Garden Grove · Zoning · C-3
Garden Grove C-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Garden Grove's C-3 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq. ft. (Garden Grove code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (interior lot)
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (interior lot)
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq. ft.
C-3 (Commercial) is a zoning district in Garden Grove. Every value below was read from the Garden Grove 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 C-3
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 | 35 ft § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Building Height”, column “C-3”: 3 stories or 35 ft. max. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Building Height”, column “C-3”: 3 stories or 35 ft. max. |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C-3”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: interior lot § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Side”, column “C-3”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: interior lot § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “C-3”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq. ft. § 9.16.040 · code textTable row “Lot Area”, column “C-3”: 20,000 sq. ft. |
Uses in C-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Kennel — Allowed — see note
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Garden Grove Municipal Code.
Other Garden Grove zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Garden Grove's C-3 zone?
35 ft — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.16.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Garden Grove's C-3 zone?
3 stories — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.16.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Garden Grove's C-3 zone?
15 ft — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.16.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Garden Grove's C-3 zone?
0 ft (interior lot) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.16.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Garden Grove's C-3 zone?
5 ft (interior lot) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.16.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Garden Grove property in C-3
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question