Butte County GC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

GC is a zoning district in Butte County. Every value below was read from the Butte County 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 GC

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	50 ft § 24-23 · code text Table row “Structure Height (max.)”, column “GC”: 50 ft.
Minimum front setback	None required Applies: 15 ft when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23 · code text Table row “Front”, column “GC”: None, except 15 ft. when adjacent to a residential zone
Minimum side setback	None required Applies: 5 ft when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23 · code text Table row “Interior Side”, column “GC”: None, except 5 ft. when adjacent to a residential zone
Minimum rear setback	None required Applies: 10 ft when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “GC”: None, except 10 ft. when adjacent to a residential zone
Minimum lot size	10,000 sq. ft. Applies: Applies only to the creation of new parcels through the subdivision process. § 24-23 · code text Table row “GC”, column “Parcel Area (min.) [1]”: 10,000 sq. ft.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.4 Applies: Calculation excludes floor area occupied by residential uses. § 24-23 · code text Table row “GC”, column “Floor Area Ratio (max.) [2]”: 0.4
Maximum density	14 units per acre § 24-23 · code text Table row “GC”, column “Residential Density (max.)”: 14 units per acre

Uses in GC

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

Live-work unit — Needs a conditional use permit
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a minor use permit
Bed and breakfast — Allowed
Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
Church or place of worship — Allowed
Growing crops — Allowed — see note
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

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

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23
Minimum side setback: 5 ft — when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — when adjacent to a residential zone § 24-23

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot coverage limit for GC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Butte County Municipal Code.

Other Butte County zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Butte County's GC zone?

50 ft — Butte County Municipal Code § 24-23.

What is the minimum front setback in Butte County's GC zone?

None required (15 ft when adjacent to a residential zone) — Butte County Municipal Code § 24-23.

What is the minimum side setback in Butte County's GC zone?

None required (5 ft when adjacent to a residential zone) — Butte County Municipal Code § 24-23.

What is the minimum rear setback in Butte County's GC zone?

None required (10 ft when adjacent to a residential zone) — Butte County Municipal Code § 24-23.

What is the minimum lot size in Butte County's GC zone?

10,000 sq. ft. (applies only to the creation of new parcels through the subdivision process) — Butte County Municipal Code § 24-23.

General information, not legal advice.