.050 (Alternative Programs for Parking). See calculation rules in § 17.68.040 and plan for possible Director review § 17.68.040 .

What if my project is near transit—can I reduce parking?

The Code references reductions and flexible programs for transit‑served locations (the purpose language explicitly allows reductions); the specific alternative program details are in § 17.68.050 (Alternative Programs), which should be consulted and discussed with Planning § 17.68.010, § 17.68.050 .

Do I need to follow the California Building Code for accessible parking?

Accessibility standards are enforced under the State Building Code (Title 24) and related accessibility chapters; the Zoning Code sets counts and location rules while accessibility dimensions and signage come from the building/ADA standards — consult the California Building Standards Code for those technical requirements (see Title 24). The zoning chapter does not replace Building Code accessibility rules Verify with Building/Planning .

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