Fountain Valley GH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

GH is a zoning district in Fountain Valley. Every value below was read from the Fountain Valley 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 GH

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. See note 5 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code text Table row “Height limit (5)”, column “GH”: 30 ft./2 stories Note 5: Maximum Allowed Height of Structures. See also Section 21.18.050 (Height measurement and height limit exceptions). No architectural features, windows, etc., above second story eave line.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories See note 5 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code text Table row “Height limit (5)”, column “GH”: 30 ft./2 stories Note 5: Maximum Allowed Height of Structures. See also Section 21.18.050 (Height measurement and height limit exceptions). No architectural features, windows, etc., above second story eave line.
Minimum lot size	1,800 sq ft Applies: applies only when new parcels are created § 21.08.040 · code text Table row “Lot area”, column “GH”: Minimum lot area = 1,800 sq. ft.
Maximum lot coverage	30% Applies: project building coverage § 21.08.040 · code text Table row “Site coverage”, column “GH”: 30% project building coverage. Maximum 11 units per structure
Maximum density	10.8 dwellings per acre See note 1 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code text Table row “Maximum density (1)”, column “GH”: 10.8 dwellings per acre Note 1: Maximum Number of Dwelling Units Allowed per Net Buildable Acre in a Single-Family Subdivision or Multi-Family Project. The actual number of units allowed is determined through the subdivision or land use permit process, as applicable.

Uses in GH

Uses the code's use tables allow in GH, 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
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

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

Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5 — a further 0.08 bonus is allowed under the code's FAR bonus section § 21.08.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, FAR limit for GH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fountain Valley Municipal Code.

Other Fountain Valley zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Fountain Valley's GH zone?

30 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.

What is the maximum number of stories in Fountain Valley's GH zone?

2 stories — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.

What is the minimum lot size in Fountain Valley's GH zone?

1,800 sq ft (applies only when new parcels are created) — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Fountain Valley's GH zone?

30% (project building coverage) — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.

What is the maximum density in Fountain Valley's GH zone?

10.8 dwellings per acre — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.

General information, not legal advice.