Bike Parking Regulations for Palo Alto, CA
In Palo Alto, CA, the bike parking regulations and design standards are outlined in its municipal code, particularly focusing on both long-term and short-term bicycle parking. Below are the details regarding these requirements and their associated standards.
Long-term bicycle parking requirements
- Long-term parking is required for employees, residents, or regular users who need a secure place to park their bicycles for extended periods, typically during work hours or overnight.
- One long-term space is required for every two dwelling units in multi-family residential developments.
- For non-residential uses, such as offices and commercial spaces, one long-term space is required per 3,000 square feet.
- Bicycle lockers or restricted-access bicycle enclosures are typically required for long-term parking.
- Long-term parking must be provided on-site and located as conveniently as vehicle parking.
Short-term bicycle parking requirements
- Short-term bicycle parking is intended for visitors, customers, and patrons who require a secure place to park their bicycles for shorter periods (usually less than two hours).
- One short-term bicycle space is required per 10 residential units.
- Commercial spaces must provide one short-term bicycle parking space per 2,500 square feet of floor area.
- Short-term parking typically consists of racks placed in visible, accessible locations near building entrances, not more than 50 feet from the main entrance.
Long-term bicycle parking design standards
- Long-term parking facilities must provide high security and protection from the weather.
- Acceptable facilities include bicycle lockers or restricted-access enclosures. Bicycle lockers are the preferred long-term storage option for employees or residents.
- A bicycle locker must be equipped with an internally mounted key-actuated or electronic locking mechanism, and not lockable with a user-provided lock. Groups of internal-lock bicycle lockers may share a common electronic access mechanism provided that each locker is accessible only to its assigned user.
- A restricted-access bicycle enclosure is a locked area containing within it one bicycle rack space for each bicycle to be accommodated, and accessible only to the owners or operators of the bicycles parked within it. The maximum capacity of each restricted-access bicycle enclosure shall be 20 bicycles unless approved by Transportation Division staff.
- At least 50% of long-term spaces must be accessible without the need for users to use stairs or elevators.
- Lighting of at least one foot-candle of illumination at ground level is required in all long-term parking areas.
- Signage must clearly indicate the location of bicycle parking and restricted access facilities.
Short-term bicycle parking design standards
- Short-term racks must allow users to lock both the frame and one wheel securely.
- Racks must be installed in visible, accessible areas, no more than 50 feet from the main building entrance.
- For larger developments requiring more than 10 spaces, at least 50% of short-term parking spaces must be covered.
- Racks must be installed at least 30 inches apart to allow for easy maneuvering and access.
- Paving is required for all bicycle parking areas, and aisles must be at least four feet wide to allow bicycles to be moved in and out easily.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Required Spaces | Short-Term/Long-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (multifamily) | 1 per unit | 100% long-term |
| Commercial/Retail | 1 space per 2,000 sq. ft. | 20% long-term; 80% short-term. |
| Office | 1 space per 2,500 sq. ft. | 80% long-term; 20% short-term. |
| Restaurants with drive-in or take-out facilities | 3 space per 400 sq. ft. | 40% long-term; 60% short-term. |
| All other restaurants | 1 space per 600 sf public service area plus 1 space for each 2,000 sf for other areas | 40% long-term; 60% short-term. |
| Manufacturing, in the RP and ROLM districts | 1 space per 3,000 sq. ft. | 80% long-term; 20% short-term. |
| All other Manufacturing | 1 space per 5,000 sq. ft. | 80% long-term; 20% short-term. |
| Schools (K-12) | 1 space per 5 students | 100% short-term enclosed |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1 space per 15 patient beds | 60% long-term; 40% short-term. |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Palo Alto, CA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
In Palo Alto, showers and personal lockers are recommended, especially for large commercial developments where promoting bicycle commuting is a priority. For developments catering to employees, a shower and locker facility is typically suggested, although it is not explicitly mandated in all cases.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
In the downtown core area, bike parking regulations are consistent with the city-wide standards, but businesses may use shared or public bike parking facilities provided by the city. This alleviates the need for individual businesses to provide private parking if they are constrained by space.
Official Sources
Palo Alto Municipal Code – Bicycle Parking Facilities: Palo Alto Bicycle Parking Standards
Palo Alto Transportation – Bicycling and Walking: City of Palo Alto Transportation
