Bike Parking Regulations for Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, California, has established specific regulations and design standards for bicycle parking as part of its broader effort to promote sustainable transportation. These requirements apply to any new construction, significant additions to existing buildings, or changes in building occupancy. Santa Cruz distinguishes between short-term (Class 2) and long-term (Class 1) bicycle parking facilities, offering clear specifications for each, including the number of spaces required based on building type and the design of the bike parking areas.
General Bike Parking Requirements
- For any new building, enlargement, or change in occupancy, bicycle parking must be provided.
- Each bike parking space must be at least 6 feet long and 2 feet wide.
- Bike rack systems must comply with city standards based on classification (Class 1 or Class 2).
- For developments requiring 20 or more bike parking spaces, a bike fix-it station must be included.
Short-Term and Long-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements
Long-Term Bicycle Parking (Class 1)
- Long-term bike parking is defined as facilities offering greater security and protection from theft, vandalism, and weather. This typically includes lockers, individually locked enclosures, or supervised areas within a building.
- Required for industrial uses, office buildings, retail spaces, multifamily housing, and other specific use cases such as schools and hotels.
- Design standards: Class 1 facilities are intended for long-term storage and must include secure, covered parking.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Class 2)
- Short-term bike parking is designed for shorter visits and provides a stand or other device that allows locking both the frame and one wheel of the bike.
- Facilities must support bikes in a stable upright position to prevent bikes from falling or being damaged.
- Preferred rack design: Inverted U-racks, which provide two points of contact with the bicycle.
- Class 2 parking is more prevalent for short-term visits, especially for commercial, retail, and public service buildings.
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Long-term bicycle parking should be in secure, enclosed locations to prevent theft and weather damage.
- Bike lockers, supervised areas, and indoor bicycle parking areas are recommended.
- Facilities must have enough clearance and security, ensuring that bicycles are protected from external elements.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Short-term bike parking should be located within 40 feet of building entrances, in well-lit, visible locations.
- Inverted U-racks are the preferred standard for short-term parking to ensure stability.
- Bicycle parking areas must provide two points of contact to the frame and allow access without impeding pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
- Racks should not be placed near walls or other obstacles that make locking and accessing bicycles difficult.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Bike Parking Spaces Required | Long-term/Short-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial | 1 per 7,00 sf, minimum 2 spaces | 80% Class 1, 20% Class 2 |
| Office and Financial Institutions | 1 per 1,500 square feet, minimum 2 spaces | 20% Class 1, 80% Class 2 |
| Retail | 1 per 1,000 square feet, minimum 2 spaces | 20% Class 1, 80% Class 2 |
| Restaurants/Bar | 1 per 500 square feet, minimum 2 spaces | 20% Class 1, 80% Class 2 |
| Multi-Family | Class 1 – 1 space per unit – garages or secure accessible indoor areas count; Class 2 1 space per 4 units, minimum 2 spaces | |
| Civic Uses | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. | 10% Class 1, 90% Class 2 |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Santa Cruz, CA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers, Personal Lockers & Other Requirements
For projects requiring 20 or more bicycle parking spaces, a bike fix-it station must be provided. The municipal code does not explicitly mandate showers or personal lockers for bicycle parking areas.
Special Area Requirements and Incentives
Parking District No. 1 has specific requirements. Nonresidential uses within this district must provide 25% Class 1 and 75% Class 2 bike parking spaces. If adequate on-site space is unavailable, the planning director may allow bicycle parking within the public right-of-way.
Up to 10% of vehicle parking spaces can be substituted for bicycle parking, provided that at least 6 bike parking spaces are created for each converted vehicle space.
Where to Find Official Regulations
The official bike parking regulations can be found in the Santa Cruz Municipal Code, specifically under section 24.12.250: Santa Cruz Municipal Code – Bicycle Parking Requirements.
