Arroyo Grande GMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

GMU (Gateway Mixed Use) is a zoning district in Arroyo Grande. Every value below was read from the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in GMU

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	35 ft Applies: The lower of 35 ft or 3 stories applies The code attaches notes 5, 6 to this value. This page does not show them; read the code before relying on the number. § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “10. Building Size Limits”: Maximum height is 35 feet or three stories whichever is less; a maximum of up to 40 feet for mixed use projects by discretionary action on lots larger than 20,000 square feet and where the building is not adjacent to a residential district. See Design Guidelines and Standards for Mixed Use Districts. Also see Section 16.48.030 (B)(5) and (6). Maximum building size is 102,500 square feet.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories Applies: The lower of 35 ft or 3 stories applies The code attaches notes 5, 6 to this value. This page does not show them; read the code before relying on the number. § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “10. Building Size Limits”: Maximum height is 35 feet or three stories whichever is less; a maximum of up to 40 feet for mixed use projects by discretionary action on lots larger than 20,000 square feet and where the building is not adjacent to a residential district. See Design Guidelines and Standards for Mixed Use Districts. Also see Section 16.48.030 (B)(5) and (6). Maximum building size is 102,500 square feet.
Minimum front setback	0-10 ft Applies: Larger setbacks may be set for courtyards, outdoor dining or projects facing a residential district § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “6. Front Yard Setback”: 0 - 10 feet. Exceptions for larger setbacks may include entrance courtyards, areas for outdoor dining, or for projects facing a residential district as determined through discretionary review.
Minimum side setback	0-5 ft Applies: Projects abutting a residential district use that district's setback § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “8. Side Yard Setback”: 0 - 5 feet. For projects abutting a residential district, corresponding residential setback shall apply.
Minimum rear setback	0-15 ft Applies: Projects abutting a residential district use that district's setback § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “7. Rear Yard Setback”: 0 - 15 feet. Parking encouraged. For projects abutting a residential district, corresponding residential setback shall apply.
Minimum lot size	20,000 sq ft § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “4. Minimum Lot Size”: 20,000 square feet (gross).
Maximum lot coverage	75% § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “11. Site Coverage and Floor Area Ratio”: Maximum coverage of site is 75%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 1.5.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	1.5 § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “11. Site Coverage and Floor Area Ratio”: Maximum coverage of site is 75%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 1.5.
Maximum density	25 dwelling units/acre Applies: multi-family housing § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “2. Maximum density—Multi-family housing”: 25 dwelling units/acre.

Uses in GMU

Uses the code's use tables allow in GMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
Child care center — Needs a minor use permit — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in GMU:

Maximum building height: up to 40 ft — Mixed use projects approved by discretionary action, lots over 20,000 sq ft, not next to a residential district § 16.36.020

Other Arroyo Grande zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Arroyo Grande's GMU zone?

35 ft (the lower of 35 ft or 3 stories applies) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.

What is the maximum number of stories in Arroyo Grande's GMU zone?

3 stories (the lower of 35 ft or 3 stories applies) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.

What is the minimum front setback in Arroyo Grande's GMU zone?

0-10 ft (larger setbacks may be set for courtyards, outdoor dining or projects facing a residential district) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

What is the minimum side setback in Arroyo Grande's GMU zone?

0-5 ft (projects abutting a residential district use that district's setback) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

What is the minimum rear setback in Arroyo Grande's GMU zone?

0-15 ft (projects abutting a residential district use that district's setback) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

General information, not legal advice.