Local zoning · Woodside

Woodside — Parking

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

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Town of Woodside's Zoning Ordinance says about off‑road parking, loading, compact/standard stall dimensions, bicycle/horse racks, surfacing, landscaping/screening, and special rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and Planned Community Commercial Districts. It is grounded on the Town's Zoning Code (Chapter 153) and highlights the specific rules you will use when preparing a site plan or land‑use application. For process-related items see the town's zoning & planning overview and for design matters see design review.

Note: this page stays inside the zoning/planning ordinance (Chapter 153). For building-safety or construction details consult the California Building Standards Code.

Key rules (plain synthesis, code citations)

  • Minimum counts: Table M sets numerical parking minima — 4 spaces per main dwelling unit (minimum) and 1 space per bedroomed ADU; many nonresidential uses have per‑area or per‑employee requirements (see § 153.223) .
  • Space dimensions: standard stalls must be at least 9 ft × 20 ft; compact stalls are 9 ft × 16 ft and may not exceed 25% of required spaces (§ 153.225(A), (J)) .
  • Location / on‑site requirement: residential district required parking must be provided on the same parcel (private garage/carport or onsite space); CC district and conditional uses may use off‑road parking within 500 feet if documented; joint or shared parking requires a legal instrument reviewed/approved by the Town Attorney (§ 153.224(A), (D), (E)) .
  • Surfacing & drainage: non‑residential parking (not single‑family) must be surfaced with minimum 5 in concrete or 1.5 in asphalt over 4 in base rock; parking areas must be graded and drained and maximum parking area grade 5% (§ 153.225(K), (L)) .
  • Landscaping & screening: parking lots of 10+ spaces must dedicate at least 10% of area to landscaping; CC district requires a 5 ft landscaped strip where parking adjoins a street/site; nonresidential parking adjacent to residences must be screened min 4 ft high for the first 25 ft of the front setback (§ 153.225(I), (F), (E)) .
  • Loading: off‑road loading required by gross floor area in Table N; a required loading bay must be 10 ft × 30 ft with 14 ft overhead clearance; may occupy setbacks except front/exterior side and must be located at least 50 ft from a residential lot (§ 153.226(B)–(E)) .
  • ADUs: ADU parking follows the same subchapter rules, but the local ADU rule expressly sets 1 parking space for ADUs with one or more bedrooms; none required for studio ADUs, and allows setback/tandem siting unless specific findings show infeasibility; the code also lists waiver circumstances (see § 153.211(A)(2)) .
  • Compact spaces & counting: no more than 25% of required parking may be compact spaces; driveway/tandem parking rules are allowed in specified circumstances and the Glens has a special provision allowing driveway parking in the right‑of‑way to count if it meets dimensional requirements (§ 153.225(J), (G)) .

District-by-district breakdown

(For district names and classifications see § 153.101.)

Residential districts — R-1, SR, RR, SCP (grouped)

  • Purpose & typical uses: preserve single‑family/suburban/rural residential character; principal permitted uses are single‑family dwellings and customary accessory uses (garages, stables, pools) as set out in the use tables and district rules (§ 153.101, use tables) .
  • Parking summary: Required parking for residential uses must be provided on the same parcel (private garage/carport or on‑site spaces) unless a PCCD/CC exception applies; see § 153.224(A) .
  • Key dimensional/development standards affecting parking: R‑1 paved area/surface coverage limits use Table J‑1 (paved area maxima vary by lot size); parking areas are excluded from building coverage calculations per § 153.210(B)(1) .
  • Where it applies: Townwide for single‑family residential neighborhoods; special Woodside Glens rules may modify how garages/parking are measured (see Glens subsection).

Multi‑Family — MF, MF‑20, MFRZ

  • Purpose & typical uses: multi‑family housing; specifics of development standards are in § 153.110 (development standards) .
  • Parking summary: Minimum parking for multifamily uses is set by Table M (§ 153.223) and aggregate/assignment rules apply; EV/long‑term bicycle requirements are subject to state codes (see note below) .
  • Where it applies: multi‑family zones identified in § 153.101 .

Community Commercial — CC

  • Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood‑serving commercial retail and services (small shops, offices, eating places) — CC is defined as the town center commercial zone (§ 153.101).
  • Parking summary: CC uses may supply required parking off‑site within 500 ft (with legal instrument if off‑parcel) (§ 153.224(A)); where parking adjoins a street/site a 5 ft landscaped strip is mandatory (§ 153.225(F)) .
  • Key dimensional standard connected to parking: CC has a 20% maximum building coverage (Table K), and uncovered off‑road parking is not counted toward building coverage per § 153.210(B)(1) — useful when calculating parking vs. building envelope (§ 153.210) .
  • Where it applies: commercial core and parcels zoned CC (see zoning map, § 153.103) .

Planned Community Commercial District — PCCD (overlay)

  • Purpose & typical uses: a PCCD is an overlay within CC that allows alternative rules for a specific project under a conceptual plan; PCCD applications must include a conceptual plan and may set PCCD rules, but PCCD rules cannot change parking or height standards of CCD rules by more than 25% (§ 153.109(B)(2)) .
  • Parking / submission: A PCCD conceptual/specific plan must show vehicular/bicycle/equestrian circulation, parking areas and the proposed ratio of spaces, and may require an off‑street parking & loading plan for review (see § 153.109(E)(3)(b) and (E)(3)(8)(a)) .
  • Practical effect: expect a formal parking plan and potential negotiated parking ratios in PCCD projects — but PCCD cannot reduce required CCD parking by more than 25% without explicit PCCD rules and findings (§ 153.109(B)(2)) .

The Glens (special area within town)

  • Purpose & typical uses: Glens neighborhoods have special slope/lot size constraints; the code contains Glens exceptions affecting parking and garages (e.g., driveway parking in ROW may count if dimensionally compliant) (§ 153.225(G); see also plate/height exceptions § 153.208(C)(2) and garage floor‑area treatment in Table F) .
  • Practical effect: on steep lots detached garages/carports and driveway spaces are treated differently for coverage and plate‑height measurement; verify whether right‑of‑way driveway parking can be counted on a parcel (§ 153.225(G)) .

Decision‑relevant standards (quick table)

Standard / item What the code requires (summary) Code reference
Minimum parking — main dwelling 4 spaces per dwelling unit (minimum) § 153.223
Minimum parking — ADU 1 space per ADU with one+ bedrooms; 0 for studio ADU (local rule) — see ADU waiver rules § 153.223 and § 153.211(A)(2)
Parking stall size — standard 9 ft × 20 ft minimum § 153.225(A)
Parking stall size — compact 9 ft × 16 ft; max 25% compact of required spaces § 153.225(A), (J)
Surfacing (non‑SF) Min 5 in concrete OR 1.5 in asphalt over 4 in base rock; engineer may require more § 153.225(K)
Landscape in parking ≥10% landscaped area when lot has ≥10 spaces; CC requires 5 ft landscape buffer at edges § 153.225(I), (F)
Loading spaces Table N: 0 for <5,000 sf; 1 for 5,000–14,999 sf; 2 for 15k–24,999 sf; each extra 25k = +1; size 10 × 30 ft, 14 ft clearance § 153.226(B)–(C)
Off‑site parking distance (CC / conditional) May be provided within 500 ft with legal instrument if off‑parcel § 153.224(A), (D)
Joint use reduction for day/night uses Up to 50% credit between complementary uses; up to 100% for certain church/school arrangements (conditions apply) § 153.224(E)

Checklist

  • Determine required spaces using Table M and aggregate rules (§ 153.223) .
  • Show all stalls at 9×20 ft (standard) / 9×16 ft (compact) and mark compact stalls; ensure compact ≤ 25% (§ 153.225(A), (J)) .
  • Include parking plan on site plan (aisles, stall radii, landscaping, lighting) for any permit — see § 153.225(M) and PCCD submittal requirments § 153.109(E)(3) .
  • Specify surfacing and drainage design; conform to minimum surfacing specs (§ 153.225(K), (L)) .
  • If proposing off‑site or joint parking, prepare legal instrument for permanent use and show proximity (≤500 ft) (§ 153.224(A), (D), (E)) .
  • For ADUs, confirm whether the ADU qualifies for a parking waiver and document driveway/tandem siting if used (§ 153.211(A)(2)) — verify local waiver list (see Information Gaps) .
  • If in the Glens, confirm district exceptions that affect garage plate height / parking counting (§ 153.208(C)(2); § 153.225(G)) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU parking waivers — specific triggers The local code states a parking waiver exists for ADUs but the ordinance text listing the exact waiver circumstances is truncated in materials available here Confirm the enumerated waiver instances in § 153.211(B) and reconcile with state ADU law; ask Planning staff for the full § text and current ADU checklist (§ 153.211)
Counting driveway/ROW parking in the Glens Glens rules allow driveway parking within the ROW to count if dimensionally compliant — this can materially change required on‑site improvements Verify on a parcel‑specific basis with Planning/Engineering whether your driveway spaces qualify and whether County ROW permits are needed (§ 153.225(G))
Off‑site/joint parking legal instruments Joint‑use or off‑parcel parking must be permanently secured (Town Attorney‑approved instrument); failure to record properly undermines permit compliance Confirm required form/recording language with the Town Attorney and Planning staff; reference § 153.224(A), (D)
PCCD negotiated parking ratios PCCD rules may modify parking but cannot deviate from CCD rules by more than 25% unless justified; PCCD projects require conceptual and specific plans that include parking ratios If proposing a PCCD, confirm what PCCD rules were adopted for your parcel and whether a reduced parking standard is allowed (§ 153.109(B)(2); (E)(3))
Bicycle / horse hitching requirements in CC Code requires bicycle and horse hitching racks in CC but leaves design/capacity/location to the Town Confirm rack design/capacity expectations with Planning (see § 153.225(H))
EV / bike charging and state rules Local zoning defers technical EV/bicycle infrastructure to state standards — local parking counts may interact with state rules Coordinate with Building/Planning to ensure compliance with state codes (calGreen / Title 24) — see state code references in the Building Standards material (not zoning) — Verify with jurisdiction. Not found in local ordinance excerpts for technical EV requirements.

Plain-English summary

Woodside's zoning rules require on‑site, properly dimensioned parking for most uses (table of minimums), with specific surfacing, drainage, landscape‑buffer and loading requirements; ADUs have a separate parking rule (1 space if a bedroomed unit), and the Community Commercial and PCCD rules allow some flexibility (off‑site parking within 500 ft or negotiated PCCD rules), but shared/off‑site parking must be legally guaranteed. Check the cited zoning sections and bring a full parking plan to your application. Key citations: § 153.223, § 153.225, § 153.224, § 153.226, § 153.211.

Source References

  • Town of Woodside, Chapter 153 — Zoning: Off‑road parking and loading subchapter § 153.220—153.226 (purpose, application, Table M minima, stall dimensions, development & maintenance) — § 153.221—§ 153.226 .
  • Off‑road loading rules and Table N (loading counts & dimensions) — § 153.226 .
  • General parking provisions (joint use, off‑site within 500 ft) — § 153.224 .
  • ADU parking & waivers — § 153.211 .
  • Development standards: building coverage (CC Table K) and paved area/surface coverage (Tables J‑1, etc.) — § 153.210, § 153.209 .
  • PCCD (Planned Community Commercial District) rules, required conceptual/specific plan elements (including parking plan) — § 153.109 .
  • Zoning district list and map references — § 153.101, § 153.103 (district names and zoning map) .
  • Glens exceptions (driveway/garage treatment, plate height) — § 153.225(G); § 153.208(C)(2) and Table F garage treatment references .
  • Where the zoning text was obtained: Woodside Municipal Code (Chapter 153) print/export (file extracts) — multiple sections cited above. .

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.213) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.403) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.401) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section and) High relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (chapter shall) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.223) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.403) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (article III) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Chapter 150) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 115.12.) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 153.501) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 9-2.201) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.223) Medium relevance
  • CMC § 660 Medium relevance
  • CRC § 395 Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (CHAPTER 153) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (§ 2) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section when) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section shall) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (section is) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.103.) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.912.) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (chapter for) Medium relevance
  • Woodside Zoning Code (Section 153.949) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a parking plan with my Woodside zoning application?

Yes. The Zoning Code requires a parking plan showing aisles, stall dimensions, circulation, landscaping and loading as part of building, conditional use, or zoning permit submittals; PCCD applications specifically require parking ratios and an off‑street parking/loading plan as part of the conceptual/specific plan (§ 153.225(M); § 153.109(E)(3)) .

How many parking spaces does a single‑family house in Woodside need?

The code sets a local minimum of 4 parking spaces per main dwelling unit (minimum) under Table M; required spaces for residential uses must normally be on the same parcel in a garage, carport, or on‑site space (§ 153.223; § 153.224(A)) .

What parking rules apply to an ADU in Woodside?

Local ADU rules require 1 parking space for each ADU that has one or more bedrooms; none for studio/efficiency ADUs, and they allow off‑street ADU parking in setbacks or tandem locations unless feasibility findings say otherwise (§ 153.211(A)(2)). The code also identifies parking waiver instances (see § 153.211(B)) — confirm the waiver list with Planning staff. .

Can I count driveway or right‑of‑way parking toward required spaces?

Generally required residential parking must be on the same parcel, but the ordinance includes a Glens provision allowing driveway parking within the right‑of‑way to count toward required onsite parking if spaces meet the minimum dimensions; for joint/off‑site parking there are strict proximity and legal‑instrument requirements (500 ft & recorded agreement) (§ 153.225(G); § 153.224(A), (D)) .

What are the required stall sizes and compact space limits?

Standard parking stalls must be at least 9 ft × 20 ft; compact stalls may be 9 ft × 16 ft, but no more than 25% of required parking may be compact spaces (§ 153.225(A), (J)) .

What do I have to show for loading/unloading?

Loading requirements follow Table N: no required loading for <5,000 sf; 1 loading space for 5,000–14,999 sf; 2 for 15,000–24,999 sf; +1 for each additional 25,000 sf. Each loading space must be at least 10 ft × 30 ft with 14 ft vertical clearance; loading may be placed in setbacks except front/exterior side but must be screened and set back from residential lots (§ 153.226(B)–(E)) .

Can parking requirements be reduced or shared between uses?

Yes — the Planning Commission may authorize joint use credits (e.g., up to 50% between day/night uses and under conditions up to 100% for churches/schools) if proximity and hour‑of‑use conflicts are resolved and a legal instrument secures the arrangement (§ 153.224(E)) .

Does Woodside require bicycle parking or horse hitching racks?

In the CC District, the code requires bicycle and horse‑hitching racks in any parking area; the design, capacity and location are subject to Town approval (§ 153.225(H)) .

Are parking areas counted toward building coverage?

Uncovered and unenclosed off‑road parking spaces are excluded from building coverage calculations for purposes of Table K/CC building coverage; check § 153.210(B)(1) for measurement rules and how parking interacts with coverage limits (§ 153.210(B)(1)) .

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