C-2 Central Business District Land Use Guide for Grass Valley

The C-2 Central Business District in the City of Grass Valley is designed to maintain and support the existing auto-oriented development of the downtown area not covered by the Town Core (TC) zone. While primarily commercial in nature, the City of Grass Valley allows for residential development within the C-2 Central Business District subject to a density limit of 15 units per acre and specific lot area requirements of 2,000 square feet per dwelling unit. High-intensity industrial activities, medical marijuana dispensaries, and adult-oriented businesses are strictly prohibited within this district.

Purpose of the C-2 Central Business District

The City of Grass Valley applies the C-2 Central Business District designation to areas of the downtown where existing auto-oriented commercial development is expected to be maintained [Section 17.24.020.B]. This district implements the commercial land use designation of the Grass Valley General Plan [Section 17.24.020.B].

Development Standards for the C-2 District

All new construction and alterations within the C-2 Central Business District must comply with specific site planning and building standards regarding density, setbacks, and height.

Development Feature	C-2 Central Business District Requirement
Maximum Residential Density	15 units per acre [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Minimum Front Setback	None required [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Minimum Side Setback (Interior)	10 ft on a site abutting a residential use; none elsewhere [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Minimum Side Setback (Street side)	None required [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Minimum Rear Setback	25 ft abutting residential; 12 ft where loading is proposed [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Maximum Building Height	50 ft and 4 stories [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]
Maximum Site Coverage	No limitation other than as required for landscaping [Section 17.24.040, Table 2-11]

Allowed Land Uses in the C-2 District

Land uses in the C-2 Central Business District are categorized by their permit requirements: Permitted (P), Minor Use Permit (MUP), and Use Permit (UP).

Residential and Home-Based Uses

The City of Grass Valley allows various residential uses within the C-2 Central Business District to encourage a mixed-use environment.

Permitted (P): Accessory dwelling units (ADU), home occupations, live/work units, mixed-use project residential components, and residential care facilities for 6 or fewer clients [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Use Permit (UP): Emergency shelters, residential care facilities for 7 or more clients, rooming or boarding houses, and transitional/supportive housing [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Special Note: A use permit for a dwelling in the C-2 District shall be approved only if the lot area per dwelling unit is at least 2,000 square feet [Section 17.24.050.A].

Commercial and Retail Uses

The C-2 Central Business District serves as a primary retail and service hub for the City of Grass Valley.

Permitted (P): General retail, restaurants/cafes, pharmacies, neighborhood markets, office-supporting retail, artisan shops, antique/collectible stores, furniture stores, and bank/financial services [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Minor Use Permit (MUP): Alcoholic beverage sales, and on-site production of items sold [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Use Permit (UP): Gas stations, bars/taverns/night clubs, drive-through facilities, retail floor areas over 10,000 square feet, auto and vehicle sales/rental, and mobile home/boat/RV sales [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].

Services and Professional Offices

Permitted (P): Professional/administrative offices, medical services (doctor offices and clinics), business support services, social service organizations, and lodging (Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts) [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Use Permit (UP): Veterinary clinics, kennel/animal boarding, and public safety facilities [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].

Recreation and Education

Permitted (P): Studios (art, dance, music), and specialized education/training [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Minor Use Permit (MUP): Fitness/health facilities, and theaters/cinemas [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Use Permit (UP): Indoor and outdoor commercial recreation facilities, conference/convention facilities, and private schools [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].

Prohibited Uses in the C-2 District

The City of Grass Valley explicitly prohibits certain uses within the C-2 Central Business District to preserve its character and ensure compatibility with the surrounding community.

Industrial and Resource Prohibitions

Heavy, light, and medium intensity manufacturing and processing [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Concrete, gypsum, and plaster product manufacturing [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Lumber and wood product manufacturing [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Mining operations [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Stockyards and freight terminals [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Scrap, junk, or dismantling yards [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].

Marijuana and Adult Business Prohibitions

Medical Marijuana: Marijuana cultivation and marijuana dispensaries are prohibited in all zones throughout the City of Grass Valley [Section 17.20.035.C/D].
Adult-Oriented Businesses: These are not permitted in the C-2 District and must be located at least 1,000 feet from residential zones, schools, or parks [Section 17.40.030].

Miscellaneous Prohibitions

Campgrounds and recreational vehicle (RV) parks [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Equestrian facilities and guest ranches [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Shooting ranges and gun clubs [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].
Warehouse retail [Section 17.24.030, Table 2-10].

Sections Cited

Section 17.20.035 - Prohibition of medical marijuana cultivation and dispensaries.
Section 17.24.020 - Purposes of commercial and industrial zones.
Section 17.24.030 - Commercial and industrial zone land uses and permit requirements.
Section 17.24.040 - Commercial and industrial zone site planning and building standards.
Section 17.24.050 - Additional commercial and industrial zone standards.
Section 17.40.030 - Adult business location requirements.