Land Use Designations

Share Land Use Designations on Facebook Share Land Use Designations on Twitter Share Land Use Designations on Linkedin Email Land Use Designations link
WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Please come back on September 22 to read and comment on the draft plan.


The land use map (available HERE) uses various colors and patterns to represent different land use designations. Each color or pattern represents a specific category and land use. The boundary lines between land use areas are shown as precisely as possible, and generally follow property lines, washes, and/or roads.

Each designation portrays how an area is expected to be developed. This includes the type of development, the number of homes that can be built (referred to as residential density), and the size of commercial buildings (known as commercial intensity).

Resident density and commercial building intensity depict how concentrated development can be on a site. Generally, higher density or intensity results in more infrastructure required to address traffic, sewer, and other impacts.


Residential Density

Residential density is the allowable range of dwelling units (or homes) per acre. It establishes the appropriate number of homes for residential development. Homes may be distributed evenly across a site, or lot sizes may be smaller and clustered together, depending on terrain or other environmental factors.

For example, below is a 100-acre property designated Rural Low Density (0.0 – 0.3 homes per acre). This density would allow a maximum of 30 homes on this property.

  • Acreage of Property (100 acres) X Homes Per Acre (0.0 – 0.3) = 0 to 30 homes

The layout of these homes could be distributed evenly across the 100 acres on 3.3. acre lots (see Figure A, below), or the lot sizes may be smaller (see Figure B, below). Residential density ranges are used to align the development of an area with the anticipated population.


Commercial Intensity

Commercial building intensity is the maximum allowable floor-area ratio, or FAR. This is the ratio of total building square footage on a property relative to the property's square footage. This serves to establish the appropriate building size for future commercial development.

The images below show how buildings of one and two stories could be developed on a given lot with a FAR of 1.00. For example, on a 10,000 square foot lot, a FAR of 1.00 would allow 10,000 square feet of building floor area to be built, regardless of the number of stories.

  • 10,000 building square footage: 10,000 property square footage = FAR 1:1 or 1.0

The building could be built with two stories of 5,000 square feet each, or one story of 10,000 square feet. If the same 10,000 square foot lot had a FAR of 0.50, then 5,000 square feet of floor area could be built. A FAR of 0.25 would allow 2,500 square feet.


Scroll down to learn more about each land use designation or click on the links below.




Rural Low-Density Residential (RLDR)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 0.0-0.3 dwelling units per acre

A Rural Low-Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes on large lots are intended. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for substantial space between individual homes to maintain a rural character and retain the natural environment.

Homes in this land use designation can range up to 0.3 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Rural Low-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have a maximum of 30 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 0.0 to 0.3 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 0 to 30 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.




Low-Density Residential-1 (LDR-1)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 0.04 - 1.2 dwelling units per acre

A Low-Density Residential-1 land use designation represents areas where single-family homes are appropriate, but only when it allows the retention of a rural, open character. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes. The areas to be disturbed during construction should be clearly indicated on individual lots to ensure a minimum level of disturbance.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 0.4 to 1.2 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), the average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Low-Density Residential -1 Example

A development of 100 acres in size may have 40 to 120 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 0.4 to 1.2 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 40 to 120 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





Low-Density Residential-2 (LDR-2)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 1.3-2.0 dwelling units per acre

A Low-Density Residential-2 land use designation represents areas where single-family homes are appropriate, but only when it allows retention of a rural, open character. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes. The areas to be disturbed during development should be clearly indicated on individual lots to ensure a minimum level of disturbance.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 1.3 to 2.0 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Low-Density Residential-2 Example

A development 100 acres in size may have 130 to 200 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 1.3 to 2.0 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 130 to 200 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





Medium-Density Residential (MDR)
Development Type: Single-family homes, townhomes, or patio homes
Residential Density: 2.1-5.0 dwelling units per acre

A Medium Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes, townhouses, or patio homes are appropriate. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes (detached) or common walls between individual homes (attached). These areas should be located close to schools, shopping, and employment.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 2.1 to 5.0 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Medium-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have 210 to 500 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 2.1-5.0 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 210 to 500 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





High-Density Residential (HDR)
Development Type: All housing types, ranging from single-family homes to apartments
Residential Density: 5.1+ dwelling units per acre


A High-Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes, mobile or manufactured housing (within the existing Highlands subdivision), townhouses, patio homes, and apartment development are appropriate. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for relatively small spaces between individual homes (detached) or common walls between individual homes (attached). These areas should have major roadway (arterial) access near shopping and employment opportunities.

Homes in this land use designation can be at or above 5.1 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


High-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have more than 510 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 5.1+ DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 510+ homes





Master Planned Community (MPC)
Development Type: Mix of residential, commercial, employment, and open space
Residential Density/Commercial Intensity: Determined through special area policies


A Master Planned Community land use designation represents areas where large developments with a mix of uses are planned and developed in a comprehensive manner with a unified design theme. Developments in this land use designation generally provide a range of uses, including a variety of housing options, shopping and employment opportunities, and recreational amenities with a safe and efficient network for automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Developments in this land use designation typically utilize Special Area Policies to customize the design and ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment. Any Land Use Map amendment proposal for this land use designation requires the submittal of a concept plan that must include, at a minimum, the specific types of land uses and transportation network.




Resort and Golf Course (RGC)
Development Type: Resorts, country clubs, golf courses, and associated uses like restaurants


A Resort and Golf Course land use designation represents areas where resorts, country clubs, and golf courses are appropriate. Resorts may include hotel accommodation, restaurants, health clubs, and recreational facilities. Country clubs do not include hotel accommodation. Golf courses may include specific ancillary golf-related activities such as clubhouses, driving ranges, storage yards, and short-term residential.




Local Commercial Activity Center (LCAC)
Development Type: Commercial, office, and some residential
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.3 floor-area ratio


A Local Commercial Office land use designation represents commercial and office areas with good access to major roadways (i.e., at the intersections of arterial roadways or along Oracle Road) that are close to residential areas. Uses intended to serve the surrounding neighborhoods and which are integrated with those neighborhoods are desirable, such as grocery stores, drugstores, and professional offices. Residential development may be accommodated when it proportionately complements and directly results in new adjacent or ground-level commercial areas.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.30. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Local Commercial Activity Center Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 3,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.30
  • 1-story building footprint: 3,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 1,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,000 sf





Community/Regional Commercial (CRC)
Development Type: Large-scale commercial
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.4 floor-area ratio

A Community/Regional Commercial land use designation represents commercial areas located at the intersection of major roadways (arterials). Uses intended to serve the larger metropolitan area are appropriate, such as general retail, department stores, and large-scale commercial uses (such as big box stores).

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.40. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Community/Regional Commercial Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 4,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.40
  • 1-story building footprint: 4,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,000 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,333 sf





Commerce/Office Park (COP)
Development Type: Commercial, office, and/or light manufacturing
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Commerce/Office Park land use designation represents areas where commercial, office and/or light manufacturing are appropriate. These uses generally occur in a business park-type environment with clustered buildings and inward-focused activity. Commerce parks often include a mix of light industrial, professional office, office/showroom, office/warehouse, retail services, and related uses.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.50. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Commerce/Office Park Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Public/Semi-Public (PSP)
Development Type: Town facilities, churches, police or fire stations, hospitals
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Public/Semi-Public land use designation represents areas where public or semi-public uses are most appropriate, including churches, police/fire substations, Town facilities, and hospitals. Note that emergency service uses (e.g. police and fire) may be permitted under all designations with appropriate review.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.50. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Public/Semi-Public Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Schools (SCH)
Development Type: Public and private schools
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Schools land use designation represents areas where schools, both public and private, are appropriate. Schools are places of general instruction. Public schools, by state law, are exempt and can be located in any land use designation.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.30. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Schools Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Parks
Development Type: Recreational facilities

A Parks land use designation represents areas that have been developed or are intended to be developed as recreational facilities.




Open Space
Development Type: Natural open space

An Open Space land use designation represents areas that are natural open space that have been preserved through zoning, conservation easements, or public ownership.




National Forest (NF)
Development Type: Coronado National Forest

A National Forest (NF) This land use designation only applies to the Coronado National Forest. Only non-motorized and non-mechanized recreational use is permitted.


The following designations only apply to the Arroyo Grande Planning Area:




Master Planned Community (60% Open Space)
This land use designation refers to areas where large, multi-use developments should be planned and developed in a comprehensive manner. A range of densities may be allowed, but this designation allocates 60% acreage dedicated to open space.




Village Center (VC)
The purpose of the Village Center (VC) area is to establish a “town center” that will serve as a focal point for the Arroyo Grande Planning Area. The VC area will offer a variety of office, retail, service, educational, medical, and public facilities integrated with medium- to high-density housing. The Village Center should include a centrally located public plaza, a green, or square that provides a venue for community events and reinforces a sense of place.




Riparian

The designated riparian areas are intended to be managed and maintained as open space. Disturbance at locations of least impact may be allowed for utility and roadway crossings, subject to mitigation of adverse impacts. Roadway crossings must be designed to allow for safe wildlife movement. It is intended that all riparian designated areas will be preserved and protected by conservation easements or other legal means.
WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Please come back on September 22 to read and comment on the draft plan.


The land use map (available HERE) uses various colors and patterns to represent different land use designations. Each color or pattern represents a specific category and land use. The boundary lines between land use areas are shown as precisely as possible, and generally follow property lines, washes, and/or roads.

Each designation portrays how an area is expected to be developed. This includes the type of development, the number of homes that can be built (referred to as residential density), and the size of commercial buildings (known as commercial intensity).

Resident density and commercial building intensity depict how concentrated development can be on a site. Generally, higher density or intensity results in more infrastructure required to address traffic, sewer, and other impacts.


Residential Density

Residential density is the allowable range of dwelling units (or homes) per acre. It establishes the appropriate number of homes for residential development. Homes may be distributed evenly across a site, or lot sizes may be smaller and clustered together, depending on terrain or other environmental factors.

For example, below is a 100-acre property designated Rural Low Density (0.0 – 0.3 homes per acre). This density would allow a maximum of 30 homes on this property.

  • Acreage of Property (100 acres) X Homes Per Acre (0.0 – 0.3) = 0 to 30 homes

The layout of these homes could be distributed evenly across the 100 acres on 3.3. acre lots (see Figure A, below), or the lot sizes may be smaller (see Figure B, below). Residential density ranges are used to align the development of an area with the anticipated population.


Commercial Intensity

Commercial building intensity is the maximum allowable floor-area ratio, or FAR. This is the ratio of total building square footage on a property relative to the property's square footage. This serves to establish the appropriate building size for future commercial development.

The images below show how buildings of one and two stories could be developed on a given lot with a FAR of 1.00. For example, on a 10,000 square foot lot, a FAR of 1.00 would allow 10,000 square feet of building floor area to be built, regardless of the number of stories.

  • 10,000 building square footage: 10,000 property square footage = FAR 1:1 or 1.0

The building could be built with two stories of 5,000 square feet each, or one story of 10,000 square feet. If the same 10,000 square foot lot had a FAR of 0.50, then 5,000 square feet of floor area could be built. A FAR of 0.25 would allow 2,500 square feet.


Scroll down to learn more about each land use designation or click on the links below.




Rural Low-Density Residential (RLDR)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 0.0-0.3 dwelling units per acre

A Rural Low-Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes on large lots are intended. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for substantial space between individual homes to maintain a rural character and retain the natural environment.

Homes in this land use designation can range up to 0.3 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Rural Low-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have a maximum of 30 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 0.0 to 0.3 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 0 to 30 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.




Low-Density Residential-1 (LDR-1)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 0.04 - 1.2 dwelling units per acre

A Low-Density Residential-1 land use designation represents areas where single-family homes are appropriate, but only when it allows the retention of a rural, open character. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes. The areas to be disturbed during construction should be clearly indicated on individual lots to ensure a minimum level of disturbance.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 0.4 to 1.2 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), the average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Low-Density Residential -1 Example

A development of 100 acres in size may have 40 to 120 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 0.4 to 1.2 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 40 to 120 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





Low-Density Residential-2 (LDR-2)
Development Type: Single-family homes on large lots
Residential Density: 1.3-2.0 dwelling units per acre

A Low-Density Residential-2 land use designation represents areas where single-family homes are appropriate, but only when it allows retention of a rural, open character. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes. The areas to be disturbed during development should be clearly indicated on individual lots to ensure a minimum level of disturbance.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 1.3 to 2.0 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Low-Density Residential-2 Example

A development 100 acres in size may have 130 to 200 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 1.3 to 2.0 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 130 to 200 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





Medium-Density Residential (MDR)
Development Type: Single-family homes, townhomes, or patio homes
Residential Density: 2.1-5.0 dwelling units per acre

A Medium Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes, townhouses, or patio homes are appropriate. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for space between individual homes (detached) or common walls between individual homes (attached). These areas should be located close to schools, shopping, and employment.

Homes in this land use designation can range from 2.1 to 5.0 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Medium-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have 210 to 500 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 2.1-5.0 DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 210 to 500 homes

The development may have homes spread evenly across the 100 acres on larger lots, or it may have the same number of homes on smaller lots that retain additional open space. Both layouts would have the same average number of homes per acre.





High-Density Residential (HDR)
Development Type: All housing types, ranging from single-family homes to apartments
Residential Density: 5.1+ dwelling units per acre


A High-Density Residential land use designation represents areas where single-family homes, mobile or manufactured housing (within the existing Highlands subdivision), townhouses, patio homes, and apartment development are appropriate. The lot sizes in this land use designation allow for relatively small spaces between individual homes (detached) or common walls between individual homes (attached). These areas should have major roadway (arterial) access near shopping and employment opportunities.

Homes in this land use designation can be at or above 5.1 dwelling units per acre (DU/AC), an average number of homes per acre. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


High-Density Residential Example

A development 100 acres in size may have more than 510 homes.

  • Property size: 100 acres
  • Allowed average number of homes per acre: 5.1+ DU/AC
  • Range of homes: 510+ homes





Master Planned Community (MPC)
Development Type: Mix of residential, commercial, employment, and open space
Residential Density/Commercial Intensity: Determined through special area policies


A Master Planned Community land use designation represents areas where large developments with a mix of uses are planned and developed in a comprehensive manner with a unified design theme. Developments in this land use designation generally provide a range of uses, including a variety of housing options, shopping and employment opportunities, and recreational amenities with a safe and efficient network for automobiles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Developments in this land use designation typically utilize Special Area Policies to customize the design and ensure compatibility with the surrounding environment. Any Land Use Map amendment proposal for this land use designation requires the submittal of a concept plan that must include, at a minimum, the specific types of land uses and transportation network.




Resort and Golf Course (RGC)
Development Type: Resorts, country clubs, golf courses, and associated uses like restaurants


A Resort and Golf Course land use designation represents areas where resorts, country clubs, and golf courses are appropriate. Resorts may include hotel accommodation, restaurants, health clubs, and recreational facilities. Country clubs do not include hotel accommodation. Golf courses may include specific ancillary golf-related activities such as clubhouses, driving ranges, storage yards, and short-term residential.




Local Commercial Activity Center (LCAC)
Development Type: Commercial, office, and some residential
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.3 floor-area ratio


A Local Commercial Office land use designation represents commercial and office areas with good access to major roadways (i.e., at the intersections of arterial roadways or along Oracle Road) that are close to residential areas. Uses intended to serve the surrounding neighborhoods and which are integrated with those neighborhoods are desirable, such as grocery stores, drugstores, and professional offices. Residential development may be accommodated when it proportionately complements and directly results in new adjacent or ground-level commercial areas.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.30. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Local Commercial Activity Center Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 3,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.30
  • 1-story building footprint: 3,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 1,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,000 sf





Community/Regional Commercial (CRC)
Development Type: Large-scale commercial
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.4 floor-area ratio

A Community/Regional Commercial land use designation represents commercial areas located at the intersection of major roadways (arterials). Uses intended to serve the larger metropolitan area are appropriate, such as general retail, department stores, and large-scale commercial uses (such as big box stores).

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.40. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Community/Regional Commercial Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 4,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.40
  • 1-story building footprint: 4,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,000 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,333 sf





Commerce/Office Park (COP)
Development Type: Commercial, office, and/or light manufacturing
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Commerce/Office Park land use designation represents areas where commercial, office and/or light manufacturing are appropriate. These uses generally occur in a business park-type environment with clustered buildings and inward-focused activity. Commerce parks often include a mix of light industrial, professional office, office/showroom, office/warehouse, retail services, and related uses.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.50. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Commerce/Office Park Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Public/Semi-Public (PSP)
Development Type: Town facilities, churches, police or fire stations, hospitals
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Public/Semi-Public land use designation represents areas where public or semi-public uses are most appropriate, including churches, police/fire substations, Town facilities, and hospitals. Note that emergency service uses (e.g. police and fire) may be permitted under all designations with appropriate review.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.50. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Public/Semi-Public Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Schools (SCH)
Development Type: Public and private schools
Commercial Intensity: Max 0.5 floor-area ratio

A Schools land use designation represents areas where schools, both public and private, are appropriate. Schools are places of general instruction. Public schools, by state law, are exempt and can be located in any land use designation.

Nonresidential development in this land use designation has a maximum FAR of 0.30. Click on the drop-down menu below to see an example.


Schools Example

A property with 10,000 square feet (sf) of land could have a total of 5,000 square feet regardless of the number of stories in the building. The maximum allowable building footprint for a 1-, 2- and 3-story building is shown below.

  • Developable Land: 10,000 sf
  • FAR: 0.50
  • 1-story building footprint: 5,000 sf
  • 2-story building footprint: 2,500 sf
  • 3-story building footprint: 1,666 sf





Parks
Development Type: Recreational facilities

A Parks land use designation represents areas that have been developed or are intended to be developed as recreational facilities.




Open Space
Development Type: Natural open space

An Open Space land use designation represents areas that are natural open space that have been preserved through zoning, conservation easements, or public ownership.




National Forest (NF)
Development Type: Coronado National Forest

A National Forest (NF) This land use designation only applies to the Coronado National Forest. Only non-motorized and non-mechanized recreational use is permitted.


The following designations only apply to the Arroyo Grande Planning Area:




Master Planned Community (60% Open Space)
This land use designation refers to areas where large, multi-use developments should be planned and developed in a comprehensive manner. A range of densities may be allowed, but this designation allocates 60% acreage dedicated to open space.




Village Center (VC)
The purpose of the Village Center (VC) area is to establish a “town center” that will serve as a focal point for the Arroyo Grande Planning Area. The VC area will offer a variety of office, retail, service, educational, medical, and public facilities integrated with medium- to high-density housing. The Village Center should include a centrally located public plaza, a green, or square that provides a venue for community events and reinforces a sense of place.




Riparian

The designated riparian areas are intended to be managed and maintained as open space. Disturbance at locations of least impact may be allowed for utility and roadway crossings, subject to mitigation of adverse impacts. Roadway crossings must be designed to allow for safe wildlife movement. It is intended that all riparian designated areas will be preserved and protected by conservation easements or other legal means.
Page last updated: 05 Sep 2025, 10:51 PM