Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Parking Standards in Grass Valley
Accessory Dwelling Units in the City of Grass Valley generally require one off-street parking space for studio or one-bedroom units and two spaces for units with more than one bedroom. These requirements are waived entirely if the unit is located within a half-mile of public transit, situated within the City's Historical District, or created through the conversion of an existing primary residence or accessory structure [Table 3-3].
General Parking Requirements for ADUs
According to the City of Grass Valley Development Code, parking for an Accessory Dwelling Unit must be provided in addition to the two off-street parking spaces required for the primary dwelling [Section 17.44.190.C.6]. The number of spaces required is determined by the number of bedrooms in the ADU.
| Unit Type | Required Off-Street Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Studio ADU | 1 Space |
| One-Bedroom ADU | 1 Space |
| Two or More Bedroom ADU | 2 Spaces |
Exemptions to Parking Requirements
The City of Grass Valley provides specific scenarios where dedicated off-street parking is not required for an Accessory Dwelling Unit. These exemptions apply regardless of the unit size or bedroom count [Table 3-3]:
- Public Transit Proximity: If the ADU is located within one-half mile of public transit.
- Historical District: if the ADU is located within the boundaries of the City of Grass Valley Historical District.
- Existing Conversions: If the ADU is contained within the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure (such as a garage or workshop).
Additionally, if a homeowner demolishes a garage, carport, or covered parking structure to construct an ADU or convert it into one, the City of Grass Valley does not require the replacement of those displaced parking spaces for the primary dwelling [Section 17.44.190.C.6].
Location and Configuration Standards
When parking is required for an ADU in the City of Grass Valley, the code provides flexibility regarding where and how those spaces may be situated on the lot:
Placement within Setbacks
Unlike many other structures, parking spaces dedicated to an ADU may be located within the front and side yard setback areas of the parcel [Table 3-3].
Tandem Parking
The City of Grass Valley explicitly allows ADU parking requirements to be met through the use of tandem parking [Section 17.44.190.C.6]. Tandem parking refers to a configuration where one vehicle is parked directly behind another, blocking its path to the street.
Accessibility
Required parking spaces for studio or one-bedroom ADUs must be "accessible," though they do not necessarily need to be covered [Section 17.44.190.C.6].
Sections Cited
- Section 17.44.190 (Accessory dwelling units)
- Section 17.36.040 (Number of parking spaces required)
- Table 3-3 (Parking Requirements by Land Use)