Parking reduction policy

Chapter 16.72 of the Zoning Ordinance establishes parking requirements for commercial and industrial uses based on zoning districts. Section 16.72.010 allows for requests to reduce the amount of required parking for a particular use through an administrative permit. In considering such requests, the guidelines contained in this policy should be used.

The following factors should be considered in approving a request to provide less parking than required by the zoning district:

  • Primary use of the building;
  • Unique physical features of the building;
  • Estimates of number of employees and customers;
  • Transportation demand management measures;
  • Hours of operation;
  • Shared parking arrangements;
  • Availability of on-street parking;
  • Surrounding land uses; and
  • Proximity to residential neighborhoods.

The following guidelines should be used when applicable, but are not considered absolutes:

Use Parking Guideline
Health and Fitness Center 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
Hotel 1.1 spaces per guest room
Office, Medical 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
Office, General
 1 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Personal Service 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
Restaurant 1 space per 167 square feet of gross floor area
Retail 1 space per 200 square feet of gross floor area
Warehouse 1 space per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area

Amendment to Policy

This policy may only be amended or revised by action of the City Council, with input from the Planning Commission. The City Council shall give public notice of any proposed changes before amending or revising the policy. 

Action Body Date
Adoption City Council May 10, 2005

Additional information

The text of this policy is presented as it was adopted by the City Council in 2005, although prospective applicants should note that a number of City parking standards have been revised significantly in the years since this action. For example, the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan contains unique parking standards, as do Bayfront zoning districts such as the O (Office) district. In addition, State laws such as AB 2097 have modified parking requirements for transit-adjacent areas within Menlo Park. Potentially as a result, this policy has not been actively used in recent years, but it remains an option that can be considered.

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