Grass Valley Residential Lot Coverage Standards
In the City of Grass Valley, the maximum allowable lot coverage for residential properties generally ranges from 40% to 50%, depending on the specific zoning designation. Properties located within the Grass Valley Residential Estate (RE) zone are limited to 40% coverage, although this may be increased to a maximum of 60% if the owner obtains use permit approval.
Maximum Lot Coverage by Residential Zone
The City of Grass Valley regulates the "Site Coverage" of a parcel, which is defined as the percentage of the total lot area occupied by all structures and all impervious surfaces [Article 10, Glossary]. The maximum percentage of a lot that may be covered by structures and pavement varies according to the residential district as defined in the Grass Valley Development Code.
The following technical standards apply to the primary residential zones within the City of Grass Valley:
Grass Valley Residential Development Standards
| Zoning District | Maximum Allowable Lot Coverage |
|---|---|
| RE (Rural Estate) | 40% (May be increased to 60% with use permit approval) |
| R-1 (Single Residential) | 50% |
| R-2 (Low Density Residential) | 50% |
| R-2A (Medium Density Residential) | 40% |
| R-3 (Multi-Unit Residential) | 50% |
[Table 2-8 and Table 2-9]
Coverage in Special Purpose Zones
While primary residential activity is focused in the zones listed above, certain Special Purpose zones in the City of Grass Valley allow for limited residential components, such as caretaker quarters. These zones have their own specific site coverage limitations:
- Grass Valley Recreation (REC) Zone: This zone has a maximum site coverage limit of 25% [Table 2-15].
- Grass Valley Open Space (OS) and Public (P) Zones: There is no explicitly listed numeric maximum for site coverage in these zones; however, development is subject to rigorous site design approval [Table 2-15].
Measuring and Calculating Coverage
In the City of Grass Valley, site coverage is measured from exterior wall to exterior wall for buildings. The calculation includes the footprint of the primary dwelling, any accessory structures (such as detached garages or sheds), and all paved areas like driveways and patios. Notably, swimming pools are excluded from the calculation of the total lot area covered by structures and pavement [Article 10, Glossary].
For residential lots with a slope of 15% or greater, the City of Grass Valley may impose stricter limitations. In these instances, the gross floor area of all structures on a parcel should not exceed 30% for areas with a slope of less than 15%, and 0% for areas with slopes exceeding 15% [Section 17.54.050.A].
Sections Cited
- Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Zone Standards)
- Table 2-8 (RE, R-1, and R-2 Zone Development Standards)
- Table 2-9 (R-2A and R-3 Zone Development Standards)
- Table 2-15 (OS, REC, and P Zone Development Standards)
- Section 17.54.050 (Building design guidelines - Hillside and Ridgeline)
- Article 10 (Glossary - Definitions)