Arroyo Grande VCD zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

VCD (Village Core Downtown) 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 VCD

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: a maximum of 36 ft is allowed through the MUP process § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “8. Building Size Limits”: Maximum height is 30 feet or three stories, whichever is less; a maximum of 36 feet is allowable through the MUP process. Maximum building size is 20,000 square feet.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “8. Building Size Limits”: Maximum height is 30 feet or three stories, whichever is less; a maximum of 36 feet is allowable through the MUP process. Maximum building size is 20,000 square feet.
Minimum front setback	0-15 ft § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “4. Front Yard Setback”: 0 - 15 feet. Structures typically built at back of sidewalk. Exceptions include entrance courtyards and areas for outdoor dining determined through discretionary review.
Minimum side setback	0 ft § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “6. Side Yard Setback”: 0 feet.
Minimum rear setback	0-15 ft § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “5. Rear Yard Setback”: 0 - 15 feet.
Minimum lot size	2,500 sq ft § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “2. Minimum Lot Size”: 2,500 square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	100% § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “9. Site Coverage Floor Area Ratio of 2”: Maximum coverage of site is 100%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 2.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	2 § 16.36.020 · code text Table row “9. Site Coverage Floor Area Ratio of 2”: Maximum coverage of site is 100%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 2.

Uses in VCD

Uses the code's use tables allow in VCD, 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 VCD:

Maximum building height: 36 ft — allowable through the MUP process § 16.36.020

Not on this page

We did not find a general density limit for VCD 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

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

30 ft (a maximum of 36 ft is allowed through the MUP process) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

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

3 stories — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

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

0-15 ft — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

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

0 ft — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

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

0-15 ft — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.

General information, not legal advice.