Menlo Park, CA Bike Parking Regulations and Standards

This document outlines the bike parking regulations and standards for Menlo Park, CA. It includes the requirements for short-term and long-term bicycle parking, design standards, and any specific requirements by facility type or neighborhood. It also includes information on showers and personal locker requirements.

Long-term Bicycle Parking Requirements

Long-term bicycle parking is primarily designed for residents and employees who need to store their bicycles for extended periods, typically several hours or overnight. The city requires that long-term parking spaces be protected from the elements and secure to prevent theft. For residential units, the requirement is generally 1.5 long-term spaces per unit. For office and research development, 80% of bicycle parking must be designated as long-term. These long-term spaces should be in secure, weather-protected areas, often within or near the building.

Short-term Bicycle Parking Requirements

Short-term bicycle parking is intended for visitors who need parking for a shorter duration, generally ranging from a few minutes to a couple of hours. In residential zones, an additional 10% of the total long-term bicycle parking spaces are required to accommodate short-term visitors. For commercial uses, 20% of the bicycle parking is designated for long-term use, while the remaining 80% must be short-term. These spaces should be located conveniently near building entrances and be visible to the public for ease of access.

Design Standards for Long-term Bicycle Parking

Long-term bicycle parking must include secure, weather-protected enclosures, such as bicycle lockers or indoor bicycle rooms. These facilities should allow for easy and secure locking of bicycles, with racks or lockers that support the bicycle frame. The parking should be located in a secure area, preferably with controlled access, and it should be easily accessible from building entrances

Design Standards for Short-term Bicycle Parking

Short-term bicycle parking spaces must be located in visible, easily accessible areas near the main entrance of buildings. The racks should be designed to allow cyclists to lock both the frame and at least one wheel to the rack. These spaces do not require weather protection but should be situated in well-lit and convenient areas.

Parking Space Requirements by Building Type

Menlo Park requires varying numbers of bicycle parking spaces based on the building type and use. Bike parking regulations within the Menlo Park Municipal Code are not located within one section of the Code. Instead, each district has its own section in the Code that contains the bike parking requirements for that district. See links below for a sampling each district’s code for bike parking.

Below is a table showing the minimum requirements for different facilities within the Office District:

Land Use	Bicycle Parking Requirements	Long-term Parking	Short-term Parking
Residential Units	1.5 long-term per unit	1.5 per unit	10% additional for guests
Office	1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	80% for long-term	20% for short-term
Light Industrial, Research & Development	1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	80% for long-term	20% for short-term
Retail	1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	20% for long-term	80% for short-term
Eating and Drinking Establishments	1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	20% for long-term	80% for short-term
Hotel	0.75 spaces per guest room	20% for long-term	80% for short-term
Public Parking Lot or Structure	1 space per 20 vehicle spaces	N/A	N/A
Child Care Centers	1 per 5,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area	20% for long-term	80% for short-term

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

Showers and Personal Lockers

While Menlo Park’s regulations do not specifically mandate the provision of showers or personal lockers, these facilities are often recommended for employment-heavy areas to encourage cycling. In certain developments, particularly those aimed at employees, developers are encouraged to consider adding such facilities.

Variances by Region or Neighborhood

Bike parking requirements in Menlo Park vary across the city, and specific areas like the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan Area may have unique regulations due to higher density and different urban dynamics. For example, residential developments in this zone must meet the same requirements as those outside of it, but the density and layout may vary.

Source for Official Regulations

You can access the official bike parking regulations for Menlo Park through the city’s municipal code and zoning ordinances.

Bike parking requirements in Menlo Park vary by property type and geographical district. Below are links to a sampling of project types and geographical districts:

The full bike parking guidelines are available online at: Menlo Park Municipal Code.

The Menlo Park city website also offers resources and contact information for further assistance.