Fountain Valley · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Fountain Valley?
In Fountain Valley, a church or other place of worship is needs a conditional use permit in 7 (R1, GH, R2, R3, R4 and 2 more) and not allowed in 1 (Fountain Valley use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Needs a permit: R1, GH, R2, R3, R4, R5 and PI
- Not allowed: P/OS
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Fountain Valley Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Fountain Valley's code calls this use “Assembly uses”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
The code defines “Assembly Uses”: “Assembly uses" means a structure or part of a structure in which facilities are provided for purposes as meetings for civic, educational, political, religious or social purposes.” (§ 21.90.020)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| GH | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R4 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R5 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| PI | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.12.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
P/OS.
What else applies
- Commercial table has Assembly facilities and nonprofit institutions (CP -, C1 CUP, C2 CUP, CM -, M1 -) and Clubs, lodges, membership meeting halls; MU table Assembly facilities and nonprofit institutions CUP. Not used here because the row does not name religious use.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Not covered here: Zone names not stated in the packet text. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Fountain Valley
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the R1 zone in Fountain Valley?
Only with a conditional use permit. Fountain Valley's use table lists it that way in R1 (§ 21.08.030).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the P/OS zone in Fountain Valley?
No. Fountain Valley's use table does not allow it in P/OS (§ 21.12.030).
General information, not legal advice.
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