Chapter 9.11 PARKING, PEDESTRIAN AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS

§ 9.11.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the adequate provision of parking, loading and bicycle facilities proportionate to the needs created by the various land uses within the city. In providing adequate parking, loading and bicycle facilities, it is the intent of this chapter to:

Progressively alleviate or prevent on-site and off-site traffic congestion and hazards;

Ensure the maneuverability of emergency and service vehicles;

Provide safe, accessible, convenient, attractive and well-maintained off-street parking areas;

Protect residential neighborhoods from the adverse effects of vehicular noise and traffic by uses in adjacent nonresidential districts; and

Implement general plan circulation and energy conservation policies; and

Integrate water quality practices into parking lot design to improve post-construction water quality and reduce run off quantity conveyed to protect receiving waters.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011)

§ 9.11.020 Applicability.

Proposed off-street surface parking facilities shall be subject to the provisions of Section 9.02.030(A), Minor development review, the requirements of the underlying district and the following standards. Parking structures shall be subject to the requirements of Section 9.11.090.

Any new building constructed, any new use established, any addition or enlargement of an existing structure or use, and any change in the occupancy of an existing building or the manner in which a use is conducted that would result in additional parking spaces being required shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

In the case of additions or enlargements of an existing building or use, or a change of occupancy or manner of operation that would result in additional parking spaces being required, the building, use, occupancy or operating, as revised, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 359, 1992)

§ 9.11.030 General regulations.

The following general regulations shall be applicable to all districts:

Status of Existing Development and Approvals. No building or use of land which lawfully existed on or is lawfully constructed under a conditional use permit or a plot plan approved prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be considered nonconforming solely because of the lack of the additional off-street parking and loading facilities required by this chapter. However, no expansion of use or facilities or change of use shall be permitted which will require additional off-street parking unless the parking and facility is brought into conformance with this chapter.

Calculation of Floor Areas.

For purposes of calculating off-street parking requirements for dwelling units, dens, studios, bonus rooms, studies and similar rooms as well as rooms ordinarily used for sleeping, shall be considered as "bedrooms."

Gross floor area shall be used to determine the number of nonresidential spaces required by this chapter for the provision of off-street parking and loading spaces and bicycle facilities.

All outdoor patios, decks, balconies, terraces and other areas that will accommodate a permanent activity that can contribute toward the need for parking facilities in addition to that which is provided for principal activities and uses within the building or structure shall be included in calculating the gross floor area.

Fractions. If calculation of the parking spaces and bicycle facilities results in a fractional space, then the fraction shall be rounded to the next higher whole number.

Multiple Uses. In situations where a combination of uses are developed on a site, including multiple uses under single ownership, the number of spaces required shall be equal to the sum of the requirements for each of the uses, unless a reduction is granted pursuant to the shared parking provisions of Section 9.11.070 of this chapter.

Operation and Maintenance.

All parking, loading and bicycle facilities required by this chapter shall be maintained for the duration of the use requiring such facilities.

Required parking, loading and bicycle facilities shall not be used for the storage or display of merchandise, or for the storage or repair of vehicles or equipment. The sale of merchandise may be conducted within these areas on a temporary basis, subject to the issuance of a temporary use permit and pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.02.150 of this title.

It shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator of a specific use to ensure that required parking facilities are maintained in good operating condition, and to ensure that the parking facilities are periodically swept and cleaned, and are properly striped.

Uses Not Specified. Where the parking requirement for a use is not specifically set forth herein, the parking requirements for such use shall be determined by the community development director as set forth in Section 9.11.070(A) of this chapter. The applicant shall submit a parking study to be reviewed and approved by the planning official as a basis for the community development director's action.

Tandem Parking. Tandem parking shall not be used to meet the required number of parking spaces, unless specifically permitted in this chapter.

Rear Parking. Parking in the rear of buildings and service area shall be limited to five percent of the total required off-street parking, except in the mixed-use overlay districts identified in Article II, Mixed-Use Overlay Districts, of Chapter 9.07.

Compliance. The property owner shall be held accountable and responsible for compliance with the requirements of all on-site parking, as required by this chapter. Further, it is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that the demand for parking by uses on any site will not exceed the provided available parking.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 475 § 1.4, 1995; Ord. 557 § 2.1, 2000; Ord. 604 § 2.14, 2002; Ord. 694 § 1.1, 2005; Ord. 864 § 3.3, 2013)

§ 9.11.040 Off-street parking requirements.

Automobile Parking Requirements. Off-street automobile parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this chapter. The following tables set forth the required off-street parking requirements and certain notations for various residential, commercial, industrial, public and quasi-public uses. Parking provided above required off-street must be constructed with permeable surfaces and/or enhanced landscaped retention and absorption areas:

Table 9.11.040A-12 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Residential Uses	Requirement	Covered Parking	Notes
Single-family	2/unit	Within an enclosed garage	The minimum parking requirement that applies to a single-family residence shall not be increased as a condition of approval of a project to remodel, renovate, or add to a single-family residence provided that the project does not cause the single-family residence to exceed any maximum size limit imposed by the applicable zoning regulations, including, but not limited to, height, lot coverage, and floor-to-area ratio.
Accessory dwelling unit	1/bedroom		The accessory dwelling unit shall provide a minimum of one parking space per bedroom in addition to the parking required for the main dwelling, except as exempted by state law (refer to Section 9.09.130 Accessory dwelling units). Spaces may be provided as uncovered and/or tandem parking on a driveway.
Duplex 1	2/unit	Within an enclosed garage
3 or more units: 1			Guest parking is required for all units at 0.25 spaces/unit. Guest parking is included in the minimum required parking standard.
Studio	1.25/unit	1 covered/unit
1 bedroom	1.5/unit	1 covered/unit
2 bedrooms	2.0/unit	1 covered/unit
3+ bedrooms	2.5/unit	2 covered/unit
Senior housing:¹			Guest parking is required for all units at 0.25 spaces/unit. Guest parking is included in the minimum required parking standard. Alternate parking requirements may be permitted subject to approval of a parking study pursuant to Section 9.11.070(A) of this chapter.
Studio	1.0/unit	1 covered/unit
1 bedroom	1.25/unit	1 covered/unit
+ bedrooms	1.5/unit	1 covered/unit
Mobile home parks	2.5/unit		Tandem spaces may be used to meet resident parking requirements.
Residential care homes¹	Parking requirements shall be determined by the community development director subject to an approved parking study.
Live-work units (residential component)	2/unit	2 covered/unit	Guest parking is required for all units at 0.25 spaces/unit. Guest parking is NOT included in the minimum required parking standard and can be shared with the business aspect of the "live-work" parking standard.
Residential component of mixed-use project¹	See multiple-family requirements in this table	See multiple-family requirements in this table	Guest parking is required for all units at 0.25 spaces/unit. Guest parking is included in the minimum required parking standard and may be shared with the nonresidential component. Alternate parking requirements may be permitted subject to approval of a parking study pursuant to Section 9.11.070(A) of this chapter.

Note:
1.	Required parking for tenants and guests shall not be rented separately from dwelling units.

Table 9.11.040B-12 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Commercial Uses	Requirement	Notes
General retail (unless specified elsewhere)	1/225 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Automobile, boat, mobile home, or trailer sales, retail nurseries, or other similar outdoor commercial activities	1/2,000 sq. ft. of display area	1. Display area shall include all office, service and repair, or other related activities and areas that are accessible to the public. 2. No required off-street parking spaces shall be used for display, sales, service or repair of vehicles.
Automobile service stations, repair and service facilities	2 spaces + 4/service bay for 4 or less bays and 2/service bay for 5 or more bays	Any related retail activities shall be subject to the general retail parking standards (mini-markets, tire sales, and the like).
Automobile washing and waxing establishments:
Self-serve	2 spaces % 2/washing stall
Automated	10% 1 per 2 employees
Business and professional offices	1/250 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Banks, savings and loans and medical/dental offices	1/225 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Day care center	1/employee % 1/500 sq. ft. of gross floor area	Special design requirements shall apply for bus loading or parent drop-off points.
Eating and drinking establishments	1/100 sq. ft. of gross floor area up to 6,000 sq. ft. 1/75 sq. ft. of gross floor area over 6,000 sq. ft.	A minimum of 10 spaces required for standalone use. No additional parking required if outdoor dining area comprises no more than 15% of the interior gross floor area of the primary food service use; if outdoor dining area is over 15%, 1 space for every 60 sq. ft. or 1 space for every 3 seats, whichever is greater.
Eating and drinking establishments within shopping centers of 25,000 sq. ft. of building area or greater	1/225 sq. ft. of gross floor area up to 15% of the shopping center gross building square footage
Hotel/motel	1/guest room
Kennels	2 spaces/1,000 sq. ft.	2 spaces/1,000 sq. ft. of indoor animal enclosure.
Veterinary hospital and clinic	1/200 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Mortuaries	1/4 seats % funeral procession queue capacity for 5 cars
Nail salons	1 space/2 work stations
Schools, private:
Business and trade	10 spaces % 24/classroom
College	10 spaces % 30/classroom
Elementary/junior high	10 spaces % 2/classroom
Senior high	10 spaces % 10/classroom
Storage lots and mini-warehouses	1/100 storage spaces and 2/caretaker residence	2 spaces minimum.
Medical and health services:
Convalescent and nursing homes	1/3 beds
Homeless shelter Hospitals	1/4 beds 1/bed
Residential care facilities	See Residential Uses, Section
	9.11.040 Table 9.11.040A-12
Recreation:
Arcades	1/75 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Bowling and billiards	5/alley % 2/billiard table
Commercial stables	1/5 horse capacity for boarding on site
Golf course	6/hole
Golf driving range	1/tee
Golf, miniature	3/hole
Health club	1/100 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Parks—public and private	To be determined by the approval authority based upon an approved parking study.
Skating rink	1/100 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Tennis, handball and racquetball facilities	3/court
Theaters	1/3 fixed seats

Table 9.11.040C-12 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Industrial Uses	Requirement	Notes
Manufacturing	1/500 sq. ft. of gross floor area	Trailer parking: parking stalls for trailers shall be provided at a ratio of 1 stall per truck loading dock door. This is in addition to the loading parking stall already provided at the dock door.
Research and development	1/350 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Warehouse and distribution	1/1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area for the first 20,000 sq. ft.; 1/ea. 2,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area for the second 20,000 sq. ft.; 1/ea. 4,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area for areas in excess of the initial 40,000 sq. ft.
Motion Picture/Film Studio	3.3/100 sq. ft. of gross floor area	For portion of use utilized as "public assembly," use must meet parking requirement for public assembly set forth in this section.

Table 9.11.040D-12 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Public and Quasi-Public Uses	Requirement	Notes
Libraries, museums and galleries	1/300 sq. ft. of gross floor area
Public utility facilities without an office on site	2/employee on the largest shift % 1/company vehicle	A minimum of 2 spaces shall be required
Auditorium, places of public assembly and places of worship	1/3 fixed seats or 1/35 sq. ft. of gross floor area of the assembly area or 1 space for every 4.5 lineal feet of benches/pews, whichever is greater
Government offices	To be determined by a parking study approved by the community development director

Schedule of Accessible Parking Requirements. The following requirements for accessible parking are intended to be consistent with the state requirements. Any conflicting provisions or future changes in state or federal requirements shall preempt the standards for provision of accessible parking spaces contained in this title.

Accessible parking for residential uses shall be provided at a rate of one space for each dwelling unit that is designed for accessibility and occupancy by the disabled, unless an adjustment is allowed, based on a parking study approved by the community development director.

Accessible parking for outpatient units and facilities providing medical care and other services for persons with mobility impairments shall be provided at a rate of 10% of the total number of parking spaces provided serving such outpatient unit or facility. Accessible parking for units and facilities that specialize in treatment or services for persons with mobility impairments shall be provided at a rate of 20% of the total number of parking spaces provided serving each such unit or facility.

Accessible parking spaces for other uses shall be provided at the following rates:

No. of Automobile Spaces Provided	No. of Accessible Spaces Provided
1—25	1
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 spaces
1,001 and over	20 plus 1 for each 100 spaces or fraction thereof over 1,001

Each accessible parking space shall be 14 feet wide, striped to provide a nine-foot wide parking area and a five-foot wide loading area (access aisle) and shall be a minimum of 18 feet in length. If two accessible spaces are located adjacent to each other, they may share the five-foot wide loading area, resulting in a width of 23 feet for the two spaces. One in every eight handicapped spaces, but not less than one, shall be van accessible; served by a loading area not less than eight feet wide. If two van accessible parking spaces are located adjacent to each other, they may share a common eight-foot wide loading area.

When less than five parking spaces are provided, at least one shall be 14 feet wide, striped to provide a nine-foot parking area and a five-foot loading area. Such space shall not be required to be reserved or identified exclusively for use by persons with disabilities.

Accessible 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, accessible 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, accessible parking spaces shall be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.

In each parking area, a bumper or curb shall be provided and located to prevent encroachment of cars over the required width of walkways. The space shall be so located that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind cars other than their own. Pedestrian ways that are accessible to people with disabilities shall be provided from each such parking space to the related facilities, including curb cuts or ramps as needed. Ramps shall not encroach into any parking space, with the exception that ramps located at the front of accessible parking spaces may encroach into the length of such spaces when such encroachment does not limit the capability of a person with a disability to leave or enter their vehicle, thus providing equivalent facilitation. Where the building official determines that compliance with any regulation of this subsection would create an unreasonable hardship, a waiver may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.

The slope of an accessible parking stall shall be the minimum possible and shall not exceed one-quarter inch per foot (2.083% gradient) in any direction.

Notwithstanding the off-street parking requirements of subsection A of this section, the number of parking spaces that are not accessible may be reduced to the extent necessary for modification of an existing facility to comply with the requirements described in this subsection.

10.

Where provided, one passenger drop-off and loading zone shall provide an access aisle at least five feet wide and 20 feet long adjacent and parallel to the vehicle pull up space. Such zones shall be located on a surface with a slope not exceeding one vertical in 50 horizontal and shall be located on an accessible route of travel to the entrance of the facility. If there are curbs between the access aisle and the vehicle pull-up space, then a curb ramp shall be provided. Valet parking facilities shall provide a passenger loading zone, as described herein.

Low Emitting Fuel Efficient Carpool/Vanpool Vehicle Parking. Eight percent of required parking shall be designated for any combination of low-emitting, fuel efficient and carpool/vanpool vehicles for all new nonresidential development.

Parking Requirements for Religious Institution Affiliated Housing Development Projects (RIAHD).

Notwithstanding any provisions of this title or any adopted specific plan to the contrary, the parking requirements for a religious institution affiliated housing development project are subject to the provisions of Government Code Section 65913.6, as amended.

"Religious institution affiliated housing development project" (RIAHD) is defined as a housing development project that meets all of the following requirements:

The housing development project is located on one or more contiguous parcels that are each owned, entirely, whether directly or through a wholly owned company or corporation, by a religious institution.

The housing development project qualifies as being near collocated religious-use parking by being on or adjacent to a parcel with religious-use parking or by being located within one-tenth of a mile of a parcel that contains religious-use parking.

Qualifies for a density bonus under Government Code Section 65915.

Allows up to 50% elimination of total religious-use parking spaces available for a religious institution affiliated housing development project.

No replacement requirement of religious-use parking spaces for a religious institution affiliated housing development project proposes to eliminate, provided the reduction does not exceed 50%.

Allows the remaining religious-use parking spaces to count toward number of parking spaces required for the religious institution affiliated housing development project.

Prohibits the reduction in parking spaces from reducing the minimum parking standards below one space per unit unless the religious institution affiliated housing development project is within one-half mile of a high-quality transit corridor or a major transit stop, or a car share vehicle within one block of parcel.

High-quality transit corridor means a corridor with fixed route bus service with service intervals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours.

Major transit stop includes existing rail or bus rapid transit station, ferry terminal served by either bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.

Car sharing means a model of vehicle rental where users can rent vehicles for short periods of time and users are members that have been preapproved to drive.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 402 §§ 1.1, 1.2, 1993; Ord. 405 §§ 1.8, 1.13, 1993; Ord. 475 § 1.4, 1995; Ord. 520 § 1.14, 1997; Ord. 557 §§ 2.2, 2.3, 2000; Ord. 670 § 3.1, 2004; Ord. 694 § 1.1 , 2005; Ord. 808 § 2.5.2, 2010; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011; Ord. 849 § 2.2, 2012; Ord. 852 § 1.3, 2012; Ord. 864 § 3.3, 2013; Ord. 912 § 21, 2016; Ord. 928 § 6, 2018; Ord. 975 § 3, 2021; Ord. 984 § 3, 2022; Ord. 994 § 10, 2023; Ord. 1013, 6/25/2024)

§ 9.11.050 Schedule of off-street loading requirements.

Minimum off-street loading space requirements for all industrial, office-commercial and commercial uses, project or complex, within the city shall comply with the following:

Gross Square Footage	Off-Street Loading Requirement
0—29,999	1
30,000—69,999	2
70,000—120,000	3
Each additional 50,000 sq. ft. over 120,000 sq. ft.	1

(Ord. 359, 1992)

§ 9.11.060 Off-street bicycle parking requirements.

Type of Facilities.

Class 1 Facilities. Class 1 bicycle facilities required pursuant to the provisions of this chapter are intended for long-term parking, and shall be protected against theft of the entire bicycle and of its components and accessories.

Class 2 Facilities. Class 2 facilities are intended for short-term parking, and shall include a stationary object to which the owner or operator can lock the frame and both wheels with a user-provided lock. The facility shall be designed so as to protect the lock from physical assault.

Class 3 Facilities. Class 3 facilities are also intended for short-term parking, and shall include a stationary object to which the user can lock the frame and both wheels with a user-provided six-foot cable (or chain) and lock.

Number of Parking Spaces Required.

Bicycle parking spaces shall be provided in all commercial, office and industrial districts equal to five percent of the required automobile parking spaces, with a minimum of two bicycle parking stalls required for any one use.

Single-family and multiple-family residences are exempt from this section.

Class Requirements. All required bicycle parking spaces shall include a Class 2 or 3 facility, except elementary and junior high schools, which shall include an enclosed Class 1 facility.

General Requirements.

All bicycle spaces shall be located as close as possible to the entrance(s) of the use that they are intended to serve, but situated as not to obstruct primary pedestrian circulation. If this is not possible, signs should be posted to direct bicyclists to the bike parking.

All bicycle facilities shall be located in highly visible areas to minimize theft and vandalism.

All bicycle parking and storage areas shall be surfaced so as to keep the area in a dust-free condition. Pervious pavement is recommended.

A minimum aisle width of five feet shall be provided between and adjacent to rows of bicycle racks or spaces for access and pedestrian pathways.

Bicycle parking areas shall be separated from automobile parking areas by a physical barrier of sufficient identification and distance to protect parked bicycles from damage by cars.

Signage should be posted to direct bicyclists to the locations of bicycle racks that may not be readily apparent. Similarly, signs indicating the location of bicycle parking should be posted wherever a NO BICYCLE PARKING sign is posted.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 406 § 1.3, 1993; Ord. 557 § 2.4, 2000; Ord. 670 § 3.1, 2004; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011; Ord. 864 § 3.3, 2013)

§ 9.11.070 Adjustments to off-street parking requirements.

Adjustments to off-street parking for uses included in this chapter may be granted if, in the opinion of the community development director, the proposed modification to the required number of parking or loading spaces is warranted. Requests for parking adjustments shall be reviewed and approved by the community development director based on the following requirements:

Parking Studies. The number of spaces required by this chapter, as noted in Section 9.11.040(A) of this chapter, for provisions of off-street parking and loading spaces may be adjusted by the approval authority if it is demonstrated by a parking study, prepared by a qualified parking study consultant, that the proposed use would have a parking or loading space demand other than the requirements of this chapter.

Shared Parking.

Shared parking is encouraged to avoid the creation of unused parking spaces and their potential harmful effects such as increased construction and maintenance costs, heat and glare, and water runoff requiring treatment of pollutants. A reduction in minimum parking requirements for individual uses may be granted by the community development director where joint use of parking facilities or other factors will mitigate peak parking demand.

Requests for parking reductions resulting from joint usage shall be supported by information prepared by a qualified parking study consultant. The investigation used to generate the required information shall generally follow the format described below.

Shared parking requests shall be analyzed as follows:

Initial project review involves documentation and quantification of proposed land uses and anticipated functional relationships between the parking needs of different land uses. The initial review will also consist of data gathering regarding proximity to transit facilities, general location of parking facilities, surrounding land uses and mix, predicted pedestrian patterns, and similar variables which affect parking needs;

Adjustments for peak parking factor includes calculating the number of off-street parking spaces required for each land use within the area proposed for joint parking use based upon the requirements of Section 9.11.040 of this chapter. Other elements to be considered include seasonal adjustment for parking demand and a determination of the mode of transit used in reaching or departing the area being considered;

Analysis of hourly accumulation involves an estimation of hourly parking accumulations for each land use during a typical week day or weekend day; and

Estimate of shared parking merges the hourly parking demand estimate to calculate the overall parking required to be provided within the area being considered for shared parking facilities.

Up to 50% of the parking facilities required by this chapter may be utilized as shared parking facilities subject to the requirements of this section. Except that, a church or an auditorium which is part of a public or private school may adjust the required parking by up to 100% of the parking facilities required by this chapter.

In granting parking reductions for shared use of parking facilities, the approval authority shall make one or more of the following findings:

The parking study report justifies the requested parking reduction based upon the presence of two or more adjacent land uses which, because of their substantially different operating hours or different peak parking characteristics, will allow joint use of the same parking facilities;

The parking study report indicates that there are public transportation facilities and/or pedestrian circulation opportunities which justify the requested reduction of parking facilities;

The parking study report finds that the clustering of different land uses is such that a reduced number of parking spaces can serve multiple-trip purposes to the area in question.

As a condition of approval to the granting of a reduction in required parking, the city may require the granting of reciprocal access and parking agreements with surrounding properties.

Transportation Management Plans.

The number of required parking spaces may be decreased subject to the approval of a transportation management plan supplied by the applicant. Such a plan may include, but is not limited to, car pooling, van pools, and staggered work hours.

In evaluating the request, the approval authority shall consider, among other factors:

Projected effectiveness of car pool, van pool, staggered work hours, or similar transportation management programs;

Proximity to public transportation facilities which could be reasonably expected to serve a significant portion of employees or customers;

Evidence of the likelihood that employees or customers will utilize regular transportation alternatives to individual use of automobiles, including transportation management plans prepared pursuant to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule XV.

Off-Site Parking Facilities. Required parking for a development may be provided off the site in certain instances. Requests for off-site parking facilities shall meet the following requirements:

The off-site parking shall be located so that it will adequately serve the use for which it is intended. In making this determination, the approval authority shall consider the following:

Proximity of the off-site parking facilities;

Ease of pedestrian access to the off-site parking facility;

The type of use which the off-site parking is intended to serve, recognizing that such facilities are generally not appropriate for high-turnover uses; and

The need for locating parking facilities off-site, and the resulting urban design benefits of off-site parking, if any.

As a condition of granting approval to the development of off-site parking facilities, the applicant and other involved parties shall be required to sign and record a reciprocal parking agreement ensuring the continued availability of the off-street parking facilities for the use they are intended to serve.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 475 § 1.4, 1995; Ord. 557 § 2.5, 2000; Ord. 694 § 1.1, 2005; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011; Ord. 975 § 3, 2021)

§ 9.11.080 Design standards.

General Parking Design Standards.

Parking lot design shall take into consideration the appropriate integration of commercial uses. Parking facilities shall be designed to eliminate obstacles to pedestrian movement, consider spatial relationships between commercial uses and associated parking, and where appropriate, parking design will dictate the types of uses that may feasibly be established to ensure that adequate parking is available within a reasonable distance to the use it serves.

Special plazas, motor courts or turnarounds are encouraged to identify entrance areas.

Project access and circulation shall allow for both vehicles and pedestrians by separating autos and foot traffic, by creating pedestrian entrances to projects and by using enhanced paving treatments, bollards or pergolas to identify pedestrian pathways through parking areas and along buildings.

Projects shall minimize impacts on adjacent streets by consolidating access points. Access points should be consolidated to take advantage of planned or existing median breaks.

The city may require reciprocal parking and access agreements between individual and adjacent commercial parcels.

To discourage excessive speeds within parking areas, the maximum length of straight aisles shall not exceed 300 feet unless otherwise approved by the community development director.

Parking rows shall not be longer than 180 feet, allowing for easier movement within the parking lot and preventing long queues within aisles unless otherwise approved by the community development director.

Drive aisles should make a loop around the structures and avoid dead end parking. In the case of straight drive aisles, provide at least 10 feet of setback between the last parking stall and the property line.

Parking areas shall be screened from streets through a combination of mounded landscaping, low profile walls and/or grading separations.

10.

Parking areas shall not be used for loading or unloading.

11.

Internal roadways should be designed so that direct access is available to all structures visible from a particular parking area.

12.

Parking areas should use sound walls, screen walls and landscaping to minimize auto noise, glare and increased ambient temperature.

13.

Landscaping, signs and walls shall be limited to 36 inches in height, measured from top of curb within 25 feet of any driveway entrance to protect visibility. Any trees located in these areas shall have trunks not exceeding eight inches in diameter and shall have a minimum branching height of six feet.

14.

Trash enclosures shall not impair visibility.

15.

Auto headlights in parking areas shall be screened so that they do not shine into adjacent properties or public rights-of-way.

16.

All illumination of streets, parking areas and other project areas shall provide a variety of light quality and intensity, emphasizing areas of high vehicular and pedestrian activity with increased light intensity.

17.

Driveways shall be designed so entering vehicles do not interfere with the existing vehicles. Main driveways shall employ entry medians whenever possible.

18.

The first parking stall perpendicular to a driveway or first aisle juncture shall be at least 60 feet back from the property line, providing sufficient queuing for exiting vehicles unless otherwise approved by the city engineer.

19.

In commercial developments, parking aisles should be oriented perpendicular to the major tenant's front entrance, to facilitate pedestrian movement.

20.

Dead-end parking aisles which exceed eight standard parking stalls in length, and serving greater than 16 standard stalls for dual lanes, shall provide turnaround facilities (i.e., hammerhead, cul-de-sac, etc.) adequate to accommodate emergency vehicles.

21.

Consideration shall be given to service vehicles (i.e., tractor trailers) when designing landscape and hardscape areas.

22.

Bicycle and motorcycle parking shall be provided as required by this code.

23.

All projects generating vehicular traffic shall participate in the traffic signal mitigation program as adopted by the city of Moreno Valley.

24.

Transportation management programs may be requested of projects generating significant vehicular traffic. These programs may include transportation system strategies or transportation demand strategies targeted to reduce the project's impact on roads, air quality, and energy consumption. System strategies deal with physical improvements to the road or facility network, such as street widening, restriping, bus turnout improvements or consolidation of driveways. Demand strategies deal with the behavior of those using the road system and include carpooling, subsidized transit passes, bicycle racks, showers for employee use located within the facility, transit centers, and flexible work shifts.

25.

Parking lot design shall include openings in curbs to convey water run off into landscape areas for water quality, retention and absorption. Pervious surfaces are recommended where feasible and required for parking areas provided in excess of city requirements.

Dimensions of Parking Spaces.

Covered Spaces. Parking spaces within an enclosed garage shall have an unobstructed, clear area dimension of 10 feet by 20 feet for each required parking space provided. All other covered spaces shall each be nine feet in width and 18 feet in depth. The parking area shall be clear of any obstructions and the measurements shall not include the exterior walls or structural supports.

Parallel Space. Each parallel parking space shall have a minimum dimension of eight feet wide by 22 feet long. However, if a parallel space does not abut another parallel space, and access is adequate to that space, the length may be reduced to 20 feet (see Figure 9.11.080-4).

Uncovered Spaces, Full-Size. Each full-size uncovered space shall be nine feet in width and 16 feet in depth of paved area and two feet of landscaped depth in excess of the adjacent landscape requirement. Spaces may be 18 feet of paved depth with no additional landscape depth subject to approval by the planning official. (The two feet of additional landscape may not be included in the required landscape setback.) (See Figure 9.11.080-5.)

Trailer parking stalls shall have a minimum dimension of 14 feet wide by 50 feet in depth.

Figure 9.11.080-4 Dimensions of Parallel Parking Spaces

Figure 9.11.080-5 Nonparallel Parking Spaces

Tandem Space. Each tandem space shall be a minimum of nine feet in width and 22 feet in depth.

Standard Improvements.

Drainage. Parking lots shall be designed to drain into landscape planters using openings in curbs and site grading. All parking facilities, except those serving two or fewer dwelling units, shall be graded and provided with drainage facilities so as to provide for the disposal of water without surface flow over sidewalks within public rights-of-way.

Safety Features.

Additional requirements and guidelines for parking facility safety, including design, internal layout, acceptable turning radii, pavement slope, vehicular and pedestrian circulation and other design features may be adopted by the city traffic engineer when determined to be appropriate.

Visibility of and between pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists shall be assured when entering individual parking spaces, when circulating within a parking facility, and when entering and exiting a parking facility. To the extent possible, the parking facility shall be designed so that primary pedestrian access to and from building entrances is along, rather than across, parking aisles.

Parking lots shall be designed to minimize conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians and shall also endeavor to minimize speeding and through traffic.

Drive aisles and parking lot drives shall not exceed five percent slope.

Streets should intersect others on outside rather than inside horizontal curves.

Streets should intersect at as near to a right angle as possible. They should be no more than 15 degrees skew.

Intersections should be offset a minimum of 600 feet.

Deceleration right turn lanes should be a minimum of 235 feet long and 10 to 12 feet wide, composed of a minimum 60 foot transition and 125 foot turn lane. As approved by the city traffic engineer.

Internal streets and drive lanes should have a minimum radius of 250 feet (25 mph design speed).

Where feasible, bus turnouts and bus stops shall be located on the far side of intersections to reduce conflicts between buses and through traffic.

Striping and Identification.

All automobile parking spaces shall be clearly outlined with white double lines on the surface of the parking facility as shown in Figure 9.11.080-6 (three-inch line – six-inch space – three-inch line for a total of 12 inches) or as otherwise specified by the building official.

Fire lanes, if required, shall be installed to the specifications of the city of Moreno Valley fire chief, including red curbing and posting with signs.

Stop signs and painted stop bars shall be installed in parking areas where drive lanes intersect and at egress points to streets or alleys.

Within parking facilities, the city traffic engineer may require all aisles, approach lanes and maneuvering areas to be clearly marked with directional arrows on the pavement surface to facilitate vehicular movement. In addition to directional arrows, the city traffic engineer may require installation of signs to ensure safe and efficient vehicular movement.


Figure 9.11.080-6A	Figure 9.11.080-6B
Parking Space Striping Requirements

Notes:
* Ends of parking stall striping shall be curved or squared off.

Accessible Parking Design Standards. The following design standards for accessible parking are intended to be consistent with the state or federal requirements. Any conflicting provisions or future changes in state or federal requirements shall preempt the standards for provision of accessible parking spaces contained in this title:

All accessible parking spaces shall be striped and marked according to applicable state regulations.

Each parking space reserved for persons with disabilities shall be identified by a permanently affixed reflectorized sign, of a construction and material approved by the building official, displaying the international symbol of accessibility. The sign shall have a minimum size of 70 square inches, and shall be centered at the interior end of the parking space at a maximum height of 80 inches from the bottom of the sign to the finished grade of the parking space.

At each entrance to a parking facility containing one or more parking spaces for the handicapped, a sign with a minimum size of 17 inches by 22 inches shall be posted, stating clearly and conspicuously in letters with a minimum height of one inch the following:

Unauthorized vehicles parked in designated accessible spaces not displaying distinguishing placards or license plates issued for physically handicapped persons may be towed away at owner's expense. Towed vehicles may be reclaimed at _____ or by telephoning _____.

Parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities shall have, in addition to the requirements of subsections (D)(1), (2) and (3) of this section, a surface identification in blue paint of at least three square feet in size, duplicating the international symbol of accessibility.

Each accessible parking space shall be 14 feet wide, striped to provide a nine-foot wide parking area and a five-foot wide loading area (access aisle) and shall be a minimum 18 feet in length. If two accessible spaces are located adjacent to each other, they may share the five-foot wide loading area, resulting in a width of 23 feet for the two spaces. One in every eight handicapped spaces, but not less than one, shall be van accessible; served by a loading area not less than eight feet wide. If two van accessible parking spaces are located adjacent to each other, they may share a common eight-foot wide loading area.

When less than five parking spaces are provided, at least one shall be 14 feet wide, striped to provide a nine-foot parking area and a five-foot loading area. Said space shall not be required to be reserved or identified exclusively for use by persons with disabilities.

In each parking area, a bumper or curb shall be provided and located to prevent encroachment of cars over the required width of walkways. The space shall be so located that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind cars other than their own. Pedestrian ways that are accessible to people with disabilities shall be provided from each such parking space to the related facilities, including curb cuts or ramps as needed. Ramps shall not encroach into any parking space, with the exception that ramps located at the front of accessible parking spaces may encroach into the length of such spaces when such encroachment does not limit the capability of a person with a disability to leave or enter their vehicle, thus providing equivalent facilitation. Where the building official determines that compliance with any regulation of this paragraph would create an unreasonable hardship, a waiver may be granted when equivalent facilitation is provided.

The slope of an accessible parking stall shall be the minimum possible and shall not exceed one-quarter inch per foot (2.083 percent gradient) in any direction.

10.

Notwithstanding the off-street parking requirements of Section 9.11.040(A) of this chapter, the number of parking spaces that are not accessible may be reduced to the extent necessary for modification of an existing facility to comply with the requirements described in this subsection.

11.

12.

All disabled spaces shall be located as close as possible to the entrance(s) of the use they are intended to serve and oriented so that the user of the disabled parking space need not go past the rear of automotive parking spaces in order to reach the building's main entrance.

Figure 9.11.080-7 Accessible Parking Stall Requirement

Notes:
* Ramps shall include a curb-cut type design
* Loading area width: van accessible = 8 feet; all other accessible spaces = 5 feet

Surfacing.

All permanent automobile and disabled parking spaces, loading and maneuvering areas shall be paved and permanently maintained with asphalt, concrete, or other all-weather surfacing, as approved by the city engineer. Every effort should be made to use pervious surfaces to reduce water run off. All parking areas in excess of the requirements of the municipal code shall use pervious pavement and/or increased landscape water retention and absorption areas.

Temporary parking facilities shall be provided with surfaces which prevent dust, as approved by the city engineer.

Location of Parking.

All parking spaces required by this chapter shall be provided on the same site as the use requiring the parking spaces, except as authorized in Section 9.11.070, Adjustments to off-street parking requirements, of this chapter.

All automobile spaces required for residential uses shall be located a maximum of 250 feet from the units they are serving. Distances shall be measured from the nearest point of the building to the parking space(s) serving that building.

All car pool parking spaces shall be located as close as possible to the entrance(s) of the use they are intended to serve.

Landscape and Screening Requirements. Parking lot screening and landscaping shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 9.17 of this title.

Access.

Parking Access from Streets.

Access to parking spaces, other than four or fewer spaces serving a residential use, shall not require backing onto a public or private street or onto a private drive other than a drive designed exclusively to provide access to parking spaces.

Commercial developments should orient traffic onto major arterials and not onto local streets or collectors.

Projects shall minimize impacts on adjacent streets by consolidating access points. Access points shall be consolidated to take advantage of planned or existing median breaks.

Driveway and Aisle Widths and Clearances. For purposes of this section, a driveway shall be defined as an access leading from a public street or right-of-way or a private street to a parking area, or from one parking area to another, but shall not be defined to include any ramp, aisle, or maneuvering area. A ramp is defined as an access driveway from one parking level to another. All driveways and ramps shall comply with the following standards:

Driveways and aisles for single-family detached structures shall not be less than 16 feet in width, and shall be maintained free and clear of all obstructions. Driveways which serve single-family development shall be defined as the paved area leading from a public street or right-of-way or a private street to the designated parking area, and shall not be wider than such designated parking area; and

Driveways for single-family attached, multiple-family, and nonresidential uses shall be as shown in Table 9.11.080-13 of this section, except when for health and safety purposes wider dimensions are required for emergency vehicle access.

Table 9.11.080-13 Driveway and Aisle Dimensions for Single-Family Attached, Multiple-Family, and Nonresidential Uses
Width, excluding flares or curb radius
Required (one-way)*	20 feet
Required (two-way)*	24 feet
Right Turn Radius¹
Minimum Maximum	15 feet 50 feet
Minimum Spacing²
From side property line From street corner	10 feet 25 feet
Angle³	75°

Notes:
¹	On side of driveway exposed to entry or exit by right-turning vehicle to driveways with curb radius.
²	Measured along the street side property line from throat to the side property line, or to a line passing through the intersection.
³	Minimum acute angle measured from the edge of pavement.
*	Wider driveway aisles may be approved with the approval of the community development director.

The following criteria and dimensions may be modified by the city engineer:

Table 9.11.080-14
Street Classification	Distance from a Driveway to an Intersection	Spacing Between Adjacent Driveways
Expressway 134′ ROW	Restricted* **	1/2 mile
Divided Major/Modified Major	Limited access* **	Limited access
Divided Arterial	Minimum 450 feet	Minimum 450 feet
134′ ROW/120′ ROW		One driveway per parcel
Divided Arterial	Limited Access* **	Minimum 250 feet
110′ ROW	Minimum 350 feet
Arterial/Minor Arterial/ Industrial Collector
100′/88′/78′ ROW	Limited access* **	Minimum 150 feet
	Minimum 250 feet
	Full Access 350 feet
Collector/66′ ROW	Minimum 200 feet* ***	Minimum 100 feet or one driveway per parcel
Local Street	Minimum 100 feet* ***	Minimum 100 feet or one driveway per parcel

Notes:
*	Access may be limited to the minimum movements necessary to safely expedite traffic.
**	Access may be restricted by medians.
***	For residential development.

Ramps.

One-way ramps shall have a minimum width of 14 feet, unless a larger dimension is required for emergency vehicle access.

Two-way ramps shall have a minimum width of 20 feet.

Gated Entries. Requests for gated entries shall be submitted to the city traffic engineer and shall be subject to review and approval by the city traffic engineer and planning official, based on an analysis of the following issues:

Type and operation of gate;

Adequacy of vehicle stacking area;

Effect of gated entry on parking usage and distribution on the site;

Effect of gated entry on parking for surrounding or adjacent areas;

Emergency vehicle access.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 402 §§ 1.3, 1.4, 1993; Ord. 405 §§ 1.14, 1.15, 1993; Ord. 406 § 1.4, 1993; Ord. 475 § 1.4, 1995; Ord. 557 § 2.6, 2000; Ord. 604 §§ 2.15—2.18, 2002; Ord. 616 § 2.2.22, 2003; Ord. 643 § 2.6, 2003; Ord. 694 § 1.1, 2005; Ord. 808 § 2.5.3, 2010; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011; Ord. 849 § 2.5, 2012)

§ 9.11.090 Subterranean, semisubterranean and aboveground parking structures.

The following requirements shall apply to subterranean, semisubterranean, and above-ground structures.

Requirements for All Parking Structures.

The development of parking structures shall be subject to the major development review process.

No interior parking lot landscaping shall be required for parking spaces located within parking structures.

Stair wells within parking structures shall be open so as to facilitate casual observation.

Ramps within parking structures shall not have a slope greater than 20%; provided, however, that the first and last 10 feet of a ramp shall have a transitional slope no greater than 10%.

Facilities with controlled entries shall provide a minimum off-street three-car queuing length of 60 feet.

Subterranean Parking Facilities.

All openings for ingress and egress facing a public street shall be situated behind the street setback line.

A subterranean parking structure may be constructed and maintained in any required setback area.

Exits from any subterranean parking structure shall provide adequate sight distance in compliance with applicable standards established by the city traffic engineer.

Semi-subterranean Parking Facilities. A parking structure shall be considered to be semi-subterranean if the structure is partially underground, and if the finished floor of the first level of the main building or structure does not exceed three feet above the street grade of the parcel, except for openings for ingress and egress. A semi-subterranean parking structure shall not be counted as a floor or story for calculating building height.

All openings for ingress and egress facing a public street shall be situated behind the street setback line established by the district within which the facility is located.

Semi-subterranean parking structures shall meet the setback requirements.

Exits from any semi-subterranean parking structure shall provide adequate sight distance in compliance with applicable standards established by the city traffic engineer.

Aboveground Parking Facilities.

Aboveground parking facilities shall meet the height and setback requirements established for the district in which it is to be located.

The exterior elevations of aboveground parking structures shall be designed so as to minimize the use of blank concrete façades as determined by the approval authority.

The perimeter of the parking structure shall be landscaped at ground level with a minimum of one tree for every 20 feet of linear distance of façade in addition to any required streetscape landscaping.

(Ord. 359, 1992; Ord. 557 § 2.7, 2000)

§ 9.11.100 Circulation—Pedestrian.

Pedestrian walkways shall be provided to reduce pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. Decorative paving and bollards can help provide safety and separation. The use of pervious paving surfaces is recommended where feasible.

Pedestrian walkways shall be connected with public sidewalks, connecting buildings and activity areas within centers. Pedestrian walkways shall be provided to connect adjacent properties when appropriate.

Pedestrian walks through open spaces and accessways to buildings should be used to shorten walking distances.

Pedestrian walkways, corridors, plazas and other similar areas shall be highly visible and well lit.

Amenities including, but not limited to, enhanced paving, street furniture and raised planters should be provided to enhance the pedestrian experience.

Handicapped ramps shall be incorporated into all curb and sidewalk designs and shall meet the standards set forth in Title 24 of the California Access Code.

(Ord. 808 § 2.5.4, 2010; Ord. 826 § 3.4, 2011)