Arroyo Grande · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Arroyo Grande?
In Arroyo Grande, a single-family home is allowed in 9 base zones (RE, RH, RR, RS, SF and 4 more, 2 with a condition), needs a minor use permit in 1 (VR, it with a condition) and not allowed in 2 (Arroyo Grande use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: RE, RH, RR, RS, SF, MF, MFA, AG and 1 more
- Needs a permit: VR
- Not allowed: MFVH and MHP
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Arroyo Grande's code calls this use “1. Single-family detached (standard lot sizes)”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| RE Residential Estate | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| RH | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| RR | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| RS | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| SF | Allowed | § 16.32.040 |
| MF | Allowed — see note Note sup (b?): If parcel area is below minimum building site area. [superscript mark lost in stored text; footnote b is otherwise unreferenced] | § 16.32.040 |
| MFA | Allowed — see note Note sup (b?): If parcel area is below minimum building site area. [superscript mark lost in stored text; footnote b is otherwise unreferenced] | § 16.32.040 |
| AG | Allowed | § 16.28.030 |
| AP | Allowed | § 16.28.030 |
| VR Village Residential | Needs a minor use permit — see note Note a: Architectural review is required for the historic character overlay district D-2.4 per Section 16.32.050(F)(1) and in accordance with Section 16.16.130 through the permit approval process for conditional use, planned unit development or minor use permit for architectural review. | § 16.32.040 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- S2 row 2 'Small lot single-family detached' is PUD in RH, RR, RS, SF, VR, MF. S3 has only 'Single family residential within a mixed use project' (MUP in VMU, NP elsewhere); not used because it is project-only.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: PD 1.1 and PD 1.2 planned development districts; other districts (industrial, public, parks) not in the supplied text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Arroyo Grande
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the VR zone in Arroyo Grande?
Only with a minor use permit. Arroyo Grande's use table lists it that way in VR (Village Residential) (§ 16.32.040). The code adds a condition: “Architectural review is required for the historic character overlay district D-2.4 per Section 16.32.050(F)(1) and in accordance with Section 16.16.130 through the permit approval process for conditional use, planned…”
Can I have a single-family home in the MFVH zone in Arroyo Grande?
No. Arroyo Grande's use table does not allow it in MFVH (§ 16.32.040).
Can I have a single-family home in the RE zone in Arroyo Grande?
Yes. Arroyo Grande's use table lists it as allowed in RE (Residential Estate) (§ 16.32.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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