Chapter 21.41 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS

The purpose of this Chapter is to establish regulations for parking and loading to ensure that vehicle traffic and loading activities associated with a use do not interfere with circulation on public rights-of-way or circulation within required parking areas and to ensure that an adequate number of parking spaces is provided to serve the use of a specific site without causing traffic congestion.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.120 Applicability.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all proposed and established land uses, buildings and structures and shall be the minimum standards for all off-street parking and loading.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.140 Building permit.

An application for a building permit shall include a plot plan indicating the location of the proposed parking and loading, all structures on the lot, the location of all public improvements in the adjoining right-of-way, the location of driveways and curb cuts on adjoining properties and such other information as is requested to properly evaluate the adequacy of the required parking and the suitability of curb cuts to the site.

A. Residential Uses. In all new residential developments, all required parking shall be provided on the same site as the dwelling unit or units.

B. Other Uses. Required parking may be located on an adjacent lot, provided the parking lot conforms to Section 21.41.222 of this Chapter. If any required parking is not located on the same lot as the proposed construction, the applicant shall submit an affidavit, signed by the owner of the lot on which the parking is proposed, indicating an irrevocable right to use the lot for the parking.

(Ord. C-6895 § 19, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.150 Maintenance.

All parking facilities and loading areas shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and shall be clear of obstruction by any object including appliances, hobby equipment, storage of nonoperational vehicles, and the like.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.160 New construction and uses.

All new construction and new uses of land shall provide off-street parking and loading according to the provisions and requirements of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.170 Established uses.

The number of existing off-street parking and loading spaces shall not be reduced, or in any other way modified, below the standards required by this Title.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Division II Parking Regulations

21.41.206 Parking--Nonconforming.

Nonconforming parking shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 21.27, Nonconformities, of this Title.

(Ord. C-7663 § 26, 1999: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.209 Parking--Rental or sale of residential parking.

Required parking for all residential uses shall be considered an inseparable part of a residential unit or development, and required parking shall not be rented or sold.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.213 Parking--Garage required.

A. Garage Required. In all residential districts, all required parking spaces shall be provided within an enclosed garage in accordance with the development standards as specified in Section 21.31.245 (garage).

B. Exception. Open parking may be permitted through site plan review for projects of forty (40) units or more at densities of twenty-nine (29) units per acre or less. If exceptions are granted to permit open parking, open parking shall comply with the same development standards as a garage.

(Ord. C-6933 § 30, 1991: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.216 Parking--Required number of spaces.

Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C set forth the number of parking spaces required for specific land uses. Parking spaces required for multiple uses on a lot shall be calculated separately for each use, and the parking required shall be the sum of all that required for all such uses, unless otherwise permitted by Section 21.41.223 of this Chapter. In calculating the number of required spaces, fractional numbers shall be rounded up to the closest whole number.

(Ord. C-7550 § 9, 1998; Ord. C-7326 § 18, 1995; Ord. C-7247 §§ 18--20, 1994; Ord. C-7127 § 4, 1993; Ord. C-7032 § 28, 1992; Ord. C-6933 § 31, 1991; Ord. C-6755 § 2, 1990; Ord. C-6684 §§ 27, 28, 1990; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Table 41-1A
Required Number of Parking Spaces for Residential Uses

Number of Units/Bedrooms (e)	Number of Spaces per Unit(a)	Coastal ZoneOnly
Unit Parking
-0 bedrooms (not more than 450 sq. ft.)	1.00	1.00
-1 or more bedrooms (or zero bedrooms, 451 sq. ft. or more)	1.50	2.00
-2 bedrooms or more	2.00	2.00
Guest parking ^(b)(c)(d)(e)	1 space/4 units	1 space/4 units

(a) In the RM district, not more than 11/2 spaces per unit shall be required.

(b) The number of guest parking spaces indicated above in the table shall be the minimum number of guest parking spaces required in any residential district.

(c) Guest parking shall be required when 4 or more detached or attached dwelling units (including existing units on the site) are proposed as one development.

(d) When Allowed On Street. On-street parking abutting the lot shall be considered as guest parking according to the standards for parallel parking spaces when all access to on-site parking is taken from an alley and the site is outside of the parking-impacted area. On-street parking abutting the site may not be considered as guest parking when the street is a major, minor or secondary highway.

(e) In calculating required parking spaces, all rooms other than 1 living room, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, and bathrooms shall be calculated as bedrooms.

Table 41-1B
Required Number of Parking Spaces for Special Residential Uses

Use	Required Number of Spaces
1. Handicapped^(a)
-Low rent	1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Market rent	1 space per each 1 bedroom
2. Senior citizen ^(a)
-Low rent	1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Market rent	1 space per each 1 bedroom
-Congregate care, low rent	1 space per each 2 bedrooms
-Congregate care, market rent	1 space per each 1 bedroom
3. Convalescent hospital	1.2 spaces per room, or 0.6 space per bed, whichever is greater, plus 5 per 1,000 SF-GFA for medical office in building
4. Residential care facility	1 space per bed
5. Fraternity, sorority, dormitory	1 space per bed
6. Monastery, convent, communal, religious home and other special group residences	1 space per each 2 beds

(a) The Planning Commission may further reduce the parking standards to 1 space per 3 bedrooms if it finds that the neighborhoods in which the facility is proposed has ample, readily available on-street parking or is well-served by public transportation and a concentration of senior services.

Table 41-1C
Required Number of Parking Spaces for
Commercial, Industrial/Manufacturing and All Other Uses

Use	Required Number of Spaces
Retail, Ready to Eat Restaurant and Personal Service Uses or Stores
1. Community, regional or neighborhood shopping centers	5 per 1,000 SF-GFA plus parking for a detached fast-food restaurant calculated separately. However, shopping centers greater than 150,000 square feet in size may receive approval of a lower parking ratio pursuant to Section 21.41.219
2. Merchandise mall	10 per 1,000 SF-GFA
3. Open flea market, swap meet	4 per 1,000 GLA of display area
4. Other retail or personal service use,store or shop (commercial clusters)	4 per 1,000 SF-GFA
5. Automobile sales	2 spaces per 1,000 GFA of interior showroom,1 per 1,000 GLA of outdoor display area, pIus 4 per 1,000 GFA for accessory office and repair service area
6. Ready to eat restaurant	4 per 1,000 GFA
7. Furniture store	2 per 1,000 GFA
Automobile/Motor Vehicles
1. Car wash (self-service/hose and hand dry or belt driven)		2 spaces per wash bay (for purposes of belt driven facilities, the conveyor length shall be divided by 18 to determine the number of wash bays)
2. Car wash (full service)		1 space per wash bay (conveyor length divided by 18), plus retail and office space calculated separately
3. Service station or service garage		For a service station (gas dispensing only), 1 pace per pump island. For a service station with accessory retail, office, and/or auto repair, 1 space per pump island, plus 4 per 1,000 GFA for accessory retail, office and auto repair area. For a service garage (auto repair), 3 plus 4 per 1,000 GFA
Office
1. Banks, savings and loans		5 per 1,000 GFA (no additional parking is required for accessory automatic teller machines)
2. Medical or dental office		5 per 1,000 GFA
3. Professional or unspecified office (no additional parking for restaurants or medical offices in office building if less than 10 percent of building area)		4 per 1,000 GFA up to 20,000 GFA and 2 per 1,000 GFA for GFA more than 20,000, or 1 space for each company vehicle exceeding 5, whichever is greater
Restaurants and Bars
1. Detached fast food restaurant (located on a separate pad)		5 spaces plus 1 per 3 seats in dining area or 10 per 1,000 GFA whichever is greater
2. Dinner restaurant		10 per 1,000 GFA of dining areas plus 20 per 1,000 GFA for tavern area and 25 per 1,000 for dance floor
3. Outdoor dining at an established restaurant		0 space for 250 GLA or less, plus 5 per 1,000 GLA for 250 GLA or more, except for outdoor dining located in the CB zone, and for outdoor dining located on public sidewalks, no additional parking is required (See Footnote A)
4. Tavern		20 per 1,000 SF-GFA
Public Assembly
1. Assembly hall, church, movie theater or other public assembly area with fixed seats	For church and assembly uses, 1 per every 3.3 fixed seats. For theaters, 1 per every 3.3 fixed seats, plus a passenger loading and unloading zone (if the fixed seat portion of the use is not 75% or greater, separate parking ratios shall be applied for accessory uses)
2. Meeting hall, banquet hall, church, or other public assembly area without fixed seats	20 per 1,000 GFA (if the assembly area is not 75% or greater, separate parking ratios shall be applied for accessory uses)
3. Elementary school, secondary school and day-care center	For elementary schools, 2 per classroom, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces and auditorium or stadium calculated separately. For high schools, 7 per classroom, plus auditorium or stadium calculated separately. For day care, 1 space per every 10 children, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces
Hotel (guest rooms with direct access from an interior hallway) and motel (guest rooms with direct access to the exterior)	For hotel, 1 per guest room, plus parking figured separately for banquet rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant and gift shops, plus 2 loading and unloading spaces. For motel, same as hotel, plus 2 parking spaces for the motel managers unit
5. Hospitals, convalescent hospitals	For hospitals, 2 spaces per bed. For convalescent hospitals, 1 per every 3 beds
6. Library, museum	4 per 1,000 GFA, plus 1 bus parking stall for each 5,000 sq. ft. open to public; plus passenger loading and unloading areas shall be provided
7. Trade or vocational school	20 per 1,000 GFA or 1 per 3.3 fixed seats, whichever is greater
Recreation
1. Amusement arcade	4 per 1,000 SF except in a tavern, then 20 per 1,000 SF
2. Athletic club	5 spaces plus 4 spaces 1,000 SF-GFA; or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater, plus 20 per 1,000 SF-GFA for exercise floors
3. Basketball courts, volleyball courts	5 per court or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
4. Bowling alley	5 spaces plus 4 spaces per alley, or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
5. Commercial horse stables and horse riding schools	1 for each 5 stalls
6. Dancing, dance hall, disco, skating rink	25 per 1,000 SF-GFA, excluding kitchen
7. Golf course	3 per hole, or spaces required for restaurant, whichever is greater
8. Golf range, batting cage, tennis alley and the like	1 per tee, cage or alley and the like
9. Miniature golf course	2 per hole
10. Open recreation	1 per 1,000 SF-GLA
11. Passive park use	2 per acre-GLA
12. Pool or billiard hall	2 spaces plus 5 spaces per 1,000 SF-GFA
13. Tennis courts, racquetball courts, handball courts and the like	3 spaces plus 3 spaces per court or 1 per 3 spectator seats, whichever is greater
Industrial/Manufacturing
1. Service yards, storage yards and contractor yards	1 space per every 5,000 sq. ft. of yard area, plus office areas are calculated separately (minimum of 2 spaces shall be provided)
2. Manufacturing, processing, packing, assembly and the like	2 per 1,000 SF-GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)
3. Mini-warehouse (personal storage)	3 spaces plus 1 per 100 units
4. Research laboratories	3 per 1,000 SF-GFA
5. Warehouse, airplane hanger, and mechanical equipment buildings	1 per 1,000 GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)
6. Wholesale sales and distribution center	3 per 1,000 GFA (office area greater than 25% is calculated separately)

Abbreviations:

SF = square feet

GFA = gross floor area (excludes utility and elevator cores, stairwells and restrooms)

GLA = gross land area in square feet

NOTES:

(A) Outdoor dining located on public sidewalks require approval of an encroachment permit issued by the Department of Public Works. Further, within the City’s Coastal Zone, a coastal permit is required for all outdoor dining located on public rights-of-way.

21.41.219 Parking requirements for uses not specified and for large shopping centers.

The requirement for a use not specifically mentioned in Tables 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C shall be the same as for a use specified which has similar traffic generating characteristics. The Zoning Administrator shall determine what constitutes similar traffic generating characteristics. For unique uses, the Zoning Administrator may require a parking demand study. The parking demand study should be prepared by an independent traffic engineer licensed by the State of California at the developer’s expense and must be submitted to the Director of Planning and Building and the Director of Public Works for review and approval. Shopping centers of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) square feet or more may submit a parking demand study, as outlined above, in order to reduce the standard shopping center ratio.

(Ord. C-7326 § 19, 1995: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.221 On-site parking required--Residential uses.

For all residential uses, all required off-street parking shall be provided on the project site, except certain guest parking may be permitted on the street as indicated in Table 41-1A.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.222 Off-site parking.

For commercial, industrial and institutional use, parking may be provided off site according to the following limitations:

A. Distance from Use. All required parking shall be located within six hundred feet (600’) of the use it serves, unless otherwise specified. This distance shall be measured from the middle of the parking facility to the entrance of the use, using the shortest route legally available to a pedestrian. This distance requirement shall not apply within the downtown redevelopment project area, the westside industrial redevelopment project area, parking built to service the project areas or in parking districts.

B. Guaranteed Permanence. All required off-site parking shall be guaranteed to remain as parking by a deed restriction to which the City is a party. This guarantee is not required within the downtown redevelopment project area, the westside industrial redevelopment project areas or within a parking district.

C. Signing. Any site approved for off-site parking shall provide a lighted sign, not less than six (6) square feet in area, on each street frontage of the business and the parking site, with such lighted sign visible to motorists.

(Ord. C-6933 § 32, 1991; Ord. C-6595 § 25, 1989).

21.41.223 Parking--Joint use and parking district.

A. Joint Use of Parking Facilities. When two (2) or more uses share a parking facility, and when demonstrated by a signed affidavit that the hours of their demand for parking do not overlap, or only partially overlap, then the parking requirement may be reduced by the Zoning Administrator through approval of an administrative use permit.

B. Parking district. When the property owners of a contiguous commercial district have established a parking district pursuant to the laws of the state of California, that parking district may develop a parking plan for the district. When such a plan, along with the financial arrangements to implement the plan, has been approved by the planning commission, or, on appeal, by the city council, such plan shall supersede the parking requirements specified in the zoning regulations.

C. Redevelopment project areas. When a parking plan is developed for a redevelopment project area and approved by the planning commission, such plan shall supersede the parking requirements specified in the zoning regulations.

(Ord. C 7247 § 21, 1994; Ord. C 6684 § 29, 1990; Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.226 Special parking requirements for CNP district.

The number of required parking spaces for uses in the CNP zone district are specified as follows:

A. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue), the parking in the CNP district shall be one-half (1/2) of the parking required in chapter 21.41, table 41 1C. In all other areas of the coastal zone and outside the coastal zone, parking in the CNP district shall be as required in chapter 21.41, table 41 1C. Any new parking provided, or reconfiguration of existing parking facilities, in area D of the coastal zone can utilize tandem parking subject to the provisions of subsection 21.41.235.B of the tandem parking regulations.

1. Restaurants. The one-half (1/2) parking standard shall not apply to restaurants (new and reuse/conversion of existing nonrestaurant lease spaces) which shall conform to full parking standards. This subsection does not apply to ready to eat restaurants (as defined in section 21.15.2332), which may utilize the one half (1/2) parking standard.

2. Determination of nonconforming rights. Owners of properties with nonconforming parking rights within area D of the coastal zone may apply for site plan review to obtain a determination of nonconforming parking rights. Such determination will establish the number of nonconforming spaces that applies to the property at the time of the request and will allow the property to maintain nonconforming parking rights to the established number of spaces regardless of change in use of the existing buildings.

B. Outdoor dining. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston and Bayshore), outdoor dining on private property shall require the same parking as required for indoor dining.

C. Within established parking district. If the site to be developed or expanded is located within a parking district established pursuant to the laws of the state of California or local ordinances, the required parking spaces shall be provided as follows:

1. For a new development on a lot with gross lot area less than five thousand (5,000) square feet, or for any expansion of an existing building, the development may, in lieu of providing all or part of required off street parking on site or within six hundred feet (600’) of the site, pay a fee to the parking district based on the cost of providing such parking. The amount of the in lieu fee shall be established by the city council by resolution and shall be reviewed periodically to assure its adequacy to cover the cost of providing parking under this provision.

2. For a new development on a lot with gross lot area of five thousand (5,000) square feet or more, a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the required parking shall be provided on the site, or within six hundred feet (600’) of the site. The remaining required parking may be provided by an in lieu fee as described above.

3. All existing parking provided for or leased by any business shall hereinafter be the minimum required for the existing use on that site. If the parking now required exceeds that established pursuant to subsection 21.41.226.A, the parking now provided may not be reduced below that required in table 41 1C.

(Ord. ORD-05-0039 § 1, 2005: Ord. C 7777 § 2, 2001; Ord. C 7619 § 4, 1999; Ord. C 7247 § 22, 1994: Ord. C 6684 § 30, 1990: Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.228 In lieu fees.

Fees may be paid in lieu of providing the required on site or off site parking provided:

A. The site is located in an established parking district or redevelopment project area;

B. The in lieu fee represents the estimated current cost of providing the parking place in the applicable district. Such fees shall be adopted by city council resolution, and shall be updated each two (2) years.

(Ord. C 6595 § 26, 1989).

21.41.229 Parking--Residential uses in commercial zones.

Residential uses in commercial zones shall provide parking spaces as provided for in tables 41 1A and 41 1B as applicable.

(Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.231 Parking--Size of spaces.

Parking spaces shall be of the sizes and meet such other requirements as set forth in table 41 2 and as illustrated in figures 41 1A, 41 1B, 41 1C and 41 1D.

(Ord. C 7040 § 2, 1992; Ord. C 6895 § 20, 1991: Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.233 Tandem parking--Residential uses.

A. Tandem parking spaces shall be prohibited for required parking except:

1. For valet parking with approval through site plan review;

2. For low income units when projects include ten percent (10%) or more of the units as on site low income units;

B. For tandem parking allowed in subsection 21.41.233.A.2, the following standards shall be complied with:

1. Not more than two (2) spaces shall be involved in the tandem arrangement;

2. Both spaces in the tandem arrangement shall be assigned to the same dwelling unit;

3. Handicapped and guest parking shall not be in tandem;

4. Tandem parking shall not be allowed in a parking garage of less than ten (10) parking spaces or when the full turning radius for the tandem parking is not within the garage.

(Ord. C 7607 §§ 3, 17, 1999; Ord. C 6933 § 33, 1991: Ord. C 6684 § 31, 1990; Ord. C 6593 § 1, 1989: Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Table 41-2
MINIMUM PARKING SPACE SIZES

All Uses	Size	Aisle Width	Proportion
Compact	8 feet by 15 feet	21 feet (all zones except R 1 S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones)	Residential--not more than 50 percent
			Nonresidential--none
Standard	8 feet 6 inches by 18 feet	24 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones)
		23 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones)
Handicapped	14 feet by 18 feet	24 feet	See state requirements (title 24, part 2, Chapters 2--71 of the California Administrative Code)

21.41.235 Tandem parking--Industrial/manufacturing uses and area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue).

A. Tandem parking serving an industrial or manufacturing use shall only be in areas specifically designated for employee long term parking. In area D of the coastal zone (Second Street, between Livingston Drive and Bayshore Avenue) the tandem parking shall be for general use of employees and customers. Such parking shall only be located on the same site as the use for which the parking is provided.

B. Tandem parking, where permitted, shall comply with the following standards:

1. Not more than two (2) spaces shall be allowed in tandem.

2. Handicapped parking shall not be in tandem.

3. No more than twenty five percent (25%) of the required parking spaces shall be permitted to be in tandem.

(Ord. C 7619 § 5, 1999: Ord. C 7360 § 13, 1995).

21.41.239 Parking fee--Nonresidential use.

A fee may be charged for required parking for nonresidential uses.

(Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.243 Parking lot layout.

Figures 41 1A, 41 1B, 41 1C, and 41 1D illustrate typical parking lot layouts and the minimum dimensions required for each type of layout. Development standards for parking lots are set forth in this section and sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269.

A. Turning radii. Table 41 3 and figure 41 1E establish minimum turning radii for various parking space types and parking lot layouts. Turning radii may be reduced by one foot (1’) for each additional foot that is added to the width of the garage space, provided that:

1. The garage door width is widened by an equal amount; and

2. The maximum turning radii reduction is two feet (2’).

B. Continuous circulation. All lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide continuous vehicle circulation. Dead end aisles are prohibited in such lots.

C. Passenger loading. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide an eight foot (8’) wide passenger drop off lane adjoining the building entrance.

D. Pedestrian walkway. A covered pedestrian walkway shall be provided adjoining the building entrance. The walkway shall be at least four feet (4’) wide and shall provide direct access to a public sidewalk.

E. Slope. Parking area shall not have a slope more than one foot (1’) vertical for each sixteen feet (16’) of horizontal dimension perpendicular to the vehicle parking.

F. Pedestrian crossing. All parking lots containing one hundred (100) or more spaces shall provide pedestrian crossings outside of vehicle circulation areas. The crossings shall be at least six feet (6’) wide and shall link the building to the street property line.

G. Drive thru lanes. No parking space shall be located so that it is accessible only via a drive thru queuing lane.

H. Parking Exits. Parking must be designed to provide for exiting without backing into the street. However, backing into the street may be permitted in the IM and IG districts on lots five thousand (5,000) square feet or less in size where parking area access occurs onto a local or collector street, as designated in the transportation element of the general plan. Such parking area access shall be subject to the approval of the city engineer and the director of planning and building.

(Ord. C 7360 § 5, 1995; Ord. C 7326 § 20, 1995: Ord. C 6684 § 32, 1990; Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Table 41-3
REQUIRED TURNING RADII

Minimum Radius

Type Of Parking Space	90 Degree Parking	All Other Parking
1. Standard and handicapped	24 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones)	24 feet or less, as indicated in figures 41-1A, 41-1B and 41-1C
	23 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones only)
2. Compact	21 feet (all zones except R-1-S, R-2-S,R-2-I)	21 feet or less, as indicated in figures 41-1A, 41 1B and 41 1C
	19 feet (R-1-S, R-2-S, R-2-I zones only)

Figure 41-1A
90° PARKING

Figure 41-B
45° PARKING

Note:

See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1B
60° PARKING

Note:

See Figure 41-1D for required stall markings and permitted projections.

Figure 41-1C
PARALLEL PARKING

Figure 41-1D
REQUIRED STALL MARKINGS
AND PERMITTED PROJECTIONS

Each stall shall be defined by two painted lines extending two (2) inches beyond the required stall width.

Projections such as curbs or posts may be provided at each stall provided such projection does not extend more than 4’-6” into the space as shown. Such projections may be placed at either end of the stall.

Figure 41-1E
MINIMUM DRIVEWAY CLEARANCE

Table 41-4
Minimum Driveway Widths

Number of Spaces	Minimum Width
0--4	9 ft. 0 in.
5--14 (or one-way flow)	12 ft. 0 in.
	18 ft. 0 in. inside a garage or parking lot
15 or more (or two-way flow)	20 ft. 0 in. residential and
	24 ft. 0 in. nonresidential from curb to garage or parking lot

21.41.246 Parking--Access.

Each parking space, with the exception of tandem and valet spaces, shall be independently accessible.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.249 Parking area improvements.

Sections 21.41.251 through 21.41.269 indicate the minimum improvements which shall be provided in all parking areas.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.251 Driveways and curb cuts.

A. Driveways--Minimum Widths. All uses shall provide a paved driveway from the required parking space(s) to the public street or alley of at the least minimum width specified in Table 41-4. A greater width may be required where the Director of Public Works determines it is beneficial to the public safety or traffic circulation.

B. Driveways and Curb Cuts--Maximum Number and Widths. The maximum number and widths of driveways and curb cuts shall be as specified in Table 41-5. Wider driveways may be allowed on regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector highways where the Director of Public Works determines a greater width will be beneficial to public safety or traffic flow. The following special conditions shall also apply:

1. Separation between driveways on same site--twenty feet (20’) of full height curb;

2. Separation between driveways on adjoining sites--twenty feet (20’) of full height curb (unless width of site precludes compliance, then 20 feet shall be maintained on at least one side);

Combined driveways--joint use driveways between sites shall be allowed for adjoining sites provided not less than eight feet (8’) of driveway is provided on each site.

C. Driveway and Curb Cut Permit.

When issuing a driveway and/or curb cut permit, the City Engineer shall specify in the permit the location and dimensions of the driveway and the permittee shall comply with the provisions of the permit in the construction of the driveway.

D. Driveway Locations in Nonresidential Zones.

1. Two-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90’) from any intersection for all lots with one hundred twenty-five feet (125’) or more of street frontage. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125’) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

2. One-Way Driveways. Such driveways shall be located not less than thirty-five feet (35’) from any intersection. A one-way driveway is a driveway that allows only a right turn in, or a right turn out. Both in and out movements are not allowed in the same one-way driveway.

E. Driveway Locations in Residential Zones. All driveways shall be located not less than thirty feet (30’) from any intersection, except lots less than thirty feet (30’) in width without alleys, then no restriction shall apply other than those contained in Subsection B of this Section.

F. Driveway Slopes--All Uses. No driveway or parking ramp shall have a slope of more than one foot (1’) of vertical rise for each seven feet (7’) of horizontal length.

G. Driveway Clearance. All driveways shall have a minimum clearance of seven feet (7’) from the driving surface to any overhead obstruction. No projections in this area shall be allowed. This provision shall not apply to the driving area inside a parking structure where the requirements of the Uniform Building Code shall apply. Where higher clearance is required for handicapped access, the provisions for handicapped access shall apply.

H. Driveway Locations in Industrial Zones.

1. Driveways Assessing a Local or Collector Street. Driveways which access a Local or Collector street, as designated in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, shall be located such that the edge of the access driveway shall be either at least five feet (5’) from the end of the curb return or at least twenty-five feet (25’) from the intersection of two (2) non-arterial streets, whichever is greater. If the nearest intersection includes an Arterial or greater street, then the regulations of Subsection H.2 below shall apply.

2. Driveways Accessing Arterial and Regional Corridor Streets.

a. Two-Way Driveways. For lots with one hundred twenty-five (125) or more feet of street frontage, two-way driveways shall be located not less than ninety feet (90’) from any intersection. For lots with less than one hundred twenty-five feet (125’) of street frontage, the driveway shall be located not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the width of the lot from the intersection.

b. One-way driveways. One-way driveways shall be located not less than thirty five feet (35’) from any intersection. Movements shall be restricted to either right turns in or right turns out.

(Ord. C 7360 § 14, 1995; Ord. C 7032 § 29, 1992; Ord. C 6895 §§ 21, 22, 1991; Ord. C 6822 § 17, 1990: Ord. C 6684 §§ 33, 34, 1990: Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.253 Parking areas--Curb cuts.

A curb cut clearance shall be obtained from the public works department and shall be submitted with an application for a building permit. For any nonresidential use with more than a fifty foot (50’) frontage on a street, no curb cut shall be permitted within thirty five feet (35’) of an intersection. All unused curb cuts shall be replaced with a full height curb and gutter.

Table 41-5
MAXIMUM NUMBER AND WIDTH OF DRIVEWAYS AND CURB CUTS

Site Width	No Paved Alley a,d Or Paved Alleys Less Than 10 Feet In Width	Paved Alley a, c 10 Feet 15 Feet	Paved Alley a,c 16 Feet 20 Feet
0 feet--120 feet	1 curb cut, 20 feet maximum width^e	No curb cuts--residential^b; 1 curb cut 24 feet maximum width--nonresidential	No curb cut--residentialb; 24 feet maximum width--nonresidential
121 feet--200 feet	2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each	1 curb cut, 24 feet maximum width	No curb cut--residentialb; 1 curb cut 24 feet maximum width--nonresidential
201 feet--400 feet	2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each	2 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each	No curb cut--residentialb; 2 curb cuts 24 feet maximum width--nonresidential
401 feet plus	3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each	3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width each	No curb cut--residentialb; 3 curb cuts, 24 feet maximum width--nonresidential

Notes:

a. Minimum width of the alley from site to public street.

b. This shall only apply in parking impacted areas. In R-1 and R-2 zones, outside of parking impacted areas, one driveway, 20 feet wide is allowed. In all residential zones within parking impacted areas, nonconforming driveways may be maintained provided that the driveway leads to a legal parking space.

c. No access shall be allowed to an arterial highway from a lot in a residential zone.

d. On corner lots, in residential zones, where both streets are classified as regional arterials, arterials, principal streets or collector streets, driveway(s) shall be limited to the lower classified street.

e. The city engineer may adjust the width of the permitted curb cuts by up to 4 feet, if such an increase would be beneficial to the public safety.

(Ord. ORD-05-0038 § 1, 2005: Ord. C 6684 § 35, 1990: Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.256 Parking areas--Landscaping.

Landscaping shall be required in parking areas as follows:

A. General. One tree shall be provided for each four (4) parking spaces. The trees may be clustered, but a minimum of one cluster for each one hundred feet (100’) of parking row or double row shall be provided. Trees shall be of a species that provides a broad canopy.

B. Near residential district. Wherever a parking lot abuts, is adjacent to, or is across the alley from a residential district, broad leaf evergreen trees shall be planted in the required setback area. The trees shall not be less than fifteen (15) gallons in size.

C. On fences. All required fences in parking areas shall be landscaped with vines or other landscaping material approved by the director of building and planning. The landscaping shall be planted and allowed to grow in a manner which shields the property behind the fence from public view.

(Ord. C 6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.257 Parking areas--Landscaping in IG and IP zones.

Notwithstanding the requirements of section 21.41.256, no parking area landscaping shall be required in the IG and IP zones, with the following exceptions:

A. Parking area abutting a residential district. Where a parking area abuts a residentially zoned property and no other buffering is required by chapter 21.33, “Industrial Districts”, of this title, then a five foot (5’) wide landscaped strip shall be provided between the parking area and the abutting residential district.

B. Parking Area Abutting Public Right-of-Way. Wherever a parking area abuts an Arterial street, as designated in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, a landscaped buffer shall be provided as required by Section 21.33.145 of this Title.

(Ord. C-7360 § 15, 1995).

21.41.259 Parking areas--Lighting.

All parking lots and garages shall be illuminated with lights directed and shielded to prevent light and glare from intruding onto adjacent sites. The light standards shall not exceed the height of the principal use structure or one foot (1’) for each two feet (2’) of the distance between the light standard and the nearest property line, whichever is greater. All lights shall be illuminated to the applicable standards of the Illuminating Engineers Society.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.261 Parking areas--Markings.

All parking spaces shall be clearly marked by pavement painting. Compact and handicapped parking spaces shall be marked additionally by pavement painting and signage indicating the type of space as required by Chapter 10.34 (Parking for Handicapped Persons in Public Places) of the Long Beach Municipal Code. All aisles with only compact spaces shall provide a sign at the aisle entrance stating that only small cars are permitted.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.263 Parking areas--Paving.

The entire driveway and vehicle parking, storage and loading areas for all uses shall be improved and surfaced with a paving material not less than three and one-half inches (3 1/2”) thick of solid asphaltic or concrete paving or equivalent hard surface to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Building and Safety.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.266 Parking areas--Screening.

A. Adjacent to Residential Zones. Whenever a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residentially zoned property, a solid masonry wall not less than six feet, six inches (6’6”) in height shall be provided. The wall shall be constructed along the entire parking lot property line. However, any such wall adjoining the front yard setback of the residential property shall not exceed three feet (3’) in height.

B. Adjacent to Residential Zone Across an Alley. Where a parking lot abuts or is adjacent to a residential district across an alley, broad leaf evergreen trees, at least fifteen (15) gallon in size, shall be planted fifteen feet (15’) on center.

C. Adjoining Public Street. Wherever a parking lot adjoins a public street, a solid masonry wall three feet (3’) in height shall be provided. A solid, compact evergreen hedge may be used instead, provided:

1. The hedge shrubs are not less than two feet (2’) tall when planted; and

2. The hedge shrubs are planted not more than two feet (2’) on center.

Alternatively, a combination planter/hedge or berm/hedge may be used, provided:

3. The planter or berm is at least eighteen inches (18”) high; and

4. The shrubs, when planted, are at least one foot (1’) high.

D. Wall Composition. All screen walls shall be attractively designed with pilasters, caps and a painted or plastered finish as required by the Director of Planning and Building.

E. Screening Not Required. No screening shall be required when a parking lot adjoins an alley and the alley is used to provide direct access to head-in parking.

F. Screening--R-3 and R-4 Zones. In R-3 and R-4 zoning districts, parking lots and parking structures facing a public street shall be screened by a solid wall five feet (5’) in height and a solid garage door.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.269 Parking areas--Wheel stops.

Each parking stall located adjacent to a building, fence, wall or landscaping shall provide a wheel stop as shown on Figure 41-2. Wheel stops shall be constructed of concrete or other materials, as approved by the Superintendent of Building and Safety. No vehicle shall be permitted to overhang required landscaped areas behind wheel stops.

(Ord. C-7247 § 23, 1994: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.273 Parking structures.

A. Secured. All parking structures shall be designed and improved to allow them to be completely secured.

B. Landscaping. An attractive landscaping strip shall be provided along any public street in accordance with the landscaping requirements of this Chapter.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.276 Recreational vehicle parking--Residential districts.

A. Size Limitation. No recreational vehicle which exceeds seven (7) tons in dry weight, thirty-six feet (36’) in length or eleven feet, six inches (11’6”) in height, not including rooftop equipment, shall be parked, stored or loaded on a residentially zoned lot.

Figure 41.2
WHEEL STOPS

B. Storage and Loading--Location. Permitted recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in any location in which passenger vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded, unless otherwise restricted. Further, recreational vehicles may be parked, stored or loaded in locations where passenger vehicles may not be parked, stored or loaded, provided that no other location on the site ordinarily available for vehicle parking can accommodate the recreational vehicle because access to those locations is blocked by a permanent building element such as a structural wall, an eave or a roof. These locations are:

1. In areas blocking access to required parking spaces, provided that the spaces being blocked are for a single-family dwelling only and the owner of the recreational vehicle resides in that dwelling; and

In the side yard setback area, provided that:

a. The recreational vehicle is located as far as physically feasible from the side lot line, consistent with requirements for light and ventilation into adjoining rooms.

b. The recreational vehicle is located as far to the rear of the lot as is physically consistent with maintaining access to the garage.

C. Boats and Camper Shells. Boats and camper shells, if parked in areas visible from public rights-of-way, shall be mounted on licensed, operative vehicles.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.279 Recreational vehicle parking and storage-Nonresidential districts.

A. Parking. Recreational vehicle parking shall be permitted in the same manner as passenger vehicle parking.

B. Storage. Outdoor storage shall be permitted consistent with the outdoor storage provisions contained in Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

C. Overnight Parking Prohibited. Recreational vehicles shall not be occupied and parked overnight in any parking lot in a commercial district. Under no circumstances shall a recreational vehicle be used for living, sleeping, eating or entertaining.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.281 Vehicle parking in residential setbacks.

A. Front Yard. No vehicle shall be parked in the front yard setback, except on the driveway, or on a paved area between the driveway and the nearest side property line, and/or as provided in Section 21.41.276 for recreational vehicles. No vehicle shall be stored in the front yard setback.

B. Side and Rear Yard. Open parking in the side or rear yard setback shall comply with the provisions for garages in R-1 and R-2 zones, which are stipulated in Section 21.31.245.

C. Permitted parking areas on residential lots shall be as illustrated in Figure 41-3.

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995; Ord. C-7127 § 5, 1993: Ord. C-7032 § 30, 1992: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

(Ord. C-7326 § 21, 1995).

21.41.283 Parking and storage of inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles-Residential districts.

Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles may be stored as an accessory use in residential districts subject to the following:

A. The storage is limited to a maximum of two (2) such inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles.

B. The storage shall be fully screened from public view.

C. The storage shall occur in the rear fifty percent (50%) of the lot and shall not block the required vehicular access to the garage.

D. The storage shall occur on a fully paved surface (Section 21.41.263).

E. Inoperative, dismantled or wrecked vehicles stored in violation of these regulations shall be removed or stored in compliance with these regulations within sixty (60) days of the effective date hereof.

(Ord. C-7776 § 4, 2001: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.286 Drive-up and drive-thru facilities.

Drive-up and drive-thru facilities shall be developed in accordance with Chapter 21.45 (Special Development Standards) of this Title.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Division III Loading Regulations

21.41.310 Loading--Required.

In addition to off-street parking spaces, off-street loading spaces shall be provided for uses in all zoning districts as set forth in Sections 21.41.320 through 21.41.370.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

Table 41-6
Loading Space Standards

Type Of Loading Space	Width	Length	Clearance
1. Passenger	9 feet	19 feet	10 feet
2. Large truck	14 feet	60 feet	15 feet
3. Reduced truck	12 feet	25 feet	12 feet

(Ord. C-7360 § 6, 1995).

21.41.320 Loading--Size of spaces.

There shall be two (2) sizes of loading spaces as specified in Table 41-6.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.330 Loading--Number of spaces.

The minimum number of loading spaces provided shall be as set forth in Table 41-7.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.340 Loading--Location.

All loading areas shall be located outside of required aisles or other circulation areas. Loading areas shall not be located in any required yard area which is adjacent to a residential district.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.345 Loading--Backing into street.

On lots which are located ninety (90) or more feet from the intersection of two (2) non-arterial streets, and which provide access to loading areas from a local or collector street, as defined in the Transportation Element of the General Plan, the loading areas may be designed to allow trucks to back into the local or collector street subject to the approval of the Director of Public Works.

(Ord. C-7360 § 16, 1995).

Table 41-7
Required Number Of Loading Spaces

Use	Number Of Spaces	Type Of Spaces
1. Daycare, elementary school	2 loading and unloading spaces	Required off-street parking space posted for passenger loading
2. Hotel	2 loading and unloading spaces	Required off-street parking space posted for passenger loading
3. Manufacturing, packing, assembly, warehousing	a) 0--3,000 SF, 0 spaces	n/a
	b) 3,001--10,000 SF, 1 space	Reduced truck
	c) 10,001--40,000 SF, 1 space plus 1 space for each additional 40,000 SF, for each individual user	Truck
4. Medical or dental office, hospital	5 per 100 off-street parking spaces, if more than 50 off-street spaces required	Required off-street parking space posted for passenger loading
5. Public assembly	1 per 100 off-street parking spaces, if more than 50 off-street spaces required	Required off-street parking space posted for passenger loading
6. Retail, service or office commercial	1 per 100 off-street parking spaces, if more than 50 off-street spaces required	Required off-street parking space posted for passenger loading
7. Supermarket, grocery, drug, variety, department, furniture, hardware or appliance store, or shopping center	a) from 0 to 10,000 SF-GFA, 0 spaces	Truck
	b) from 10,001 to 40,000 SF-GFA, 1 space	Truck
	c) from 40,001 to 160,000 SF-GFA, 2 spaces	Truck
	d) over 160,000 SF-GFA, 3 spaces	Truck

Abbreviations:

SF= square feet

GFA = gross floor area

(Ord. C-7399 § 11, 1996; Ord. C-7360 § 7, 1995; Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.350 Loading--Turning radius.

All loading areas shall be located to provide an adequate turning radius. Adequate turning radius means one which allows a vehicle to maneuver without backing into a street or without backing into the loading space from a street.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.360 Loading--Screening.

All truck loading spaces shall be separated from adjoining, abutting or adjacent residential districts by a building or masonry wall not less than six feet (6’) in height.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

21.41.370 Loading docks.

Loading docks shall be provided for all uses that require truck loading spaces and that contain more than forty thousand (40,000) square feet of gross floor area in a single lease over ownership area. All loading docks shall be designed and improved in such a way as to allow them to be completely secured.

(Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988).

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