City of Santa Rosa, CA Chapter 20-36 PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS

§ 20-36.010 Purpose of Chapter.

This Chapter establishes regulations to ensure that sufficient off-street parking facilities are provided for all uses and that automobile and bicycle parking facilities are properly designed, attractive, and located to be unobtrusive yet meet the needs of the specific use.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3972 § 3, 2011)

§ 20-36.020 Applicability.

Each land use and structure, including a change or expansion of a use or structure, shall provide parking and loading areas in compliance with this Chapter.

A. A use shall not be commenced and structures shall not be occupied until improvements required by this Chapter are satisfactorily completed.

See also Section 2.4 (Downtown Station Area Site and Building Design), Section 2.6 (Downtown Station Area Parking) and Section 4.2 (Off-Street Parking) of the City's Design Guidelines.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3972 § 3, 2011; Ord. 2020-014 § 19)

§ 20-36.030 General parking regulations.

A. Parking spaces to be permanent. Parking spaces shall be permanently available, marked and maintained for parking purposes for the use they are intended to serve. The Director may approve the temporary reduction of parking spaces in conjunction with a seasonal or intermittent use.

B. Parking and loading to be unrestricted. Owners, lessees, tenants, or persons having control of the operation of a premises for which parking spaces are required shall not prevent or restrict authorized persons from using these spaces.

C. Restriction of parking facility use. Required off-street parking facilities shall be used exclusively for the temporary parking of vehicles and bicycles and shall not be used for the sale, lease, display, repair, or storage of vehicles, trailers, boats, campers, mobile homes, merchandise, or equipment, or for any other use not authorized by the provisions of this Zoning Code, except where temporary outdoor display is allowed in compliance with Section 20-42.110 (Outdoor Display and Sales).

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3972 § 3, 2011)

§ 20-36.040 Number of parking spaces required.

Each principally or conditionally permitted use shall provide at least the minimum number of off-street automobile and bicycle parking spaces required by this section, except where parking requirements are adjusted in compliance with Section 20-36.050 (Adjustments to parking requirements). Also see Section 20-36.090 (Bicycle parking requirements and design standards).

A. Parking requirements by land use. Each land use shall be provided the number of automobile and bicycle parking spaces required by Table 3-4, except where a greater or lesser number of spaces is required through conditions of approval.

B. Basis for calculations.

1. Floor area. Where Table 3-4 establishes a parking requirement based on the floor area of a use in a specified number of square feet (e.g., one space per 1,000 square feet), the floor area shall be construed to mean gross floor area.

2. Fractions. Where application of the requirements in Table 3-4 results in a fractional requirement, a fraction of 0.5 or greater shall be increased to the next higher number and a fraction of less than 0.5 shall be reduced to the next lower number.

C. Expansion of structure, change in use.

1. Expansion of structure. When existing conforming or nonconforming structures, other than single-family dwellings, are enlarged or increased in capacity by more than 10 percent, or when an expansion in use requires more parking than is presently provided, parking spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 3-4.

2. Change in use. When a building's use changes to a new use, for example a retail use to a restaurant, without enlarging the space in which the use is located, there shall be no additional parking required for the new use, except that the new use shall comply with current ADA standards for parking, provided that any deficiency in parking is no more than 10 spaces, or a 25 percent overall reduction from standard parking requirements, whichever is greater.

D. Reduction of capacity. No existing parking or loading facility may be reduced incapacity unless sufficient replacement capacity is provided in compliance with this Chapter or a reduction is approved in compliance with Section 20-36.050 (Adjustments to parking requirements). Parking and loading facilities required by this Chapter shall remain available for the loading and parking of motor vehicles. Bicycle parking shall remain available for bicycles. Any contrary use of such facilities shall constitute a violation of this Code.

E. Multi-use sites. A site with multiple uses shall provide the aggregate number of parking spaces required for each separate use, except where:

1. The site was developed comprehensively as a shopping center, the parking ratio shall be that required for the shopping center as a whole regardless of individual uses listed in Table 3-4; or

2. The site qualifies for shared parking in compliance with Section 20-36.050 (Adjustments to parking requirements).

F. Uses not listed. A land use not specifically listed in Table 3-4 shall provide parking as determined by the Director. The Director shall use the requirements of Table 3-4 for similar uses as a guide in determining the minimum number of parking spaces to be provided and may require the applicant to fund a parking study to determine parking demand.

G. Bench or bleacher seating. Where fixed seating is provided (e.g., benches or bleachers), a seat shall be construed to be 18 inches of bench space for the purpose of calculating the number of required parking spaces.

TABLE 3-4—AUTOMOBILE AND BICYCLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS BY LAND USE TYPE
Land Use Type:	Number of Parking Spaces Required
	Vehicle	Bicycle
AGRICULTURAL AND OPEN SPACE USES (1)
Agricultural activities, including crop production, horticulture, orchard, vineyard, and animal keeping	None.
Plant nursery	1.25 spaces per employee.	None.
Wildlife or botanical preserve or sanctuary	Determined by Conditional Use Permit.
INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING AND PROCESSING, WHOLESALING
Industrial and manufacturing, except the uses listed below:
Less than 50,000 sf.	1 space for each 350 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 7,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.
Equal to or greater than 50,000 sf.	1 space for each 700 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 14,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.
Cannabis—Cultivation	1 space per 1,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.	1 space per 14,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.
Cannabis—Distribution	1 space per 1,000 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 14,000 sf.
Cannabis—Manufacturing:
Less than 50,000 sf	1 space per 350 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 7,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.
Equal to or greater than 50,000 sf	1 space per 700 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 14,000 sf. or as determined by CUP.
Cannabis—Testing laboratory	1 space per 300 sf., plus 1 space for each company vehicle.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Laboratory	1 space for each 300 sf., plus 1 space for each company vehicle.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Recycling facility	1 space for each 1,000 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include incidental office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 14,000 sf.
Research and development	1 space for each 300 sf., plus 1 space for each company vehicle.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Self storage (personal storage and mini warehouse facilities)	2 spaces for manager or caretaker unit, 1 of which must be covered, and a minimum of 5 customer parking spaces located adjacent or in close proximity to the manager's unit.	None required.
Warehouse, wholesaling, distribution, and storage (not including mini-storage for personal use)	1 space for each 1,000 sf. or as determined by CUP. The gross floor area may include accessory office space comprising less than 5% of the total gross floor area.	1 space per 14,000 sf.
RECREATION, EDUCATION, AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
Adult entertainment	As determined by CUP.
Commercial recreation facility—Indoor	1 space for each 250 sf.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Commercial recreation facility—Outdoor	As determined by MUP.
Conference, convention facility	1 space for each 4 fixed seats or 1 space for every 50 sf. of assembly area or meeting rooms, whichever is greater.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Golf courses/country club, public or quasipublic	8 spaces for each hole.	None required.
Equestrian facility	As determined by CUP.
Health club/fitness facility	1 space for each 250 sf., not including that area devoted to athletic courts located within the building, plus 2 spaces per athletic court.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Library, museum	1 space for each 300 sf., plus 1 space for each official vehicle.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Meeting facility, public or private	1 space for each 4 fixed seats or 1 space for every 50 sf. of assembly area or meeting rooms, whichever is greater.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Park/playground, public or quasi-public	As determined by review authority.
School, public or private
Elementary/middle school	1.5 spaces for each classroom, plus 1 space for every 200 sf. of assembly area in an auditorium	1 space per 4,000 sf. of assembly area in an auditorium.
High school	0.33 spaces for each student, plus 1 space for each employee.	1 space per 4,000 sf. of assembly area in an auditorium.
College	0.5 spaces for each student, plus 1 space for each employee.	1 space per 1,000 sf. of assembly area in an auditorium.
Trade and business schools	1 space for each student.	1 space per 10 students.
Sports and entertainment assembly facility	1 space for each 4 fixed seats or 1 space for every 50 sf. of assembly area, whichever is greater.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Studio: art, dance, martial arts, music, etc.	1 space for each 200 sf.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Theater, auditorium	1 space for each 4 fixed seats or 1 space for every 50 sf. of assembly area or meeting rooms, whichever is greater.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
RESIDENTIAL USES (2)
Accessory dwelling units	1 space in addition to that required for the primary single-family dwelling unit; unless exempted by Section 20-42.130.E.9; the space may be uncovered, compact, or tandem, and located within the setback, unless the review authority determines that tandem parking or parking within a setback is not feasible due to specific topographical or fire and life safety conditions.	None required.
Duplex, Half-Plex, Multifamily dwelling, Condominium, Single-Family Attached, and Small-lot subdivision	Studio and 1-bedroom units—1 covered space plus 0.5 visitor spaces per unit. Visitor spaces may be in tandem with spaces for the unit; or on-street abutting the site, except on a street identified by the General Plan as a regional street.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
	2 or more bedroom units—1 covered space plus 1.5 visitor spaces per unit. Visitor spaces may be in tandem with spaces for the unit; or on-street abutting the site, except on a street identified by the General Plan as a regional street.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Emergency shelter	1 space for every 10 beds provided, plus 1 space for each staff person on duty.
Group quarters (including boarding/rooming houses, dormitories, organizational houses)	1.5 spaces for each sleeping room or 1 space for each 100 sf. of common sleeping area.	1 space per room.
Junior accessory dwelling units	No off-street parking required. Parking required for the primary single-family dwelling in accordance with this Table 3-4.	None required.
Live/work and work/live units	2 spaces for each unit. The review authority may modify this requirement for the re-use of an existing structure with limited parking.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Mixed-use projects	See Section 20-36.050.A (Shared parking for mixed uses).
Mobile home parks	1.75 spaces for each unit, which may be in tandem, one of which must be covered. At least one-third of the total spaces required shall be distributed throughout the mobile home park and available for guest parking.	0.5 spaces per unit.
Multifamily affordable housing project	Studio/1 bedroom unit—1 space per unit. 2 or more bedrooms—2 spaces per unit.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Senior housing project (with occupancy for persons 55 or older, as set forth in and which complies with Section 20-28.080)	1 space per unit with 0.5 of the spaces covered, plus 1 guest parking for each 10 units.	1 space per 8 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Senior affordable housing project (with occupancy for persons 55 or older, as set forth in and which complies with Section 20-28.080)	1 space per unit.	1 space per 8 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Single-family Detached (see duplexes, etc., above for attached units)	Standard lot—4 spaces per unit, 1 of which must be on-site, covered and outside setbacks. The remaining 3 spaces may be on-site (in the driveway and tandem) or on a public or private street when directly fronting the lot.	None required.
	Flag lot—2 spaces per unit, 1 of which must be covered, both of which must be located outside the required setback area plus 2 on-site, paved guest spaces located outside the required setbacks and which may be tandem.	None required.
Single room occupancy facilities	0.5 spaces per unit.
Supportive housing	No minimum parking requirements for units occupied by supportive housing residents within 1/2 mile of a public transit stop. Otherwise, subject to the same parking requirements as other residential uses.
Transitional housing	Subject to the same parking requirements as other residential uses.
RETAIL TRADE
All retail trade uses, except those listed below	1 space for each 250 sf.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Auto and vehicle sales and rental	1 space for each 450 sf. of covered display or building area.	1 space per 9,000 sf.
Bar/tavern	1 space for each 50 sf. of seating area and waiting/lounge area exclusive of dance floor, plus 1 space for each 30 sf. of dance floor.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Building and landscaping material sales—Indoor	1 space for each 300 sf. of indoor display area.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Building and landscaping material sales—Outdoor	1 space for each 300 sf. of indoor display area, plus 1 space for each 1,000 sf. of outdoor display area.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Cannabis—Retail (dispensary) and delivery	1 space for each 250 sf.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Construction and heavy equipment sales and retail	1 space for each 450 sf. of covered display or building area.	1 space per 9,000 sf.
Drive-through retail sales	As determined by MUP. See Section 20-42.064.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Farm supply and feed store	1 space for each 300 sf. of indoor display area, plus 1 space for each 1,000 sf. of outdoor display area.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Fuel dealer	As determined by CUP.
Furniture, furnishings, appliance/equipment store	1 space for each 300 sf. of indoor display area.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Gas stations	1 space for each service bay plus 1 space per employee. Parking space for ancillary uses (e.g., convenience store, take-out restaurant, car wash, etc.) shall be provided in compliance with the requirements of this table for the specific use.	1 space per 10 employees. Bicycle parking for ancillary uses (e.g., convenience store, take-out restaurant, car wash, etc.) shall be provided in compliance with the requirements of this table for the specific use.
Mobile home, boat, or RV sales	1 space for each 450 sf. of covered display or building area.	1 space per 9,000 sf.
Night club	1 space for each 50 sf. of seating area and waiting/lounge area exclusive of dance floor, plus 1 space for each 30 sf. of dance floor.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Counter ordering	1 space for each 75 sf.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Restaurant, café, coffee shop—Outdoor dining	As determined by MUP.	None required.
Restaurants, café, coffee shop—Table service	1 space for each 3 dining seats capacity.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Shopping center	1 space for each 250 sf. of gross leasable area.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Warehouse retail	1 space for each 375 sf.	1 space per 7,500 sf.
SERVICES—BUSINESS, FINANCIAL, PROFESSIONAL
All business, financial, and professional service uses, except those listed below	1 space for each 250 sf.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
ATM	2 spaces per machine. See also Section 20-42.044.	None required.
Medical service
Clinic, lab, urgent care	1 space for each 300 sf.	1 space per 6,000 sf.
Doctor's office	1 space for each 200 sf.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Health care facility	As determined by MUP.
Hospital	As determined by CUP.
Integrated medical health center	1 space for each 250 sf. of recreation and fitness area, not including that area devoted to athletic courts located within the building, plus 2 spaces per athletic court, plus 1 space per 300 sf. of medical clinic/office use.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Veterinary clinic, arrival hospital	As determined by MUP.
SERVICES—GENERAL
All service uses, except those listed below	1 space for each 250 sf.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Catering service	1 space per employee, plus 1 space per company vehicle.	None required.
Cemetery, mausoleum, columbarium	1 space for each 4 seats of chapel capacity, and 1 space per employee.	1 space per 5,000 sf.
Day care
Adult day care	1 space per employee, plus 1 space per 10 clients, plus adequate loading space as required by review authority.	As determined by MUP or CUP.
Child day care—Center	1 space per employee, plus 1 space per 10 children, plus adequate loading space as required by review authority.	As determined by MUP or CUP.
Child day care—Large family day care home	3 spaces, no more than 1 of which may be provided in a garage or carport. Parking may be on-street if contiguous to the site. May include spaces already provided to meet residential parking requirements.	As determined by MUP or CUP.
Child day care—Small day care home	As required by State license.	None required.
Community care facility—6 or fewer clients	1 space for each 3 beds	None required
Community care facility—7 or more clients	1 space for each 3 beds.	As determined by MUP or CUP.
Drive-through service	As required by MUP or CUP. See Section 20-42.064.
Equipment rental	1 space for each 350 sf. of floor area; none required for outdoor rental yard.	1 per 10 full time employees.
Kennel, animal boarding	1 space for each 500 sf., plus 1 space for each 1,000 sf. of boarding area.	1 per 10 full time employees.
Lodging—Bed & breakfast inn (B&B), hotels, and motels	1 space for each guest room, plus required spaces for accessory uses such as restaurants and conference space.	1 space plus 1 per 10 guest rooms.
Mortuary, funeral home	1 space for each 4 seats of chapel capacity and 1 space per employee.	1 per 10 full time employees.
Personal services	2 spaces per customer chair, or 1 space for 250 sf., whichever is greater.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Personal services—Restricted	2 spaces per customer chair, or 1 space for 250 sf., whichever is greater	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Public safety facility	As determined by MUP.
Repair service—Equipment, large appliances, etc.	1 space for each 375 sf.	1 space per 7,500 sf.
Vehicle services—Minor, and major repair/body work	1 space for each service bay, plus 1 space per employee.	1 space per 10 full time employees.
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE
All uses, except the following	As required by MUP or CUP.
Broadcasting studio	1 space per 200 sf.	1 space per 4,000 sf.
Medical cannabis transporter	As required by MUP.
DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN—ATTACHED MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES
Residential—Attached Single-Family	No minimum.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Residential—Multifamily	No minimum
DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN—DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES
Residential—Detached Single-Family	No minimum.	None required.
DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN—AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL USES
Affordable residential uses	No minimum.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN—SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT (OCCUPANCY RESTRICTED TO PERSONS 55 OR OLDER)
Senior housing project	No minimum.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
DOWNTOWN STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN—NONRESIDENTIAL USES
All nonresidential uses	No minimum.	1 space per 5,000 sf
NORTH SANTA ROSA STATION AREA SPECIFIC PLAN
Multifamily attached residential	1.5 spaces per unit minimum.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Affordable multifamily attached residential	1 space per unit minimum.	1 space per 4 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Senior multifamily attached residential	0.5 spaces per unit minimum.	1 space per 8 units if units do not have a private garage or private storage space for bike storage.
Nonresidential	2.5 spaces for each 1,000 sf. minimum.	1 space per 5,000 sf.

Notes:
(1)	Properties located within the boundaries of the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan shall use the land use type "Downtown Station Area Specific Plan" to determine the number of parking spaces required.
(2)	Properties located within the boundaries of the North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan shall use the land use type "North Station Area Specific Plan" to determine the number of parking spaces required.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 3760 § 3 Exh. A, 2006; Ord. 3950 § 15, 2010; Ord. 3972 §§ 4, 5, 2011; Ord. 3985 § 5, 2012; Ord. 3992 § 4, 2012; Ord. 3995 § 7, 2012; Ord. 3997 § 5, 2012; Ord. 4001 § 7, 2012; Ord. 2017-024 § 6; Ord. 2017-025 § 5; Ord. 2020-001 § 7; Ord. 2020-014 § 20; Ord. 2021-012 §§ 24–26; Ord. 2023-006, 6/6/2023; Ord. 2024-012, 11/19/2024)

§ 20-36.050 Adjustments to parking requirements.

A. Shared on-site parking for residential mixed uses. In a mixed use project, parking may be shared by the different uses. A mixed use project composed of residential and retail uses may reduce the required vehicle parking up to 50 percent of the required parking for either the residential or retail use, whichever is smaller. A mixed use project composed of residential and office or institutional uses may reduce the required vehicle parking up to 75 percent of the required parking for either the residential or office/institutional use, whichever is smaller.

Example: If the separate parking requirements for the residential and retail uses in a mixed use project were 12 spaces and 14 spaces respectively (for a total of 26), the 12 residential spaces (the smaller of the two requirements) could be reduced by 50 percent, to six for a revised project requirement of 20 spaces.

B. Shared on-site parking for nonresidential uses. Where two or more adjacent nonresidential uses have distinct and differing peak parking usage periods (e.g., a theater and a bank), a reduction in the required number of parking spaces may be allowed through Minor Conditional Use Permit approval. Approval shall also require a recorded covenant running with the land, recorded by the owner of the parking lot, guaranteeing that the required parking will be maintained exclusively for the use or activity served for the duration of the use or activity.

C. Shared underutilized parking. Underutilized parking for any land use may be shared through a shared parking agreement in accordance with California Government Code Section 65863.1. A shared parking agreement shall be allowed through a Minor Conditional Use Permit approval. Underutilized parking is when 20 percent or more of a development's parking spaces are not occupied during the period in which shared parking is proposed.

A reduction in spaces shall be allowed if a parking analysis prepared by professionals in the planning or parking fields determines the number of spaces that can be shared will fulfill parking requirements. Shared parking arrangements shall be formalized through an agreement recorded against the parcels that are part of the agreement.

D. Increase or decrease in required parking. Parking requirements may be reduced through the following processes:

1. Where an applicant requests or where the Director determines that, due to special circumstances, any particular use requires a parking capacity which deviates from the requirements in Table 3-4, the Director shall refer the matter to the appropriate review authority for imposition of an appropriate parking requirement. Parking requirements may be reduced through the following processes:

a. Minor adjustment (Section 20-52.060). Allows for parking reduction up to 25 percent for projects that do not need a Minor or Major Conditional Use Permit. Examples are when a parking reduction up to 25 percent is needed to approve a Zoning Clearance or a Design Review Application. The Director of Planning and Economic Development may, as a condition of project approval, approve an increase or decrease in parking spaces after first making the following findings:

(1) Due to special circumstances associated with the operation of the use at its location, the proposed use will generate a parking demand different from the standards specified in Table 3-4;

(2) The number of parking spaces approved will be sufficient for its safe, convenient, and efficient operation of the use.

b. Project approval. If the project already requires a Minor Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit, these applications may be used to reduce the amount of parking spaces by any amount. The review authority Zoning Administrator for a Minor Use Permit or Planning Commission for a Conditional Use permit may, as a condition of project approval, approve an increase or decrease in parking spaces after first making the following findings:

(1) Due to special circumstances associated with the operation of the use at its location, the proposed use will generate a parking demand different from the standards specified in Table 3-4;

(2) The number of parking spaces approved will be sufficient for its safe, convenient, and efficient operation of the use.

c. Minor Use Permit. Is used for reductions of over 25 percent when the project does not already include a Minor or Major Conditional Use Permit. Examples are Design Review Applications that request a reduction of over 25 percent and Zoning Clearance with a reduction of over 25 percent. The Zoning Administrator may, as a condition of a Minor Use Permit, approve an increase or decrease in parking spaces after first making the following findings:

(1) Due to special circumstances associated with the operation of the use at its location, the proposed use will generate a parking demand different from the standards specified in Table 3-4;

(2) The number of parking spaces approved will be sufficient for its safe, convenient, and efficient operation of the use.

2. Parking requirements for projects located within the North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan boundaries (see Figure 3-13) may be reduced by the review authority, as a condition of project approval or Minor Conditional Use Permit, when supported by a parking study. The review authority may approve a decrease in parking spaces after first making the following finding:

a. The number of parking spaces approved will be sufficient for its safe, convenient and efficient operation of the use, and will be compatible with the neighboring properties.

3. The location of several types of uses or occupancies in the same building or on the same site may constitute a special circumstance warranting the reduction of parking requirements in compliance with this section.

4. Alternative methods of providing required parking is encouraged within the Downtown and North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan boundaries (see Figures 3-12 and 3-13). Examples of alternative parking methods include:

a. Tandem parking;

b. Garage/parking lifts;

c. Unbundled parking in residential developments;

d. Parking cash-out and transit incentive programs for businesses;

e. Projects that are unable to provide the total number of required on-site parking spaces may consider paying for the use of shared spaces within other parking facilities, in-lieu of applying for a parking reduction or variance. A parking study shall be submitted verifying that use of shared spaces in another parking facility shall not create a parking shortage for the business associated with that facility.

5. Any change in the use or occupancy or any change in the special circumstances described in Subsection C.1.a shall constitute grounds for revocation of the Minor Conditional Use Permit issued in compliance with this section.

Figure 3-12—Downtown Station Area Specific Plan Boundaries

(College Avenue to the north, Brookwood Avenue to the east, Sebastopol Road and Highway 12 to the south, and Dutton Avenue and Imwalle Gardens to the west)

Figure 3-13—North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plan Boundaries

(Paulin Creek to the north, Highway 101 and Santa Rosa Junior College/Santa Rosa High School to the east, West College Avenue to the south, and Ridley Avenue to the west)

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3950 § 16, 2010; Ord. 3968 § 9, 2011; Ord. 3972 § 6, 2011; Ord. 3992 § 5, 2012; Ord. 2020-014 § 21; Ord. 2021-012 § 27; Ord. 2025-001, 1/28/2025)

§ 20-36.060 Parking requirements for the disabled.

A. General. In accordance with Section 1129 B of the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 2 (Uniform Building Code), each lot or parking structure where parking is provided for the public as clients, guests, or employees, shall provide parking for disabled persons. Disabled parking spaces serving a particular building shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible entrance. In parking facilities that do not serve a particular building, disabled parking shall be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible pedestrian entrance of the parking facility. In buildings with multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, disabled parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. Table 3-5 establishes the minimum number of disabled parking spaces required. More disabled parking spaces shall be required if mandated by subsequent amendments to the Uniform Building Code.

Exception: This subsection shall not apply to existing facilities where compliance with local ordinances precludes satisfying the above requirements or providing equivalent facilitation unless a change of occupancy or expansion occurs.

The following Table 3-5 establishes the minimum number of disabled parking spaces required.

TABLE 3-5—NUMBER OF DISABLED SPACES REQUIRED
Total Number of Parking Spaces in Lot or Garage	Minimum Required Number of Disabled Spaces
1-25	1 - Van
26-50	2
51-75	3
76-100	4
101-150	5
151-200	6
201-300	7
301-400	8
401-500	9
501-1,000	2% of total
1,001 and over	20 plus 1 for each 100 or fraction thereof over 1,001

B. Standard when less than five spaces provided. When there are less than five spaces provided at buildings, one shall be 14 feet wide and lined to provide a nine-foot parking area and a five-foot loading area. However, there is no requirement that the space be reserved exclusively or identified for use by persons with disabilities only.

C. Parking space size. Disabled parking spaces shall be located as near as practical to a primary entrance and shall be of the dimensions and design provided by the Building Official.

D. Arrangement of parking spaces. Each parking area shall be provided with a bumper or curb to prevent encroachment of cars over the required width of adjacent walkways. The space shall also be located such that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars other than their own. Accessible pedestrian ways shall be provided from each such parking space to related buildings and facilities. This shall include curb cuts or ramps as needed. Ramps shall not encroach into any parking space.

Exceptions:
1.	Ramps located at the front of disabled parking spaces may encroach into the length of the spaces when the encroachment does not limit the usability of the space.
2.	When the enforcement agency finds that compliance would create an unreasonable hardship, a variance or waiver may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.
3.	Persons with disabilities may wheel or walk behind parked cars when the enforcing agency determines that compliance or equivalent facilitation would create an unreasonable hardship.

E. Slope of parking space. Surface slopes of disabled parking spaces shall be the minimum possible and shall not exceed one unit vertical to 50 units horizontal (two percent slope) in any direction.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)

§ 20-36.070 Parking design standards.

Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any parking facility, or any project which includes a parking facility, the review authority shall review and approve each such facility or project to assure that the proposed parking facility is designed and constructed in compliance with the following standards.

A. Location of parking facilities.

1. Required off-street parking shall be located on the same parcel as the uses served; except with Conditional Use Permit approval, parking may be located on a parcel in the vicinity of the parcel served subject to a recorded covenant running with the land, recorded by the owner of the parking facility, guaranteeing that the required parking will be maintained exclusively for the use or activity served for the duration of the use or activity.

2. Parking facilities other than driveways shall not be located in a required front or street side setback, except when a single-family residential two-car garage is converted into a single-car garage and habitable space.

B. Access to parking facilities and parking spaces.

1. Access to parking lots. Parking facilities shall be designed to prevent vehicle access at any point other than at designated driveway entrances.

2. Internal maneuvering and queuing. Parking facilities shall provide suitable maneuvering room so that vehicles enter the street in a forward direction, except for lots with four or fewer residential units. Non-residential parking facilities shall also provide queuing area between the street and the first point where vehicles may maneuver within the parking facility. A minimum of 15 feet clear behind the sidewalk to the first parking space shall be provided at all driveway entrances. If there is no sidewalk, a minimum of 25 feet to the face of curb shall be provided. See Figure 3-11.

3. Vertical clearance. A minimum unobstructed clearance height of 14 feet shall be maintained above areas accessible to vehicles in non-residential parking facilities.

Figure 3-11—Queuing Area

C. Access to adjacent sites. In nonresidential developments, shared vehicle and pedestrian access to adjacent nonresidential properties is required to the maximum extent feasible for convenience, safety and efficient circulation. A joint access agreement guaranteeing the continued availability of the shared access between the properties and running with the land shall be recorded by the owners of the abutting properties, as approved by the Director.

D. Parking space and facility dimensions.

1. Covered residential. Parking spaces within garages and carports shall have minimum dimensions of nine and one-half feet in width by 19 feet in length, clear of any obstructions (e.g., stairs, HVAC equipment).

2. Downtown parking. Parking spaces within the CMU zoning district shall have a minimum dimension of eight feet in width by 18 feet in length.

3. All other parking spaces. Minimum parking space dimensions shall be as follows, except as shown in Table 3-6, Figure 3-12.

a. Standard parking spaces shall have a minimum dimension of nine feet in width by 19 feet in length.

b. Up to 50 percent of the spaces in a parking lot may be compact spaces, with dimensions as shown in Table 3-6.

c. Parallel parking spaces shall be eight feet by 22 feet, except that spaces that are unencumbered at one end may be reduced to eight feet by 20 feet.

d. The width of a parking space shall be increased by one foot if either side of the space is adjacent to a wall, fence, support column or other structure, except where the obstruction is limited to the front or rear one-third of the parking space.

Figure 3-12—Minimum Parking Space and Aisle Dimensions

TABLE 3-6—MINIMUM PARKING SPACE AND AISLE DIMENSIONS
Space Width	Parking Angle	L	D	A	N	P	OP
Standard Size Automobile Spaces—Minimum Length = 19 ft
9.0 ft	30 o	18.0 ft	17.5 ft	12 ft (1)	29.5 ft	47 ft	39.5 ft
9.0 ft	45 o	12.7 ft	20 ft	12 ft (1)	32 ft	47 ft	45 ft
9.0 ft	60 o	10.4 ft	21 ft	15 ft (1)	36 ft	51.5 ft	52.5 ft
9.0 ft	90 o	9.0 ft	19 ft	26 ft	45 ft	64 ft	—
9.5 ft	90 o	9.5 ft	19 ft	25 ft	44 ft	63 ft	—
10.0 ft	90 o	10.0 ft	19 ft	23 ft	42 ft	61 ft	—
Compact Automobile Spaces—Minimum Length = 16 ft
9 ft	30 o	16 ft	15 ft	12 ft (1)	27 ft	42 ft	—
9 ft	45 o	11.7 ft	17 ft	12 ft (1)	29 ft	46 ft	—
9 ft	60 o	9.5 ft	18 ft	12 ft (1)	30 ft	48 ft	—
9 ft	90 o	9 ft	16 ft	23 ft	39 ft	55 ft	—
Downtown Automobile Spaces—Minimum Length = 18 ft
8 ft	45 o	11.3 ft	15.5 ft	12 ft (1)	27.5.ft	43 ft	—
8 ft	60 o	9.2 ft	16 ft	14 ft (1)	30 ft	46 ft	—
8.ft	90 o	8.0 ft	18 ft	24 ft	42 ft	60 ft	—
8.5 ft	45 o	11.8 ft	16 ft	12.5 ft (1)	28 ft	44.5 ft	—
8.5 ft	60 o	9.7 ft	16.5 ft	14 5.ft (1)	30.5 ft	47.5 ft	—
8.5 ft	90 o	8.5 ft	18 ft	24.5 ft	42.5 ft	60.5 ft	—
9 ft	30 o	18 ft	16.8 ft	11 ft (1)	27.8 ft	44.6 ft	—
9 ft	45 o	12.7 ft	19 ft	16 ft (1)	35 ft	54 ft	—
9 ft	60 o	10.4 ft	20 ft	18 ft	38 ft	58 ft	—
9 ft	90 o	9.0 ft	18 ft	26 ft	44 ft	62 ft	—

Note:
(1)	Only one-way aisles permitted.

E. Curbing and wheel stops (except single-family detached):

1. Curbing. Continuous concrete curbing at least six inches high and six inches wide shall be provided along the edges of parking spaces adjacent to fences, walls, sidewalks, other structures, and landscaping.

a. Alternative barrier designs may be approved by the Director.

b. Parking spaces adjacent along their length to landscaped areas or other similar surfaces shall incorporate an additional curbing width of 12 inches (for a total of 18 inches) to provide a place to stand while exiting and entering vehicles.

c. To increase the landscaped area within a parking facility, a maximum of two feet of the parking stall depth may be landscaped with low-growth, hearty materials in lieu of paving, allowing a two-foot bumper overhang while maintaining the required parking dimensions. In the case where a walkway is necessary, in lieu of landscaping, the walkway shall be widened by two feet to provide for a safe curb stop.

d. Curb design and installation shall comply with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) standards where applicable.

2. Wheel stops. The use of individual wheel stop blocks is prohibited except in parking facilities not open to the public and in other locations when deemed necessary by the Director.

F. Directional arrows and signs (except single-family detached):

1. Parking spaces, aisles, approach lanes, and maneuvering areas shall be clearly marked with directional arrows and lines to ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicles.

2. The Director may require the installation of traffic signs in addition to directional arrows to ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicles in a parking facility.

G. Landscaping (except single-family detached):

1. Landscaping of an existing, proposed, or improved parking facility shall be provided in compliance with the Design Guidelines.

2. All landscaping and other improvements to a parking or loading facility required by this chapter shall be maintained in good condition. Failure of such maintenance shall constitute a violation of this title, and, in addition, may be declared a public nuisance in compliance with this Zoning Code and State law. Security to guarantee parking lot landscape maintenance shall be provided in compliance with Section 20-34.070(B) (Maintenance Contract Required).

H. Lighting (except single-family detached): Lighting of parking facilities shall be provided in compliance with Section 20-30.080 (Outdoor Lighting).

I. Access to public right-of-way. Each vehicular passage of any parking or loading facility to or across a public right-of-way shall comply with the following requirements:

1. No such curb cut may exceed 24 feet in width for residential uses nor 35 feet for nonresidential uses, unless as approved by Minor Conditional Use Permit. Curb cut is defined as the flat bottom dimension for the driveway, excluding wings.

2. Wherever feasible, curb cuts serving adjacent uses shall be combined to minimize the number of entrances onto arterial and collector streets.

3. Only one curb cut may be installed for any parking or loading facility, provided that one or more additional curb cuts may be allowed if the City Engineer determines that each such additional curb cut is necessary for the efficient operation of the facility and will not significantly affect capacity and traffic safety.

4. Curb cuts for any circular driveway or multiple driveways on the same lot must meet the following requirements:

a. The curb cuts of circular or multiple driveways must be at least 20 feet apart.

b. The combined width of the curb cuts shall not exceed 40 percent of the lot frontage.

5. Any curb cut on a corner lot shall be located at the farthest point from the curb return.

J. Striping and identification (except single-family detached): Parking spaces shall be clearly outlined with four-inch wide lines painted on the surface of the parking facility. Circulation aisles, approach lanes, and turning areas shall be clearly marked with directional arrows and lines to ensure safe traffic movement.

K. Grade of parking facilities. Parking facilities should not exceed a grade of five percent. The Review Authority may allow slope increases up to 15 percent if it determines that the increase will result in superior project design.

L. Surfacing. Parking spaces, driveways, and maneuvering and storage areas shall be paved and permanently maintained in good and dust-free condition, in compliance with City Development Standards, except where parking is provided for a temporary use in compliance with Section 20-52.040 (Temporary Use Permits).

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005; Ord. 2020-014 § 22; Ord. 2021-012 § 28)

§ 20-36.080 Driveways.

A. Minimum driveway and aisle width. The minimum width of every driveway or aisle shall be 12 feet for one-way traffic and 20 feet for two-way traffic except where parking necessitates a larger backup dimension per Table 3-6. Reductions or modifications may be permitted by Minor Conditional Use Permit.

B. Single-family uses. Each single-family dwelling shall provide a continuous paved driveway from the street to the required parking area. Driveways shall be kept free and clear of stored materials, including inoperable vehicles.

C. Multifamily and nonresidential uses. Drive aisles within multifamily residential and nonresidential parking facilities shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the standards in Table 3-6.

D. Residential planned developments. Driveways less than 19 feet in depth may be approved by the review authority as a part of a Planned Development project. Attached garages or carports that include tandem parking areas require a minimum 19-foot setback from back of sidewalk or back of curb, whichever is applicable. Attached garages and carports that do not include tandem parking shall have driveways that are not greater than five feet in depth. A driveway providing access from an alley need only be three feet deep.

E. Clearance from obstruction. The nearest edge of a driveway apron or curb return shall be at least five feet from the nearest property line, centerline of a fire hydrant, utility pole, traffic signal, light standard, or other similar facility.

F. Visibility. Drive aisles shall be designed and located so that adequate visibility is ensured for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists when entering individual parking spaces, circulating within a parking facility, and entering or leaving a parking facility.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1 Exh. A, 2005)

§ 20-36.090 Bicycle parking requirements and design standards.

Bicycle parking shall be provided for all multifamily projects and nonresidential uses in compliance with this Section.

A. Number of bicycle spaces required. Each land use shall be provided the number of bicycle parking spaces required by Table 3-4, and in accordance with Section 20-36.040 (Number of parking spaces required) except where a greater or lesser number of spaces is required through conditions of approval. A minimum of two shortterm bicycle parking spaces and one long-term bicycle parking space shall be provided for new nonresidential development. When the bicycle parking required for a nonresidential land use is based on square footage, at least 25 percent of the bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in long-term bicycle parking facilities and at least 50 percent shall be provided in short-term bicycle parking facilities.

1. When part or all of the bicycle parking spaces required for a nonresidential land use is based on the number of employees, that portion shall be provided in long-term bicycle parking facilities.

2. Bicycle parking spaces for residential uses shall be provided as long-term bicycle parking facilities except that up to 15 percent may be provided as short-term facilities to accommodate visitors.

B. Bicycle parking design and devices. There are two types of bicycle parking.

1. Bicycle parking—Short term. Short term bicycle parking is typically in the form of bicycle racks. Bicycle racks must meet the following criteria:

a. Supports the bicycle upright by its frame in two places;

b. Prevents the wheel of the bicycle from tipping over;

c. Enables the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to be secured to the rack with a U-lock;

d. Rack is constructed of materials that resist cutting by manual tools such as bolt cutters, hand saws, abrasive cutting cables and pipe cutters;

e. Rack is securely anchored to the ground.

2. Bicycle parking—Long term. Long term bicycle parking protects the entire bicycle and its components from theft, vandalism, and inclement weather.

a. Bicycle lockers. A bicycle locker is a fully enclosed space for one bicycle, accessible only to the owner of the bicycle. A bicycle locker must be equipped with an internally mounted key-actuated or electronic locking mechanism, and not lockable with a user-provided lock. Groups of internal-lock bicycle lockers may share a common electronic access mechanism provided that each locker is accessible only to its assigned user. Bicycle lockers shall be constructed of molded plastic/fiberglass, solid metal or perforated metal.

b. Restricted-access bicycle enclosure. A restricted-access bicycle enclosure is a covered or indoor locked area containing within it one bicycle rack space for each bicycle to be accommodated and accessible only to the owners of the bicycles parked within it.

C. Bicycle parking layout.

1. General guidelines.

a. All bicycle parking spaces provided shall be on a hard and stable surface.

b. All bicycle parking facilities shall be securely anchored to the surface so they cannot be easily removed and shall be of sufficient strength to resist vandalism and theft.

c. All bicycle parking facilities within vehicle parking areas shall be separated by a curb or other physical barrier to protect bicycles from damage by automobiles and other moving vehicles.

d. Short-term bicycle parking facilities are subject to and shall meet all the following requirements:

(1) The facilities shall be located at least three feet away from any wall, fence, or other structure.

(2) When multiple short-term bicycle parking facilities are installed together in sequence, they shall be installed at least three feet apart and located in a configuration that provides space for parked bicycles to be aligned parallel to each other.

(3) The facilities shall be installed in a clear space at least two feet in width by six feet in length to allow sufficient space between parked bicycles.

(4) Permanently anchored bicycle racks shall be installed to allow the frame and one or both wheels of the bicycle to be securely locked to the rack.

2. Bicycle parking space location.

a. Short-term bicycle parking facilities that consist of permanently anchored bicycle racks shall be located in a convenient, highly visible and well lighted area within 50 feet of a building entrance and within view of pedestrian traffic.

b. Long-term bicycle parking facilities for tenant and occupant use shall be conveniently accessible by pedestrians from the street and shall be at least as convenient and close to building entrances as the nearest non-disabled automobile parking space.

D. Required shower facilities. All new buildings and additions to existing buildings that result in a total floor area as shown in the following table shall be required to provide employee showers and dressing areas for each gender as shown in the following Table 3-7 (See General Plan Policy T-L-8).

TABLE 3-7—NUMBER OF SHOWERS REQUIRED
Type of Land Use	Number of Showers Required for Specified Building Floor Area
	1 Shower for Each Gender	1 Additional Shower for Each Gender
Office Uses (business, professional)	50,000 to 149,999 sf.	Each 100,000 sf. or portion thereof over 150,000 sf.
Retail Trade, Service Uses	50,000 to 299,999 sf.	Each 200,000 sf. or portion thereof over 300,000 sf.
Manufacturing and Industrial Uses	50,000 sf. to 299,000 sf.	Each 200,000 sf. or portion thereof over 300,000 sf.

E. Required locker and dressing room facilities. Land uses required by this Section to provide showers shall also provide dressing rooms for each gender and one locker for each required long term bicycle parking space. Required lockers shall be located in relation to required showers and dressing areas to permit access to locker areas by either gender.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3972 §§ 7, 8, 2011)

§ 20-36.100 Off-street loading space requirements and development standards.

A. Loading spaces to be permanent. Loading spaces shall be permanently available, marked and maintained for loading purposes for the use they are intended to serve. The Director may approve the temporary reduction of loading spaces in conjunction with a seasonal or intermittent use.

B. Number of loading spaces required. The number of loading spaces to be required shall be determined by the review authority based upon the requirements set forth in Table 3-8. Land uses not specifically listed in Table 3-8 shall provide loading spaces as determined by the Director. The Director shall use the requirements of Table 3-8 for similar uses as a guide in determining the minimum number of loading spaces to be provided and may require the applicant to fund a loading space study to determine loading space demand.

C. Combination of uses or occupants. Where more than one type of use listed in Table 3-8, or more than one occupant is located in the same building or on the same site in such a manner that all such uses or occupants can be served by a common loading area, the guidelines in Table 3-8 may be applied to the combination of all such uses and occupants.

TABLE 3-8—LOADING SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Type of Land Use	Total Gross Floor Area	Loading Spaces Required (1)
Industrial, manufacturing, research and development, and institutional uses	less than 20,000 sf	1 space
	20,000 sf or more	2 spaces
Office uses	Less than 10,000 sf	none
	10,000 to 30,000 sf	1 space
	30,000 to 50,000 sf	2 spaces
	50,000 to 75,000	3 spaces
	greater than 75,000	4 spaces
Commercial, retail, service, restaurant and other allowed commercial uses	less than 5,000 sf	none
	5,000 sf or more	1 space

Note:
(1)	The Review Authority may increase these requirements where it determines that additional loading spaces will be needed.

D. Loading area design standards. Loading areas shall be designed and constructed as follows.

1. Location. Loading spaces shall be located based on the operating characteristics of the proposed use to:

a. Ensure that the loading facility is screened from adjacent streets as much as possible;

b. Ensure that loading and unloading takes place on-site and in no case within adjacent public rights-of-way or other traffic areas on-site;

c. Ensure that vehicular maneuvers occur on-site; and

d. Minimize adverse impacts upon neighboring residential properties.

2. Dimensions. Minimum loading space dimensions shall be 12 feet in width, 45 feet in length, and with 14 feet of vertical clearance. Loading spaces for office facilities and nonresidential land uses of less than 10,000 square feet may be 10 feet in width by 30 feet in length, and may be combined with parking spaces. The Director may increase or decrease the dimensions where it is clear that larger or smaller loading spaces are warranted due to the nature of the proposed project.

3. Lighting. Loading area lighting shall comply with Section 20-30.080 (Outdoor Lighting).

4. Loading doors and gates. Loading bays and roll-up doors shall be painted to blend with the exterior structure walls. Loading bays and doors, and related trucks shall be adequately screened from view from adjacent streets as determined by the Review Authority.

5. Screening. Loading areas abutting residentially zoned parcels shall be screened in compliance with Section 20-30.060 (Fences, Walls, and Screening).

6. Striping. Loading areas shall be striped indicating the loading spaces and identifying the spaces for "Loading Only." The striping shall be permanently maintained by the property owner/tenant in a clear and visible manner at all times. Curb-adjacent loading areas shall be identified by a yellow painted curb and the words "Loading Only."

E. Waiver of loading space requirements. The Director may waive all or part of the requirement to provide loading spaces if he or she first finds that unusual circumstances unique to the proposed project make the requirement unattainable or unnecessary.

F. Review Authority to review and approve. Prior to the issuance of a building permit for any loading facility, or any project which includes a loading facility, the Review Authority shall review and approve each such facility or project to assure that the proposed loading areas are designed and constructed in compliance with the following standards.

(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004)