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Clovis — Parking

Parking under the Clovis local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

In Clovis, standard stalls must be at least 10 ft x 20 ft and may not occupy front or street-side setbacks in multifamily or nonresidential projects (§ 9.32.070(D)(1), (C)(1)). Most nonresidential uses must also provide bicycle parking equal to 2% of required vehicle spaces (5% in R‑T) (§ 9.32.090(A)). ADUs generally need 1 additional on-site space unless a state exemption applies (§ 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Clovis's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Clovis planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Clovis regulates off-street parking, loading, and bicycle storage citywide through Title 9, Chapter 32 of its zoning code. The rules set how many spaces each land use must provide, where parking can be placed, how it must be designed, and when reductions are allowed. These standards interact with Clovis Zoning, Clovis Development Standards, and project-level approvals like Clovis Design Review.

Required off-street parking and loading areas must be permanently available, marked, maintained, and generally kept free of other uses; they cannot be restricted from authorized users without City approval (§ 9.32.030(A)–(D)).

What the code covers and who it applies to

  • Citywide applicability: Every use, change of use, or expansion must provide appropriately maintained off-street parking and loading before occupancy (§ 9.32.020).
  • Purpose: Ensure adequate parking and loading, reduce street congestion, and maintain emergency access (§ 9.32.010).
  • How many spaces: Each use must meet the minimums in Table 3-12; multi-tenant sites aggregate required spaces unless an integrated center ratio was set by entitlement (§ 9.32.040(A), (C)).
  • Bicycle parking: All nonresidential uses must provide bicycle storage facilities (§ 9.32.040(H), § 9.32.090).
  • Adjustments: Shared parking and certain reductions may be approved when justified (§ 9.32.050; § 9.66.110).

Minimum vehicle parking by land use (selected)

These are excerpts of the most decision-relevant ratios from Table 3-12. Always round 0.5 and up to the next whole space (§ 9.32.040(F)).

Use (examples) Minimum Vehicle Spaces Notes Code Reference
Manufacturing facilities 2/1,000 sq ft GFA first 25,000 sq ft; then 1/1,000 sq ft Office area over 20% calculated as “Offices” separately § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Warehouse facilities 1/1,000 sq ft GFA first 20,000 sq ft; then 1/2,000 sq ft — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Research & development 1/350 sq ft GFA Office over 20% calculated separately § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Theaters 1 per 4 fixed seats; if no fixed seats, 1/35 sq ft viewing area Plus ancillary uses if any § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Religious institutions/cinemas/churches/meeting halls 1 per 5 fixed seats or 1/40 sq ft assembly/viewing area Plus ancillary uses § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Banquet halls 1/45 sq ft seating area — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Health/fitness facilities 1/100 sq ft GFA — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Bowling alleys 1 per employee + 5 per lane + ancillary — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Libraries/museums/art galleries 1/300 sq ft GFA — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Day care centers; large family day care homes 1 per 6 children + permanent drop-off as approved — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Swimming pools (commercial/recreation) 1/500 sq ft pool area + 1 per employee — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Water slides 4 per slide lane — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Parks (active areas) 1/5,000 sq ft active recreation area — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Schools — high school 1 per faculty/employee + 1 per 8 enrolled students — § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Colleges/universities/trade/business 1 per 2 faculty/employee + 1 per 2 full-time students Student count by fire occupancy loads § 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12
Accessory residential dwelling unit (ADU) 1 space per ADU, in addition to primary State exceptions apply § 9.32.040, Table 3-12; § 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)
  • Uses not listed: The Director sets required spaces using Table 3-12 as a guide (§ 9.32.040(E)).
  • Entitlement-specific ratios: Any parking set by a conditional use permit or development agreement controls over the table (§ 9.32.040(D)).

Placement and access

  • Front/street-side setbacks: In multifamily and nonresidential projects, no parking spaces may occupy front or street-side setback areas (§ 9.32.070(C)(1)).
  • On-site location: Required parking must be on the same parcel as the use, or on an adjacent parcel if the Director approves and a covenant is recorded running with the land that reserves the stalls for the use served (§ 9.32.070(C)(3)).
  • Site access: Provide drives/aisles per § 9.32.080 and design entries so cars don’t back into public streets; maintain 14 ft minimum clearance over areas accessible to vehicles (§ 9.32.070(A)(3)–(4)).
  • Maneuvering: Design lots so vehicles enter the street in a forward direction; the Director may approve exceptions for single-family homes and duplexes (§ 9.32.070(A)(1)).

Design and dimensions

  • Standard stall: Minimum 10 ft x 20 ft, with up to a 2 ft bumper overhang (§ 9.32.070(D)(1), (H)(5)).
  • Parallel stall: Minimum 8 ft 6 in x 22 ft (§ 9.32.070(D)(2)).
  • Vertical clearance at stalls: 7 ft minimum; 14 ft above vehicle-accessible areas generally (§ 9.32.070(A)(4), (D)(3)).
  • Reduced stalls: Only by Planning Commission special standards after a noticed hearing; cannot be smaller than 9.5 ft x 18 ft, limited to stalls beyond those required by Table 3-12 and located furthest from main entrances (§ 9.32.070(D)(5)).
  • Parking structures: Stall/aisle standards set through a conditional use permit (§ 9.32.070(D)(6)).
  • Directional markings: Arrows and lines required; traffic signs may be required by the Director (§ 9.32.070(E)).
  • Grades: Max driveway grade 15% or 6% (as measured on centerline—context-specific), interior ramps 20% with transition design if over 10%; stalls/aisles max 6% grade (§ 9.32.070(G)).
  • Drainage: No draining over sidewalks or onto adjacent parcels; comply with City stormwater BMPs (NPDES) (§ 9.32.070(F)).
  • Landscaping: Provide landscaping, curbing, irrigation, and layout so pedestrians don’t cross planting to reach entries; a landscape/irrigation plan is required under Chapter 28 (Clovis Landscaping and Screening) (§ 9.32.070(H)).

Bicycle parking

  • Required for all nonresidential uses: Provide bicycle storage equal to 2% of required vehicle spaces; in the R‑T District, provide 5% (§ 9.32.090(A)).
  • Design: Each space must have a stationary device; aisles at least 5 ft wide; unenclosed spaces at least 2 ft x 6 ft with 7 ft overhead clearance; sited near primary entrances without impeding pedestrians; separated from vehicle parking by a barrier or 5 ft marked open area (§ 9.32.090(B)).

Adjustments, sharing, and planned development

  • Shared parking: Allowed for adjacent nonresidential uses with different peak demands if the furthest stall is within 300 ft of the use (or as approved); reciprocal access must be recorded; the Director may require a parking study (§ 9.32.050(A)–(C)).
  • Planned Development reductions: A Planned Development approval may reduce off-street parking if the applicant demonstrates demand will be met and all Chapter 32 provisions are satisfied (§ 9.66.110). Consider consulting Clovis Variances and Exceptions if a PD is not proposed.

Residential specifics (single-family, duplex, ADU)

  • Garage sizes: Single-family garages must be at least 10 ft x 22 ft (one-car) or 20 ft x 22 ft (two-car); in single-family planned developments, minimum 10 ft x 20 ft per space (§ 9.32.070(D)(7)–(8)).
  • ADU parking: Provide at least 1 on-site space per ADU unless an exception in Government Code 65852.2 applies; JADUs need no additional parking (§ 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)). ADUs follow district development standards (including parking) unless overridden by State law (§ 9.40.020(D)).
  • Forward egress: The Director may approve exceptions to forward egress for single-family and duplex sites (§ 9.32.070(A)(1)).

Multi-tenant and entitlement notes

  • Multi-tenant sites: Sum each tenant’s requirement unless the site was developed as an integrated center with an approved center-wide ratio (§ 9.32.040(C)).
  • Entitlement controls: Parking numbers set by a CUP, development agreement, or similar approval supersede Chapter 32 minimums (§ 9.32.040(D)).

EV charging stations

  • Administrative pathway: Vehicle charging stations are allowed in commercial and industrial uses via building permit; review is limited to health and safety compliance. If the Building Official finds a specific, adverse health/safety impact based on substantial evidence, an administrative use permit may be required (§ 9.32.040(I)). For construction standards, see the California Building Standards Code.

Use and maintenance; nonconforming and changes of use

  • Keep spaces open and accessible: No restricting authorized users without Director approval; no use of required areas for storage, display, repair, or unrelated activities (§ 9.32.030(B), (D)).
  • Nonconforming status: A lack of off-street parking alone doesn’t make a use nonconforming, but existing off-street facilities may not be further reduced. A new use may occupy a building with a parking deficiency only if it has equal or lower demand, or if additional spaces are added to cover the increase (§ 9.32.030(E)).
  • Changes and expansions: Add parking when enlarging a structure or changing to a higher-demand use (§ 9.32.040(B)). See Clovis Nonconforming Uses for how legacy conditions are treated.

District- or overlay-focused notes

  • R‑T District: Nonresidential bicycle parking in R‑T must be provided at 5% of required vehicle spaces (higher than the standard citywide 2%) (§ 9.32.090(A)).
  • Planned Development (PD): A PD entitlement can authorize reduced parking if demand is met and Chapter 32 standards are satisfied (§ 9.66.110). Coordinate with Clovis Design Review where applicable.
  • Specific use chapter requirements: § 9.40.120 sets a specific minimum of 10 spaces plus 1 space in a garage/carport for a caretaker’s residence for the use governed by that section, unless a CUP determines a higher number. Verify which use category § 9.40.120 applies to before relying on this standard (§ 9.40.120).

Key dimensional and siting standards (quick reference)

Standard Requirement Code Reference
Standard stall size 10 ft x 20 ft (with up to 2 ft overhang) § 9.32.070(D)(1), (H)(5)
Parallel stall size 8 ft 6 in x 22 ft § 9.32.070(D)(2)
Reduced stall (if allowed) Not less than 9.5 ft x 18 ft; only beyond required count; farthest from entrance § 9.32.070(D)(5)
Vertical clearance 7 ft at stall; 14 ft above vehicle-access areas § 9.32.070(D)(3); § 9.32.070(A)(4)
Max stall/aisle grade 6% § 9.32.070(G)(3)
Max interior ramp grade 20%; transitions required if > 10% § 9.32.070(G)(2)
Front/street-side setback parking Not allowed (multifamily, nonresidential) § 9.32.070(C)(1)
Bicycle parking ratio (nonresidential) 2% of required vehicle spaces; 5% in R‑T § 9.32.090(A)
ADU parking 1 space/ADU (state exceptions apply) § 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)

Checklist

  • Confirm your land use type and calculate minimum spaces using Table 3-12; round 0.5 up (§ 9.32.040(A), (F)).
  • If multi-tenant, aggregate tenant requirements or confirm any center-wide ratio from prior entitlements (§ 9.32.040(C), (D)).
  • Site required stalls on the same parcel (or approved adjacent parcel with recorded covenant) and outside front/street-side setbacks for multifamily and nonresidential (§ 9.32.070(C)).
  • Design access and maneuvering to avoid backing into public streets; provide required clearances, grades, markings, and drainage per Chapter 32 (§ 9.32.070(A), (E)–(G)).
  • Meet minimum stall dimensions or pursue Planning Commission special standards if reductions are proposed (§ 9.32.070(D)(1)–(6)).
  • Provide bicycle storage (2% citywide; 5% in R‑T) in compliant locations and configurations (§ 9.32.090).
  • For ADUs, add one space per unit unless a state-law exemption applies; no added parking for JADUs (§ 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)).
  • If sharing or reducing parking, prepare a parking study and record reciprocal access as required; consider PD if appropriate (§ 9.32.050; § 9.66.110).
  • Include a landscape and irrigation plan per Chapter 28 (Clovis Landscaping and Screening) (§ 9.32.070(H)).
  • Keep required spaces permanently available and unrestricted for authorized users (§ 9.32.030(A)–(B)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Which uses § 9.40.120 applies to It imposes a flat “10 spaces + caretaker” rule for a specific use category Confirm the covered use in § 9.40.120 before applying its minimum; adjust if a CUP sets a higher number (§ 9.40.120; § 9.32.040(D))
Applicability of shared parking Reductions hinge on distinct peak periods, proximity, and legal agreements Provide a parking study if requested, ensure furthest stall within 300 ft, and record reciprocal access (§ 9.32.050)
Integrated centers vs. tenant-by-tenant Center-level ratios may supersede tenant sums Check prior entitlements for the site to see if a center-wide ratio controls (§ 9.32.040(C)–(D))
Stall size reductions Only possible via Planning Commission–adopted standards Whether special standards exist for your subarea and if your reduced stalls meet the 9.5 ft x 18 ft floor and location limits (§ 9.32.070(D)(5))
ADU parking exceptions under state law State exemptions can eliminate on-site ADU parking Whether your ADU qualifies for a Government Code 65852.2 exception (e.g., near transit); apply § 9.40.020 consistently (§ 9.40.020(D)(4)(e))
R‑T District bicycle ratio Nonresidential uses in R‑T require 5% bicycle spaces Confirm if your site is within the R‑T District boundary (§ 9.32.090(A))

Plain-English Summary

Clovis sets citywide rules for how many off-street parking spaces a project must provide, where those spaces can go, and how they’re built. Most nonresidential projects also owe bike parking, and multifamily/nonresidential lots can’t put stalls in the front or street-side setback. Reductions are possible with shared parking or a Planned Development if you prove demand is still met. ADUs generally add one on-site space unless a state exemption applies.

Source References

  • § 9.32.010 (Purpose of parking/loading standards)
  • § 9.32.020 (Applicability; completion before occupancy)
  • § 9.32.030 (General parking regulations; use/maintenance; nonconforming status)
  • § 9.32.040 (Number of spaces required; Table 3-12; rounding; uses not listed; entitlements; EV charging)
  • § 9.32.050 (Adjustments; shared parking; studies; reciprocal access)
  • § 9.32.070 (Development standards: access, location, dimensions, markings, drainage, grades, landscaping; garage sizes)
  • § 9.32.090 (Bicycle storage requirements and design)
  • § 9.66.110 (Parking reductions via Planned Development)
  • § 9.40.020(D)(4)(e) (ADU/JADU parking)
  • § 9.40.120 (Specific-use parking minimum of 10 spaces + caretaker residence)

Sources

Source passages

  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.030) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.66.110) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.050) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.40.020) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.020) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.090) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.070) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.040) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.32.010) Medium relevance
  • Clovis Zoning Code (§ 9.40.120) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

How many off-street parking spaces do I need for a warehouse in Clovis?

Table 3-12 requires 1 space per 1,000 sq ft for the first 20,000 sq ft of gross floor area, and 1 per 2,000 sq ft thereafter (§ 9.32.040(A), Table 3-12). Round any fractional result of 0.5 or more up to the next whole number (§ 9.32.040(F)).

Can I place parking in the front setback of a commercial or multifamily site?

No. Parking spaces are not allowed within front and street-side setback areas for multifamily and nonresidential developments (§ 9.32.070(C)(1)). Design your site plan so required stalls sit outside those setbacks.

Can different businesses share a parking lot to reduce total required stalls?

Yes, if they have distinct peak hours and the furthest shared stall is within 300 ft of the use (or as approved). The City may require a parking study, and you must record a reciprocal access agreement approved by the City Attorney (§ 9.32.050(A)–(C)).

What are Clovis’s minimum stall dimensions?

A standard stall must be at least 10 ft by 20 ft (with up to a 2 ft overhang). Parallel stalls must be 8 ft 6 in by 22 ft. Reduced stalls below the standard require Planning Commission–adopted standards and cannot be smaller than 9.5 ft by 18 ft (§ 9.32.070(D)(1)–(2), (5)).

Do ADUs require additional parking in Clovis?

Generally yes: at least one space per ADU in addition to the primary dwelling’s parking. However, state-law exceptions in Government Code 65852.2 can eliminate ADU parking in certain circumstances; JADUs need no additional parking (§ 9.40.020(D)(4)(e)).

Can I reduce parking through a Planned Development?

Possibly. A Planned Development approval may reduce parking if you demonstrate the proposed supply will meet demand and the project still complies with Chapter 32’s standards (§ 9.66.110). Coordinate early with the City.

What bicycle parking is required for nonresidential projects?

Provide bike storage equal to 2% of the required vehicle spaces, or 5% for nonresidential uses in the R‑T District (§ 9.32.090(A)). Follow aisle width, space size, separation, and location rules in § 9.32.090(B).

Are there special garage size requirements for single-family homes?

Yes. A one-car garage must be at least 10 ft by 22 ft; a two-car garage at least 20 ft by 22 ft. In single-family planned developments, each garage space must be at least 10 ft by 20 ft (§ 9.32.070(D)(7)–(8)).

Can my site back cars into the street?

Parking areas must allow vehicles to enter the street in a forward direction, but the Director may approve exceptions for single-family homes and duplexes (§ 9.32.070(A)(1)).

Where can required parking be located if my lot is constrained?

Required parking must be on the same parcel as the use, or on an adjacent parcel if approved by the Director and secured by a recorded covenant running with the land guaranteeing its exclusive use (§ 9.32.070(C)(3)).

General information, not legal advice.

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