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Local zoning · Arroyo Grande

Arroyo Grande — Zoning

Zoning under the Arroyo Grande local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

Arroyo Grande ties each parcel to a mapped district; residential densities range from 0.4–25 du/ac depending on RE–MFVH (§ 16.32.020), with typical front setbacks of 15–50 ft for new subdivisions in RE–VR (§ 16.32.050-A). Mixed-use corridors set hard envelopes—e.g., IMU allows 30 ft height, 50% coverage, 0.45 FAR (§ 16.36.020(A)), while TMU allows 0–15 ft street setbacks and up to 36 ft height with a CUP (§ 16.36.020(B)). Adjacent to agriculture, provide a 100 ft buffer (§ 16.12.160).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Arroyo Grande's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Arroyo Grande planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Arroyo Grande regulates land use through Title 16 of its Development Code, implemented on the official zoning map and administered to ensure consistency with the General Plan (§ 16.08.020; § 16.24.020). The city uses a detailed set of base districts, mixed-use and special districts, and overlays—with district-specific permitted uses and dimensional standards. Most neighborhoods are in residential districts (from RE to MFVH), with focused mixed-use corridors like IMU and TMU, and protected agricultural areas (AG, AP) (§ 16.24.010).

The zoning map controls what you can do on a property: confirm the base district, overlays, and any boundary splits before you design a project (§ 16.24.020; § 16.24.030).

Linking notes: For project specifics that cross into other topics, see the city’s related pages on Development Standards, Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, Historic Preservation, Signage, ADUs, and Variances and Exceptions.

How Arroyo Grande’s zoning framework works

  • The code divides the city into named districts with mapped boundaries; the zoning map is legally adopted and kept on file (§ 16.24.010; § 16.24.020).
  • If a parcel straddles two districts, each portion must meet the rules of its own district; mid-street lines, vacated rights-of-way, and scaled determinations govern boundary placement (§ 16.24.030).
  • All approvals must be consistent with the General Plan; if there is a conflict, the General Plan prevails (§ 16.08.020).
  • Mixed-use projects have citywide performance standards in addition to district rules (§ 16.48.065).

Zoning Map, Districts, and Boundary Rules

  • Official “Zoning Map of the City of Arroyo Grande” is incorporated by reference; zoning changes update the map (§ 16.24.020).
  • Boundary interpretation rules address centerlines, unsubdivided land, symbols applying to the whole area, and effects of right-of-way vacations (§ 16.24.030).

Agricultural Districts and Overlay

AG — General Agricultural (§ 16.28.020(A); § 16.28.030; § 16.28.040)

  • Purpose: Protect lands for crop production, grazing, limited on-site sales, and compatible ag support; allows one single-family dwelling per parcel at very low density (§ 16.28.020(A)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Field crops, grazing, on-site propagation greenhouses (MUP), ranch/farm dwellings; various ag processing by CUP; seasonal produce stands (MUP) (§ 16.28.030).
  • Key dimensional standards: 10.0 ac minimum parcel, 330 ft width, 50 ft front/rear setbacks, 30 ft interior/street-side setbacks, 30 ft height (§ 16.28.040; Table 16.28.040-A).
  • Where it applies: Mapped AG tracts on the zoning map (§ 16.24.020).

AP — Agricultural Preserve (§ 16.28.020(B); § 16.28.030; § 16.28.040)

  • Purpose: Protect Williamson Act contract lands; similar uses to AG with focus on continued agriculture (§ 16.28.020(B)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Same general agricultural uses; several commercial ag-support uses are more limited than AG (§ 16.28.030).
  • Key dimensional standards: Same as AG (see above) (§ 16.28.040; Table 16.28.040-A).
  • Where it applies: Mapped AP areas; Williamson Act criteria include ≥10 acres and 5-year production history (§ 16.28.020(B)(1)–(5)).

AG-2.2 — Agricultural Preservation Overlay (§ 16.28.020(C))

  • Purpose: Transitional buffer overlay to minimize conflicts between agriculture and non-ag uses; new development and changes in use require discretionary approval per § 16.12.170(E) (§ 16.28.020(C)).
  • Where it applies: Sites mapped with the AG-2.2 overlay.
  • Practical effect: Expect buffers, screening, and constraints on incompatible edge uses. See Overlay Districts.
  • Citywide agricultural buffers: New development adjacent to agricultural districts must provide a 100 ft buffer (20 ft landscaped transition + 80 ft agricultural buffer) unless a physical buffer justifies reduction (§ 16.12.160).

Residential Districts

Below are each district’s purpose and core allowances; detailed dimensional standards are partially specified in Table 16.32.050-A (densities and subdivision metrics) and otherwise in residential standards not fully included in the source here (§ 16.32.050).

For typical permitted uses across residential districts, see Table 16.32.040-A (§ 16.32.040).

  • Citywide note: “Second residential dwelling unit” (ADU) is permitted in all residential districts, and residential care (6 or fewer) is permitted across all; see ADUs and § 16.52.150 (§ 16.32.040).

RE — Residential Estate (§ 16.32.020(A); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Estate-size lots, rural character (§ 16.32.020(A)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; residential care (≤6), small day care; ADU (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key dimensional standards (new subdivisions): Max density 0.4 du/ac; minimum building site 92,500 sf, 200 ft width; front setback 50 ft; infill may match average of adjacent front setbacks (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Large-lot neighborhoods per zoning map.

RH — Residential Hillside (§ 16.32.020(B); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Protect rural hillside areas; cluster encouraged (§ 16.32.020(B)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; some small-lot SFD by PUD; ADU (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards (new subdivisions): Max density 0.67 du/ac; minimum building site 49,000 sf, width 130 ft; front setback 35 ft; infill average allowed (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Hillside tracts on zoning map.

RR — Rural Residential (§ 16.32.020(C); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Rural lifestyle at low density (§ 16.32.020(C)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; light farming is allowed in RR with limits; ADU (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards (new subdivisions): Max density 1.0 du/ac; minimum building site 40,000 sf, width 120 ft; front setback 35 ft; infill average allowed (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Rural-fringe neighborhoods.

RS — Residential Suburban (§ 16.32.020(D); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Transition between rural and urban densities (§ 16.32.020(D)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; ADU; some civic uses by CUP (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards (new subdivisions): Max density 2.5 du/ac; minimum building site 12,000 sf, width 80 ft; front setback 25 ft; infill average allowed (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Suburban edges.

SF — Single-Family Residential (§ 16.32.020(E); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Common suburban lots, including small-lot SFD (§ 16.32.020(E)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; ADU; vacation rentals by MUP (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards (new subdivisions): Max density 4.5 du/ac; minimum building site 7,200 sf, width 70 ft; front setback 20 ft; infill average allowed (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Core single-family neighborhoods.

VR — Village Residential (§ 16.32.020(F); § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050)

  • Purpose: Preserve historic character near the Village (§ 16.32.020(F)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family detached; certain uses may require architectural review in the D-2.4 historic character overlay (§ 16.32.040, footnote a).
  • Key standards (new subdivisions): Max density 4.5 du/ac; minimum building site 6,750 sf, width 50 ft; front setback 15 ft; infill average allowed (§ 16.32.050-A).
  • Where: Historic-adjacent blocks; see Historic Preservation and Design Review for D-2.4 overlay references (§ 16.32.050(F)(1) note).

MF — Condominium/Townhouse (§ 16.32.020(G); § 16.32.040)

  • Purpose: Attached housing and PUDs with amenities (§ 16.32.020(G)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Small-lot SFD, attached units, 2–4 units (MUP), 5+ units (CUP), senior housing (CUP) (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards: Max density 9 du/ac (§ 16.32.020(G)). Other dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.

MFA — Multifamily Apartment (§ 16.32.020(H); § 16.32.040)

  • Purpose: Broader attached housing choices with open space amenities (§ 16.32.020(H)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Attached units; 2–4 units (MUP), 5+ units (CUP); senior housing (CUP) (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards: Max density 14 du/ac (§ 16.32.020(H)). Other dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.

MFVH — Multifamily Very High Density (§ 16.32.020(I); § 16.32.040)

  • Purpose: Very high density multifamily including senior/assisted types (§ 16.32.020(I)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Multifamily attached (P/MUP depending on unit count); congregate/assisted/convalescent (CUP) (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards: Max density 25 du/ac (§ 16.32.020(I)). Other dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.

MHP — Mobilehome Park (§ 16.32.020(J); § 16.32.040)

  • Purpose: Provide mobilehome parks/subdivisions (§ 16.32.020(J)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Mobilehome parks/subdivisions (CUP) (§ 16.32.040).
  • Key standards: Max density 12 du/ac (§ 16.32.020(J)). Other dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.

Commercial & Mixed-Use Districts

IMU — Industrial Mixed Use (§ 16.36.020(A); Table 16.36.020(A))

  • Purpose: Diversified economic base with industrial activities compatible with nearby uses; limited live-work residential allowed (§ 16.36.020(A)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Industrial, business-support, compatible commercial; live-work units only as new residential; allowable uses per Table 16.36.030(A) (Not found in source materials).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot: 18,000 sf, 100 ft width.
    • Setbacks: 10 ft front; 0–15 ft side/rear (rear 50 ft when abutting residential); 20 ft street side.
    • Height: 30 ft or 2 stories; max building size 102,500 sf.
    • Coverage/FAR: 50% coverage; 0.45 FAR.
    • Screening: 3 ft wall/berm for visible parking; parking per § 16.56.020 (§ 16.36.020(A); Table 16.36.020(A)).
  • Where: IMU areas with regional access (zoning map).

TMU — Traffic Way Mixed Use (§ 16.36.020(B); Table 16.36.020(B))

  • Purpose: Southern gateway corridor for auto sales/service, related retail/office, visitor facilities, limited live-work; design aims to enhance corridor character (§ 16.36.020(B)).
  • Typical permitted uses: Automobile/small truck sales/service, equipment rental/repair, outdoor display, wholesale/retail, offices, motels, restaurants, limited live-work (§ 16.36.020(B)).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Minimum lot: 10,000 sf, 80 ft width.
    • Setbacks: 0–15 ft front and street side (discretionary exceptions for outdoor sales); 0–15 ft rear; if abutting residential: 20 ft minimum building setback (§ 16.36.020(B)).
    • Height: 30 ft or 3 stories (whichever less); up to 36 ft with CUP for visitor-serving uses.
    • Building size: 50,000 sf max; larger by CUP.
    • Coverage/FAR: 75% coverage; 0.75 FAR.
    • Shared parking per design guidelines; signs per Chapter 16.60 (§ 16.36.020(B)).

Other listed commercial/mixed-use districts (§ 16.24.010)

  • VCD — Village Core Downtown: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • VMU — Village Mixed Use: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • GMU — Gateway Mixed Use: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • FOMU — Fair Oaks Mixed Use: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • HMU — Highway Mixed Use: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • OMU — Office Mixed Use: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • RC — Regional Commercial: Purpose/standards: Not found in source materials. Verify with the jurisdiction.
  • HCO — Historic Character Overlay: See historic design references in VR and Historic Preservation. Full overlay standards: Not found in source materials.

Special and Overlay Districts

PF — Public/Quasi-Public (§ 16.44.040)

  • Purpose: Sites for public and institutional uses (§ 16.44.040(A)).
  • Uses: Parks (P); most civic/institutional uses by CUP; limited leased office/retail in public buildings by MUP/CUP (§ 16.44.040(B)).
  • Key standards: 25,000 sf lot area; 140 ft width/depth; setbacks 20 ft front/street-side, 10 ft side/rear; 45% coverage; 0.5 FAR; 30 ft height; 20 ft min building setback where abutting residential; 3 ft wall/berm to screen visible parking (§ 16.44.040(C)).

SP — Specific Plan District (§ 16.44.030)

  • Purpose: Custom zoning tied to an adopted Specific Plan; mapped as SP-# (§ 16.44.030(A)–(B)).
  • Regulations: Specific plan defines permitted uses, setbacks, height, landscaping, parking, signs, etc.; must provide superior design and clear public benefits; includes mixed-use findings and performance standards (§ 16.44.030(C)–(D)).

PD — Planned Development (legacy) (§ 16.44.010)

  • Applicability: Existing PDs only (e.g., Oak Park Acres, Rancho Grande, Royal Oaks, Wildwood Ranch, Okui PD); no new PDs will be created (§ 16.44.010(B)).
  • Key caps: No retail/business space over 102,500 sf; accessory buildings max 14 ft; coverage generally ≤30% unless PD plan specifies otherwise (§ 16.44.010(F)–(H)).

FMCP — Floodplain Management & Creek Protection (unmapped) (§ 16.44.050)

  • Purpose: Protect flood hazard and riparian resources; restrict/prohibit hazardous uses in special flood hazard areas (§ 16.44.050).
  • Mapping/criteria: Not found in source materials.

Mixed-Use Projects — Citywide Standards (§ 16.48.065)

  • Use mix: Residential may be combined with uses allowed by § 16.36.030; if any component requires MUP/CUP, the whole project follows that permit path (§ 16.48.065(B)).
  • Open space: Provide at least 350 sf of public and/or private open space per residential unit (§ 16.48.065(C)(1)).
  • Buffering: Locate/screen loading and refuse areas away from residential components (§ 16.48.065(C)(2)–(3)).
  • Performance: Shield lighting; mitigate noise; if commercial operations within 300 ft of a residence run outside 8 am–6 pm, a MUP is required (§ 16.48.065(D)).

Citywide Development Rules That Affect Zoning Decisions

  • Density rounding rules: No rounding up, except MFA units ≥0.51, affordable housing, and mixed-use rounding to next half number (§ 16.48.060).
  • Height exception for civic uses: In districts with <45 ft height limits, public buildings, schools, churches, and hospitals may reach 45 ft if yards increase 1 ft per foot of extra height (§ 16.48.080).
  • Accessory structures: Garages with front entries must set back 20 ft from the access property line; 15 ft for side-entry garages; other accessory rules apply to projections and detached structures (§ 16.48.030).
  • Cannabis: All commercial cannabis activity is prohibited citywide; limited personal indoor cultivation (≤6 plants, ≤50 sf, ≤10 ft plant height) is allowed within a private residence/accessory structure subject to specific standards (§ 16.62.050; § 16.62.060).
  • Recycling in GC: Reverse vending and small collection facilities are allowed in the General Commercial district with location, size, noise, and signage limits (§ 16.52.140).
  • Land divisions: New lots must meet the base district’s minimum area/width and be consistent with the General Plan (§ 16.20.050(C)(1)); certain substandard, contiguous lots under common ownership may be merged (§ 16.20.150).

Quick standards snapshot

District Core intent Selected standards Code Reference
AG/AP Agriculture and preserves Min parcel 10 ac, width 330 ft; setbacks: 50 ft front/rear, 30 ft side/street side; height 30 ft § 16.28.040; Table 16.28.040-A
RE Estate SFD Density 0.4 du/ac; min site 92,500 sf; width 200 ft; front setback 50 ft (infill may average block) § 16.32.020(A); § 16.32.050-A
RS Suburban SFD Density 2.5 du/ac; min site 12,000 sf; width 80 ft; front setback 25 ft (infill average allowed) § 16.32.020(D); § 16.32.050-A
SF Single-family Density 4.5 du/ac; min site 7,200 sf; width 70 ft; front setback 20 ft (infill average allowed) § 16.32.020(E); § 16.32.050-A
VR Village SFD (historic) Density 4.5 du/ac; min site 6,750 sf; width 50 ft; front setback 15 ft; historic overlay design review note § 16.32.020(F); § 16.32.050-A
IMU Industrial mixed-use Lot 18,000 sf; front 10 ft; side/rear 0–15 ft (rear 50 ft next to residential); height 30 ft/2 stories; coverage 50%; FAR 0.45 § 16.36.020(A); Table 16.36.020(A)
TMU Traffic Way mixed-use Lot 10,000 sf; front/street side 0–15 ft; rear 0–15 ft; 20 ft to residential; height 30 ft/3 stories (to 36 ft with CUP); coverage 75%; FAR 0.75 § 16.36.020(B); Table 16.36.020(B)
PF Public/quasi-public Lot 25,000 sf; setbacks 20/10/20/10 ft; coverage 45%; FAR 0.5; height 30 ft; 20 ft min where abutting residential § 16.44.040(C)

Note: Additional standards (e.g., lot depth, side yards in some residential zones) are not fully included in the source materials—verify with the city. See Development Standards and Parking for cross-cutting rules.

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base district and any overlays on the official zoning map (§ 16.24.020).
  • Verify district-specific permitted use and required permit path (P/MUP/CUP) (e.g., Table 16.32.040-A; § 16.36.020 with Table 16.36.030(A)).
  • Apply the correct density limit and rounding rules for your district (§ 16.48.060; § 16.32.020).
  • Meet required setbacks, height, lot size/width, coverage, and FAR for your district (e.g., Table 16.28.040-A; Tables 16.36.020(A)–(B); § 16.44.040(C)).
  • If mixed-use, provide at least 350 sf open space per residential unit and meet buffering/lighting/noise standards (§ 16.48.065).
  • If adjacent to agriculture, design the mandated 100 ft agricultural buffer (§ 16.12.160).
  • Screen visible parking with a 3 ft wall/berm where required; meet applicable Parking ratios (§ 16.36.020(A), (B); § 16.44.040(C)).
  • In historic character areas, route through Design Review as noted for overlays (see § 16.32.050(F)(1) note).
  • Ensure no prohibited cannabis use; personal cultivation must meet indoor limits (§ 16.62.050; § 16.62.060).
  • If existing conditions are constrained, consider relief via Variances and Exceptions; if nonconforming, see Development Standards.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Parcel split by district boundary Each part must meet its district rules Apply § 16.24.030(A) and confirm scaled boundary with the city
Missing published standards for VCD/VMU/GMU/FOMU/HMU/OMU/RC Can change height, setbacks, allowed uses Not found in source materials—obtain current district sheets from the city
Residential side/rear setbacks for RE–VR Affects buildable envelope Portions of § 16.32.050 not provided—confirm full table values
Mixed-use allowable uses Drives permit path (P/MUP/CUP) Table 16.36.030(A) not provided—confirm use list with staff
Agricultural buffer design Can consume 100 ft of site depth Buffer width and allowable features per § 16.12.160; coordinate early
Height exceptions for civic buildings Yard increases required If exceeding district limit up to 45 ft, apply yard increase per § 16.48.080
Cannabis activity Prohibited citywide except limited personal cultivation Ensure proposals avoid § 16.62.060 prohibitions
Parking and signs in IMU/TMU Shared parking and sign controls affect site plan Use § 16.56.020 for parking and Chapter 16.60 for signs; see Signage

Plain-English Summary

Arroyo Grande ties what you can build to your zoning district on the official map. In residential zones like SF, you’re typically limited to single-family homes (plus ADUs) at up to 4.5 units/acre, with front setbacks from 15–50 ft depending on the district (§ 16.32.020; § 16.32.050-A; § 16.52.150). Along mixed-use corridors (IMU, TMU), buildings can go to 30 ft (TMU up to 36 ft with a CUP) with specific FAR, coverage, and street-facing setbacks, and live-work is allowed within limits (§ 16.36.020). If you abut farmland, plan for a 100 ft agricultural buffer (§ 16.12.160).

Source References

  • § 16.04.070 (Definitions) — Municode Title 16, City of Arroyo Grande: https://library.municode.com/ca/arroyo_grande/codes/development_code?nodeId=TIT16DECO
  • § 16.08.020 (Consistency with general plan) — same URL as above
  • § 16.12.160 (Agricultural buffer) — same URL as above
  • § 16.16 (Land use permits and approvals) — same URL as above
  • § 16.20.050 (Standards of land divisions) — same URL as above
  • § 16.20.150 (Merger of lots) — same URL as above
  • § 16.24.010–.030 (Districts designated; zoning map; boundary rules) — same URL as above
  • § 16.28.010–.040 (Agricultural districts, uses, and standards) — same URL as above
  • § 16.32.020; § 16.32.040; § 16.32.050 (Residential districts, uses, and selected standards) — same URL as above
  • § 16.36.010–.020 (Commercial & mixed-use purposes and standards for IMU/TMU) — same URL as above
  • § 16.44.010; § 16.44.030; § 16.44.040; § 16.44.050 (PD, SP, PF, FMCP) — same URL as above
  • § 16.48.020; § 16.48.030; § 16.48.060; § 16.48.065; § 16.48.080 (General development, accessory structures, density, mixed-use, height) — same URL as above
  • § 16.52.140; § 16.52.150 (Recycling in GC; ADUs) — same URL as above
  • § 16.62.050; § 16.62.060 (Cannabis cultivation and commercial prohibition) — same URL as above

Sources

Source passages

  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.36.010) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.28.010) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.24.010) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.32.040) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.28.030) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.44.030) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.48.060) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.08.020) High relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.44.040) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.48.080) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.62.050) Medium relevance
  • CFC § 16.04.070 (§ 16.52.140) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.04.070) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.20.150) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.48.020) Medium relevance
  • Arroyo Grande Zoning Code (§ 16.20.050) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an SF lot in Arroyo Grande?

In the SF district, single-family detached homes are the primary use, with ADUs allowed citywide. Density is capped at 4.5 du/ac; new subdivisions typically require 7,200 sf minimum lot area, 70 ft width, and a 20 ft front setback (infill may average adjacent setbacks) (§ 16.32.020(E); § 16.32.050-A; § 16.52.150).

What are agricultural setbacks and lot sizes in Arroyo Grande?

In AG and AP, minimum parcel size is 10 acres with 330 ft width. Setbacks are 50 ft front/rear, 30 ft interior and street side, and height is limited to 30 ft (§ 16.28.040; Table 16.28.040-A).

How tall can I build in the Traffic Way Mixed Use (TMU) district?

Base height is 30 ft or 3 stories, whichever is less; up to 36 ft may be allowed by CUP for visitor-serving uses. Coverage is up to 75%, FAR up to 0.75, and front/street-side setbacks are 0–15 ft (§ 16.36.020(B)).

Are cannabis businesses allowed in Arroyo Grande?

No. All commercial cannabis activity—including dispensaries, manufacturing, testing, and retail—is prohibited citywide. Only limited personal indoor cultivation (≤6 plants, ≤50 sf, ≤10 ft height) within a private residence or qualifying accessory structure is allowed under strict standards (§ 16.62.050; § 16.62.060).

What open space must a mixed-use project provide?

A mixed-use project must include at least 350 sf of public or private open space per residential unit, with loading and refuse areas located/screened to protect residents; lighting must be shielded and late-hour operations near residences may require a MUP (§ 16.48.065(C)–(D)).

Do I need design review in the Village/historic areas?

Within the Historic Character overlay (D-2.4) affecting Village areas, architectural review is required through the permit process noted in § 16.32.050(F)(1) (footnote a). Confirm overlay mapping and route through [Design Review] for applicable projects (§ 16.32.050(F)(1) note).

What if my property lies in two different zoning districts?

Each portion of the lot must comply with the standards for its respective district. Boundary lines generally follow rights-of-way centerlines or property lines; the Community Development Director may determine locations using the map scale where not dimensioned (§ 16.24.030).

What are IMU district basics (setbacks, FAR, height)?

The IMU district allows industrial and compatible uses with limited live-work. Minimum lot 18,000 sf, front setback 10 ft, side/rear 0–15 ft (rear 50 ft abutting residential), height 30 ft/2 stories, coverage 50%, FAR 0.45, and screening for visible parking is required (§ 16.36.020(A); Table 16.36.020(A)).

Are ADUs allowed in all residential zones?

Yes. ADUs (called “second residential dwelling units” in the use table) are permitted across all residential districts, and § 16.52.150 implements state ADU law and clarifies that compliant ADUs don’t count toward density limits (§ 16.32.040; § 16.52.150).

Do I need a buffer if I build next to farmland?

Yes. New development adjacent to an agricultural district must provide a 100 ft agricultural buffer (20 ft landscaped transition + 80 ft buffer). A physical barrier (e.g., Arroyo Grande Creek) may justify a reduced width if approved (§ 16.12.160).

General information, not legal advice.

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