Guide to the C-2: Central Business District in Grass Valley
The C-2: Central Business District in Grass Valley is designed to maintain and support existing auto-oriented commercial developments within the downtown area that are not designated as Town Core. This district allows for a high density of 15 residential units per acre and permits structures up to 50 feet or four stories in height to accommodate a mix of intensive retail, service, and professional uses [Table 2-11].
Purpose and Character
The C-2: Central Business District is applied to specific areas of the Grass Valley downtown that are not governed by the Town Core (TC) zone standards [Section 17.24.020.B]. Unlike the highly pedestrian-centric Town Core, the C-2: Central Business District expects and allows for the maintenance of auto-oriented development. It serves as a secondary commercial hub for the City of Grass Valley, implementing the Commercial land use designation of the general plan by providing a space for businesses that require more vehicular accessibility than the historic core [Section 17.24.020.B].
Technical Development Standards
New construction and additions within the C-2: Central Business District must adhere to specific site planning and building standards regarding setbacks, density, and height.
| Development Feature | Requirement in C-2: Central Business District |
|---|---|
| Maximum Residential Density | 15 units per acre [Table 2-11] |
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet and 4 stories [Table 2-11] |
| Front Setback | None required [Table 2-11] |
| Side Setback (Interior) | None (except 10 ft when abutting a residential use) [Table 2-11] |
| Side Setback (Street) | None required [Table 2-11] |
| Rear Setback | 25 ft abutting residential; 12 ft where loading is proposed [Table 2-11] |
| Minimum Lot Area for Dwellings | 2,000 square feet per unit (exclusive of commercial area) [Section 17.24.050.A] |
Permitted Land Uses
The C-2: Central Business District allows for a broad spectrum of commercial, service, and residential uses. Permits are categorized as Permitted (P), Minor Use Permit required (MUP), or Use Permit required (UP).
Commercial and Retail
- General Retail: Most retail uses are permitted by right, including antique stores, furniture stores, neighborhood markets, pharmacies, and office-supporting retail [Table 2-10].
- Dining and Drinking: Restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops are permitted. Bars, taverns, and nightclubs require a Use Permit [Table 2-10].
- Auto-Oriented Services: Auto sales and rentals, fuel dealers, and gas stations require a Use Permit to operate within the C-2: Central Business District [Table 2-10].
Professional and General Services
- Offices: Business, government, and professional offices are permitted by right [Table 2-10].
- Medical Services: Clinics and doctor offices are permitted. Extended care facilities require a Use Permit [Table 2-10].
- General Services: Banks, catering, hotels, and personal services are permitted. Day care centers and veterinary clinics require a Use Permit [Table 2-10].
Residential Uses
The City of Grass Valley encourages residential components within the C-2: Central Business District to support the downtown economy.
- Allowed by Right: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), home occupations, and live/work units [Table 2-10].
- Conditional Uses: Residential care facilities (7+ clients), rooming or boarding houses, and transitional/supportive housing require a Use Permit [Table 2-10].
Recreation and Public Assembly
- Permitted: Library/museums, specialized education/training, and park/playgrounds [Table 2-10].
- Conditional: Indoor/outdoor commercial recreation facilities, theaters, cinemas, and meeting facilities require either a Minor Use Permit or a full Use Permit [Table 2-10].
Parking Requirements
Off-street parking for the C-2: Central Business District is generally calculated based on the square footage of the use.
| Use Category | Vehicle Spaces Required |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | 1 space per 250 sf of floor area [Table 3-3] |
| Office | 1 space per 250 sf of floor area [Table 3-3] |
| Restaurant/Cafe | 1 space per 60 sf of dining area [Table 3-3] |
| Banks/Financial | 1 space per 200 sf plus 4 tandem stacking spaces for drive-ups [Table 3-3] |
| Hotel/Motel | 1 space per unit plus 2 spaces for manager/owner [Table 3-3] |
Sections Cited
- Section 17.12.020 (Zoning Map and Zones)
- Section 17.24.020.B (Purposes of Commercial and Industrial Zones)
- Section 17.24.050.A (C-2 Zone Standards)
- Table 2-10 (Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Zones)
- Table 2-11 (C-1, C-2, and C-3 Zone Development Standards)
- Table 3-3 (Parking Requirements by Land Use)