Grass Valley · Zoning · R-2
Grass Valley R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Grass Valley's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (Grass Valley code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (For the building facade; or the average of the two adjacent primary dwellings.)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sf
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
R-2 (Low Density Residential) 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 R-2
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 § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 35 ft, 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 35 ft, 2 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: For the building facade; or the average of the two adjacent primary dwellings. § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 15 ft for the building facade, 5 ft for a front porch; of the average of the two adjacent primary dwellings; or the same as the adjacent primary dwelling in only one adjacent lot is developed. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sf § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Minimum area”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 5,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.22.040 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “R-2 Low Density Residential”: 50% |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — 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 an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft — for a front porch § 17.22.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, FAR, density limit for R-2 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Grass Valley's R-2 zone?
35 ft — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Grass Valley's R-2 zone?
2 stories — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Grass Valley's R-2 zone?
15 ft (for the building facade; or the average of the two adjacent primary dwellings) — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Grass Valley's R-2 zone?
5 ft — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Grass Valley's R-2 zone?
5,000 sf — Grass Valley Municipal Code § 17.22.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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