Does AB 2097 remove parking requirements in Los Angeles?
Ike Mbelu, Principal Partner · Last checked
On this page: The short answer · What state law gives you · What it means in each city
The short answer
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§65863.2
Near transit, yes
In Los Angeles and across LA County, no city can require minimum car parking for a project within half a mile of a major transit stop: a rail or bus rapid transit station, or two major bus routes crossing at 20-minute peak service. Hotels are excluded. EV and accessible spaces still apply. Gov. Code §65863.2.
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What state law gives you
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01
What it covers
Housing, commercial and other projects get no parking minimum. Any hotel or short-stay lodging is out. §65863.2(a), (e)(6).
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02
What counts as transit
A rail or bus rapid transit station, or two or more major bus routes crossing at 20-minute peak service, a test in effect since January 1, 2025. Pub. Res. Code §21064.3.
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03
The city's one way back
A city can still require parking only with written findings within 30 days of a complete application. Not on housing under 20 units, or with 20 percent of units set aside as affordable, student, senior or disabled housing. §65863.2(b), (c).
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What still applies
EV and accessible-space rules still apply. Parking you choose to build can't be required free to residents. §65863.2(f), (g).
What it means in each city
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01
Los Angeles
The density bonus code says it outright: no parking within half a mile of a Major Transit Stop, citing §65863.2. LAMC §12.22 A.37(e)(2)(i). See density bonus in Los Angeles.
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02
Torrance
In a High-Quality Transit Corridor, a project can't use both the Housing Corridor Overlay and AB 2097. TMC §91.51.0130. More on building in Torrance.
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03
Lawndale and Gardena
Medium-density R-3 asks two covered or enclosed spaces per unit plus half a guest space, about 2.5 total. LMC §17.48.180, GMC §18.40.040. Within half a mile of a major transit stop, AB 2097 removes that minimum. See Lawndale and Gardena.
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04
Redondo Beach
Multifamily asks one space per studio, 1.5 per one-bedroom, two for larger units. RBMC §10-2.1704(a)(2). Near a qualifying stop, those drop. More on Redondo Beach.
This is a summary of state law and local codes, not legal advice. Confirm the current code and the transit map for your site. Related: SB 9 in Los Angeles.
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