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Chapter 17.76

Capitola Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Capitola

PARKING AND LOADING Revised 3/26

Sections:
17.76.010 Purpose.
17.76.020 Applicability.
17.76.030 Required parking spaces.
17.76.040 General requirements.
17.76.050 On-site parking alternatives.
17.76.060 Parking design and development standards.
17.76.070 Parking lot landscaping.
17.76.080 Bicycle parking.
17.76.090 Visitor serving parking
(effective within coastal zone)
.
17.76.090 Visitor serving parking
(effective outside coastal zone)
. Revised 3/26
17.76.100 On-site loading.
17.76.010 Purpose.
This chapter establishes on-site parking and loading requirements in order to:
A. Provide a sufficient number of on-site
parking spaces for all
land uses.
B. Provide for functional on-site parking areas that are safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
C. Ensure that parking areas are well-designed and contribute to a high-quality design environment in Capitola.
D. Allow for flexibility in on-site parking requirements to support a multi-modal transportation system and sustainable
development pattern.
E. Ensure that on-site parking areas do not adversely impact
land uses on neighboring properties. (Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)
17.76.020 Applicability.
This chapter establishes parking requirements for three
development scenarios: establishment of new
structures and uses, replacement of existing uses, and expansion and enlargement of existing
and uses.
A. New
Structures and Uses. On-site parking and loading as required by this chapter shall be provided any time a new
structure is constructed or a new
land use is established.
B. Replacing Existing Uses.
1.
Mixed Use Village Zoning District.
a. Where an existing
residential use is changed to a commercial use in the
mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district, parking shall be provided for the full amount required by the new use. No space
the previous use may be granted.
b. In all other changes of use in the
mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district, additional parking is required to accommodate the incremental intensification of the new use. Additional parking is n
to remedy parking deficiencies existing prior to the change in use.
2. Other Zoning Districts. Where an existing use is changed to a new use outside of the
mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district, additional parking is required to accommodate the incremental int
of the new use. Additional parking is not required to remedy parking deficiencies existing prior to the change in use.
C. Expansions and Enlargements.
structures

credit for
ot required
ensification
  1. Nonresidential Use.

a. Where an existing structure with a nonresidential use is expanded or enlarged, additional parking is required to serve only the expanded or enlarged area, except as allowed by subsection (C)(1)(b) of this section. b. Within the mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district, an eating and drinking establishment may expand by up to twenty percent of the existing floor area of the business without providing additional parking. Permitted expansions include modification of the internal building layout to enlarge the dining area, additions to the size of the business within an existing building footprint, and new outdoor dining areas. This provision applies only to a single expansion of floor area. Subsequent expansions must provide additional parking. 2. Residential Use. For an existing structure with a residential use, the full amount of parking to serve the use is required when the floor area is increased by more than ten percent. (Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.030 Required parking spaces.

A. Mixed Use Village Zoning District. All land uses in the mixed use village (MU-V) zoning district shall provide the minimum number of on-site parking spaces as specified in Table 17.76-1. Required parking for uses not listed in Table 17.76-1 shall be the same as required for land uses in other zoning districts as shown in Table 17.76-2.

Table 17.76-1: Required On-Site Parking in the Mixed Use Village Zoning District

Land Uses Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Parking Spaces
Mixed Use Village (MU-V)
Retail 1per 240 sq. ft.
Eating and Drinking Establishments
Bars and Lounges 1 per 60 sq. ft. of
floor area for dining and/or drinking;
1per 240 sq. ft. for all other
floor area
Restaurants and Cafes 1 per 60 sq. ft. of
floor area for dining and/or drinking;
1per 240 sq. ft. for all other
floor area
Take-Out Food and Beverage 1per 240 sq. ft.
Land Uses Number of Required Number of Required Parking Spaces
Mixed Use Village (MU-V)
Personal Services 1per 240 sq. ft.
Hotels
With mor
rooms		 e than 20 guest As determined by a parking demand study [1]
With 20 or fewer guest rooms 1 per guest room plus additional spaces as required by
theplanningcommission

Note:

[1] The parking demand study shall be paid for by the applicant, contracted by the city, and approved by the planning commission. In the coastal zone, in all cases, hotel development shall provide adequate parking as determined by the planning commission.

B. Other Zoning Districts. Land uses in zoning districts other than the mixed use village zoning district shall provide a minimum number of on-site parking spaces as specified in Table 17.76-2.

Table 17.76-2: Required On-Site Parking in Other Zoning Districts

Land Uses Land Uses Land Uses Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Parking Spaces
Residentia l
Land Uses
Duplex Homes 2per unit,1 covered
Elderly and Long-Term Care 1per 6 bedsplus 1per300 sq. ft. of office
Group Housing (includes single-
room occupancy)		 1 per unit
Micro-Units 0.5 per unit within one-quarter mile walking
distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality
transit corridor, as defined in Public Resources Code
Section
21064.3;
1per unit all other locations
Mobile Home Parks 1 per unit plus 1 per office and 1 guest space per 10
units
Multifamily Dwellings 500 sq. ft. or less: 1 per unit
501 – 750 sq. ft.: 1.5 per unit
751 sq. ft. or more: 2per unit
Residential Care Facilities 1 per 3 beds
required for
half mile of		 plus 1 per 300 sq. ft. of office. None

transitional housing located within one-
apublic transit stop
Accessory Dwelling Units See Chapter
17.74(AccessoryDwellingUnits)
Single-Family Dwellings 2per unit
All Other Age-Restricted Senior
Housing (excludes
elderly and
long-term care,
group housing,and
residential care facilities)		 1.5 per unit

residential care
Public andQuasi-Public
Land Uses
Community Assembly 1 per 3 fixed seats, or 1 per 40 sq. ft. of assembly
area for uses without fixed seats. See also Section
17.76.030(G) (Religious Institution Affiliated
Housing
Development Projects)
Cultural Institutions As determined by aparkingdemand study
Day Care Centers 1 per 400 sq. ft. of
per employee
floor area used for daycare and 1
Government Offices 1per300 sq. ft.
Home Day Care,Large 1per each nonresident employee
Home Day Care,Small None beyond minimum for
residential use
Medical Offices and Clinics 1per300 sq. ft.
Parks and Recreational Facilities As determined byaparkingdemand study
Public SafetyFacilities As determined byaparkingdemand study
Schools, Public or Private 2per classroom
Commercial
Land Uses
Banks and
Financial Institutions		 1per300 sq. ft.
Business Services 1per300 sq. ft.
Commercial Entertainment and
Recreation		 1 per 3 fixed seats, or 1 per 40 sq. ft. of assembly
area for uses without fixed seats
Eating and Drinking
Establishments
Bars and Lounges 1 per 60 sq. ft. of
drinking
floor area for dining and/or
Land Uses Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Number of Required Parking Spaces Parking Spaces
1per300 sq. ft. for all other
floor area
Restaurants and Cafes 1 per 60 sq. ft. of
floor area for dining and/or
drinking
1per300 sq. ft. for all other
floor area
Take-Out Food and Beverage 1per300 sq. ft. ofgross
floor area
Food Preparation 1 per 1,500 sq. ft. of use
office area		 area plus 1 per 300 sq. ft. of
Gas and Service Stations 2 for gas station plus 1 per 100 sq. ft. of
retail and as
required for
vehicle repair
Lodging
Bed and Breakfast 1 per guest r
residential u		 oom plus parking required for
se
Hotel 1perguest r oomplus 1per300 sq. ft. of office
Maintenance and Repair Services 1per 600 sq. ft.
Personal Services 1per300 sq. ft.
Professional Offices 1per300 sq. ft.
Salvage and Wrecking 1 per 500 sq. ft. of
of outdoor use are
building area plus 1 per 0.5 acre
a
Self-Storage 1per5,000 sq. ft.
Retail 1per300 sq. ft. of customer area
Vehicle Repair 1 per 500 sq. ft. of nonservice bay
per service bay
floor area plus 2
Vehicle Sales and Rental 1 per 300 sq. ft. for offices plus 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. of
display area and requirements for
vehicle repair
where applicable
Wholesale 1per5,000 sq. ft.
HeavyCommercial and Industrial
Land Uses
Construction and Material Yards 1per 2,500 sq. ft.
Custom Manufacturing 1per 2,000 sq. ft., plus 1per300 sq. ft. of office
Light Manufacturing 1 per 1,500 sq. ft. of
office		 use area plus 1 per 300 sq. ft. of
Warehouse, Distribution, and
Storage Facilities		 1 per 1,500 sq. ft.
Transportation,Communication,and UtilityUses
Utilities, Major As determined bya parkingdemand study
Utilities, Minor None
RecyclingCollection Facilities 1per 1,000 sq. ft. of
floor area
Wireless Communications
Facilities		 None
Other Uses
Accessory Uses Same as
primary us		 e
Home Occupation None beyond requirement for residence
Quasi-Public SeatingAreas None
Temporary Uses As determined by review authority
Urban Agriculture
Home Gardens None beyond requirement for residence
Community Gardens None

C. Calculation of Required Spaces.

  1. Floor Area. Where a parking requirement is a ratio of parking spaces to floor area, the floor area is assumed to be gross floor area, unless otherwise stated. The floor area of a use shall be calculated as described in Section 17.48.040 (Floor area and floor area ratio). Floor area for the area of the required parking space (i.e., ten feet by twenty feet) and up to one hundred twenty-five square feet of ancillary space within garages and other parking facilities are not included in the calculation of floor area for the purpose of determining on-site parking requirements.

  2. Employees. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to employees, the number of employees is based on the largest shift that occurs in a typical week.

  3. Seats. Where a parking requirement is stated as a ratio of parking spaces to seats, each twenty-four inches of bench-type seating at maximum seating capacity is counted as one seat.

  4. Fractional Spaces. In determining the number of required parking, fractions of spaces over one-half shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

D. Unlisted Uses. The parking requirement for land uses not listed in Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2 shall be determined by the community development director based on the requirement for the most comparable similar use, the particular characteristics of the proposed use, and any other relevant data regarding parking demand.

E. Sites with Multiple Uses. Where more than one land use is conducted on a site, the minimum number of required on-site parking spaces shall be the sum of the number of parking spaces required for each individual use.

F. Additional Required Parking. The planning commission may require more on-site parking than required by Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2 if the planning commission determines that additional parking is needed to serve the proposed use and to minimize adverse impacts on neighboring properties.

G. Religious Institution Affiliated Housing Development Projects. See Section 17.96.230 (Housing on religious facilities sites) for parking requirements for a religious institution-affiliated housing development project. (Ord. 1066 § 2 (Att. 1), 2024; Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.040 General requirements.

A. Availability and Use of Spaces.

  1. In all zoning districts, required parking spaces shall be permanently available and maintained to provide parking for the use they are intended to serve.

  2. Owners, lessees, tenants, or persons having control of the operation of a use for which parking spaces are required shall not prevent or restrict authorized persons from using these spaces.

  3. A conditional use permit is required to designate parking spaces for exclusive use by an individual tenant within an integrated commercial complex.

  4. Required parking spaces shall be used exclusively for the temporary parking of vehicles and shall not be used for the sale, lease, display, repair, advertising, or storage of vehicles, trailers, boats, campers, mobile homes, merchandise, or equipment, or for any other use not authorized by the zoning code.

B. Parking in Front and Exterior Side Setback Areas.

  1. R-1 Zoning District. In the R-1 zoning district, the width of a parking space in the required front or exterior side setback area may not exceed forty percent of lot width up to a maximum of twenty feet, except that all lots may have a parking space of up to fourteen feet in width regardless of lot width. See Figure 17.76-1. The planning commission may allow a larger parking area within the required front and exterior side setback areas with a design permit if the larger parking area incorporates design features, such as impervious materials and enhanced landscaping, which minimize visual impacts to the neighborhood.

==> picture [220 x 134] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.76-1: Parking in Front Setback Area in R-1 Zoning District

  1. Other Zoning Districts.

a. In all zoning districts other than the R-1 zoning district, required parking spaces may not be located within required front or exterior side setback areas.

b. In the mixed use village zoning district, parking may be located adjacent to the street-facing property line in accordance with Section 17.20.030(E)(5) (Parking Location and Buffers).

c. In the mixed use neighborhood zoning district, parking may be located in the front or exterior side setback area if approved by the planning commission in accordance with Section 17.20.040(E) (Parking Location and Buffers).

C. Location of Parking.

  1. All Zoning Districts. Required parking spaces may not be located within any public or private right-of-way unless located in a sidewalk exempt area and if an encroachment permit is granted.

  2. R-1 Zoning District. Required parking spaces in the R-1 zoning district shall be on the same parcel as the use that they serve.

  3. MU-V Zoning District. Required parking in the MU-V district for new development and intensified uses shall be provided in compliance with the following:

a. The planning commission may approve on-site parking as follows:

i. For property fronting a Commercial Core street shown in Figure 17.76-2, on-site parking is allowed if access to parking is from a side street, alleyway, or existing driveway cut. New driveway cuts are prohibited along a Commercial Core street frontage.

ii. For the Capitola Theater and Mercantile sites, on-site parking is allowed if parking areas are located on the interior of the site(s) and do not directly abut a Commercial Core street. Driveway cuts to serve on-site parking are limited to one cut per site; however, the planning commission may approve additional driveway cuts if (A) a parking and circulation study shows that additional access is necessary to reasonably serve the use; and (B) driveway cuts are located and designed to preserve or enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety.

iii. Within the Riverview Avenue, Cherry Avenue, and Cliff Drive residential overlays.

iv. On properties that do not front a Commercial Core street.

v. As mandated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations.

b. The planning commission may permit off-site parking if the space(s) are within walking distance of the use which it serves or located at a remote site served by a shuttle system. c. New driveways and curb cuts shall comply with Section 17.20.030(E)(6) (Driveways and Curb Cuts).

==> picture [310 x 359] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.76-2: MU-V Parking Location Map

  1. Other Zoning Districts. In all zoning districts other than the R-1 and MU-V zoning districts, required parking shall be located on the same lot as the use the parking is intended to serve, except as allowed by Section 17.76.050(D).

D. Large Vehicle Storage in the R-1 Zoning District. In addition to the required on-site parking spaces for a single-family dwelling, one additional on-site parking or storage space may be provided on a parcel in the R-1 zoning district for a recreational vehicle, boat, camper, or similar vehicle. This space may not be located in a required front or exterior side setback area and may be utilized only to store a vehicle that does not exceed thirteen and one-half feet in height, eight and one-half feet in width, and twenty-five feet in length. Such parking or storage spaces shall be finished in concrete, asphalt, semi-permeable pavers, or a similar paved surface.

E. Covered Parking in the R-1 Zoning District.

  1. When required by this chapter, covered parking spaces serving a single-family dwelling shall be provided within an enclosed garage. The planning commission may allow required covered parking spaces to be provided within an open carport with a design permit if the planning commission finds that a garage is practically infeasible or that a carport results in a superior project design.

  2. All carports serving a single-family dwelling shall comply with the following design standards:

a. Carports shall be designed with high-quality materials, compatible with the home. The roofing design, pitch, colors, exterior materials and supporting posts shall be similar to the home. The carport shall appear substantial and decoratively finished in a style matching the home which it serves.

b. The slope of a carport roof shall substantially match the roof slope of the home which it serves.

c. Pedestrian pathways connecting the carport with the home shall be provided.

  1. Garages in the R-1 zoning district may be converted to habitable living space only if the total number of required on-site parking spaces is maintained, including covered spaces for the covered parking space requirement.

F. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

  1. Building Code Requirements. Electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the California Green Building Standards Code.

  2. Use of Space Signage. Signage shall be installed designating electric vehicle charging spaces for the exclusive purpose of charging and parking an electric vehicle.

  3. Digital Operation Screens.

a. “Digital operation screens” are defined for the purposes of this section as interactive digital displays used solely for the operation and required for the functionality of the electric vehicle charging station.

b. Digital operation screens are permitted and are limited to a maximum screen size of two square feet. The community development director may allow for a larger screen size of up to of four square feet upon determining that the larger screen is necessary for the functionality of the charging station.

  1. Placement on Lot. Electric vehicle charging equipment must be located outside of minimum required property line setbacks.

  2. Screening. Electric vehicle charging stations on lots with six spaces or more (including spaces not used for electric vehicle charging) are subject to the screening requirements in Section 17.76.060(I).

  3. Impacts on Required Parking Spaces. If an electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment interfere with, reduce, eliminate, or in any way impact the required parking spaces for existing uses on the property, the number of required parking spaces for the existing uses shall be reduced by the amount necessary to accommodate the electric vehicle charging station and any associated equipment.

  4. Permits Required.

a. An application for an electric vehicle charging station that complies with all applicable requirements shall be approved ministerially with a building permit. A design permit or other type of planning permit is not required.

b. The process to review and act on the application shall be as provided in Government Code Sections 65850.7 and 65850.71.

G. Parking for Persons with Disabilities.

  1. Parking spaces for persons with disabilities shall be provided in compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 24.

  2. Parking spaces required for the disabled shall count toward compliance with the number of parking spaces required by Tables 17.76-1 and 17.76-2. H. Curb-Side Service.

  3. Curb-side (drive-up) service for retail uses is allowed in all commercial and mixed use zoning districts.

  4. Restaurant curb-side service requires a conditional use permit in the regional commercial (C-R) zoning district and is prohibited in all other zoning districts. (Ord. 1066 § 2 (Att. 1), 2024; Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.050 On-site parking alternatives.

A. Purpose. This section identifies alternatives to required on-site parking to:

  1. Allow for creative parking solutions;

  2. Enhance economic vitality in Capitola;

  3. Promote walking, biking, and use of transit; and

  4. Encourage the efficient use of land resources consistent with the general plan.

  • B. Eligibility. Alternatives to required on-site parking in this section are available only to uses located outside of the mixed use village zoning district, except for:
  1. Valet parking (subsection F of this section) which is available in all zoning districts, including the mixed use village zoning district; and
2. Fees in lieu of parking (subsection I of this section), which are available only to uses in the
mixed use village zoning district.
C. Required Approval. All reductions in on-site parking described in this section require planning commission approval of a conditional use permit.
D. Off-Site Parking.
1. For multifamily housing and nonresidential uses, the planning commission may allow off-
site parking if the commission finds that practical difficulties prevent the parking from being located on the same
lot it is intended to serve.
2. Off-site parking shall be located within a reasonable distance of the use it is intended to serve, as determined by the planning commission.
3. A deed restriction or other legal instrument, approved by the city attorney, shall be filed with the county recorder. The covenant record shall require the owner of the property where the on-site parking is
located to continue to maintain the
parking space so long as the
building,
structure,or improvement is maintained in Capitola. This covenant shall stipulate that the title and right to use the
parcels shall not
be subject to multiple covenants or contracts for use without prior written consent of the city.
E. Shared Parking. Multiple
land uses on a single
parcel or
development site may use shared parking facilities when operations for the
land uses are not		 normally conducted during the same hours, or when
hours of peak use differ. The planning commission may allow shared parking subject to the following requirements:
1. A parking demand study prepared by a specialized consultant contracted by the
community development director,paid for by the
applicant,and approved by the planning commission demonstrates		 that
there will be no substantial conflicts between the land uses’ principal hours of operation and periods of peak parking demand.
2. The total number of
parking spaces required for the
land uses does not exceed the number of
parking spaces anticipated at periods of maximum use.
3. The proposed shared parking facility is located no further than four hundred feet from the primary entrance of the
land use which it serves.
4. In the
mixed use neighborhood (MU-N) zoning district the reduction for shared parking is no greater than twenty-five percent of the required on-site
parking spaces.
F. Valet Parking. The planning commission may allow up to twenty-five percent of the required on-site
parking spaces to be off-site valet spaces (except		 for a
hotel on the former Village Theater
site (APNs
035-262-04, 035-262-02, and 035-261-10) for which there is no maximum limit of off-site valet spaces). Valet parking shall comply with the following standards:
1. Valet
parking lots must be staffed when business is open by an attendant who is authorized and able to move vehicles.
2. A valet parking plan shall be reviewed and approved by the
community development director in consultation with the public works director.
3. Valet parking may not interfere with or obstruct vehicle or pedestrian circulation on the
site or on any public
street or sidewalk.
4. The use served by valet parking shall provide a designated drop-off and pick-up area. The drop-off and pick-up area may be located
adjacent to the
building,but it may not		 be located within a fire lane,
impede vehicular and/or pedestrian circulation, or cause queuing in the right-of-way or drive aisle.
G. Low Demand. The number of required on-site
parking spaces may be reduced if the planning commission finds that the
land use will not utilize the required number		 of spaces due to the nature of the
specific use. This finding shall be supported by the results of a parking demand study approved by the
community development director in consultation		 with the public works director.
H. Transportation Demand Management Plan. The planning commission may reduce the number of required on-site
parking spaces for employers that		 adopt and implement a transportation demand
management (TDM) plan subject to the following requirements and limitations:
1. A TDM plan reduction is available only to employers with twenty-five or more employees.
2. Required on-site
parking spaces may be reduced by no more than fifteen percent.
3. The TDM plan shall be approved by the
community development director in consultation with the public works director.
4. The TDM plan shall identify specific measures that will measurably reduce the demand for on-site
parking spaces.Acceptable measures must ensure		 a reduced demand for
parking spaces (e.g., an
employee operated shuttle program). Measures that only encourage the use of public transit, ridesharing, biking, or walking will not be accepted.
5. The employer shall appoint a program coordinator to oversee transportation demand management activities.
6. The program coordinator must provide a report annually to the planning commission that details the implementation strategies and effectiveness of the TDM plan.
7. The planning commission may revoke the TDM plan at any time and require additional
parking spaces on
site upon finding that the plan has not been implemented as required or that the plan has not
produced the reduction in the demand for on-site
parking spaces as originally intended.
I. Fees in Lieu of Parking.
1. Within the MU-V zoning district, on-site parking requirements for
hotel uses may be satisfied by payment of an in-lieu parking fee established by the		 city council to provide an equivalent number of parking
spaces in a municipal
parking lot.Such payment must be made before issuance of a
building permit or a certificate of occupancy. Requests to participate in an in-lieu parking		 program must be approved by
the city council. A proposed
hotel may require a coastal
development permit as specified by Chapter
17.44 (Coastal Overlay Zones) if any part of the
site		 is located in the
coastal zone.A parking plan shall be
reviewed within a CDP, to ensure the
development will not have adverse impacts on coastal resources.
2. Off-site parking shall be located within a reasonable distance of the use it is intended to serve, as determined by the planning commission.
2. Fee revenue must be used to provide public parking in the vicinity of the use. In establishing parking districts, the city council may set limitations on the number of spaces or the maximum percentage of
parking spaces required for which an in-lieu fee may be tendered.
J. Transit Center Credit. Provided a regional transit center is located within the Capitola Mall property, the planning commission may reduce the number of required
parking		 spaces by up to ten percent for
residential mixed use projects in the Capitola Mall property bounded by Clares
Street,Capitola Road, and 41st Avenue. (Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.060 Parking design and development standards.

A. Minimum Parking Space Dimensions. Minimum dimensions of parking spaces shall be as shown in Table 17.76-3.

Table 17.76-3: Minimum Parking Space Dimensions

Type of Space Minimum
Space
Dimensions
Spaces Serving
Single-Family
Dwellings
Uncovered and
covered (garage)
spaces		 10 ft. by 20 ft.
[1]
In sidewalk exempt
areas		 10 ft. by 18 ft.
Spaces Serving
Multifamily and
Nonresidential Uses
Standard Spaces 9ft. by18 ft.
Compact Spaces 8 ft. by16 ft.
Tandem Spaces [2] 9ft. by18 ft.

Notes:

[1] The dimensions of parking spaces in an enclosed garage shall be measured from the interior garage walls.

[2] See subsection (E)(3) of this section (Tandem Parking Spaces).

B. Compact Spaces. A maximum of thirty percent of required on-site parking spaces serving multifamily and nonresidential uses may be compact spaces. All parking spaces for compact cars shall be clearly marked with the word “Compact” either on the wheel stop or curb, or on the pavement at the opening of the space.

C. Parking Lot Dimensions. The dimensions of parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, and access ways within a parking lot shall conform to the city’s official parking space standard specifications maintained by the public works director and as shown in Figure 17.76-3 and Table 17.76-4.

==> picture [222 x 310] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 17.76-3: Standard Parking Lot Dimensions

Table 17.76-4: Standard Parking Lot Dimensions

Parking
Angle		 Width Width Depth Depth Aisle Aisle Aisle Single Bay Single Bay Single Bay
**Compact ** **Standard ** **Compact ** **Standard ** **Compact ** **Residential ** **Commercial ** **Compact ** **Residential ** **Commercial ** Co
90 7'-6" 8'-6" 15'-0" 18'-0" 20'-0" 22'-0" 25'-0" 35'-0" 40'-0" 43'-0" 50'
Parking
Angle		 Width Width Depth Depth Aisle Single Bay Single Bay
**Compact ** **Standard ** **Compact ** **Standard ** **Compact ** **Residential ** **Commercial ** **Compact ** **Residential ** **Commercial ** Co
85 7'-7" 8'-6" 15'-7" 18'-8" 19'-0" 21'-0" 24'-0" 34'-7" 39'-8" 42'-8" 50'
80 7'-8" 8'-7" 16'-1" 19'-2" 18'-0" 20'-0" 23'-0" 34'-1" 39'-2" 42'-4" 50'
75 7'-9" 8'-10" 16'-5" 19'-7" 17'-0" 19'-0" 22'-0" 33'-5" 38'-7" 41'-7" 49'
70 8'-0" 9'-0" 16'-9" 19'-10" 16'-0" 18'-0" 21'-0" 32'-9" 37'-10" 40'-10" 49'
65 8'-4" 9'-4" 16'-10" 19'-11" 15'-0" 17'-0" 20'-0" 31'-10" 36'-11" 39'-11" 48'
60 8'-8" 9'-10" 16'-9" 19'-10" 14'-0" 16'-0" 19'-0" 30'-9" 35'-10" 38'-10" 47'
55 9'-1" 10'-4" 16'-7" 19'-7" 13'-0" 15'-0" 18'-0" 29'-7" 34'-7" 37'-7" 46'
50 9'-10" 11'-1" 16'-4" 19'-2" 12'-0" 14'-0" 17'-0" 28'-4" 33'-2" 36'-2" 44'
45 10'-7" 12'-0" 15'-11" 18'-8" 11'-0" 13'-0" 16'-0" 25'-5" 30'-0" 33'-0" 42'
40 11'-8" 13'-2" 15'-15" 18'-0" 10'-0" 12'-0" 15'-0" 24'-8" 28'-2" 31'-2" 40'
35 13'-1" 14'-10" 14'-8" 17'-2" 10'-0" 11'-0" 14'-0" 24'-0" 26'-2" 29'-2" 39'
30 15'-3" 17'-0" 14'-0" 16'-2" 10'-0" 10-0" 13'-0" 35'-0" 40'-0" 43'-0" 38'

D. Surfacing.

  1. All parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, and access ways shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other all-weather surface.

  2. Permeable paving materials, such as porous concrete/asphalt, open-jointed pavers, and turf grids, are a preferred surface material, subject to approval by the public works director.

E. Tandem Parking Spaces. Tandem parking spaces are permitted for all residential land uses; provided, that they comply with the following standards:

  1. Parking spaces in a tandem configuration shall be reserved for and assigned to a single dwelling unit.

  2. For single-family dwellings, tandem parking is permitted for up to two uncovered spaces in front of a garage, with a maximum of three tandem spaces, including the covered space in a single garage. Tandem parking spaces of three spaces or more require planning commission approval.

  3. The minimum size of an uncovered tandem parking space may be reduced to nine feet by eighteen feet.

  4. All required guest parking shall be provided as single, nontandem parking spaces.

  5. Tandem parking spaces shall not block the use of the driveway to access other parking spaces located within the parking area.

  6. Tandem parking spaces shall be used to accommodate passenger vehicles only.

  • F. Parking Lifts. Required parking may be provided using elevator-like mechanical parking systems (“lifts”) provided the lifts are located within an enclosed structure or otherwise screened from public view. Parking lifts shall be maintained and operable through the life of the project.

  • G. Lighting.

  1. A parking area with six or more parking spaces shall include outdoor lighting that provides adequate illumination for public safety over the entire parking area.

  2. Outdoor lighting as required above shall be provided during nighttime business hours.

  3. All parking space area lighting shall be energy efficient and directed away from residential properties to minimize light trespass.

  4. All fixtures shall be hooded and downward facing so the lighting source is not directly visible from the public right-of-way or adjoining properties.

  5. All fixtures shall meet the International Dark Sky Association’s (IDA) requirements for reducing waste of ambient light (“dark sky compliant”).

  • H. Pedestrian Access.

  1. Parking lots with more than thirty parking spaces shall include a pedestrian walkway in compliance with ADA requirements.

  2. The design of the pedestrian walkway shall be clearly visible and distinguished from parking and circulation areas through striping, contrasting paving material, or other similar method as approved by the community development director.

  • I. Screening. Parking lots of six spaces or more shall comply with the following screening standards:

  1. Location. Screening shall be provided along the perimeter of parking lots fronting a street or abutting a residential zoning district.

  2. Height.

a. Screening
adjacent to
streets shall have a minimum
height of three feet.
b. For
parking lots within ten feet of a residential zoning district, screening shall have a minimum
height of six feet, with additional
height allowed with planning commission approval.
3. Materials – General. Required screening may consist of one or more of the following materials (see Section
17.76.070 (Parking		 lot landscaping) for
landscaping screening requirements):
a. Low-profile
walls constructed of brick, stone, stucco or other durable material.
b. Evergreen plants that form an opaque screen.
c. An open
fence combined with
landscaping to form an opaque screen.
d. A berm landscaped with ground cover, shrubs, or trees.
4. Materials –
Adjacent Residential.
Parking lots within ten feet of a residential zoning district shall be screened by a masonry
wall.
J. Drainage. A drainage plan for all
parking lots shall be approved by the public works director.
K. Adjustments to Parking Design and
Development Standards.The planning commission may allow adjustments to parking design and
development standards in this section through the approval of a minor
modification as described in Chapter
17.136 (Minor Modifications). (Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.070 Parking lot landscaping.

See Section 17.72.055 (Parking lot landscaping). (Ord. 1057 § 2 (Att. 1), 2022; Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.080 Bicycle parking.

A. Applicability. All new multifamily developments of five units or more and commercial uses served by parking lots of ten spaces or more shall provide bicycle parking as specified in this section. B. Types of Bicycle Parking.

  1. Short-Term Bicycle Parking. Short-term bicycle parking provides shoppers, customers, messengers and other visitors who generally park for two hours or less a convenient and readily accessible place to park bicycles.

  2. Long-Term Parking. Long-term bicycle parking provides employees, residents, visitors and others who generally stay at a site for several hours or more a secure and weather-protected place to park bicycles. Long-term parking may be located in publicly accessible areas or in garages or other limited access areas for exclusive use by tenants or residents.

C. Bicycle Parking Spaces Required. Short-term and long-term bicycle parking spaces shall be provided as specified in Table 17.76-6.

Table 17.76-6: Required Bicycle Parking Spaces

Land Use Required Bicycl e
Parking Spaces
Short-Term Spaces Long-Term Spaces
Multifamily Dwellings and
Group Housing		 10% of required automobile
spaces; minimum of 4
spaces		 1 per unit
Nonresidential Uses 10% of required automobile
spaces		 1 per 20 required
automobile spaces for uses
10,000 sq. ft. orgreater
D
E
1.
2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
F.
1.
2.
3.
4.
G
ra
H

17.76.090 Visitor serving parking (effective within coastal zone).

A. Shuttle Program Parking. Parking for the free summer beach shuttle program shall be provided in a remote lot or lots, such as those located on Bay Avenue and the Village public parking lots. The free shuttle shall operate, at a minimum, on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.

B. Public Parking in the
Coastal Zone.
1. Public parking existing as of June 9, 2021, in the following locations in the CF zoning district shall be maintained for public parking:
a. The Upper City Hall
parking lot;
b. The
Cliff Drive overlook parking; and
c. The
Cliff Drive Southern Pacific railroad right-of-way parking unless
Cliff Drive must be relocated due to
cliff erosion.
2. Substantial changes in public parking facilities in the
coastal zone require a
local coastal program (LCP) amendment.
3. Expansion of any existing legally established residential parking programs and/or new residential parking programs in the
coastal zone		 require an amendment to coastal
development permit 3-87-42 and
consistency with the LCP
land use plan.
4. The city shall evaluate the potential impact on public coastal access when considering a coastal
development permit application for any
development that would reduce public
parking spaces near beach
access points, shoreline trails, or parklands, including any changes to the residential parking program established under coastal
development permit 3-87-42. When parking is reduced, the city shall evaluate
alternative opportunities for public coastal access as needed to ensure existing levels of public access are maintained, or if possible enhanced. Such opportunities may include bicycle lanes and bicycle parking,
pedestrian trails, relocated vehicular
parking spaces,and enhanced shuttle/transit service. (Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)
17.76.090 Visitor serving parking (effective outside coastal zone). Revised 3/26
A. Shuttle Program Parking. Parking for the free summer beach shuttle program shall be provided in a remote
lot or
lots,such as those located on Bay Avenue and the Village public
parking lots.The free
shuttle shall operate, at a minimum, on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
B. Public Parking in the
Coastal Zone.
1. Public parking existing as of June 9, 2021, in the following locations in the CF zoning district shall be maintained for public parking:
a. The Upper City Hall
parking lot;
b. The
Cliff Drive overlook parking; and
c. The
Cliff Drive Regional Transportation Commission railroad right-of-way parking unless
Cliff Drive must be relocated due		 to
cliff erosion.
2. Substantial changes in public parking facilities in the
coastal zone require a
local coastal program (LCP) amendment.
3. Expansion of any existing legally established residential parking programs and/or new residential parking programs in the
coastal zone		 require an amendment to coastal
development permit 3-87-42 and
consistency with the LCP
land use plan.
4. The city shall evaluate the potential impact on public coastal access when considering a coastal
development permit application for any
development that would reduce public
parking spaces near beach
access points, shoreline trails, or parklands, including any changes to the residential parking program established under coastal
development permit 3-87-42. When parking is reduced, the city shall evaluate
alternative opportunities for public coastal access as needed to ensure existing levels of public access are maintained, or if possible enhanced. Such opportunities may include bicycle lanes and bicycle parking,
pedestrian trails, relocated vehicular
parking spaces,and enhanced shuttle/transit service. (Ord.
1074 § 3 (Exh. D), 2026; Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

17.76.100 On-site loading.

A. Applicability. All retail, hotel, warehousing, manufacturing, and similar uses that involve the frequent receipt or delivery of materials or merchandise shall provide on-site loading spaces consistent with the requirements of this section.

B. Number of Loading Spaces. The minimum number of required loading spaces shall be as specified in Table 17.76-7.

Table 17.76-7: Required Loading Spaces

Floor Area Required
Loading Spaces
Less than 10,000
sq. ft.		 None
10,000 to 30,000
sq. ft.		 1
Greater than
30,000 sq. ft.		 2 plus 1 per each
additional 20,000
sq. ft.

C. Location.

  1. Required loading spaces shall be located on the same lot as the use they are intended to serve.

  2. No loading space shall be located closer than fifty feet to a residential zoning district, unless the loading space is wholly enclosed within a building or screened by a solid wall not less than eight feet in height.

D. Dimensions.

  1. Each loading space shall have minimum dimensions of ten feet wide, twenty-five feet long, and fourteen feet in vertical clearance.

  2. Deviations from the minimum dimension standards may be approved by the community development director if the spatial needs are less than the minimum required due to the truck size and type that will be utilized in the operation of a specific business.

E. Design and Configuration.

  1. Loading spaces shall be configured to ensure that loading and unloading takes place on site and not within adjacent public rights-of-way.

  2. Sufficient maneuvering area shall be provided for loading spaces so that vehicles may enter and exit an abutting street in a forward direction.

  3. Loading spaces and their associated maneuvering areas shall not encroach into required employee or visitor parking areas or other on-site areas required for vehicle circulation.

  4. Loading spaces shall be striped and clearly identified as for loading purposes only. (Ord. 1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020) Home Previous Next

Home Previous Next Chapter 17.80 SIGNS

Chapter 17.80
SIGNS
Sections:
17.80.010 Purpose and applicability.
17.80.020 Definitions.
17.80.030 Permit requirements.
17.80.040 Rules of measurement.
17.80.050 Signs allowed without permits.
17.80.060 Prohibited signs.
17.80.070 General sign standards.
17.80.080 Standards for specific types of signs.
17.80.090 Design standards.
17.80.100 Residential signs–Multi-unit properties.
17.80.110 Temporary signs.
17.80.120 Adjustment to sign standards.
17.80.130 Master sign program.
17.80.140 Nonconforming signs.
17.80.150 Violations and enforcement.
17.80.010 Purpose and applicability.
A. Purpose. This chapter establishes standards relating to the permitted type, size,
height,placement, number, and design of signs. The intent of these standards is to:
1. Support economically viable businesses serving city residents, workers, and visitors.
2. Allow for signage that identifies businesses in a fair and equitable manner.
3. Protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the city.
4. Minimize hazards to motorists and pedestrians resulting from excessive, confusing, and distracting signs.
5. Allow for a simple and streamlined sign permitting process.
B. Applicability. This chapter applies to all signs in Capitola, except for city-installed signs and signs required by a governmental agency to carry out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and
general welfare. (Ord.
1043 § 2 (Att. 2), 2020)

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▸ Contents — Capitola Zoning Code
Capitola Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 17.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING CODE
  2. Chapter 17.08 — INTERPRETATION
  3. Chapter 17.12 — ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAP
  4. Chapter 17.16 — RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  5. Chapter 17.20 — MIXED USE ZONING DISTRICTS
  6. Chapter 17.24 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS Rev…
  7. Chapter 17.28 — VISITOR SERVING OVERLAY ZONE
  8. Chapter 17.32 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONING DISTRICTS Revised 3/26
  9. Chapter 17.36 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT
  10. Chapter 17.40 — RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY ZONES
  11. Chapter 17.44 — COASTAL OVERLAY ZONE
  12. Chapter 17.48 — HEIGHT, SETBACKS, AND FLOOR AREA
  13. Chapter 17.52 — ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND USES
  14. Chapter 17.56 — ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
  15. Chapter 17.57 — OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR CAPITOLA MALL R…
  16. Chapter 17.60 — FENCES AND WALLS
  17. Chapter 17.64
  18. Chapter 17.68
  19. Chapter 17.72 — LANDSCAPING
  20. Chapter 17.74 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  21. Chapter 17.75 — SB 9 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
  22. ▸ Chapter 17.76
    Overview
    1. § 17.80
  23. Chapter 17.82
  24. Chapter 17.84 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  25. Chapter 17.88 — INCENTIVES FOR COMMUNITY BENEFITS Revised 6/26
  26. Chapter 17.92 — NONCONFORMING USES
  27. Chapter 17.96 — SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS
  28. Chapter 17.100 — MOBILE HOME PARK CONVERSIONS
  29. Chapter 17.104 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
  30. Chapter 17.108 — ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
  31. Chapter 17.112 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND REVIEW
  32. Chapter 17.114 — CONCEPTUAL REVIEW
  33. Chapter 17.116 — ADMINISTRATIVE PERMITS
  34. Chapter 17.120 — DESIGN PERMITS
  35. Chapter 17.128 — VARIANCES
  36. Chapter 17.132 — SIGN PERMITS
  37. Chapter 17.136 — MINOR MODIFICATIONS
  38. Chapter 17.140 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
  39. Chapter 17.144 — ZONING CODE AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDME…
  40. Chapter 17.148 — PUBLIC NOTICE AND HEARINGS
  41. Chapter 17.156 — POST-DECISION PROCEDURES
  42. Chapter 17.160 — GLOSSARY Revised 6/26

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