Grass Valley Storage and Warehousing Zoning Regulations
In the City of Grass Valley, personal storage facilities are primarily permitted by right within the M-1 (Light Industrial) district and the SEID (Southeast Industrial District) combining zone. Warehousing and distribution activities are allowed in the C-3 (Heavy Commercial), M-1, and M-2 (General Industrial) districts, while warehouse-style retail is specifically designated for the CBP (Corporate Business Park) zone. These uses must comply with specific parking standards, such as providing one space per 500 square feet for warehousing or four total spaces for a personal storage manager's office [Table 2-10, Table 3-3].
Allowed Zoning Districts for Storage and Warehousing
The Grass Valley Development Code classifies storage and warehousing into several distinct categories. The following table outlines which districts permit these uses either as a Permitted Use (P), a use requiring a Minor Use Permit (MUP), or a use requiring a Use Permit (UP).
Land Use Permissions Table
| Land Use Type | C-3 (Heavy Commercial) | CBP (Business Park) | M-1 (Light Industrial) | M-2 (General Industrial) | SEID (Combining Zone) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Storage Facility | — | — | P | — | P |
| Warehouse (Indoor Storage) | P | — | P | P | P |
| Warehousing and Distribution | P | — | P | P | P |
| Warehouse Retail | — | P | — | — | — |
| Outdoor Storage | — | — | UP | UP | P |
[Table 2-10, Section 17.28.080]
District-Specific Regulations in Grass Valley
Industrial and Commercial Districts (C-3, M-1, M-2)
The City of Grass Valley utilizes the M-1 (Light Industrial) Zone for a range of light industrial uses and support services, including the only primary industrial designation for personal storage/mini-storage [Section 17.24.020.F]. The M-2 (General Industrial) Zone is reserved for heavier industrial activities, including the storage and distribution of raw materials [Section 17.24.020.G]. The C-3 (Heavy Commercial) Zone is intended for auto-oriented and heavier commercial uses that are inappropriate for the downtown or neighborhood centers [Section 17.24.020.C].
Corporate Business Park (CBP)
The CBP Zone in Grass Valley is designed for high-quality "campus" type developments. While standard warehousing is generally restricted, Warehouse Retail (large-scale stores selling products in bulk or original shipping containers) is a permitted use within this district [Section 17.24.020.E, Table 2-10].
Southeast Industrial District (SEID) Combining Zone
The SEID is a specialized area east of La Barr Meadows Road. This district allows for the intensification and expansion of industrial uses. Specifically, Grass Valley grants "by right" permission for both personal storage facilities and outdoor storage within the SEID, provided they follow the performance standards of the zone [Section 17.28.080].
Parking and Development Standards
All warehousing and storage developments in Grass Valley must meet minimum off-street parking requirements based on the intensity of the use.
Parking Requirements Table
| Land Use Type | Vehicle Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Personal Storage (Mini-storage) | 4 spaces for the manager's office |
| Warehousing | 1 space for each 500 sf of floor area |
| Wholesaling and Distribution | 1 space for each 500 sf |
| All Manufacturing/Industrial | 1 space per 200 sf of office; 1 space per 500 sf of floor/ground area (non-office); 1 space per 5,000 sf open storage |
[Table 3-3]
Definitions of Storage and Warehouse Uses
- Storage Personal Storage Facility: Also known as mini-storage, these are structures containing small, individual compartments or stalls rented to the general public for low-intensity storage [Section 17.100.020.S].
- Storage Warehouse, Indoor Storage: Facilities for storing furniture or commercial goods. This definition specifically excludes facilities offered for rent to the general public (which are classified as Personal Storage) [Section 17.100.020.S].
- Warehousing and Distribution: Establishments engaged in selling merchandise to retailers, industrial, or professional business users [Section 17.100.020.W].
- Warehouse Retail: A retail store emphasizing the sale of products in large quantities or volumes at discounted prices, typically displayed in original shipping containers [Section 17.100.020.W].
Sections Cited
- Section 17.24.020 (Purposes of commercial and industrial zones)
- Table 2-10 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zone)
- Section 17.28.080 (Southeast industrial district (SEID) combining zone)
- Table 3-3 (Parking Requirements by Land Use)
- Section 17.100.020 (Definitions of specialized terms and phrases)