Setback Standards for the M-1 Light Industrial District in Grass Valley
In the City of Grass Valley, the M-1 Light Industrial district requires front setbacks for buildings ranging from 20 to 30 feet from the back of the curb, depending on the classification of the street. Interior side and rear setbacks are established at 10 feet, while street-side setbacks for corner lots must be at least 15 feet from the back of the curb. These Grass Valley M-1 standards ensure adequate separation for industrial operations and provide necessary space for utility infrastructure and landscaping.
M-1 Light Industrial Setback Requirements
Development within the M-1 Light Industrial zone of Grass Valley must adhere to specific minimum setback requirements. These distances vary based on the property line's orientation and the type of street the parcel frontages.
| Setback Type | Building Setback Requirement | Parking Setback Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front (Major Street) | 20 ft. from back of curb | 20 ft. from back of curb |
| Front (Local Street) | 30 ft. from back of curb | 15 ft. from back of curb |
| Side - Interior (each) | 10 ft. | N/A |
| Side - Street side | 15 ft. from back of curb | N/A |
| Rear | 10 ft. | N/A |
[Table 2-13]
General Setback Regulations and Exceptions
The Grass Valley Development Code provides general rules for how these setbacks are measured and what features may occupy these spaces.
Measurement of Setbacks
In Grass Valley, setbacks are generally measured at right angles from the nearest point on the property line to the nearest point of the wall of the structure [Section 17.30.030.D]. For the M-1 district specifically, the front and street-side setbacks are measured from the "back of curb" [Table 2-13].
Allowed Encroachments
Certain architectural features attached to a primary structure in the M-1 district may extend into the required setbacks as defined in Table 3-1 of the Grass Valley code:
- Chimneys and Fireplaces: May project 24 inches into any required setback.
- Cornices, Eaves, and Roof Overhangs: May project 24 inches into front or street-side setbacks, and up to 30 inches into side setbacks.
- Bay Windows: May project 36 inches into front, street-side, or rear setbacks.
- Uncovered Decks and Landings: If less than 30 inches above grade, they may project up to 25% of the required setback (to a maximum of 5 feet) in front or street-side areas, and may project to the property line in rear setbacks.
[Section 17.30.030.F, Table 3-1]
Use of Setback Areas
Required setbacks in Grass Valley must be kept clear of structures, with the exception of allowed fences, walls, and permitted projections. Specifically, no front or street-side setback in an industrial zone may be used for the storage of scrap, junk, machinery, or similar materials [Section 17.30.030.E].
Special Combining Zone Adjustments
If an M-1 district property is also located within a "Combining Zone," different standards may apply. For example, in the Southeast Industrial District (SEID) Combining Zone, Grass Valley modifies the default M-1 standards:
- Building Setbacks: Front and side building setbacks are reduced to a minimum of 15 feet from the back of the curb.
- Parking Setbacks: Front and side parking setbacks are reduced to a minimum of 5 feet from the curb, provided the parking is separated by a five-foot-wide landscape area or walkway.
- Creek/Riparian Setbacks: Buildings must maintain a minimum setback of 30 feet from identified creek and riparian zones.
[Section 17.28.080.C.2.a]
Sections Cited
- Section 17.24.020 - Purposes of commercial and industrial zones.
- Section 17.24.040 - Commercial and industrial zone site planning and building standards (Table 2-13).
- Section 17.28.080 - Southeast industrial district (SEID) combining zone.
- Section 17.30.030 - Build-to-line and setback requirements and exceptions.