Local zoning · Danville

Danville — Parking

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

Quick answer

Single-family homes must provide 2 off‑street spaces in a 20 ft x 22 ft enclosed garage (§ 32-22.13; § 32-23.11). In Old Town, Parking District A requires at least 50% of required parking in municipal lots, while District B allows up to 25% off‑site and District C requires 50% on‑site (§ 32-45.31(b)). Up to 30% of spaces may be compact at 8 ft x 16 ft (§ 32-1.14(f)(1); § 32-45.30(g)).

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

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

Overview

Danville’s parking rules live in two places in the Planning and Land Use titles: townwide standards that apply to most zoning districts, and special rules for the Downtown Business District (DBD) Old Town areas. Townwide, the code sets minimum off‑street ratios, layout and landscaping, and where off‑site parking may be located. In the DBD, Parking Districts A–C regulate how much parking must be on‑site vs. in municipal lots, with tools like off‑site credits, in‑lieu fees, joint‑use, compact, and tandem provisions.

In Old Town (DBD Areas 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 11), parking is managed through Parking Districts and an “off‑site parking credit” system; some share of required spaces must be placed in municipal lots and may qualify for a 20% reduction if at least 25% of required spaces are purchased off‑site (§ 32-45.31; § 32-45.30(d)).

Use this page alongside the Town’s zoning framework, development standards, and, for projects needing discretionary review, design review. Where overlays apply (e.g., Old Town Areas), see overlay districts. Landscaping inside lots is coordinated with landscaping and screening. Existing, legally established sites follow nonconforming use rules; any relief from strict standards proceeds through variances and exceptions. ADU parking lives on the Town’s separate ADU page.

Townwide off-street parking framework (outside the DBD)

Applicability. All new structures, use changes, and enlargements must include required off‑street spaces; pre‑1982 uses are protected so long as parking is not reduced and expansions that increase demand must comply (§ 32-1.14(a)–(b)).
How to count. Mixed uses add up the requirements of each use; 0.5 or more rounds up to one space (§ 32-1.14(c)–(d)).
Where parking may be located. Required parking is normally on the same lot, but may be approved within 200 ft on another parcel via Land Use Permit; those off‑site spaces cannot be double‑counted for another concurrent use (§ 32-1.14(e)).
Layout and circulation. Minimum stall sizes and aisles are prescribed by angle; at 90°, the stall is 9 ft x 19 ft with 28 ft two‑way aisle. Up to 30% may be compact stalls at 8 ft x 16 ft (§ 32-1.14(f) and (f)(1)).
Site design and buffers. Provide maneuvering areas, paved/dustless surfaces, grading/drainage, planting strips and 5% interior landscaping where >5 spaces, screening/fences next to residential, barrier curbs/wheel stops, lighting directed down, and driveway placement to protect traffic and pedestrian safety. Vehicles may not back out into streets from commercial, industrial, and multifamily parking areas (§ 32-1.14(f)(2)–(12)).
Ongoing duty. Required facilities must be maintained; do not reduce required parking except in conformity with code (§ 32-1.14(g)).
Joint use (same parcel). Allowed if the combined supply is at least the sum of requirements for the individual uses (§ 32-1.14(h)).

Single‑family residential minimums

Every single‑family lot must provide at least 2 off‑street spaces in an enclosed garage measuring at least 20 ft (w) x 22 ft (d) internal clear; side‑loaded drives require 24 ft width with a 5 ft back‑out beyond the garage wall (§ 32-22.13(a)–(b); § 32-23.11(a)–(b)).

Multifamily residential minimums

Minimum on the same lot: studios 1; 1‑bed 1.5; 2+ bed 2; plus 0.25 guest space per dwelling unit (rounded up). Half the required spaces must be covered. Stalls are 9 ft x 19 ft minimum, outside side yards/setbacks. Guest spaces may include available curb parking along the site’s street frontage (§ 32-29.11(a)(1)–(3)).
- Practical note: where curb parking is restricted by residential street prohibitions or by a preferential permit zone, it may not be “available.” Danville’s on‑street controls are in Title 8, including residential street prohibitions (§ 8-18.3) and preferential parking areas (§ 8-28.1 et seq.).

Commercial/office examples (as stated in the code)

For uses governed by § 32-51.6: provide 1 space per 200 sq ft of floor area; medical/dental offices require a minimum of 5 spaces per full‑time doctor (§ 32-51.6(a)). Verify your use falls under this chapter.

Downtown Business District (DBD) — Old Town parking rules

These special rules apply in Old Town Areas 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 11 (§ 32-45.31).

General DBD rules

Existing uses as of November 21, 1988. Not subject to new requirements until a change of use/intensification or expansion occurs; do not reduce existing required parking below code. Projects approved before that date remain bound by their conditions until a new project is approved (§ 32-45.30(a)).
Rounding in DBD. Off‑site space calculations round to one‑tenth; on‑site rounds at 0.5 up to the next whole space. Do not round until the final result (§ 32-45.30(b)).
Joint‑use parking near the site. Allowed when on‑site and municipal lots cannot meet the requirement, within 150 ft of the use; must be specifically designated and not double‑counted. Agreement must be recorded, identify stall count, and be enforceable for a stated term (§ 32-45.30(c)).
Off‑site parking credit (municipal lots). In Areas 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 11, when you use off‑site public lot spaces, a 20% reduction applies if you purchase at least 25% of your required spaces in the public lot. Credit allows the same spaces to be assigned to more than one use at one time (distinct from joint‑use). Properties required to use municipal lots under § 32-45.31 must pay in‑lieu fees per space by Town Council resolution (§ 32-45.30(d)–(e)).
Tandem and compact. Tandem is permitted only for employees or valet operations, with posted/recorded deed restriction; up to 30% of required spaces may be compact at 8 ft x 16 ft (§ 32-45.30(f)–(g)).
Historic resources. Heritage Resources may obtain a reduction per Town historic preservation incentives (§ 32-45.30(h)). See also historic preservation.
Assessment District 73/74 (Clocktower lot). Parcels in AD 73/74 receive a credit for participation; details not fully provided in the source materials (§ 32-45.30(i)). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Old Town Parking Area — District‑by‑District

These are overlay parking districts that govern the mix of on‑site vs. municipal lot parking, in addition to DBD design/layout and any townwide rules that still apply (§ 32-45.31(b)).

Parking District A (Area 1 — Old Town Retail)

Purpose and character: Core Old Town retail frontage along Hartz Avenue; high‑intensity retail/restaurant patterns (§ 32-45.30(d); § 32-45.31(b)(1)).
Where it applies: Area 1 (Old Town Retail).
Key parking standards:
- At least 50% of required parking must be provided off‑site in municipal lots (§ 32-45.31(b)(1)(a)).
- On‑site parking may be at‑grade or underground if screened; along Hartz Avenue, at‑grade parking must be to the rear or substantially set back and screened by berms, walls, and/or landscaping (§ 32-45.31(b)(1)(b)).
- Minimize and combine curb cuts (§ 32-45.31(b)(1)(c)).
Typical uses: Retail/restaurant emphasis; blended ground‑floor activity in Area 1 per DBD context. Verify permitted uses on the land use page.

Parking District B (Areas 2, 2A, and 3 — Old Town Retail Transition/Old Town Retail/Old Town Mixed Use)

Purpose and character: Transition and mixed‑use edges supporting Old Town activity with more on‑site opportunities (§ 32-45.31(b)(2)).
Where it applies: Area 2 (Old Town Retail Transition), Area 2A (Old Town Retail), Area 3 (Old Town Mixed Use).
Key parking standards:
- Up to 25% of required parking may be provided off‑site in municipal lots (§ 32-45.31(b)(2)(a)).
- Surface on‑site parking is allowed (§ 32-45.31(b)(2)(b)).
Typical uses: Retail, restaurant, service, and mixed use consistent with area designations; emergency shelters are permitted in Area 3 and have a specific rate of 0.35 space per bed + 1 per employee (§ 32-45.36(b)(10)).

Parking District C (Area 11 — Special Opportunity District)

Purpose and character: Opportunity sites that emphasize on‑site parking supply (§ 32-45.31(b)(3)).
Where it applies: Area 11 (Special Opportunity District).
Key parking standards:
- At least 50% of required parking must be provided on‑site (§ 32-45.31(b)(3)(a)).
- Surface on‑site parking is allowed (§ 32-45.31(b)(3)(b)).
Typical uses: Special opportunity mixed programs consistent with Area 11; verify on zoning.

Key standards and ratios (selected)

Topic	Minimum/Standard	Where it applies	Code Reference
Single‑family garage parking	2 spaces in enclosed garage, min interior 20 ft x 22 ft; side‑loaded driveway 24 ft wide with 5 ft back‑out	Townwide single‑family districts	§ 32-22.13(a)–(b); § 32-23.11(a)–(b)
Multifamily resident parking	Studio 1; 1‑bed 1.5; 2+ bed 2	Townwide multifamily	§ 32-29.11(a)(1)
Multifamily guest parking	0.25 per unit (rounded up); may include curb along site frontage	Townwide multifamily	§ 32-29.11(a)(2)
Office (per § 32-51.6)	1/200 sq ft floor area	As applicable to that chapter	§ 32-51.6(a)
Medical/dental office	Min 5 spaces per full‑time doctor	As applicable to that chapter	§ 32-51.6(a)
Emergency shelter (Area 3)	0.35/bed + 1/employee	DBD Area 3	§ 32-45.36(b)(10)
Compact stalls	Up to 30% of required stalls; min 8 ft x 16 ft	Townwide and DBD	§ 32-1.14(f)(1); § 32-45.30(g)
Tandem stalls	Allowed only for employees or valet; posting + recorded deed restriction	DBD	§ 32-45.30(f)
Off‑site (townwide)	Allowed within 200 ft via Land Use Permit	Townwide	§ 32-1.14(e)
Joint‑use (DBD)	Allowed within 150 ft; recorded agreement; no double‑counting	DBD Old Town	§ 32-45.30(c)
Rounding (townwide)	≥0.5 rounds up to 1	Townwide	§ 32-1.14(c)
Rounding (DBD)	Off‑site: to one‑tenth; On‑site: ≥0.5 rounds up	DBD Old Town	§ 32-45.30(b)
Landscaping in lots	≥4 ft streetside buffer; ≥5% interior landscaping (>5 spaces)	Townwide	§ 32-1.14(f)(5)

Old Town Parking Districts — off‑site vs. on‑site mix

Parking District	Area(s)	Required mix	Design notes	Code Reference
A	Area 1 (Old Town Retail)	≥50% of required parking off‑site (municipal lots)	Screen at‑grade parking; keep Hartz Ave parking to rear/set back; minimize/merge curb cuts	§ 32-45.31(b)(1)
B	Areas 2, 2A, 3	Up to 25% off‑site in municipal lots	Surface on‑site allowed	§ 32-45.31(b)(2)
C	Area 11 (Special Opportunity)	≥50% on‑site	Surface on‑site allowed	§ 32-45.31(b)(3)

On‑street controls that may affect your plan

Residential streets may have prohibitions and signed restrictions; Town can create preferential permit‑parking areas. These affect whether curb spaces are “available” for multifamily guest credit (§ 8-18.3; § 8-18.5; § 8-28.1–§ 8-28.8; § 8-28.6).
Projects in Old Town should also look to streetfront parking maximization policies tied to development plan approvals (§ 32-45.21(3)).

Submittal items that implicate parking, loading, and bicycles

For multifamily and mixed‑use development plan applications, include the location, quantity, and dimensions for tandem parking, mechanical stacked parking, motorcycle parking, bicycle parking, and moving/delivery spaces (§ 32-29.14(a)). The code sections provided do not establish quantitative bicycle or loading minimums for all uses. Not found in source materials.

Checklist

Identify if the site is in Old Town Areas 1, 2, 2A, 3, or 11; apply the correct Parking District A/B/C rules (§ 32-45.31(b)).
Calculate use‑specific minimums (e.g., single‑family, multifamily, office, emergency shelter) and apply the correct rounding rule (townwide vs. DBD) (§ 32-1.14; § 32-51.6; § 32-29.11; § 32-45.36; § 32-45.30(b)).
If using municipal lots in Old Town, confirm eligibility for the off‑site parking credit and whether the 20% reduction applies (≥25% of required purchased off‑site), and budget for in‑lieu fees (§ 32-45.30(d)–(e); § 32-45.31).
If proposing joint‑use, secure and record an agreement with stall counts; keep within required 150 ft (DBD) or 200 ft (townwide with Land Use Permit) and avoid double‑counting (§ 32-45.30(c); § 32-1.14(e)).
Lay out stalls/aisles to meet dimensional matrices; keep ≥30% compact max and mark them; prohibit back‑outs onto streets where required; provide landscape buffers and wheel stops (§ 32-1.14(f)).
If using tandem spaces, limit to employees/valet, post the lot, and record a deed restriction (DBD) (§ 32-45.30(f)).
If counting curb for multifamily guest parking, confirm it is legally “available” (no residential street prohibition or preferential permit conflicts) (§ 32-29.11(a)(2); § 8-18.3; § 8-28.1–§ 8-28.8). Verify with the jurisdiction.
For Heritage Resources, evaluate parking reductions through historic incentives (§ 32-45.30(h)).
Include required parking, bicycle, and loading details in your development plan submittal where applicable (§ 32-29.14(a)).
Confirm whether design review applies and coordinate with development standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Downtown “Parking Requirements” tables	Specific use‑by‑use DBD ratios are in § 32-45.34, which was not provided	Not found in source materials
Downtown “Design and Layout”	Detailed DBD layout rules are in § 32-45.32, which was not provided	Not found in source materials
Parking reductions process	Criteria/procedures in § 32-45.35 not provided	Not found in source materials
AD 73/74 credit details	Could materially change required purchased stalls	§ 32-45.30(i) is truncated; verify credit method and amount with the jurisdiction
In‑lieu fee amount	Impacts project costs	Set by Town Council resolution; verify current per‑space fee
Curb parking for multifamily guests	May be disallowed by on‑street rules	Check if frontage is posted or in a preferential zone (§ 8-18.3; § 8-28.1–§ 8-28.8)
Joint‑use distance measurement	How to measure the 150 ft (DBD) can affect eligibility	Verify measurement method (property line‑to‑stall vs. door‑to‑stall) with the jurisdiction
Compact percentage overlap	Townwide and DBD both allow 30% compact; ensure you don’t exceed the stricter overlay if any	Confirm with the decision‑maker for DBD projects
Emergency shelter parking	Only specified for Area 3 shelters	Ensure the shelter is in Area 3 and apply § 32-45.36(b)(10)
Office applicability (§ 32-51.6)	That ratio applies only to uses in that chapter	Confirm your zoning/use chapter before applying § 32-51.6

Information Gaps

DBD use‑specific minimums in § 32-45.34: Not found in source materials.
DBD design/layout specifics in § 32-45.32: Not found in source materials.
Administrative reductions in § 32-45.35: Not found in source materials.
Detailed criteria for Assessment District 73/74 credits: Not fully provided in source materials.
Townwide schedule of required spaces in § 32-1.14(i) is truncated (hospitals/sanitariums and beyond): Not found in source materials.
Quantitative bicycle parking and loading space requirements for most uses: Not found in source materials.

Plain-English Summary

Most Danville projects must build enough off‑street parking on their own lot, with standard stall sizes and on‑site landscaping. In Old Town, the Town uses Parking Districts that shift some supply to public lots, allow off‑site credits (and sometimes a 20% reduction), and tightly control screening and access. Homes need two garage spaces, multifamily units add resident and guest ratios, and certain commercial and shelter uses have their own stated minimums.

Source References

Danville Municipal Code: § 32-1.14 Off‑Street Parking (townwide framework)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-22.13 Off‑Street Parking (single‑family)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-23.11 Off‑Street Parking (single‑family)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-29.11 Off‑Street Parking (multifamily)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-29.14 Special Submittal Requirements (parking/bicycle/loading)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-45.21 (street parking maximization in DBD development plans)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-45.30 General Requirements for On‑site Parking (DBD)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-45.31 Old Town Parking Area (Parking Districts A, B, C)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-45.36 Emergency Shelters (parking)
Danville Municipal Code: § 32-51.6 Off‑Street Parking (office/medical)
Danville Municipal Code: Title 8, Article III — Parking Regulations (§ 8-18.1–§ 8-18.6)
Danville Municipal Code: Title 8, Article VII — Preferential Parking (§ 8-28.1–§ 8-28.9)

Sources

Source passages

Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-45.36) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-45.31) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-23.11) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-45.21) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-1.14) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-22.13) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-29.14) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 8-28.6) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-51.6) Medium relevance
Danville Zoning Code (§ 32-29.11) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Danville code library

Frequently asked questions

How many parking spaces are required for a single-family home in Danville?

At least two off‑street spaces in an enclosed garage are required, with minimum interior clear dimensions of 20 ft by 22 ft. Side‑loaded garages need a 24‑ft‑wide driveway and a 5‑ft back‑out area beyond the garage wall (§ 32-22.13; § 32-23.11).

Can I count on-street spaces toward multifamily guest parking?

Possibly. The code allows the 0.25 guest spaces per unit to include available curb parking along the site’s street frontage, but if the street is posted/prohibited or in a preferential permit area, it may not count as “available” (§ 32-29.11(a)(2); § 8-18.3; § 8-28.1–§ 8-28.8). Verify with the jurisdiction.

What are the off-site parking rules in Old Town Danville?

In Areas 1, 2, 2A, 3, and 11, you can use municipal lots and an off‑site credit system. If you purchase at least 25% of your required spaces in public lots, a 20% reduction applies; in District A, at least 50% of required spaces must be off‑site, while Districts B and C have different mixes (§ 32-45.30(d); § 32-45.31(b)).

How close must joint-use parking be to my business downtown?

Joint‑use stalls must be on a nearby or adjacent lot within 150 ft, be specifically designated for your use, not be double‑counted, and be secured by a recorded, enforceable agreement (§ 32-45.30(c)).

Are compact and tandem spaces allowed?

Yes. Up to 30% of required spaces may be compact at 8 ft by 16 ft. Tandem spaces are allowed downtown only for employees or valet operations and require posted designation and a recorded deed restriction (§ 32-1.14(f)(1); § 32-45.30(f)–(g)).

What are the parking requirements for emergency shelters?

In DBD Area 3 (Old Town Mixed Use), emergency shelters must provide 0.35 spaces per bed plus 1 additional space per employee, alongside other operational standards (§ 32-45.36(b)(10)).

Can I place required parking on another parcel?

Townwide, required parking may be approved within 200 ft on another parcel via a Land Use Permit; those spaces cannot be simultaneously counted for another use (§ 32-1.14(e)).

How do rounding rules work for parking counts?

Townwide, fractions of 0.5 or more round up. In the DBD, off‑site counts round to tenths, while on‑site counts use the 0.5‑round‑up rule. Do not round until the final total (§ 32-1.14(c); § 32-45.30(b)).

What office parking rate applies?

For uses governed by § 32-51.6, provide 1 space per 200 sq ft of floor area; medical/dental offices require a minimum of 5 spaces per full‑time doctor (§ 32-51.6(a)). Confirm your use falls under that chapter.

Do I need to landscape my parking lot?

Yes. Provide at least a 4‑ft planter along streets and, for lots with more than five spaces, at least 5% of the parking area as interior landscaping, plus curbs/wheel stops, controlled lighting, and screening next to residential zones (§ 32-1.14(f)(5)–(12)).

General information, not legal advice.

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