Fountain Valley · Zoning · R5
Fountain Valley R5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Fountain Valley's R5 zone, buildings can be up to 55 ft. (5 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft. and the minimum lot size is 1.0 acre (Fountain Valley code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft.
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft.
- Minimum side setback: None required (interior property line abutting nonresidential zone; maintenance agreement required)
- Minimum lot size: 1.0 acre
- Maximum lot coverage: 85%
- Maximum density: 40 units per acre
R5 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 R5
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 | 55 ft. See note 5 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Height limit (5)”, column “R5”: 5 stories and 55 ft. 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 | 5 stories See note 5 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Height limit (5)”, column “R5”: 5 stories and 55 ft. 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 | 10 ft. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Street Frontage”, column “R5”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: interior property line abutting nonresidential zone; maintenance agreement required § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Interior property line (abutting nonresidential zone)”, column “R5”: None (a maintenance agreement shall be recorded on the deed prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy) |
| Minimum lot size | 1.0 acre § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Lot area”, column “R5”: 1.0 acre |
| Maximum lot coverage | 85% § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Site coverage”, column “R5”: 85% |
| Maximum density | 40 units per acre See note 1 below the table in the code. § 21.08.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density (1)”, column “R5”: 40 units 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 R5
Uses the code's use tables allow in R5, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit
- 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 R5:
- Minimum side setback: 30 ft. — interior property line abutting R1/GH zone, option 1; with a minimum step-back of 20 ft. above the height of 35 ft. § 21.08.040
- Minimum side setback: 100 ft. — interior property line abutting R1/GH zone, option 2; no step-back § 21.08.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft. — interior property line abutting R2, R3, R4, and R5 zones; with step-backs that do not protrude past a 45-degree daylight plane intersecting the property line 10 ft. above average grade § 21.08.040
- Maximum density: 65 units per acre — projects that reserve 50% of units or more for lower income households § 21.08.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, FAR limit for R5 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 R5 zone?
55 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Fountain Valley's R5 zone?
5 stories — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Fountain Valley's R5 zone?
10 ft. — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Fountain Valley's R5 zone?
None required (interior property line abutting nonresidential zone; maintenance agreement required) — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Fountain Valley's R5 zone?
1.0 acre — Fountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Fountain Valley property in R5
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question