Pacific Grove · Zoning · R-3
Pacific Grove R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pacific Grove's R-3 zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft tall and the front setback is 12 ft (Pacific Grove code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 12 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (one-story building; taller buildings need more, and 12 ft where the rear yard fronts on a street)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
R-3 is a zoning district in Pacific Grove. Every value below was read from the Pacific 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 | 30 ft § 23.24.030 · code textThe maximum height of main buildings shall be 30 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 12 ft § 23.24.060 · code textThe minimum required front yard shall be 12 feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: one-story building; taller buildings need more, and 12 ft where the rear yard fronts on a street § 23.24.060 · code text(4) Where a rear yard fronts on a street, the minimum rear yard shall be 12 feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 23.24.050 · code textMaximum building coverage on all sites is 50%. |
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.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:
- Minimum side setback: 20% of lot width, maximum 10 ft — corner lots; side yard abutting the street § 23.24.060
- Minimum rear setback: 8 ft — two-story building § 23.24.060
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — three-story building § 23.24.060
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% — site coverage rather than building coverage § 23.24.051
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, side setback, lot size, FAR, density limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
Other Pacific Grove zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pacific Grove's R-3 zone?
30 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.24.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Pacific Grove's R-3 zone?
12 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.24.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pacific Grove's R-3 zone?
5 ft (one-story building; taller buildings need more, and 12 ft where the rear yard fronts on a street) — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.24.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Pacific Grove's R-3 zone?
50% — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.24.050.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Pacific Grove property in R-3
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question