Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

School Site Design Diagrams

This page contains conceptual displays only and are intended to illustrate a specific Title 5 criterion.
Site Design Standards for Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety

The following drawings illustrate California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 14030 site design standards:

Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 1 (PDF). Buses do not pass through parking areas to enter or exit school sites unless a barrier is provided that prevents vehicles from backing directly into the bus loading area.
Accessible version of Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 1

Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 2 (PDF). Parent drop-off area is adjacent to school entrance and separate from bus area and parking.
Accessible version of Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 2

Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 3 (PDF). Vehicle traffic pattern does not interfere with foot traffic patterns. Foot traffic does not have to pass through entrance driveways to enter school. Crosswalks are clearly marked to define desired foot path to school entrance.
Accessible version of Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 3

Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 4 (PDF). Parking stalls are not located so vehicles must back into bus or loading areas used by parents. Island fencing or curbs are used to separate parking areas from loading/unloading areas.
Accessible version of Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 4

Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 5 (PDF). To provide equal access to insure the purposes of the least restrictive environment, bus drop-off for handicapped students is in the same location as for regular education students.
Accessible version of Bus/Parent Drop-off Example 5

Utility Access Example 6 (PDF). Delivery/utility vehicles have direct access from the street to the delivery area without crossing over playground or field areas, or interfering with bus or parent loading, unless a fence or other barrier protects students from large vehicle traffic on playgrounds. Trash pickup is fenced or otherwise isolated and away from foot traffic areas.
Accessible version of Utility Access Example 6

Sufficient Parking Example 7 (PDF). Parking spaces are sufficient for staff, visitors, and students (where applicable).
Accessible version of Sufficient Parking Example 7

Best Practices to Avoid Pedestrian and Vehicular Conflicts

The following drawings illustrate common site designs that are submitted to the California Department of Education that raise safety concerns or conflict with California Code of Regulations, Title 5 design standards, with examples of possible solutions:

Bus Drop-off/Parent Drop-off Conflict Example 8 (PDF)
Accessible version of Bus Drop-off/Parent Drop-off Conflict Example 8

Bus Drop-off/Parent Drop-off Conflict Example 9 (PDF)
Accessible version of Bus Drop-off/Parent Drop-off Conflict Example 9

Parent Drop-off/Parking Conflict Example 10 (PDF)
Accessible version of Parent Drop-off/Parking Conflict Example 10

Parent Drop-off/Parking Conflict Example 11 (PDF)
Accessible version of Parent Drop-off/Parking Conflict Example 11

Mid-block Crosswalk/Drop-off Conflict Example 12 (PDF)
Accessible version of Mid-block Crosswalk/Drop-off Conflict Example 12

Questions:   Diane Waters | dwaters@cde.ca.gov | 916-327-2884
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Recently Posted in School Facilities
  • Debt Financing for California School Districts (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Provides California school districts with an overview of local funding options, including bond requirements, allowable uses, bonding capacity, the school bond process, and Certificates of Participation.
  • Bidding 101 (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Outlines bid thresholds, statutory requirements, and procurement guidance for school districts. Covers construction, non-construction, professional services, cooperative purchasing, and delivery methods.
  • School Construction Toolkit (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Resources to help small school district administrators navigate facilities financing, local and state funding options, contracting support, and technical assistance, with guidance from foundational planning through roadmaps for additional resources.
  • CA Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (added 06-Oct-2026)
    Provides an overview of CUPCCAA program and process that school districts can use to streamline procurement procedures and higher bid thresholds. Districts must formally elect participation and follow applicable laws, requirements and board policies.
  • Bidding Quick Reference Chart (added 06-Oct-2026)
    This page contains information regarding the bidding quick reference chart