Building Setbacks & Zoning in Fountain Valley, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Fountain Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, an R1 lot needs a 20 ft front setback, 5 ft side yards (10 ft on the street side) and a rear setback of 10 ft for one story or the lesser of 25 ft or 20% of lot depth for two stories. GH parcels are set by the Planning Commission.
Fountain Valley CA Yard Setback Requirements, R1 and GH
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040
Subdivisions, new land uses and structures, and alterations to existing land uses and structures, shall be designed, constructed and/or established in compliance with the requirements in Tables 2-3 and 2-4 in addition to the applicable development standards (e.g., landscaping, parking and loading, etc.) in Chapters 21.16 through 21.30 of this title. TABLE 2-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELO...
Structure Height Limits
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, R1 and GH homes are capped at 30 ft and 2 stories, and the second story cannot exceed 70% of the first story's building area. No windows or architectural features may sit above the second story eave line.
Fountain Valley CA Residential Height Limit, R1 and GH
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040
TABLE 2-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Development Feature Requirement by Zoning District R1 GH ... Height limit (5) 30 ft./2 stories 30 ft./2 stories Ratio of 2nd story building area to 1st story building 70%(6), (9) As determined by the planning commission Balconies and decks Prohibited in side and rear yards when adjacent to other single-family homes(10) As determined b...
Lot Coverage Limits
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, R1 lots can be covered up to 60% (50% on parcels of 10,000 sq. ft. or more), GH projects are held to 30% building coverage with a maximum of 11 units per structure, and the R5 zone allows 85% site coverage.
Fountain Valley CA Site Coverage Limits by Zone
Some RestrictionsFountain Valley Municipal Code § 21.08.040
TABLE 2-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Development Feature Requirement by Zoning District R1 GH ... Site coverage 60%; 50% on parcels of 10,000 sq. ft. or more 30% project building coverage. Maximum 11 units per structure ... Development Feature Requirement by Zoning District R ... 5 Minimum lot size Minimum area and width for new development projects Lot area 1.0 acre Lot...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fountain Valley city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Orange County →