Fountain Valley · Zoning · R1
Fountain Valley R1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Fountain Valley's R1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft. (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft. and the minimum lot size is 7,200 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Fountain Valley code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft.
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft.
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft.
- Minimum lot size: 7,200 sq ft (applies only when new parcels are created)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (parcels under 10,000 sq ft)
- Maximum density: 5 dwellings per acre
R1 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 R1
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 textTable row “Height limit (5)”, column “R1”: 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 textTable row “Height limit (5)”, column “R1”: 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 front setback | 20 ft. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R1”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft. See note 2 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Sides (each)”, column “R1”: 5 ft. (2) /10 ft. street side Note 2: Minimum 5-ft. side yard setback required for second story additions in zero lot line developments. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,200 sq ft Applies: applies only when new parcels are created § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Lot area”, column “R1”: 7,200 sq. ft.; 6,000 sq. ft. where authorized as a planned development, and in Tract No. 569 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: parcels under 10,000 sq ft § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Site coverage”, column “R1”: 60%; 50% on parcels of 10,000 sq. ft. or more |
| Maximum density | 5 dwellings per acre See note 1 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density (1)”, column “R1”: 5 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 R1
Uses the code's use tables allow in R1, 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 R1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — street side yard § 21.08.040
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. — where authorized as a planned development, and in Tract No. 569 § 21.08.040
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% — on parcels of 10,000 sq. ft. or more § 21.08.040
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.55 — 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 rear setback, FAR limit for R1 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Fountain Valley's R1 zone?
30 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Fountain Valley's R1 zone?
2 stories — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Fountain Valley's R1 zone?
20 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Fountain Valley's R1 zone?
5 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Fountain Valley's R1 zone?
7,200 sq ft (applies only when new parcels are created) — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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