Arroyo Grande · Zoning · MFA
Arroyo Grande MFA zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arroyo Grande's MFA zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Arroyo Grande code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (Accessory buildings are limited to 14 ft)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (Infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them.)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (Infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Average along the rear line; the average is 20 ft for two-story buildings)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 14.0 DU per gross acre (Independent living is limited to 11 units per acre unless 25% of units serve low and moderate income residents)
MFA 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 MFA
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 | 30 ft Applies: Accessory buildings are limited to 14 ft § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “10. Maximum height for buildings and structures”, column “MFA”: 30′ or 2 stories, whichever is less, 14′ for accessory buildings |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “10. Maximum height for buildings and structures”, column “MFA”: 30′ or 2 stories, whichever is less, 14′ for accessory buildings |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: Infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them. § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “5. Minimum front yard setback”, column “MFA”: 20′* |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: Infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them. § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “6. Minimum interior side yard setback”, column “MFA”: 10′* |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Average along the rear line; the average is 20 ft for two-story buildings § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “8. Minimum rear yard setback”, column “MFA”: Average 15′ h |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “2. Minimum building site (Net area in sq. ft.)”, column “MFA”: 10,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “9. Maximum lot coverage d”, column “MFA”: 45% |
| Maximum density | 14.0 DU per gross acre Applies: Independent living is limited to 11 units per acre unless 25% of units serve low and moderate income residents § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “1. Maximum density (DU's per gross acre)”, column “MFA”: 14.0 f |
Uses in MFA
Uses the code's use tables allow in MFA, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Apartment building — Needs a minor use permit
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for MFA in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code.
Other Arroyo Grande zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Arroyo Grande's MFA zone?
30 ft (accessory buildings are limited to 14 ft) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Arroyo Grande's MFA zone?
2 stories — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Arroyo Grande's MFA zone?
20 ft (infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Arroyo Grande's MFA zone?
10 ft (infill in an approved project follows that project's setbacks if the city set them) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arroyo Grande's MFA zone?
15 ft (average along the rear line; the average is 20 ft for two-story buildings) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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