Solvang · Zoning · VMU
Solvang VMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Solvang's VMU zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 0 ft (Solvang code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0
- Maximum density: 20 units/acre
VMU is a zoning district in Solvang. Every value below was read from the Solvang 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 VMU
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 § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Building Height - maximum”, column “VMU”: 35' 4 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Front”, column “VMU”: 0' 3 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Side”, column “VMU”: 0' 3 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “VMU”: 0' 3 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Coverage - maximum”, column “VMU”: 100% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “FAR - maximum”, column “VMU”: 3.0 |
| Maximum density | 20 units/acre § 11-7-4 · code textTable row “Residential Density (units/acre) - maximum”, column “VMU”: 20 |
Uses in VMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in VMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Needs a conditional use permit
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in VMU:
- Maximum building height: 50 ft — Architectural features § 11-7-4
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Existing single-unit dwelling proposing additions or expansions § 11-7-4
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Existing single-unit dwelling proposing additions or expansions § 11-7-4
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Existing single-unit dwelling proposing additions or expansions § 11-7-4
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size limit for VMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Solvang Municipal Code.
Other Solvang zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Solvang's VMU zone?
35 ft — Solvang Municipal Code § 11-7-4.
What is the minimum front setback in Solvang's VMU zone?
0 ft — Solvang Municipal Code § 11-7-4.
What is the minimum side setback in Solvang's VMU zone?
0 ft — Solvang Municipal Code § 11-7-4.
What is the minimum rear setback in Solvang's VMU zone?
0 ft — Solvang Municipal Code § 11-7-4.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Solvang's VMU zone?
100% — Solvang Municipal Code § 11-7-4.
General information, not legal advice.
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