Bike Parking Regulations for Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica has a robust set of bike parking regulations aimed at supporting the city’s sustainability goals and promoting bicycle use. These regulations apply to new buildings, changes of use, and major expansions of existing buildings. The city differentiates between short-term and long-term bicycle parking, with distinct design standards and requirements for each type. Below is a detailed summary of the city’s bike parking regulations, including required facilities and design standards.
General Bike Parking Requirements
For every new building, change of use, or significant enlargement of an existing building (10% or more), bicycle parking must be provided in the quantities specified. Short-term and long-term parking are required based on the specific use of the property, and both types of parking must be conveniently located and accessible.
Other Requirements
- No more than 50% of the total bike parking required may be provided in a vertical or hanging rack.
- At least 10% of the total bike parking must be provided to accommodate 10-foot-long bicycles such as bicycles with trailers, recumbent, and cargo style bicycles.
- If senior housing is provided, bicycle parking areas must accommodate tricycle style bicycles.
Short-Term and Long-Term Bicycle Parking Requirements
Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Long-term bike parking is intended for employees, students, residents, and other individuals who stay for extended periods (4 hours or more). Long-term parking must be covered and secure, often taking the form of lockers or enclosed areas.
- Location: Long-term parking must be located within 75 feet of the main entrance or near a public elevator or stairway. If ground-floor parking is available, the bicycle parking must be located on the ground floor.
- Covered parking: Long-term spaces must be covered, using lockers, overhangs, or inside buildings.
- Security: Long-term parking areas must include enclosed bicycle lockers or fenced, locked, or guarded areas.
- Electric bicycles: Electrical outlets must be available in long-term parking areas for charging electric bicycles.
Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Short-term parking is designed to accommodate visitors, shoppers, and guests who stay for a short time (less than 4 hours).
- Location: Short-term parking must be located within 50 feet of the building entrance. For multi-tenant buildings, parking must be within 50 feet of each store’s entrance. In the Downtown District, short-term parking may be located in the public right-of-way, provided it does not obstruct pedestrian paths.
- Anchoring: The bicycle racks must allow for locking both the frame and one wheel, and racks should provide at least two points of contact with the bike for stability.
- Special events: Short-term parking is required for special events at a rate of 35% of the expected attendees.
Design Standards for Long-Term Bicycle Parking
- Long-term bicycle parking must provide secure and covered storage for bikes in enclosed or monitored spaces.
- The spaces must be easily accessible and well-located within or near the building they serve.
- Electric outlets must be available for charging electric bicycles.
Design Standards for Short-Term Bicycle Parking
- Short-term parking must be in visible, well-lit locations outside the public right-of-way and must not impede pedestrian or vehicle access.
- Racks should be anchored securely to prevent theft and damage to bicycles.
- Racks must be designed to support bikes in a stable upright position without damaging wheels or frames.
Table of Required Bicycle Parking Spaces by Facility Type
| Facility Type | Short-Term Spaces | Long-Term Spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (multi-unit) | 10% of long-term spaces; minimum 2 spaces per project | 1 space per bedroom, including studios |
| Office | 1 space per 8,000 sq. ft.; minimum 4 spaces | 1 space per 2,000 sq. ft.; minimum 4 spaces |
| Retail | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. | 25% of spaces long-term |
| K-12 Schools | 1.5 space per 20 students | 0.5 space per classroom |
| Colleges | 1.5 spaces for each 10 students | 0.5 space per classroom |
| Hospitals or Clinics | 1 space per 4,000 sq. ft. of floor area; minimum 4 spaces per project | 1 space per 2,000 sq. ft. of floor area; minimum 4 spaces per project |
| Industrial | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft.; minimum of 4 per project | 1 space per 12,000 sq. ft.; minimum of 4 per project |
| Hotels | 8 spaces | 0.20 per room |
The above information represents a partial list of the facility types and their bike parking requirements for Santa Monica, CA. Please refer to the links below for more detailed information.
Showers and Personal Lockers
In Santa Monica, non-residential buildings larger than 10,000 square feet or those expanding by 10% or more must provide shower and locker facilities for employees. This is detailed in SMMC 9.28.170.
- Shower and Dressing Areas. A minimum of one shower facility shall be provided in new projects with a gross floor area between 10,000 and 24,999 square feet, 2 showers in projects between 25,000 square feet and 124,999 square feet, and 4 showers for any project over 125,000 square feet. Dressing areas shall be provided for shower facilities.
- Lockers. Lockers for clothing and other personal effects shall be located in close proximity to showers and dressing areas to permit access to locker areas by either gender. A minimum of one clothes locker shall be provided for 75% of the long-term employee bicycle parking spaces required.
Regional or Neighborhood-Specific Requirements
In the Downtown Districts, bike parking may be placed in the public right-of-way, subject to approval and clearance requirements. If on-site short-term parking cannot be provided for certain projects, the developer may pay a fee in lieu of providing the space, which is used for installing bike racks.
Official Sources
Santa Monica Bicycle Parking Ordinance
CALGreen Bike Parking Guidelines
