Oakland, CA Parking Space and Loading Berth Dimensions
Standard parking spaces in Oakland must be at least 18' x 8.5' for regular stalls and 15' x 7.5' for compact stalls (non-parallel). In the S-12 zone, regular spaces abutting walls require a 2' clear area. Loading berths for residential activities must be 23' x 10' with a 12' vertical clearance, while industrial berths must be 45' x 12'.
Oakland’s zoning code establishes specific minimum dimensions for parking spaces and loading berths based on the type of space (regular, intermediate, compact) and the specific zoning district, particularly within the S-12 Residential Parking Combining Zone.
Standard Parking Space Dimensions
Except for certain residential facilities in the S-12 Zone, all required parking spaces must meet the following minimum dimension requirements based on the parking pattern [§ 17.116.200].
| Space Type | Pattern | Minimum Length | Minimum Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | All except parallel | 18 feet | 8.5 feet |
| Parallel | 22 feet | 8 feet | |
| Intermediate | All except parallel | 16.5 feet | 8 feet |
| Parallel | 20.5 feet | 7.5 feet | |
| Compact | All except parallel | 15 feet | 7.5 feet |
| Parallel | 19 feet | 7 feet |
Use of Compact and Intermediate Spaces
On lots containing two or more required spaces, compact and intermediate spaces may be used to satisfy requirements under specific ratios [§ 17.116.200.A]:
- Compact Spaces: Up to 50% of required spaces may be compact, provided at least 50% are regular or handicapped spaces.
- Intermediate Spaces: Up to 75% of required spaces may be intermediate. However, if any compact spaces are used, they must be balanced by an equal or greater number of regular or handicapped spaces.
S-12 Residential Parking Combining Zone
For One-Family, Two- to Four-Family, or Multifamily Residential Facilities in the S-12 Zone, specific dimensional standards apply and supersede general requirements [§ 17.94.060].
S-12 Space Dimensions
The dimensions for regular, intermediate, and compact spaces in the S-12 zone match the standard dimensions listed above. Handicapped spaces in this zone must comply with the California State Accessibility Standards (Title 24) [§ 17.94.060.A].
S-12 Clearances and Obstructions
- Clear Space Near Walls: Where a space is at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees and abuts a wall or obstruction, a clear area must be provided for the full length of the space. For regular and intermediate spaces, this clear area must be 2 feet wide; for compact spaces, it must be 1.5 feet wide [§ 17.94.090.A].
- Vertical Clearance: Parking spaces, maneuvering aisles, and driveways must have a minimum vertical clearance of 6 feet 8 inches. Up to 50% of required spaces may have a reduced clearance of 4 feet for a horizontal distance of no more than 4 feet from the end of the space opposite the maneuvering aisle (not applicable to independent tandem spaces) [§ 17.94.090.C].
Obstructions and Width Increases
Outside of the S-12 zone, for parking spaces at an angle between 60 and 90 degrees, the required width must be increased by 1 foot for each long side that abuts a wall or similar obstruction [§ 17.116.200.E].
Structural Posts: Posts or structural members may be located adjacent to a space without requiring additional width if they meet the following criteria [§ 17.116.200.E, § 17.94.090.B]:
- The space is a regular space (or an intermediate/compact space approved by the City Traffic Engineer).
- The post is located 3 to 5 feet from the maneuvering aisle or within 4 feet of the end of the space.
- The post does not impede pedestrian access to the vehicle.
- Posts are located on one side of the space only.
Off-Street Loading Berth Dimensions
Loading berths must meet minimum size requirements based on the activity they serve. If a berth (at an angle of 60 to 90 degrees) abuts a wall, the width must be increased by 3 feet [§ 17.116.220].
- Residential Activities: 23' long x 10' wide x 12' high.
- Industrial, Wholesale, and Vehicle Sales: 45' long x 12' wide x 14' high.
- Undertaking Services: 25' long x 10' wide x 8' high.
- All Other Required Activities: 33' long x 12' wide x 14' high.
Maneuvering Aisles and Driveways
Maneuvering aisle widths are determined by the angle of the parking spaces they serve [§ 17.116.210.A, § 17.94.070]:
- Parallel: 11 feet.
- 45° or less: 12 feet.
- 45° to 60°: 15 feet.
- 60° to 75°: 18 feet.
- 75° to 90°: 21 feet (Residential) or 23 feet (Nonresidential).
On-site driveways must generally have a minimum width of 9 feet. For residential facilities with 1–2 units, the driveway and curb cut width is limited to a maximum of 19 feet for the front 20 feet of the lot [§ 17.116.210].