Anaheim — Parking

Overview

Anaheim’s parking rules live primarily in the zoning code’s dedicated Chapter 18.42, then are tightened or customized by special districts (notably The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan and the Anaheim Resort). Most base zoning districts point back to Chapter 18.42 for how many spaces are required and how they must be designed; the resort-area districts add district-specific ratios, locations, screening, and parking-structure rules. This page synthesizes those Anaheim-specific rules and where they actually apply.

The single biggest trap in Anaheim is assuming “citywide” parking ratios apply in the resort area. Theme parks, hotels, and even administrative offices inside The Disneyland Resort have their own formulas, location rules, and “Speed Parking” layouts that override the usual Chapter 18.42 standards (§ 18.114.110).

How the Code Is Organized for Parking

• Citywide baseline rules: Chapter 18.42 (Parking and Loading) governs counts, dimensions, location, and loading unless a district/overlay says otherwise. Key citywide standards we can confirm here: driveway siting for single-family, minimum stall dimensions by City Standards, screening of covered spaces, paving of lots, and loading-space counts and location (§ 18.42.060; § 18.42.100).
• Base zones defer to Chapter 18.42: single-family zones (§ 18.04.110), commercial zones (§ 18.08.070), public/special-purpose zones (§ 18.14.120).
• Districts/overlays with their own parking requirements: The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (§ 18.114.110; § 18.114.080) and the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (§ 18.116.140; § 18.116.126). Some mixed-use and specific plan areas also set custom residential ratios or allow shared/joint-use parking (§ 18.12.100; § 18.108.090).

Citywide Baseline — Chapter 18.42 (Parking and Loading)

Purpose: Citywide minimum off-street parking and loading standards; applies unless superseded by a specific plan/overlay.
Key confirmed standards:

• Single-family driveways must use approved locations; alley access must be used where feasible; curb cuts require Public Works approval (§ 18.42.060.010–.0103).
• Gated accessways must meet City Standards (§ 18.42.060.020).
• Stall dimensions and disabled parking must meet City Standards (§ 18.42.060.030).
• Screening for required covered parking: at least 50% solid wall/lattice/architectural screening per wall (§ 18.42.060.040).
• Paving: all parking and outdoor vehicle storage must be solid paved (concrete/asphalt) (§ 18.42.060.050).
• Loading:
  • Commercial sites ≤ 25,000 sf need a 12 ft x 20 ft loading area; larger sites and industrial: 1 space per 25,000 sf GFA meeting City dock standards (§ 18.42.100.020).
  • Loading docks/service areas are prohibited on the primary building frontage and must be screened; no backing from arterial streets (§ 18.42.100.010; § 18.42.100.015; § 18.42.100.030).

Not found in source materials:

• The full residential parking ratios (Chapter 18.42.030) and the full Non-Residential Parking Table 42-A.
• The text of location/shared parking rules (§ 18.42.050).

Single-Family Residential Zones — RS and RH

Where it applies: RS-1–RS-4 and RH-1–RH-3 zones listed in Anaheim’s current districts (§ 18.90.100).
Parking framework:

• Parking requirements are set in Chapter 18.42 (§ 18.04.110).
• Driveway location/alley access rules and paving/screening apply per citywide standards (§ 18.42.060).

Typical uses: Detached homes (RS), hillside homes (RH).
Key note: Specific stall counts for garages/driveways are in Chapter 18.42; Not found in source materials.

Multiple-Family Residential Zones — RM

Where it applies: RM-1–RM-4 (§ 18.90.100).
Parking framework:

• Residential parking must meet Chapter 18.42 residential standards (§ 18.12.100.0101).
• Citywide stall dimension, screening, and paving standards apply (§ 18.42.060).

Special case: See “Specific Plan No. 90-1 (Festival) — Development Area 5” below for project-specific RM-type ratios in that plan.

Commercial and Office Zones — C-G, C-NC, O-L, O-H

Where it applies: C-G, C-NC, O-L, O-H (§ 18.90.100).
Parking framework:

• Commercial parking and loading requirements are governed by Chapter 18.42 (§ 18.08.070; § 18.12.100.0102).
• Loading-space counts and siting are citywide (§ 18.42.100).

Not found in source materials: Table 42-A (non-residential parking ratios) details.

Mixed-Use Urban Core Zone

Where it applies: The Mixed-Use Urban Core, including properties within the former DMU boundary (Broadway/Harbor/Anaheim Blvd/Lincoln).
Key Anaheim-specific standards:

• Residential: minimum 1 designated space/unit on-site or within 300 ft; citywide Chapter 18.42 standards used only as a guide for need (§ 18.12.100.0201(a)).
• Non-residential: determined by a parking demand study or justification letter; within the former DMU boundary, non-residential uses may be required to provide no off-street parking if nearby structures have sufficient capacity, at the Director’s discretion (§ 18.12.100.0202; § 18.12.100.0202(a)).

Anaheim Resort Specific Plan — C-R District (Development Area 1)

Where it applies: The C-R (Commercial Recreation) District in the Anaheim Resort Specific Plan (§ 18.116.140).
What’s different about parking here:

• Follows Chapter 18.42, with these adjustments:
  • Location: No parking between the ultimate right-of-way and the front building setback; between the front setback and building face is allowed if screened by a continuous 36-inch hedge/wall/berm (§ 18.116.140.0102–.0103).
  • Drop-off areas may abut the front setback and are exempt from the 36-inch parking screen if they present an attractive front door (§ 18.116.140.0104).
  • Plan review: Parking plans must be approved during Final Site Plan/building plan review and include dimensions, curbing/striping/signing, lighting, trash access, hydrants, walls, shuttle/tour bus, grades/ramps, utilities, and bicycle racks (§ 18.116.140.040).
  • Paving: Permanent lots must be paved and maintained; temporary lots must be paved and landscaped, with fencing/scrim and height limits up to 12 ft (with 8 ft limits near residential/MHP overlay) and renewal limits (up to five one-year renewals) (§ 18.116.140.050–.060).
  • Markings & separations: Spaces must be marked per City Standards; parking must be set back 5 ft from buildings/sidewalks/plazas with landscaping and a 6-inch raised curb; provide sideyard landscaping and screen parking from public views per resort screening rules (§ 18.116.140.070).
  • Improvements & landscaping: Must comply with § 18.42.090; also provide at least 1 tree/5 spaces with a canopy covering 30% of the lot within 5 years, and planter area standards (§ 18.116.140.0901–.0902).

Related approvals: Expect heightened design review and landscaping and screening coordination in the Anaheim Resort.

Anaheim Resort Specific Plan — Theme Park (TP) Overlay

Where it applies: TP East and TP West overlays within the C-R District (§ 18.116.126).
Parking relevance:

• Parking facilities are a permitted primary use in the TP Overlay (§ 18.116.126.050; Table 116-TPO-1).
• Development standards cap height by mapped sub-areas and control setbacks and sky-exposure planes; use these when siting parking structures (e.g., up to 250 ft in Area D; 170 ft in Area E, with one thematic element up to 200 ft; and 75 ft max at required setback on Harbor Boulevard) (§ 18.116.126.0702–.0704).

Note: Parking ratios are driven by the underlying resort/theme-park rules summarized under The Disneyland Resort below.

Disneyland Resort Specific Plan — Theme Park and Southeast Districts (Off-Street Requirements)

Where it applies: Within the The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan area (SP 92‑1) subject to § 18.114.110.
Anchoring standards:

• Baseline: Chapter 18.42 applies unless modified here (§ 18.114.110).
• Theme park parking: 1 space per 1,000 persons of estimated annual attendance; minimum 24,500 spaces for both employees and guests at build-out (§ 18.114.110.0101.01).
• Retail entertainment center uses (non-theme incremental attendance): 1 space per 1,000 persons estimated annual attendance (§ 18.114.110.0101.02).
• Hotels & associated uses (Theme Park and Southeast Districts):
  • Guest rooms: 0.8 space/room.
  • Eating/drinking: 0.1 space per seat.
  • Banquet/meeting: 6.7 spaces/1,000 sf.
  • Employees: 0.25 space/employee (guest room areas); 2 spaces/100 seats (eating/drinking); 1 space/1,000 sf (retail) (§ 18.114.110.0102).
• Administrative office facilities (Theme Park District, >50,000 sf):
  • Buildings ≤3 stories: 4.0 spaces/1,000 sf GFA.
  • Buildings >3 stories: 3.0 spaces/1,000 sf GFA (§ 18.114.110.0103).
• Location of hotel parking: May be in another District with an approved Letter of Justification (map, rationale, no reduction of other District’s code spaces, pedestrian path, other info). If not within reasonable walking distance (as determined by the City Traffic and Transportation Manager), provide a shuttle (§ 18.114.110.0202).
• Layout/design: Generally follows Chapter 18.42; exceptions for theme parks and retail entertainment centers using “Speed Parking” layouts and specific plan exhibits; curb and landscaped setback requirements apply to employee parking areas (§ 18.114.110.030–.0301).
• Drop-off: Hotels/motels/vacation ownership resorts must include on-site passenger drop-off areas (§ 18.114.110.040).

Disneyland Resort Specific Plan — Parking District

Where it applies: The Parking District inside The Disneyland Resort Specific Plan (§ 18.114.080).
Purpose and permitted uses: Dedicated to parking facilities and surface lots; transportation facilities are allowed; select accessory uses (e.g., murals, kiosks, tightly regulated animal storage) may be included (§ 18.114.080.010–.020).
Parking-structure and lot design constraints:

• Maximum height: West Parking Area 65 ft (max 6 levels); East Parking Area 75 ft (max 7 levels). Appurtenances may exceed by ≤20 ft (§ 18.114.080.0301).
• Height at required setback: Street-specific caps (e.g., 40 ft at Walnut; 65 ft at Magic Way until abandonment; 45 ft at Katella for parking facilities; 75 ft at Clementine/Manchester and Disney Way) (§ 18.114.080.0302).
• Sky exposure plane: Height increases limited by additional setback along named streets (§ 18.114.080.0303).
• Interior setbacks: Often 0 ft inside the Specific Plan area; 10 ft next to District A and specified overlays; 10 ft minimum adjacent to areas outside the Specific Plan except where developed concurrently with the Resort’s Parking Overlays (§ 18.114.080.040).
• Public-right-of-way setbacks: Street-specific landscaped setbacks (e.g., 20 ft on Magic Way until abandonment; 14 ft on Clementine/Manchester; specified segments and 20 ft on Disney Way; 11 ft on Katella; 30 ft on Walnut) (§ 18.114.080.050).
• Access limits: No vehicular access from Walnut Street (with narrow emergency exceptions) (§ 18.114.080.060).
• Structure edge treatment: Provide a visual barrier to conceal vehicle views; noise study and attenuation are required (§ 18.114.110.0302; § 18.114.110.0303).

Platinum Triangle Mixed Use (PTMU) Overlay

Where it applies: PTMU Overlay areas (§ 18.120.080).
Parking framework:

• All parking/loading must comply with Chapter 18.42 unless otherwise noted (§ 18.120.080). Not found in source materials: any PTMU-specific parking ratios.

Specific Plan No. 90-1 (Festival) — Development Area 5

Where it applies: SP 90‑1 (Festival) DA 5 (§ 18.108.090).
Residential parking (multiple family, DA 5 only):

• Studio: 1.25 spaces/unit
• 1-Bedroom: 1.75 spaces/unit
• 2-Bedroom: 2.25 spaces/unit
• 3+ Bedroom: 3.0 spaces/unit, plus 0.5 space for each bedroom over 3.
• Visitor parking is included in the above per-unit totals (§ 18.108.090.0201). Shared and mixed-use parking:
• Joint use of parking is allowed among DA 1, DA 2, DA 5 per location/shared rules (§ 18.42.050) (§ 18.108.090.030).
• Mixed-use parking requirements and design may be set through Final Site Plan review, based on a parking demand study by a California-licensed traffic engineer (§ 18.108.090.040).

Conversions to Residential in C-G and O-L (Supportive/Transitional/Multiple-Family)

Where it applies: Adaptive reuse of motels, commercial, and office structures in C-G and O-L (§ 18.38.215).
Parking relevance:

• Projects must include a Parking Management Plan approved with the Administrative Housing Permit; additional operational plans also required (§ 18.38.215.0602; § 18.38.215.0605).
• Citywide parking counts and design apply unless otherwise conditioned; additional parking may be required by decision-makers for certain quasi-hotel forms like vacation ownership resorts (§ 18.116.150.0502).

Other District-Specific Limits You Might Encounter

• In zones governed by § 18.50.090, off-street parking must comply with Chapter 18.42, but no small-car-only spaces and no tandem spaces are allowed (§ 18.50.090.010). Confirm whether your parcel is subject to § 18.50.090.

Quick-reference: Resort and Mixed-Use Parking Standards

District-by-District Notes (What to watch for)

• The Anaheim Resort area layers stringent development standards on parking location, screening, and plan content. Expect more landscaping, curb separations, and drop-off design in this district (§ 18.116.140).
• The Disneyland Resort layers unique parking ratios for theme parks and associated hotel/office/support uses, and allows hotel parking in other districts with a formal justification and, if needed, a shuttle (§ 18.114.110.0101–.0202).
• The Parking District in the Disneyland Resort is a dedicated zone for public parking structures/lots with strict height, setback, and access limits, plus required visual barriers and noise attenuation (§ 18.114.080).
• The Mixed-Use Urban Core trades prescriptive non-residential counts for parking studies, while locking a 1 stall/unit minimum for housing within the former DMU boundary (§ 18.12.100.0201–.0202).
• In certain residential/mid-density contexts (e.g., SP 90-1 DA 5), bedroom-based per-unit ratios replace the citywide schedule and explicitly include visitor parking in the total (§ 18.108.090.0201).

Practical cross-overs to other approvals

• Many resort-area parking plans trigger heightened design review and must coordinate with development standards and landscaping and screening.
• If you need relief from a siting or count standard, explore variances and exceptions. Nonstandard existing layouts implicate nonconforming uses.
• Projects adding or reconfiguring residential parking alongside an ADU should also confirm applicable state allowances; do not rely solely on Chapter 18.42 without checking ADU-specific rules.
• Construction/striping/accessibility issues are governed by the California Building Standards Code, separate from zoning.

Checklist

• Identify your applying district/overlay: base zone vs. Anaheim Resort (C-R/TP) vs. Disneyland Resort (Theme Park/Parking District) vs. Mixed-Use Urban Core vs. specific plans (§ 18.116.126; § 18.114.080; § 18.12.100; § 18.108.090).
• Confirm the controlling parking ratio source (Chapter 18.42 vs. district-specific formula). If in Disneyland Resort, apply the attendance-based or hotel/office formulas (§ 18.114.110.0101–.0103).
• If proposing hotel parking in a different district, prepare a Letter of Justification and, if not a reasonable walk, a shuttle plan (§ 18.114.110.0202).
• Design parking location per district rules: no stalls in the ROW-to-setback band in the Anaheim Resort; provide 36-inch screening where required; maintain 5-ft landscape separations and 6-inch curbs (§ 18.116.140.0102–.0103; § 18.116.140.070).
• Provide plan sheets addressing all parking lot plan review items (dimensions, curbing/striping, lighting, trash access, hydrants, walls, shuttle/tour bus, grades/ramps, utilities, bicycle racks) (§ 18.116.140.040).
• Meet paving and maintenance requirements; for temporary parking, include fencing materials/colors, scrim, and renewal timelines (§ 18.116.140.050–.060).
• For the Parking District, check height, setbacks by street, visual barriers, noise study, and access limits (no Walnut access) (§ 18.114.080.030–.060).
• Provide loading spaces and keep docks off the primary frontage and screened (§ 18.42.100).
• For SP 90-1 DA 5 multifamily, use bedroom-based ratios and consider joint/mixed-use parking studies (§ 18.108.090).
• If converting to supportive/transitional housing, include a Parking Management Plan with the Administrative Housing Permit (§ 18.38.215.0602).

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

Most Anaheim projects use the citywide Chapter 18.42 parking rules for counts, paved surfaces, stall dimensions, and loading. But if you are in the resort area, the code adds very specific formulas (e.g., hotels at 0.8 stalls per room plus extras), siting limits (e.g., screening at the front setback), and, for the Resort’s Parking District, strict height/setback caps and visual/noise controls. Downtown mixed-use areas rely on parking studies for non-residential uses and require at least one stall per dwelling.

Source References

• § 18.42.060 (Parking Dimensions and Access)
• § 18.42.100 (Loading Requirements)
• § 18.04.110 (Parking — single-family zones refer to Ch. 18.42)
• § 18.08.070 (Parking and Loading — commercial zones refer to Ch. 18.42)
• § 18.12.100 (Parking and Loading — includes Mixed-Use Urban Core/DMU specifics)
• § 18.14.120 (Parking and Loading — public/special-purpose refer to Ch. 18.42)
• § 18.50.090 (Off-street parking — small-car/tandem prohibitions in applicable zone)
• § 18.90.100 (Former zones to current zones — district names)
• § 18.108.090 (Parking and Loading — SP 90‑1 Festival DA 5 residential ratios; joint/mixed-use)
• § 17.08.610 (Off-street parking areas — public dedication must conform to Title 18)
• § 18.116.126 (Theme Park Overlay — permitted uses, heights, setbacks)
• § 18.116.140 (Off-Street Parking and Loading — Anaheim Resort C-R area standards)
• § 18.116.150 (Vacation ownership resorts — parking may be increased)
• § 18.114.080 (Land Use and Site Development Standards — Parking District)
• § 18.114.110 (Off-Street Parking and Loading — Disneyland Resort SP, ratios and siting)
• § 18.114.030 (Definitions — parking structure height basis)

Source passages

• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.114.110) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.90.100) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.114.080) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.120.080) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.116.140) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.04.110) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.116.150) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 17.08.610) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.116.126) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.12.100) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.38.215) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.114.030) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.42.100) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.50.090) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.42.060) Medium relevance show source text
• Anaheim Zoning Code (§ 18.08.070) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• § 18.42.060 (Parking Dimensions and Access) (§ 18.42.060)
• § 18.42.100 (Loading Requirements) (§ 18.42.100)
• § 18.04.110 (Parking — single-family zones refer to Ch. 18.42) (§ 18.04.110)
• § 18.08.070 (Parking and Loading — commercial zones refer to Ch. 18.42) (§ 18.08.070)
• § 18.12.100 (Parking and Loading — includes Mixed-Use Urban Core/DMU specifics) (§ 18.12.100)
• § 18.14.120 (Parking and Loading — public/special-purpose refer to Ch. 18.42) (§ 18.14.120)
• § 18.50.090 (Off-street parking — small-car/tandem prohibitions in applicable zone) (§ 18.50.090)
• § 18.90.100 (Former zones to current zones — district names) (§ 18.90.100)
• § 18.108.090 (Parking and Loading — SP 90‑1 Festival DA 5 residential ratios; joint/mixed-use) (§ 18.108.090)
• § 17.08.610 (Off-street parking areas — public dedication must conform to Title 18) (§ 17.08.610)
• § 18.116.126 (Theme Park Overlay — permitted uses, heights, setbacks) (§ 18.116.126)
• § 18.116.140 (Off-Street Parking and Loading — Anaheim Resort C-R area standards) (§ 18.116.140)
• § 18.116.150 (Vacation ownership resorts — parking may be increased) (§ 18.116.150)
• § 18.114.080 (Land Use and Site Development Standards — Parking District) (§ 18.114.080)
• § 18.114.110 (Off-Street Parking and Loading — Disneyland Resort SP, ratios and siting) (§ 18.114.110)
• § 18.114.030 (Definitions — parking structure height basis) (§ 18.114.030)

• Official Anaheim code library