Garden Grove R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) 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 R-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 Applies: main structure See notes 6, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Building Height–Main structure (6)”, column “R-3(5)”: Maximum 35 ft. Note 6: Subject to additional regulations pursuant to Section 9.12.040.050.B (Maximum Building Height Adjacent to R-1 Zone Property) Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories See note 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Stories–Maximum”, column “R-3(5)”: 3 stories Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Minimum front setback	20 ft Applies: to 1st and 2nd floors See notes 1, 8, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Front Setback (1)(8)”, column “R-3(5)”: 20 ft. to 1st & 2nd Flr. Note 1: In no case shall the setback be less than 10 feet. Note 8: For density bonus projects involving construction of a fourth or higher story, any story above the third story may equal the required setback for the third story but shall not extend outward beyond that setback. Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Minimum side setback	10 ft Applies: interior side, to 1st and 2nd floors See notes 8, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Side Setback (Interior) (8)”, column “R-3(5)”: 10 ft. to 1st & 2nd Flr. Note 8: For density bonus projects involving construction of a fourth or higher story, any story above the third story may equal the required setback for the third story but shall not extend outward beyond that setback. Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Minimum rear setback	10 ft Applies: to 1st and 2nd floors See note 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Rear Setback”, column “R-3(5)”: 10 ft. to 1st & 2nd Flr. Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Minimum lot size	7,200 sq. ft. Applies: newly created lots See notes 7, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Minimum lot size for newly created lots (7)”, column “R-3(5)”: 7,200 sq. ft. Note 7: Housing development projects consisting of three to ten units located on an existing legal parcel and less than 7,200 square feet may be permitted in accordance with Government Code Section 65913.11 . Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Maximum lot coverage	50% See notes 2, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Lot coverage–Maximum (2)”, column “R-3(5)”: 50% Note 2: Lot coverage includes all building and structures (primary and accessory) and required uncovered parking areas and excludes uncovered swimming pools and permeable or semi-permeable recreational surface areas. The 50% lot coverage requirement may be reduced to the extent it would physically preclude a housing development project consisting of three to 10 units from achieving the floor area ratios a Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.
Maximum density	32.0 units/acre See notes 4, 5 below the table in the code. § 9.12.040 · code text Table row “Density–Maximum (4)”, column “R-3(5)”: 32.0 units/acre Note 4: Applications for density bonuses may be made as provided for by state law. Note 5: Refer to Section 9.12.040.040 for minimum development standards for duplexes and triplexes.

Uses in R-3

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Apartment building — Allowed
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Maximum building height: 30 ft — duplex or triplex main structure(s) § 9.12.040
Maximum number of stories: 2 stories — duplex or triplex main structure(s) § 9.12.040
Minimum front setback: 25 ft — to 3rd floor § 9.12.040
Minimum side setback: 15 ft — interior side, to 3rd floor § 9.12.040
Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — to 3rd floor § 9.12.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR limit for R-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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Garden Grove's R-3 zone?

35 ft (main structure) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.12.040.

What is the maximum number of stories in Garden Grove's R-3 zone?

3 stories — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.12.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Garden Grove's R-3 zone?

20 ft (to 1st and 2nd floors) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.12.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Garden Grove's R-3 zone?

10 ft (interior side, to 1st and 2nd floors) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.12.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Garden Grove's R-3 zone?

10 ft (to 1st and 2nd floors) — Garden Grove Municipal Code § 9.12.040.