Chapter 9.38
PARKING AND LOADING (OFF-STREET)

Sections:

9.38.010    Intent.

9.38.020    Limitation of parking and loading facilities.

9.38.030    Combined parking or loading facilities.

9.38.040    Ownership of parking or loading facilities.

9.38.050    Required parking and loading spaces.

9.38.060    Computation of required off-street parking spaces.

9.38.070    Motor vehicle maneuvering and parking space layout.

9.38.080    Parking area circulation.

9.38.090    Development of parking facilities.

9.38.100    Site plans for required parking areas.

9.38.110    Loading facilities.

9.38.010 Intent.

All off-street parking areas shall be designed and situated so as to ensure their usefulness; to protect the public safety; and, where appropriate, to mitigate potential adverse impacts on adjacent uses. Parking area design shall provide for the safety and comfort of pedestrians as well as the efficient movement of vehicles. It shall be the responsibility of the developer, owner or operator of a specific use to provide and maintain adequate off-street parking for that use. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.020 Limitation of parking and loading facilities.

A. Location.

1. Residential Uses. Required parking facilities for residential uses as specified in BGMC 9.38.050(C)(1) and in BGMC 9.38.110, Loading facilities, shall be located on the same lot or parcel of land as the use the parking facilities are intended to serve. Such facilities shall be conveniently accessible and located at a place where the erection of garages or carports is permitted.

2. Commercial and Industrial. Required parking facilities for commercial and industrial uses shall be located on the same lot or parcel of land as the use such parking facilities are intended to serve, except as set forth below:

a. For uses or buildings which require at least 15 parking spaces, the planning commission may approve a substitute location upon a finding that the provision of a substitute location will not adversely affect the public health or general welfare of the neighboring properties or the community. In making this determination, the planning commission shall consider, among other factors, the existing traffic and pedestrian patterns, traffic lights and traffic signs, surrounding land uses and additional factors relating to the public convenience and safety and welfare. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the planning commission shall not approve a substitute location unless the following conditions are satisfied:

i. All portions of the substitute location are located within 300 feet of the nearest property line of the lot upon which the principal use to be served is located.

ii. No more than 20 percent of the total number of parking spaces required for the use are located at such a substitute location.

3. Other Uses. Required parking facilities for hospitals, sanitariums, homes for the aged, asylums, orphanages, roominghouses, club rooms, and fraternity and sorority houses shall be located on the same lot or parcel of land as the use such parking facilities are intended to serve, except as set forth below:

a. For uses or buildings which require at least 15 parking spaces, the planning commission may approve a substitute location upon a finding that the provision of a substitute location will not adversely affect the public health or general welfare of the neighboring properties or the community. In making this determination, the planning commission shall consider, among other factors, the existing traffic and pedestrian patterns, traffic lights and traffic signs, surrounding land uses and additional factors relating to the public convenience and safety and welfare. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the planning commission shall not approve a substitute location unless the following conditions are satisfied:

i. All portions of the substitute location are located within 150 feet of the nearest property line of the lot upon which the principal use to be served is located, except as follows:

(A) All portions of the substitute location are located within 1,000 feet of the nearest property line of the lot upon which the principal use is located; provided, that the principal use is for dental and/or medical offices which are nonprofit and community service-oriented, and designated for employee parking only.

ii. No more than 20 percent of the total number of parking spaces required for the use are located at such a substitute location.

B. Approval of off-site parking facilities shall be subject to the following:

1. The use of the substitute lot shall be held by the same owner or owners of the lots or parcels of land containing the use or uses to be served, through a lease or other written agreement approved as to form by the city attorney; the lease or agreement shall remain in effect as long as the parking facilities are required.

2. The owner or owners of the lot or parcel of land on which parking is to be provided shall record an agreement in the office of the county recorder of Los Angeles County, California, as a covenant running with the land for the benefit of the city and the benefited lot, providing that such owner or owners of the subservient lot and their heirs, assigns, or successors in interest will continue to maintain the parking facilities so long as the building or use they are intended to serve is maintained, and the principal use will cease to be maintained if the off-site parking facilities are not maintained as such.

3. Restricted parking signs approved by the director of community development shall be posted at all substitute, adjoining or separated lots approved pursuant to subsections (B)(1) and (2) of this section.

C. Prohibited Parking Types. The following types of parking spaces shall be prohibited as required parking:

1. Tandem.

2. Valet (valet parking may be approved for assembly-type uses subject to review and approval of a conditional use permit).

D. Ingress and Egress. Required parking and loading facilities shall be provided with easily accessible and adequate ingress and egress from and to a street, highway or alley as provided in this chapter.

E. Reduction or Encroachment.

1. Land within the right-of-way of a proposed street or highway, or within the planned ultimate right-of-way on a street or highway proposed to be widened, shall not be used to provide required parking or loading facilities.

2. Where vehicular access to a garage, carport or automobile storage space, on the same lot or parcel of land as the residential structure to which said parking facility would be accessory, is not possible from any street, highway or alley due to topographical or other conditions, or is so difficult to achieve that to require such access is unreasonable in the opinion of the commission or city engineer, such garage, carport or automobile storage space is not required if:

a. Alternate parking facilities, approved by the commission or city engineer, are provided; or

b. The commission or city engineer finds that alternate parking facilities are not feasible.

3. Required parking or loading facilities may not be reduced or encroached upon, except on approval by the commission under the following circumstances:

a. Required parking and loading areas may be reduced by the amount to which an equivalent space, similarly situated and subject to the same or current standards, conditions and limitations, is provided for the use to which said facilities are appurtenant.

b. Where the floor area of a building is reduced, the area devoted to required parking or loading facilities based on the floor area of said building may be proportionally reduced. (Ord. 938 § 7, 2023; Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.030 Combined parking or loading facilities.

A. For Uses on Separate Lots or Parcel of Land. Required parking facilities may be provided collectively for two or more buildings or uses located on separate lots or parcels of land; provided, that the total area of such facilities does not equal less than the combined requirements for the individual uses.

B. For Uses with Varying Requirements Located on the Same Lot or Parcel of Land.

1. In the event that uses having varying parking and loading requirements are located on the same lot or parcel of land, the facilities provided, including collective parking facilities, shall equal the sum total of the requirements for the various individual uses computed separately in accordance with provisions in this chapter.

2. Parking and loading facilities designated for one use may not be counted or considered as also providing required parking or loading facilities for any other use. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.040 Ownership of parking or loading facilities.

Property on which required parking or loading facilities are established shall be:

A. Under the same ownership as the lots or parcels of land containing the use or uses to be served; or

B. Under joint ownership composed of the same owners of the lots or parcels of land containing the use or uses to be served; or

C. Whenever required parking or loading facilities are located on a lot or parcel of land which is not in the same or joint ownership as the lot or parcel of land containing the use or uses to be served, then, as a prerequisite to the issuance of the required building permit or certificate of occupancy, the owner or owners of said lot or parcel of land on which required parking or loading facilities are to be provided shall record an agreement in the office of the county recorder of Los Angeles County, California, as a covenant running with the land for the benefit of the city, providing that such owner or owners and their heirs, assigns, or successors in interest will continue to maintain said parking or loading facilities so long as the use or uses to be served remain in existence. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.050 Required parking and loading spaces.

The standards included herein indicate the spaces and facilities required for off-street parking that shall apply at the time the subject building or structure is erected or placed on the ground. These standards shall also apply when an existing building is altered or enlarged by the addition of dwelling units or guest rooms, or the use in question is intensified by the addition of floor space, seating capacity or change of use.

A. Thresholds for Conformance to Parking Requirements. Expansion of use with nonconforming parking.

1. Residential. The following standards apply to expansion of residential uses with nonconforming parking and the construction of new residential uses on a site with nonconforming parking:

Expansion up to a cumulative total of 350 square feet per site is permitted without providing additional parking.

Expansion of over 350 square feet up to a cumulative total area of 500 square feet per site shall require the provision of one additional parking space which shall be covered if no other covered parking space exists on the site.

Expansion of up to a cumulative total area of between 501 and 750 square feet per site shall require provision of a minimum of two parking spaces, one of which shall be covered.

Expansion of up to a cumulative total area over 750 square feet per site shall require conformance with the parking requirements of this chapter for all uses on the site.

Construction of a new dwelling unit or units on a site with nonconforming parking shall require all uses on the property, existing and proposed, to conform to the requirements of this chapter.

No net loss of parking or loss covered parking on the site shall occur as a result of the expansion of a residential use.

2. Nonresidential. Parking conformance shall only be based on the area of new additions unless the additions create a new lease space and/or a change of use is proposed, which requires a greater amount of parking per code.

B. Exceptions.

1. Minimum automobile parking requirements shall not be imposed on all development projects located within one-half mile of a major transit stop.

a. Except for specially designated projects, any development project located within one-half mile of a major transit stop may be required to comply with minimum parking requirements, if the community development director or his/her designee can make written findings, within 30 days of the receipt of a completed application, that not imposing or enforcing minimum parking requirements on the development would have substantially negative impact, as allowed by law. An appeal of any negative determination will be administered pursuant to the appeal procedures provided for in BGMC 9.60.020.

b. Transient Lodging. Subsection (B)(1) of this section shall not apply where any portion of a project is designated for use as a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other transient lodging, except where a portion of a housing development is designated for use as a residential hotel, as defined in Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code.

c. Electric Vehicle (EV) or Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Parking. Subsection (B)(1) of this section shall not apply to minimum parking requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment installed parking spaces or parking spaces that are accessible to persons with disabilities.

2. The community development director may grant or conditionally grant an exception to the parking requirements by allowing a decrease in the number of required parking spaces by up to 10 percent subject to the following conditions (any request greater than 10 percent is subject to the variance process as specified in Chapter 9.50 BGMC and must be reviewed by the planning commission):

a. The intent and purpose of the parking regulations of the land use zone in which the use and/or building is to be located shall comply with all parking design standards, including vehicle site access and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

b. There are special circumstances unique to the use/property (i.e., carpooling, frequency and proximity for transit usage, shared parking, low percentage of usable space, etc.) to justify the exception.

c. Granting of the exception will not have a negative impact on surrounding properties.

d. The application seeking the reduction in the required number of parking spaces promotes the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community and the granting of the exception meets the findings and intent of this chapter.

C. Parking and Loading Facilities Matrix.

Use

Parking Spaces or Facilities Required

1. Residential Uses (Note: All garages and carports must match the existing residence(s) in design, colors, and materials, including roof pitch)

Four or fewer dwelling units

Two parking spaces per dwelling unit. For each room in a dwelling unit which is rented, one additional parking space. This space may be in a garage or uncovered. Carports may be provided as additional, unrequired parking (refer to BGMC 9.38.090(G) for carport location restrictions).

Five or more dwelling units

Two parking spaces for each dwelling unit, one of which shall be covered. In addition, one space for each two dwelling units for visitors’ parking. Visitors’ parking spaces shall be distributed throughout the project at convenient locations.

Condominium or townhome developments

Two parking spaces for each dwelling unit, one of which shall be covered. In addition, one additional uncovered parking space for each two dwelling units for visitors’ parking. Visitors’ parking spaces shall be distributed throughout the project at convenient locations.

Clubs, fraternity and sorority houses, rooming and boardinghouses and similar structures having guest rooms

Two parking spaces, in a garage, for each three guest rooms. In dormitories, each 100 square feet shall be considered equivalent to a guest room.

Emergency shelters

One space per each permanent staff member, plus one space per four beds, and/or one-half space per bedroom designed as a family unit. Loading areas shall be provided pursuant to the requirements of BGMC 9.38.110, Loading facilities.

Hotels, motels and motor hotels

1. One parking space for each sleeping room without kitchen facilities; and

2. Two parking spaces for each motel unit with kitchen facilities, one of which shall be in a parking structure or garage; and

3. Loading facilities as specified in BGMC 9.38.110.

Mobile home parks

One parking space on each trailer site and, in addition thereto, one parking space for each two trailer sites for guest parking. Said guest parking shall be conveniently located within the mobile home park.

Single room occupancy (SRO)

One space per each permanent staff member, plus one space per unit, plus guest parking at a ratio of one space per each two units. Loading areas shall be provided pursuant to the requirements of BGMC 9.38.110, Loading facilities.

2. Commercial Uses

Automobile, boat, and trailer sales, retail nurseries and other open uses not in a building or structure

One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of open area devoted to display or sales; provided, however, that where such area exceeds 10,000 square feet, only one parking space need be provided for each 5,000 square feet of such area in excess of the first 10,000 square feet contained in such area, or one space for each two employees, whichever is greater.

Automobile general repair

1. One parking space for each two employees on the largest shift or for each 250 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater;

2. One parking space for each vehicle operated or kept in connection with the use;

3. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of open area devoted to automobile storage; provided, however, that where such area exceeds 10,000 square feet, only one parking space need be provided for each 5,000 square feet of such area in excess of the first 10,000 square feet contained in such area, or one space for each two employees, whichever is greater.

Body art establishments

One parking space for each 400 square feet of building floor area.

Bowling alleys

Three parking spaces for each alley.

Business general

1. One parking space for each 400 square feet of building floor area;

2. Loading facilities as specified in BGMC 9.38.110.

Casino resort

One parking space for each hotel guest room plus one parking space for each 120 square feet of gross floor area exclusive of hotel guest room area.

Chapels and mortuaries

1. One parking space for each three fixed seats and/or every 21 square feet of seating area where there are no fixed seats within the main chapel; and

2. One parking space for each 400 square feet of floor area outside the main chapel.

Dance halls

1. One parking space for each 21 square feet of dance floor area; and

2. One parking space for each three fixed seats and for every 21 square feet of seating area where there are no fixed seats.

Offices, business and professional

One parking space for each 300 square feet of floor area.

Offices, medical, dental and clinical

One parking space for each 200 square feet of floor area in the building.

Residential care facilities serving seven to 15 persons

1. One parking space for each four residents in accordance with the resident capacity of the home as stated on the required license or permit;

2. One parking space for each employee residing on the premises;

3. In no event shall less than three parking spaces be provided regardless of the number of residents and/or employees.

Restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, bars, and other similar places dispensing food or refreshments

1. One parking space for each three fixed seats and for every 21 square feet of seating area where there are no fixed seats; and

2. One parking space for each two employees on the largest shift; and

3. A minimum of 10 parking spaces shall be provided regardless of seating area or number of employees; and

4. Loading facilities as specified in BGMC 9.38.110.

Skating rinks, ice or roller

1. One parking space for each three fixed seats and for every 21 square feet of seating area where there are no fixed seats; and

2. One parking space for each 250 square feet of floor area not used.

Swimming pools, commercial

1. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of area on the lot or parcel of land on which said use is established; and

2. One parking space for each two employees; and

3. A minimum of 10 parking spaces shall be provided for such use regardless of lot area or number of employees.

Theaters, auditoriums, stadiums, sports arenas, gymnasiums and similar places of public assembly

1. One parking space for each three fixed seats and for every 21 square feet of seating area where there are no fixed seats; and

2. One parking space for each two employees; and

3. In no event shall less than 10 parking spaces be provided for such use regardless of lot area or number of employees.

3. Industrial Uses

Automobile uses: including brake repair shops, body and fender repair shops, muffler shops, paint spray booths, repair garages, radiator shops, seat covers manufacturing, assembly, rentals, painting, and sales

1. One parking space for each two employees on the largest shift or for each 250 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater;

2. One parking space for each vehicle operated or kept in connection with the use;

3. One parking space for each 1,000 square feet of open area devoted to automobile storage; provided, however, that where such area exceeds 10,000 square feet, only one parking space need be provided for each 5,000 square feet of such area in excess of the first 10,000 square feet contained in such area, or one space for each two employees, whichever is greater.

Industrial uses of all types except a building used exclusively for warehouse purposes

1. One parking space for each two employees on the largest shift or for each 500 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater;

2. One parking space for each vehicle operated or kept in connection with the use;

3. In no event shall less than two parking spaces be provided for each use regardless of the number of employees or vehicles operated.

Public utility facilities, including but not limited to electric, gas, water, telephone and telegraph facilities, not having business offices on the premises

1. One parking space for each two employees on the largest shift; and

2. One parking space for each vehicle used in connection with the use; and

3. A minimum of two parking spaces shall be provided for each such use regardless of building space or number of employees.

Warehouses or buildings used exclusively for storage purposes

One parking space for every 750 square feet of floor area or one parking space for each two employees, whichever is greater.

Self-storage facilities

1. One parking space for each 60 storage units; and

2. One parking space for each 300 square feet of office space.

4. Other Uses

Churches

One parking space for each three fixed seats and for every 21 square feet of seating area within the main auditorium where there are no fixed seats.

Day care center, adult

1. One parking space for each employee; and

2. One parking space for each 10 participants the facility is designed to accommodate.

Day care for children, special home; day nursery, children; and nursery school, preschool children

1. One parking space for each two employees; and

2. One parking space for each five children the facility is designed to accommodate; and

3. In no event shall less than three parking spaces be provided for such use regardless of the number of employees or children.

Golf courses, not to include miniature courses

1. Ten parking spaces per hole; and

2. One parking space for each 21 square feet of building floor area used for public assembly; and

3. One parking space for each 400 square feet of building floor area used for other commercial purposes.

Home for aged persons, small group care; institutions for aged persons, private

1. One parking space for each four residents in accordance with the resident capacity of the home as listed on the required license or permit; and

2. If employee residence facilities are provided on the premises, an additional one parking space shall be provided for each two employees; and

3. In no event shall less than three parking spaces be provided for such use regardless of the number of residents or employees.

Home for children, special boarding; institution for children, private

1. One parking space for each two employees; and

2. In no event shall less than three parking spaces be provided for such use regardless of the number of employees.

Hospitals

One and one-half parking spaces per patient bed.

Schools, elementary and junior high schools having an accredited general curriculum

1. One parking space for each classroom and lecture hall; and

2. One parking space for each five students the school is designed to accommodate.

Schools, high schools having an accredited general curriculum

1. One and one-half parking spaces for each classroom and lecture hall; and

2. One parking space for each 10 students the school is designed to accommodate.

Universities and colleges; business, professional, special, or trade school

1. One parking space for each classroom and lecture hall; and

2. One parking space for each five students the school is designed to accommodate.

Uses not specified

Where parking requirements for any use are not specifically defined in this chapter, such parking requirements shall be determined by the commission, and whenever practical shall be based upon the requirements for the most comparable use specified herein, so as to preserve the spirit and intent of this chapter.

D. Bicycle Parking Spaces and Bicycle Facilities Matrix.

Use

Bicycle Parking Spaces or Facilities Required

1. Residential Uses

Multifamily residential including apartments, attached condominiums, and townhouses (5 dwelling units or more)

One space for every 2 dwelling units.

2. Commercial Uses

Business general, including restaurants

One space for every 1,000 square feet.

Hotels, motels, clubs, fraternity and sorority houses, and dormitories

One space for every 10 guestrooms.

Office

One space for every 300 square feet.

Theaters, auditoriums, lodge rooms, stadiums, or similar entertainment and amusement uses

One space for every 25 intended visitors based on occupant load.

3. Industrial Uses

Industrial uses

One space for every 1,000 square feet.

4. Other Uses

Institutional uses, including hospitals, convalescent hospitals, adult residential care facilities, and group homes for children

One space for every 2,500 square feet.

Schools, including trade schools, colleges, universities, and private elementary, middle, and high schools

1. One space for each 10 students the school is designed to accommodate; and

2. Two spaces for each classroom and lecture hall.

Churches, temples, and other places of worship

One space for every 10 intended visitors based on occupant load of the largest assembly area within the facility.

E. EV Parking Facilities Matrix.

TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTUAL PARKING SPACES

NUMBER OF REQUIRED EV-CAPABLE SPACES

0 – 9

2

10 – 25

5

26 – 50

11

51 – 75

19

76 – 100

26

101 – 150

38

151 – 200

53

201 and over

30 percent of total1

1. Calculation for spaces shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

(Ord. 938 §§ 8 – 11, 2023; Ord. 937 § 6, 2023; Ord. 893 § 7, 2020; Ord. 851 § 8, 2013; Ord. 852 § 6, 2013; Ord. 848 § 4, 2013; Ord. 845-U § 5, 2012; Ord. 844 § 5, 2012; Ord. 811 § 1, 2008; Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.060 Computation of required off-street parking spaces.

A. Consideration of Fractional Remainders. When a fractional figure is found as a remainder in computations made to determine required off-street parking facilities, said fraction shall be construed as a whole number.

B. Parking in Buildings. Where required parking computations are based on floor area, floor space devoted to parking within a building, or necessary interior driveways and ramps thereto, shall be excluded. A building, or portion of a building, devoted exclusively to parking shall have no off-street parking space requirements. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.070 Motor vehicle maneuvering and parking space layout.

A. Parking Space Dimensions. The minimum size of required parking spaces shall be:

1. Standard parking spaces, a width of nine feet and a length of 20 feet.

2. Compact parking spaces, a width of eight feet and a length of 15 feet, and shall:

a. Only be permitted for residential uses through an affordable housing incentive (refer to Chapter 9.59 BGMC, Affordable Housing Density Bonus and Incentives).

b. Only consist of maximum 40 percent of the number of parking spaces required by this chapter.

c. Each be clearly striped and marked with the words “Compact only.”

3. Parking garages and carports shall have an additional one-foot clearance from any wall or structure, resulting in a 20-foot by 20-foot clear interior dimension for two-car garages.

B. Maneuvering Areas Adjacent to Parking Spaces. Maneuvering areas adjacent to parking spaces shall be arranged in accordance with the diagrams contained in this section, except that back-up clearances for residential parking spaces shall be a minimum of 26 feet from any property line, structure, or obstacle to allow for maneuvering.

1. Where a rear lot line adjoins an alley, the full width of such alley may be considered as a part of the depth of the required back-up clearance for residential parking spaces to allow for maneuvering.

C. Standards Chart (Nine-Foot by 20-Foot Spaces).

N

Parking Angle

P

Width of Parking Section

S

Depth of Stall

a

Width of Aisle

C

Curb Length per Car

A +

Area per Car *

P'

Width of Parking Section

S'

Depth of Stall

Degrees

Lin Ft

Lin Ft

Lin Ft

Lin Ft

Sq Ft

Lin Ft

Lin Ft

0

32'0"

9'0"

14'

22'0"

 

 

 

30

49'8"

17'10"

14'

19'2"

324

41'10"

13'11"

35

51'8"

18'10"

14'

15'8"

297

44'4"

15'2"

40

52'4"

19'8"

14'

14'1"

276.3

46'8"

16'4"

45

55'0"

20'6"

14'

12'9"

261

48'8"

17'4"

50

60'2"

21'1"

18'**

11'8"

248.4

54'6"

18'3"

55

61'2"

21'7"

18'**

10'11"

236.8

56'0"

19'0"

60

61'8"

21'10"

18'**

10'5"

226.8

57'2"

19'7"

65

65'10"

21'11"

22'**

9'11"

218.8

62'2"

20'1"

70

65'10"

21'11"

22'**

9'7"

210.6

62'8"

20'4"

75

65'4"

21'8"

22'**

9'4"

201.6

63'0"

20'6"

80

68'6"

21'3"

26'***

9'1"

194.6

67'0"

20'6"

85

67'4"

20'8"

26'***

9'0"

188.5

66'8"

20'4"

90

66'0"

20'0"

26'***

9'0"

180

66'0"

20'0"

* Area includes waste area at ends of nine-foot by 20-foot space (aisle space not included).

** Width of aisle permits two-way circulation only when a turn-around is provided.

*** Width of aisle permits two-way circulation.

D. Diagrams (Nine-Foot by 20-Foot Spaces).

E. Ramp Standards.

Percent of Slope

Degree of Slope

One Transition Length*

Factor

5%

2.87°

None

20.00

10%

5.72°

None

10.00

13%

7.42°

None

7.69

14%

7.98°

10'

7.14

15%

8.53°

10'

6.67

16%

9.10°

10'

6.25

17%

9.65°

10'

5.88

18%

10.20°

10'

5.56

19%

10.75°

10'

5.26

20%

11.32°

12'

5.00

21%

11.87°

12'

4.76

22%

12.40°

12'

4.55

23%

12.98°

12'

4.35

24%

13.50°

12'

4.17

25%

14.05°

12'

4.00

*

This column contains the transition length (rounded to nearest foot) for only one end of ramp. Actual transition lengths vary depending on slope (maximum variance 0.18 of a foot). To compute total ramp length requires including a transition length for both ends of the ramp.

**

The factor is used to compute straight ramp length. The formula is:

(Ramp Depth x Factor) – One Transition Length = Straight Ramp Length

***

The formula to compute total ramp length is:

Straight Ramp Length + (2 x Transition Length) = Total Ramp Length

NOTES:

A

No part of ramp to be located in future street rights-of-way.

 

B

No vehicles permitted to back up ramp.

 

C

Only open guard rails are permitted above surface grade. Visibility through open guard rails must be provided to assure safe sight distances.

F. Required Driveways, Other Than Maneuvering Areas.

1. Driveways for Other Uses. Driveways, other than maneuvering areas, providing vehicular access to uses other than residential uses, shall have an unobstructed paved driveway not less than 20 feet in width. In lieu of a 20-foot driveway, two one-way driveways, each not less than 10 feet in width, may be substituted; provided, that such one-way driveways shall have directional markings to indicate and ensure one-way circulation. All vehicles shall enter the street in a forward manner.

2. Driveways for Residential Uses. Driveways, other than maneuvering areas, serving to provide vehicular access to residential uses in any zone shall conform to the following provisions:

a. Driveways shall have a width of not less than 12 feet.

b. Driveways directly in front of a garage or carport shall have the same width as the garage or carport entry and a minimum depth of 20 feet.

c. Driveways serving eight or more dwelling units shall have a width of not less than 24 feet. In lieu of a 24-foot driveway, two driveways of not less than 12 feet each may be substituted. Where used, such driveways shall have directional signs provided to ensure one-way ingress and egress respectively.

G. Turn-Around Areas. Any required garage, carport or parking space situated more than 100 feet from the street or highway from which access is taken, and served by a driveway or aisle less than 20 feet in width, shall have a motor vehicle turn-around area adjacent thereto.

H. Vertical Clearance. Driveways, maneuvering aisles, turn-around areas and ramps shall have a vertical clearance of seven and one-half feet for their entire length and width.

I. Modification. The community development director or city engineer may, without notice or hearing, grant a modification of the parking space layout, driveways, ramps, maneuvering aisles or turn-around areas required by this section where topographic features, subdivision plans, or other conditions create an unnecessary hardship or unreasonable situation, making it impractical to require compliance with said requirements. All requests for modification shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.58 BGMC, Site Plan Review. (Ord. 938 § 12, 2023; Ord. 933 §§ 3, 4, 2023; Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.080 Parking area circulation.

A. Required parking for six or more motor vehicles shall be arranged to permit vehicular traffic to move into and out of the parking area without the backing of any motor vehicle onto a street or highway.

B. One-way driveways, ramps, and aisles shall have directional markings to indicate and assure one-way circulation.

C. Parking areas, driveways, maneuvering aisles, ramps and turn-around areas shall be kept free and clear of obstructions at all times. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.090 Development of parking facilities.

A. Paving. All required parking spaces, maneuvering areas and any driveways used for access thereto shall be paved with:

1. Concrete surfacing to a minimum thickness of three and one-half inches and shall include expansion or contraction joints as necessary; or

2. Asphaltic-type surfacing compacted to a minimum thickness of one and one-half inches laid over a base of crushed rock, gravel or other similar material compacted to a minimum thickness of four inches. The city engineer may waive or modify the requirements of said base where:

a. A qualified engineer retained to furnish a job-site soil analysis finds that said base is unnecessary to ensure a firm and unyielding subgrade equal to that provided if said base were required from the standpoint of service, life and appearance of said asphaltic surfacing, and so states in writing together with a copy of his findings and certification to such effect;

b. Other information available to the city engineer that provides, in his opinion, similar evidence; or

3. Other alternative material approved by the city engineer that will provide at least the equivalent in service, life and appearance provided if developed as specified in subsection (A)(1) or (2) of this section.

B. Marking of Parking Spaces. Motor vehicle parking spaces shall be permanently and clearly marked with paint or other easily distinguishable material, except spaces located in a garage or carport.

C. Bumper Guards or Wheel Stops. Bumper guards or wheel stops, where appropriate, shall be provided for all motor vehicle parking spaces, except spaces established in a garage. No motor vehicle shall overhang a public right-of-way.

D. Walls.

1. Front Yards and Corner Lot Side Yards. Where parking spaces, driveways, maneuvering aisles, and turn-around areas are located adjacent to the front lot line or adjacent to a side yard abutting a street, a solid masonry wall, not less than 30 inches in height, shall be established parallel to and not nearer than five feet to the lot line, and the area between the wall and lot line shall be landscaped and permanently maintained, except that:

a. No portion of a required front yard in a residential or agricultural zone may be developed for required parking; and

b. In zones other than residential or agricultural, the planning commission may, without notice or hearing, permit establishment of the required wall closer than five feet to the front lot line where topographic features, subdivision plans, or other conditions create an unnecessary hardship or unreasonable situation making it impractical to require compliance with said requirements. All requests for modification shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.58 BGMC, Site Plan Review.

2. Interior Side or Rear Yards. Where required parking facilities for six or more motor vehicles are located on land adjoining a residential or agricultural zone, such parking facilities shall, except as otherwise provided herein, have a solid masonry wall, not less than six feet nor more than seven feet in height, established along the side and rear lot lines adjoining said zones, except that:

a. Where such wall is located within 10 feet of any street, highway, or alley and would interfere with the line of sight of the driver of a motor vehicle leaving the property on a driveway, or moving past a corner at the intersection of two streets or highways, said wall shall not exceed a height of 42 inches.

b. Such wall shall be not less than four feet in height above the surface of the adjoining property. If said wall is more than six feet in height above said adjoining property, it shall be set back from the adjoining property line a distance of one foot for each one foot in height above six feet.

E. Landscaping.

1. Where a wall is required to be set back from a lot line, the open area between said lot line and said wall shall be landscaped and permanently maintained.

2. Required parking facilities for 10 or more motor vehicles shall, in addition, include interior landscaping to cover not less than two percent of the area devoted to outdoor parking facilities.

3. Required landscaping shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.34 BGMC, Landscaping, and Chapter 9.58 BGMC, Site Plan Review.

F. Lighting. Lighting of outdoor parking areas shall be arranged to prevent glare or direct illumination in any adjacent residential or agricultural zone.

G. Carports Opening to Street in Residential Areas. Carports or other parking spaces not fully enclosed, opening to, or facing the front property line or side property line adjacent to a street shall be prohibited.

H. Maintenance. Parking spaces, driveways, maneuvering aisles, and turn-around areas shall be kept free of dust and litter at all times, and markings, paving walls, light standards, and all other facilities shall be permanently maintained.

I. Bicycle Parking Spaces and Facilities.

1. Development Standards for Bicycle Parking Spaces.

a. General Requirements. All bicycle parking spaces shall be:

i. Directly adjacent to a bicycle rack or within a secure, single bicycle locker and allow for convenient, unobstructed access to such bicycle rack or locker; and

ii. Located so as not to block pedestrian entrances, walkways, or circulation patterns in or around nearby facilities or structures.

iii. New or existing automobile parking spaces required by the code for all uses may be replaced by bicycle parking at a ratio of one standard or compact automobile parking space for every four required or nonrequired bicycle parking spaces provided.

iv. Automobile parking spaces for nonresidential projects or buildings located within one-half mile of a major transit stop, as defined in Subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the California Public Resources Code, may replace up to 30 percent of the required automobile parking spaces with bicycle parking.

v. For buildings with less than 20 required automobile parking spaces, up to four automobile parking spaces may be replaced.

b. Bicycle Racks. When using bicycle racks, they shall be:

i. Installed to support an entire bicycle, including the frame and wheels, so that the frame and wheels can be locked without damage when using a customary, heavy-duty cable, or U-shaped bicycle lock;

ii. Securely anchored to a permanent surface; and

iii. Installed to allow bicycles to remain upright when locked, without the use of a kickstand.

c. Bicycle Lockers. When using bicycle lockers, they shall be:

i. The minimum size of 30 inches by 72 inches by 48 inches; and

ii. Securely anchored to a permanent surface.

d. Location of Bicycle Parking Spaces.

i. Located in a well illuminated, secure, and covered area;

ii. Access to and from nearby public streets and sidewalks for the target users of the bicycle parking, who may or may not include the general public;

iii. Located at surface levels near main pedestrian entrances to nearby facilities or structures, or in the parking garages of such facilities or structures; and

iv. Bicycle racks or lockers may not be visible from the public right-of-way and shall be accessible only to residents and owners, operators, and managers of a residential facility when the involved use is residential.

e. Signage. Signage identifying the location of such bicycle parking shall be included in the project design. Preferred signage locations for this purpose shall be building access ways, streets, and sidewalk approaches, and nearby bicycle paths or facilities.

J. EV Parking Spaces and Facilities.

1. Development Standard for EV Parking Spaces.

a. Location. When ADA space is provided, the electric vehicle charging space shall be located adjacent to an accessible parking space meeting the requirements of the California Building Code, Chapter 11A, to allow use of the EV charger from the accessible parking space.

i. The charging space shall be located on an accessible route, as defined in the California Building Code, Chapter 2, to the building.

b. Size. Any parking space served by electric vehicle supply equipment and any parking space intended as a future electric vehicle charging space shall qualify as a required standard automobile parking space where such parking space meets or exceeds the minimum length and width requirements for a standard automobile parking space identified in BGMC 9.38.070.

c. Signage. Signage shall be installed for electric vehicle charging spaces, restricting the electric vehicle charging spaces for electric vehicles only. (Ord. 938 §§ 13, 14, 2023; Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.100 Site plans for required parking areas.

A. A site plan shall be submitted to the planning commission, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9.58 BGMC, Site Plan Review, prior to the establishment of any required parking facilities for 10 or more motor vehicles. Said plan shall contain a detailed parking arrangement, accurately dimensioned, showing individual parking spaces not less than nine feet by 20 feet in size, aisles and driveways indicating adequate ingress and egress.

B. For required parking facilities having less than 10 spaces where no site plan has been submitted, or where the detailed parking arrangement required in subsection (A) of this section is inadequate to accurately compute parking spaces, and the planning commission so finds, required parking spaces shall be determined on the basis of 400 square feet of usable lot area per motor vehicle. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).

9.38.110 Loading facilities.

The following provisions shall apply to all required loading facilities:

A. Required loading facilities shall be located on the same lot or parcel of land as the use served.

B. The minimum area required for a loading space shall be not less than 250 square feet where the gross floor area of all buildings on the lot or parcel of land is not more than 20,000 square feet.

C. The minimum area required for a loading space shall be not less than 500 square feet where the gross floor area of all buildings on the lot or parcel of land is more than 20,000 square feet and not more than 50,000 square feet.

D. The minimum area required for a loading space shall be not less than 750 square feet where the gross floor area of all buildings on a lot or parcel of land exceeds 50,000 square feet.

E. The minimum required loading area shall be not less than 10 feet in width and 25 feet in length, and shall have an unobstructed height of not less than 14 feet.

F. The required loading area shall be accessible from a street, highway or alley.

G. The planning commission may, without notice or hearing, grant a modification of the loading facilities required by this section where topographic features, subdivision plans, or other conditions create an unnecessary hardship or unreasonable situation making it impractical to require compliance with said requirements. All requests for modification shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 9.58 BGMC, Site Plan Review. (Ord. 806 § 1, 2007).