Grass Valley C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

C-1 (Community Business) is a zoning district in Grass Valley. Every value below was read from the Grass 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 C-1

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 number of stories	2 stories Applies: including mezzanine § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Maximum height”, column “C-1 Community Business”: 3 ft., and 2 stories including mezzanine
Minimum front setback	None required § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Front”, column “C-1 Community Business”: None required
Minimum side setback	None required Applies: When the site does not abut a residential use. § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “C-1 Community Business”: 10 ft on a site abutting a residential use, none elsewhere
Minimum rear setback	15 ft Applies: Where the site does not abut residential. § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “C-1 Community Business”: 25 ft abutting residential, 15 ft elsewhere
Minimum lot size	No minimum Applies: Unless designated on the zoning map. § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Minimum area, width”, column “C-1 Community Business”: No minimum required unless designated on the zoning map.
Maximum lot coverage	No limitation Applies: Other than as required for landscaping. § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Maximum coverage”, column “C-1 Community Business”: No limitation other than as required for landscaping.
Maximum density	15 units per acre § 17.24.040 · code text Table row “Maximum density”, column “C-1 Community Business”: 15 units per acre

Uses in C-1

Uses the code's use tables allow in C-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Live-work unit — Allowed
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs an use permit
Child care center — Needs an use permit
Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
Growing crops — Allowed
Horses and stables — Needs a minor use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft — on a site abutting a residential use § 17.24.040
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — abutting residential § 17.24.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general height, FAR limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Grass Valley Municipal Code.

Other Grass Valley zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum number of stories in Grass Valley's C-1 zone?

2 stories (including mezzanine) — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.24.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Grass Valley's C-1 zone?

None required — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.24.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Grass Valley's C-1 zone?

None required (when the site does not abut a residential use) — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.24.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Grass Valley's C-1 zone?

15 ft (where the site does not abut residential) — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.24.040.

What is the minimum lot size in Grass Valley's C-1 zone?

No minimum (unless designated on the zoning map) — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.24.040.

General information, not legal advice.