Bicycle Parking Regulations for San Diego, CA

San Diego’s municipal code offers specific guidance on bicycle parking to promote cycling as a sustainable transportation option. The regulations distinguish between short-term and long-term bicycle parking, providing details on required spaces, design standards, and associated amenities like showers and lockers in larger developments. These provisions are part of the city’s effort to create a cyclist-friendly infrastructure, encouraging people to choose bikes for both commuting and recreation.

Long-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements

Long-term bicycle parking is intended for employees and residents who need secure storage for extended periods. The key requirements include:

• Long-term bicycle parking spaces must be provided at a rate of 5% of the total number of automobile parking spaces for non-residential developments with more than ten full-time employees.
• At least one long-term bicycle parking space is required.
• Features of long-term bicycle parking include:
  • Covered, lockable enclosures with permanently anchored racks.
  • Lockable bicycle rooms with racks.
  • Lockable, permanently anchored bicycle lockers.
• Developments that require 10 or more long-term spaces must also provide showers and lockers for employees.

Short-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements

Short-term bicycle parking caters to visitors and patrons. Key requirements include:

• Short-term spaces are required for non-residential developments based on the total number of automobile parking spaces provided for the premises. A minimum of two spaces or 0.1 per 1,000 square feet of building floor area, or 5% of the provided automobile parking space minimum (whichever is greater) is required.
• These spaces must be conveniently located within 200 feet of a visitor entrance and consist of permanently anchored racks.

Design Standards for Bicycle Parking

The design standards for both short-term and long-term bicycle parking aim to provide convenience, security, and usability. The general design standards include:

For Long-Term Parking

• Spaces must be lockable and secure.
• Lockable enclosures or lockers must be used to ensure the safety of bikes left for extended periods.
• Showers and lockers are required when 10 or more long-term spaces are provided.

For Short-Term Parking

• Spaces must be conveniently located near building entrances.
• Racks should allow cyclists to lock both the frame and wheels of their bikes without using chains or cables.

Minimum Required Parking Spaces for Multiple Dwelling Units

The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements in San Diego, CA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.

Showers and Lockers Requirements

Developments that require 10 or more long-term bicycle parking spaces must provide on-premise employee shower facilities and lockers for bicycle commuters. These amenities are designed to support commuting by bike, offering cyclists a place to clean up and store their belongings. Shower facilities shall include lockers and shall be free-of-charge to bicycle commuters.

Additional Requirements for Specific Neighborhoods

Certain neighborhoods in San Diego may have different requirements due to zoning or transit priority areas. For instance, the transit area minimum parking ratios may apply in the Transit Area Overlay Zone, which could affect the provision of bicycle parking in areas with high public transit accessibility

Official Regulations

The full text of San Diego’s bicycle parking regulations can be found in the San Diego Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 14, Article 2, Division 5. The official regulations are available at: San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 14 (Parking Regulations).

This document provides detailed guidance on the city’s approach to promoting cycling infrastructure, offering architects and engineers a clear framework for implementing bike-friendly facilities in new developments.