Arroyo Grande · Zoning · RS
Arroyo Grande RS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arroyo Grande's RS zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 12,000 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: 25 ft (New subdivisions of 5+ lots; infill and additions use this or the block average. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks.)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft one side, 10 ft other side (Lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks.)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (Lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks.)
- Minimum lot size: 12,000 sq ft (New subdivisions; a smaller site is allowed if habitat, open space or steep slopes are preserved)
- Maximum lot coverage: 30% (Lots of 10,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district)
- Maximum density: 2.5 DU per gross acre
RS 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 RS
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 “RS”: 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 “RS”: 30′ or 2 stories, whichever is less, 14′ for accessory buildings. |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft Applies: New subdivisions of 5+ lots; infill and additions use this or the block average. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks. § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “5. Minimum front yard * New subdivisions of 5+ lots”, column “RS”: 25′ |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft one side, 10 ft other side Applies: Lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks. § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “6. Minimum interior side yard setback *”, column “RS”: 5′ one side, 10′ other side (for lots < 12,000 sq. ft. use SF) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: Lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks. § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “8. Minimum rear yard setback *”, column “RS”: 20′ (For lots < 12,000 sq. ft. use SF) |
| Minimum lot size | 12,000 sq ft Applies: New subdivisions; a smaller site is allowed if habitat, open space or steep slopes are preserved § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “2. Minimum building site a (Net area in sq. ft.) new subdivisions”, column “RS”: 12,000 (reduced minimum building site area allowed with provision to permanently preserve sensitive habitat and/or open space corridors and/or to avoid development of steep slopes and ridgelines) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% Applies: Lots of 10,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “9. Maximum lot coverage d”, column “RS”: 30% (For lots <10,000 sq. ft. use SF) |
| Maximum density | 2.5 DU per gross acre § 16.32.050 · code textTable row “1. Maximum density (DU's per gross acre)”, column “RS”: 2.5 |
Uses in RS
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Growing crops — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for RS 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 RS 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 RS zone?
2 stories — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Arroyo Grande's RS zone?
25 ft (new subdivisions of 5+ lots; infill and additions use this or the block average. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Arroyo Grande's RS zone?
5 ft one side, 10 ft other side (lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arroyo Grande's RS zone?
20 ft (lots of 12,000 sq ft or more; smaller lots use the SF district. Approved-project infill follows that project's setbacks) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.32.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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