Arroyo Grande · Zoning · VMU
Arroyo Grande VMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arroyo Grande's VMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 0-15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Arroyo Grande code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (a maximum of 36 ft is allowed through the MUP process)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 0-15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (unless mixed use or abutting residential: 5 ft for single story, 110 ft on one side for multiple stories (as written))
- Minimum rear setback: 0-15 ft (10 ft required if the project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1
VMU (Village 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 VMU
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 textTable 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 10,000 square feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 16.36.020 · code textTable 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 10,000 square feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 0-15 ft § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “4. Front Yard Setback”: 0 - 15 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: unless mixed use or abutting residential: 5 ft for single story, 110 ft on one side for multiple stories (as written) § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “6. Side Yard Setback”: 0 feet unless a project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district, then 5 feet is required for single story structures and 110 feet is required, on one side, for a multiple stories. |
| Minimum rear setback | 0-15 ft Applies: 10 ft required if the project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “5. Rear Yard Setback”: 0 - 15 feet. If project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district then 10 feet required. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “2. Minimum Lot Size”: 5,000 square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “9. Site Coverage Floor Area Ratio of 1”: Maximum coverage of site is 100%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 1. See design Guidelines and Standards for Historic Districts. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1 § 16.36.020 · code textTable row “9. Site Coverage Floor Area Ratio of 1”: Maximum coverage of site is 100%. Maximum Floor Area Ratio is 1. See design Guidelines and Standards for Historic Districts. |
Uses in VMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in VMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in VMU:
- Maximum building height: 36 ft — allowable through the MUP process § 16.36.020
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — if a project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district, for single story structures § 16.36.020
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — if project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district § 16.36.020
Not on this page
We did not find a general density limit for VMU 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 VMU 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 VMU zone?
3 stories — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Arroyo Grande's VMU zone?
0-15 ft — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.
What is the minimum side setback in Arroyo Grande's VMU zone?
0 ft (unless mixed use or abutting residential: 5 ft for single story, 110 ft on one side for multiple stories (as written)) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arroyo Grande's VMU zone?
0-15 ft (10 ft required if the project is mixed use and/or abuts a residential district) — Arroyo Grande Municipal Code § 16.36.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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