Off-Street Parking Standards for the Grass Valley R-2A Medium Density Residential District
In the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district of the City of Grass Valley, residential projects generally require two parking spaces per unit, with multi-family developments requiring at least one to two covered spaces depending on bedroom count. Commercial and public service projects permitted within the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district must adhere to specific ratios, such as one space per 400 square feet for libraries or one space per three beds for extended care facilities [Section 17.36.040, Table 3-3].
General Requirements for the R-2A District
The City of Grass Valley applies off-street parking requirements to all land uses and structures within the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district. No land use may commence, and no structure may be occupied, until the required parking and loading improvements are completed and approved by the Community Development Director [Section 17.36.020].
For multi-tenant sites within the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district, the total number of spaces required is the sum of the requirements for each separate use, unless a parking reduction is specifically approved [Section 17.36.040.D].
Residential Parking Ratios
Residential projects in the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district must provide parking based on the type of dwelling unit. The City of Grass Valley requires that these spaces be permanently available and maintained for parking purposes [Section 17.36.030].
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Vehicle Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces; at least 1 must be covered. |
| Multi-Unit (Studio & 1-Bedroom) | 1 covered space per unit, plus 1 guest space per 5 units. |
| Multi-Unit (2+ Bedrooms) | 2 covered spaces per unit, plus 1 guest space per 5 units. |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | 1 space for studio/1-BR; 2 spaces for 2+ BR (unless exempt). |
| Residential Care Facility | 1 space per 2 units, plus 1 space per 4 units for guests/employees. |
| Live/Work Unit | 2 spaces per unit. |
Parking Exemptions for ADUs: In the City of Grass Valley, off-street parking for ADUs is not required if the unit is located within one-half mile of public transit or within the City's Historical District [Section 17.100.020].
Non-Residential and Public Use Parking Ratios
While the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district is primarily residential, certain public and quasi-public uses are allowed by right or with a Use Permit. These uses must meet the following City of Grass Valley standards:
| Use Type | Minimum Vehicle Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Library, Gallery, or Museum | 1 space for each 400 square feet. |
| Meeting Facility / Community Center | 1 space for each 100 square feet. |
| School (Elementary & Middle) | 1 space per employee plus 1 space per 10 children/students. |
| Medical Services (Extended Care) | 1 space for every 3 beds/patients the facility is licensed for. |
| Golf Courses | 4 spaces per hole, plus requirements for accessory uses (clubhouse, etc.). |
| Public Safety Facility | 1 space per 250 square feet. |
Parking Design and Location Standards
The City of Grass Valley mandates specific design criteria for parking areas within the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district to maintain neighborhood character:
- Location for Multi-Family: Off-street parking for multi-family structures (3 or more units) must be located so it is not visible from the street fronting the parcel [Section 17.44.160.D].
- Setbacks: Residential parking must be located on the same parcel as the use it serves. Non-residential parking may not be located within a required front setback [Section 17.36.090.C].
- Compact Spaces: In multi-family projects within the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district, up to 20% of the required uncovered parking spaces may be designated for compact vehicles [Section 17.36.090.D.4.a].
- Surfacing: All parking areas and driveways must be paved and permanently maintained with asphalt or concrete [Section 17.36.100.D].
Standard Parking Dimensions
| Space Type | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Stall | 9 feet | 18 feet |
| Compact Stall | 8 feet | 16 feet |
Landscaping and Screening
For parking areas in the R-2A: Medium Density Residential district with more than six spaces, the City of Grass Valley requires that at least 10% of the total parking lot area be landscaped [Section 17.34.030.D]. A minimum of one shade tree must be provided for every five parking spaces. Additionally, a six-foot-high solid decorative masonry wall or fence must be provided where a non-residential parking area abuts a residential use to address light, glare, and noise issues [Section 17.34.030.C.4].
Sections Cited
- Section 17.34.030 – Parking lot landscaping
- Section 17.36.020 – Applicability (Parking and Loading)
- Section 17.36.030 – General parking regulations
- Section 17.36.040 – Number of parking spaces required
- Section 17.36.090 – Parking design and development standards
- Section 17.36.100 – Driveways and site access
- Section 17.44.160 – Multifamily projects
- Section 17.44.190 – Accessory dwelling units (ADU)
- Section 17.100.020 – Definitions of specialized terms and phrases